Keeping Energy In –
Keeping Energy Costs Down
As a recognized leader in the home building industry, Centex Homes
actively participates in and is supportive of numerous federal, state and private
research projects that focus on energy efficiency. Inclusive in these
endeavors are
indoor air quality, durability and intelligent wiring.
As a result, Centex practices the building of energy efficient homes , not only from an
operating and maintenance expense standpoint, but
also relating to conservation of our natural resources. The rewards of our
efforts in these areas are manifested in our special energy efficiency
package options (which are not available in all markets - be sure to ask).
These are bundled, value-boosting improvements which add slight costs to
the building of your home, but pay off in additional savings, which, over
time, may accumulate to more than the initial investments. Centex energy
efficient homes are exemplary of expert input acquired from such national
energy efficiency consultative programs as ComfortWise* and EnergyStar**.
Find Out What Makes a Home Energy Efficient
View Case Studies
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What Makes a Home Energy Efficient?
1. Energy Efficient Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
These are the components that essentially function as the heart and lungs of your home. Even though their output is basically invisible, they are what provide the comfort zones for your everyday life. Centex Homes, with energy efficient packages, feature heating, cooling and water heating products that have been analyzed and selected to be part of a totally integrated and programmed system. In addition, these energy-efficient HVAC components assure superior performance with the most energy and cost efficient factors carefully weighed. It’s all about comfort and saving serious energy dollars, every day!
2. Enhanced Insulation
Another low profile element, enhanced insulation can pay big dividends in many different ways. An energy efficient Centex home features wall cavities and ceilings that are packed with premium fiberglass insulation. This, alone, accounts for superior wall thermal performance. With enhanced attic and duct insulation added to the package, including R-49 attic insulation, the result is improved performance in summer and winter because ceiling heat loss and gain are significantly reduced.
3. High-Performance Windows
It may be difficult to grasp, but windows can account for up to 50% of heating and cooling costs in a typical home because of heat loss in the winter months and heat gain during the summer. Today’s high performance windows can dramatically reduce those factors, ultimately leading to lower heating and cooling costs. Improved window construction with specialized coatings can significantly reduce the transfer of heat and minimize infrared and ultra-violet rays that cause carpeting and furniture fabrics to fade. Your Centex home, with the optional energy efficient package, may include those windows as yet another energy-saving, money-saving feature.
4. Tight Construction
This is precisely what the words imply – the sealing of your home to greatly reduce air from entering and/or escaping. Air leakage can bring about a multitude of problems including polluted air and unwanted moisture. An energy efficient Centex home is sealed to minimize air leakage through walls, ceilings and ducts. These homes are randomly tested to assure compliance with prescribed standards. Again, this is another step that is taken to be an integral part of the Centex commitment to energy efficiency and operating cost savings for our customers.
5. Tight ducts
Normal ducts tend to lose some of the heating and cooling energy that is generated by a furnace or air conditioner. Sealed or tight ducts help to significantly diminish the problem by providing consistent distribution of air throughout your home. Energy efficient Centex homes feature tight air ducts, which not only improve the quality of indoor air by reducing intake of pollen, dust and other pollutants, but also help to substantially lower heating and cooling costs by cutting energy loss. This is because not as much conditioned air is required to heat or cool your home.
6. Energy Star Appliances
It’s a proven fact: Energy Star appliances use less energy, save you money and help protect the environment. In addition, you can be assured that you are receiving a quality product with superior design and system features that has been approved by the Department of Energy.
Case Studies
