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| Greening Our Homes
Beginning in 2009, we're "greening" our homes, through our use of more eco-friendly and energy efficient building methods and technologies. It's an exciting, challenging and dynamic process. The table below provides some examples of what we're doing.
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| Green Certification |
Beginning in 2009, all our houses meet or exceed National Association of Home Builders' Silver standard for Green Building. |
| HVAC units |
We've upgraded from SEER 13 units to more energy efficient SEER 15 units in our new homes. |
| Appliances |
Beginning in 2009, the appliances in our new homes carry the Energy Star rating. |
| Insulation |
-Beginning in 2009, we're using open cell spray foam insulation.
Upgraded duct work insulation from 2" to 3".
-More efficient and durable Mastik tape used to seal duct work. |
| Roofing |
We're using Galvalume. Made from 40% recycled content, it reflects heat away from the house during the summer, and back into the house in winter. It's also more durable than traditional shingle roofs.
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| Windows |
Upgraded from Vinyl DP rated windows to Vinyl Loe rating, a dual-panel window that contains argon gas, which reduces the amount of heat that conducts through the window. |
| Siding |
We currently use CertainTeed and Hardiboard siding, highly durable cement composites made from recycled material. |
| Trim |
We currently use MiraTec, a composite material that resists mildew and is 5 times more resistent to water absorption than standard wood. |
| Plywood |
We use Oriented Strand Board. A composite product, It's less expensive, more dimensionally stable, and more eco-friendly than standard wood. |
| Showers |
All our showers are equipped with energy saver shower heads. |
| Light bulbs |
Beginning in 2009, all our new houses will have highly energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. |
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