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All new homes built by Pulte Homes in Southern Nevada feature the Platinum Plus level of Environments for Living technology. Such homes have been designed, built and tested according to the principles of building science for optimal safety, durability, affordability and comfort, so that buyers receive a home that is far superior to those not built to the program's standards.

Platinum Plus is the highest energy-savings level in the program. Its requirements surpass those of the Energy Star program, and it includes a three-year heating and cooling energy-use guarantee, according to Rob Stavreff, an Environments for Living specialist.

"Pulte Homes is the first builder in Southern Nevada to construct their new homes according to EFL technology," Stavreff said. "Prior to EFL, Pulte Homes certified their homes under the Engineered for Life program that laid the foundation for the EFL program."

The seven components that comprise the Platinum Plus level are as follows:

Tight construction: 2X6 construction is used in conjunction with blown-in cellulose insulation, which reduces noise and drafts, and to maintain a consistent temperature.

Fresh air ventilation: Fresh air is systematically filtered into the home, which means less dust, fewer odors and a comfortable temperature.

Improved insulation systems: Low-emissivity vinyl windows are dual pane and feature higher thermal properties (R-value). Patio doors are made with spectrally selective glass that blocks ultraviolet rays 75 percent more than ordinary glass. In addition, the windows serve as a barrier to heat and cold, resulting in decreased energy use, as well as reduced furniture and carpet fade.

Right-sized HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and high SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) equipment: Multiple air ducts and return air grilles help stimulate ventilation, which decreases humidity and reduces energy use.

Pressure balancing: Enables air to circulate more easily, even when interior doors are closed, through the use of jumper ducts and return air ducts.

Interior moisture management: Right-sized HVAC systems, multiple air ducts, return air grilles, bath and kitchen fans, and mechanical air ventilation help to dry moisture that naturally passes through the home. With conditioned attic space, energy is further conserved because the air traveling through ducts does not have to be heated or cooled with external temperature variations.

Combustion safety: Combustion appliances are sealed or power vented to help avoid back drafting and the buildup of carbon monoxide; vented fireplaces are also required. Carbon monoxide detectors provide additional protection.

The benefits of these components include decreased internal and external contaminants; decreased health problems due to better indoor air quality; reduced heating and cooling equipment use; and greater comfort, durability and tightness.

Pulte's Environments for Living quality assurance effort includes a duct blaster test; an inspection of the insulation, low-e windows and framing; a blower door test; room pressure test; and carbon monoxide detector test.

Throughout construction, each home is randomly tested and inspected to ensure that it complies with the program's requirements and performance criteria.

"Pulte Homes' adoption of energy-efficient building practices as standard construction is a sound business practice that saves homeowners money and benefits the country by saving energy," said Mark Ginsberg, a member of the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Board.

The company also has designed a water-smart home in conjunction with the Southern Nevada Water Authority's Youth Advisory Council. The home is in the builder's Escala neighborhood within The Paseos village in Summerlin. The water authority has deemed Escala a prototype for a new "water smart home certification program."

Pulte Homes offers 19 new subdivisions in Southern Nevada, including Silverstone Ranch and Wyeth Ranch in the northwestern valley; Serenata, Vialetto and Treviso in the Aliante community in North Las Vegas; Paradiso, Miramonte, Escala and Palomar in Summerlin, as well as 18 models and 20 floor plans at Anthem Highlands in Henderson.

Pulte Homes Inc., based in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., has operations in 44 markets nationwide. Under its Del Webb brand, the company is the nation's leading builder of age-qualified communities.

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