Builder touts Energy Star program

Building Energy Star homes was a logical and smart choice for Signature Homes, according to Curtis Mormon, product development manager for the longtime Southern Nevada home builder.

All homes offered by the builder carry the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star label.

Energy Star homes are designed and built to use at least 30 percent less energy than homes built to standard code requirements. In addition, a third-party inspects and tests a certain percentage of the homes to make sure they perform as designed.

Energy-saving features, which also help improve the comfort level inside the home, include upgraded windows, better insulation, sealed ductwork and draft-reducing construction methods.

Mormon said there are several misconceptions, even among builders, about the program including the cost of upgraded features, effectiveness of the testing, and promised savings in utility bills.

"Most builders recoup the initial cost through a modest increase in sales price, for which most buyers are more than willing to pay because of reduced utility expenses and increased home comfort," he said.

Mormon also noted that when a new project is launched, every model is tested, as well as the first 10 homes constructed.

"During this period the superintendent and subcontractors are trained on proper installation practices and observe the inspection/testing process firsthand.

"The EPA then requires at least one out of seven homes be tested. If one fails, another is tested. If that one fails, all homes in that phase are tested. All corrections must be addressed and the homes retested before drywall installation."

Once all the elements are in place, most homeowners see a 30 percent reduction in their utility bills. He cautioned, however, that lifestyle factors into those costs.

"Thermostat settings, appliance usage, incandescent lighting, interior doors remaining closed, exterior doors or windows remaining open, refrigerators or freezers in the garage, dirty return air filters, the amount of time pool equipment runs and water heater settings all contribute to the monthly cost of utilities," he said.

More than half of the new homes to be sold in the valley this year will carry the Energy Star label, according to Nevada Energy Star Partners, a voluntary coalition of Southern Nevada home builders, developers, retailers, finance companies, energy consultants and utility companies promoting energy conservation.

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