Energy efficiency built into Renaissance homes

Low-E windows, a high-performance heating system, sealed air ducts and other innovations allow homes at Pardee Homes' gated Renaissance neighborhood in the Seven Hills community to exceed national energy-efficiency standards by more than 30 percent, according to Ray Landry, a company executive.

The amenities allow the homes to meet the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star standard.

"We Southern Nevadans are so concerned about summer heat that we tend to forget our winters can get very cold," Landry said. "These Energy Star homes, which have the complete ComfortWise program created by experts to weather our fierce summers, can save a lot of energy in the winter, too."

Such homes are also more healthy, Landry added, "because they are so well sealed and insulated, they block out more dust, allergens and noise pollution."

Floor plans at the neighborhood range from 2,726 to 4,700 square feet and come with three to seven bedrooms and three to 5 1/2 baths.

Prices start from $278,450 to $371,950.

Kitchens feature ceramic-tile counter tops, faucets with pull-out sprayers, pantries, built-in microwave/oven combinations, vent hoods and dishwashers. Kitchens can be expanded for commercial-grade appliances.

Other options include secondary suites, bay windows, French doors at courtyard entries, wrought-iron balustrades on staircases, lofts, dens, game rooms, bonus rooms, wet bars in Plan Four, and wraparound balconies in another model.

To visit, take Eastern Avenue south, past St. Rose Parkway, to Grand Hills Drive and follow the signs to the models. Office hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Monday, when it opens at 11 a.m.

The nearby Crescendo neighborhood also offers the ComfortWise energy-saving program.

Seven Hills is a 1,350-acre community in Henderson with several neighborhoods, parks and recreation trails.

Pardee has been building homes in Southern Nevada for 50 years.

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