Pulte delivers energy-efficient homes

Pulte Homes is committed to building energy-efficient homes in Southern Nevada, where all the homes the builder has constructed for the past three years have been Energy Star-certified. Most recently, Pulte has gone one step further by including its energy-efficient Environments for Living technology in each home, meaning the home has been designed, built and tested for optimal safety, durability, affordability and comfort.

One advantage to an Environments for Living home is the two-year heating and cooling guarantee that comes with it, according to Dave Beck, vice president of construction for the builder. Beck said that if a homeowner's heating and cooling costs exceed the average guarantee for the first two years of ownership, Pulte Homes will pay 100 percent of the difference.

In addition, Beck said, nearly all Pulte homes use Platinum-level series Environments for Living, the highest level possible, which exceeds Energy Star requirements.

Environments for Living homes are inspected by a third party during and following construction to verify that construction standards have been met, and that the house performs as designed. This inspection and verification provides assurance that Pulte Homes and its subcontractors are, in fact, providing a quality home.

Homes that are certified as 100 percent Energy Star are built with maximum energy efficiency and durability in mind, according to Beck.

"Making all of our new homes Energy Star-labeled homes is a big deal to all of us. ...," he said. "Because they are 30 percent more energy-efficient, Energy Star homes are more comfortable and provide lower utility bills, which saves the homeowner money."

To meet Energy Star requirements, a builder must adhere to strict guidelines in the early stages of a home's construction, including making sure that each home has tight construction to help eliminate drafts.

Pulte also uses Cocoon cellulose insulation in its homes. Unlike typical fiberglass insulation, cocoon insulation is a high-quality engineered wood fiber insulation designed to save energy and improve thermal comfort. It is sprayed directly into the structure forming a stiff barrier and protecting against air leaks, bugs and mold.

Low-emissivity windows are also featured. These vinyl-framed, dual-pane, spectrally selective glass windows reduce heat infiltration and are similar to tinted windows, but with clear views. These windows also reduce ultraviolet rays that can fade fabrics, artwork and carpet.

A fuel-efficient and properly fitted heating and air conditioning system also plays a part in Pulte Homes' Energy Star accreditation. The equipment must be efficient and the proper size for the home. In addition, the air ducts must be tight to decrease air loss and improve circulation.

"It is important to utilize the most advanced materials into each home we build," Beck said. "We want our customers to live in a comfortable environment without having to worry about energy costs and severe weather conditions."

Pulte Homes, the nation's largest home builder, is currently developing 12 neighborhoods in Southern Nevada. The builder has operations in 43 markets in the United States, Argentina, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Through its Del Webb operations, the company is also the nation's leading builder of communities for people age 55 and older.

Real Estate home