Energy Star Certified Homes

ALL OF OUR HOMES NOW INCLUDE FACTORY ENERGY STAR CERTIFICATION. Our commitment to energy conservation is strong; some of us live in off-grid or grid-intertie homes. We felt that the time was right to bring ENERGY STAR into focus as a way to achieve a healthier planet for us all.

Energy Star Logo

How do CMD’s homes qualify as ENERGY STAR?

Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR meet rigorous EPA guidelines for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the current International Residential Code (IRC) and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes. In the factory we are able to meet strict criteria on energy efficiency features to meet ENERGY STAR performance guidelines. As the Owner/Builder you will be required to perform energy features on site in order to complete your ENERGY STAR rating.

What is required of me to receive the Energy Star on site rating?

Once your home receives the in plant certification and is delivered you will need to choose an on site ENERGY STAR Rater that you will work with to meet the balance of the performance criteria. They will help you to choose the most appropriate energy-saving features for your home. The Rater will also conduct onsite inspections and testing to verify the energy efficiency measures, as well as insulation and duct sealing details.

You mention insulation, but I thought insulation is done in the factory?

Yes it is but there is also on site insulation which must be installed. Each design is different but you will always need basement wall or crawl space ceiling insulation. If you are building a cape or have a true cathedral ceiling, those ceiling areas will need to be insulated on site as well. Our wall insulation is R-19 and our ceiling insulation is R-38 which meets or exceeds energy requirements. Properly installed and inspected insulation in basement ceilings, walls and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, while using less energy.

Is there anything else I need to consider on site to receive certification?

Modular plant construction ensures that your home is built and sealed to ENERGY STAR requirements from the factory but you will need to choose from a variety of “tried and true” energy efficiency features to meet ENERGY STAR performance guidelines at your job site

House Cross-Section Illustration
  1. Effective insulation which we addressed above.
  2. Tight Construction and Ducts
    Advanced techniques for sealing holes and cracks in the home’s “envelope” and in heating and cooling ducts help reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, pests, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while lowering utility and maintenance costs.
  3. Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
    In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity and improve the overall comfort of your home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment won’t have to work so hard to heat and cool the home. Your ENERGY STAR on site Rater can work with you to assess the right equipment for your needs.
  4. High Performance Windows
    Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings. Your CMD home’s standard windows exceed ENERGY STAR requirements.
  5. Efficient Products
    ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products- lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as washing machines, refrigerators, and dishwashers.

Do I need to worry about changing my floor plan to get ENERGY STAR certified?

No, your home designs, layouts and even option packages need not change to incorporate energy efficiency.

What are the advantages in building with ENERGY STAR?

Right off the bat, lower ownership cost. Compared with standard construction, ENERGY STAR qualified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling and water heating-delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings. Although these energy savings may seem small relative to the cost of monthly mortgage payments, no one likes to waste money. And over the 7 or 8 years that a typical buyer lives in the home, it adds up to thousands of dollars saved. Additional savings on maintenance can also be significant. Savings that could be better used on the enjoyment of life!

You receive better performance of your home. Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pests, pollution and noise. An energy-efficient home helps ensure consistent temperatures between rooms, improved indoor air quality and greater durability of the building structure through the reduced movement of moist air. Your family will be healthier with cleaner indoor air and the comfort level of your home will only increase especially during periods of hot or cold weather. When the time comes to sell your ENERGY STAR home, you can be confident that it will have in the minds of your buyers, an increased value over a comparable home in your neighborhood that is not qualified. Peace of mind, in knowing that you are helping to make a contribution to our planet for future generations.

Did you know that your home can be a greater source of pollution than your car?

About 17 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide. Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. So the bottom line is, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.

5 steps you can take to reduce air pollution:

  1. Change 5 lights. Change a light and you help change the world! If every American home replaced their 5 most frequently used light fixtures or the bulbs in them with ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR, we would save close to 8 billion dollars each year in energy costs and this in turn would prevent the greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions from nearly 10 million cars.
  2. Look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR when building your new home. You’ll get the features and performance you want and help reduce air pollution.
  3. Heat and cool smartly. Have your heating and cooling system serviced annually, routinely cleaned, and replace the air filters frequently. Use an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat. If just one household in 10 did this, the change would prevent more than 17 billion pounds of greenhouse gasses.
  4. Seal up your home. Your attic and basement are the usual areas for air leaks. When building your CMD home, use only ENERGY STAR qualified window and doors in your basement and the highest R-value you can for insulation. That way you’ll improve the comfort and durability of your home, save energy and help protect our environment.
  5. Tell your family and friends. Spread the word wherever you can that energy efficiency is good for your home and good for your planet. Make a point to tell just 5 people and let our homes lead the way to a cleaner planet. One home can make a difference.

Don’t forget the Tax Credit!!

Owner/Builders may be eligible for a tax credit for their home if it achieves 50 percent energy savings for heating and cooling over the current International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). To qualify, at least one-fifth (20 percent) of the energy savings must come from building envelope improvements, such as the use of wall cavity insulation (CMD’s homes are R-19) or air barriers (standard with our homes), among other specifications and requirements. For more information, check with your respective state's energy compliance division to see how you can qualify.

Images and energy information courtesy of energystar.gov