Advantages of Energy Star
The Homes Poirier Homes build are Energy Star Homes, certified by a Home Energy Rater (HER), an Energy Star certified independent agent. The homes are given an energy rating (HERS index) by the agent, and designed to be energy efficient from the planning stages and tested to certify they meet the standard. ENERGY STAR qualified products and practices help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE. The ENERGY STAR label also designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings.
Windows:
Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings. Poirier Homes use these type of windows and doors in their homes that feature low E, argon filled windows and patio doors. Low-E glass works like sunblock to help protect your home and furniture from ultraviolet (UV) light. These windows have insulation values 50% better than standard double pane glass windows.
Insulation:
Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort. Poirier Homes features fiberglass insulation which provides R21 exterior walls and R40 ceilings which reduces heat flow through walls and ceilings. All thermal bypass locations are sealed to prevent air leakage. The combination of a tightly sealed well insulated home makes a Poirier Homes home a very inexpensive to heat and cool. The insulation and thermal bypass sealing is inspected by an Energy Star inspector. Our homes are estimated to be 45% better insulated than current International Residential Code standards. Our homes are inspected after insulation as part of the Energy Star certification process, including a blower door test to insure a well sealed home.
Appliances:
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances. From refrigerators to clothes washers, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances save energy, save money, and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants at the source. Poirier Homes provided refrigerators, refrigerator and freezer drawers, and dishwashers are always Energy Star rated. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators use up to 40 percent less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001 and at least 15 percent less energy than models built to current federal standards. These refrigerators feature high-efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms. ENERGY STAR qualified freezers use at least 10 percent less energy than required by current federal standards. ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers use at least 41 percent less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption.
HVAC:
In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment will not have to work so hard to heat and cool the home. Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance. Poirier Homes HVAC systems are multi -zone hydro-air systems including an Energy Star rated Weil-McLain Ultra 230 High Efficiency 93% AFUE natural gas fired boiler, with outdoor reset feature for optimal gas usage (standard gas boilers are 82% efficient). The main HVAC truck lines are made from sheet metal sealed with mastic to prevent air leakage and wrapped with insulation. The air conditioning units are 14.5 SEER units, uses ozone responsible R410A refrigerant which merits the US EPA’s most stringent environmental ratings. These units are 12% more efficient than standard code compliant air conditioning units. The air conditioning coil used features an antimicrobial drain pan that resists mold and mildew growth. Humidifiers introduce humidity during the heating cycle to provide comfort and protect the home. Air cleaners remove particles down to three microns from the indoor air removing removing allergens and pollutants. An indirect Superstor hot water storage tank uses heat from the efficient boiler to quickly and inexpensively provide hot water. Poirier Homes HVAC systems undergo a duct pressure test to insure against air leakage as part of the Energy Star certification process.
Lighting:
An ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) uses about 75 percent less energy than a comparable standard incandescent bulb. Poirier Homes provides energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs in fixtures whenever possible. These bulbs provide a cost savings compared to standard incandescent bulbs, operate at a lower, safer temperature, and generate less heat, saving on air conditioning costs. The CFL bulbs also last up to ten times longer than regular bulbs.
Other Green Features
Siding:
The siding on many of Poirier Homes homes is fiber cement siding which come prefinished from Certain teed, the manufacturer. The raw materials are low in toxicity – wood pulp, cement, sand and water (recycled up to 4 times). The siding and paint finish are extremely durable: Longer lasting materials not only require fewer resources for replacement but also reduce maintenance and repair costs. Using prefinished materials reduced the need for painting onsite, and the Unique Colormax manufacturing process bakes on paint in the factory delivers a high quality, consistent finish, and reduces contaminants during exterior painting. A 15-year finish warranty ensures reduced need for repainting in the future.
Framing:
Floor joists are Boise Alljoists, a product in compliance with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Boise joists are 50% stronger than dimension lumber with half the wood fiber. Subfloor material is Huber Advantech (another SFI product) and Huber Zip System (SFI) wall sheathing for air and moisture resistance to promote a well sealed building envelope.
Poirier Homes will continue to monitor new developments in energy conservation and is committed to incorporating them in all future Poirier Homes homes.
The Homes Poirier Homes build are Energy Star Homes, certified by a Home Energy Rater (HER), an Energy Star certified independent agent. The homes are given an energy rating (HERS index) by the agent, and designed to be energy efficient from the planning stages and tested to certify they meet the standard. ENERGY STAR qualified products and practices help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE. The ENERGY STAR label also designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings.
Windows:
Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings. Poirier Homes use these type of windows and doors in their homes that feature low E, argon filled windows and patio doors. Low-E glass works like sunblock to help protect your home and furniture from ultraviolet (UV) light. These windows have insulation values 50% better than standard double pane glass windows.
Insulation:
Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort. Poirier Homes features fiberglass insulation which provides R21 exterior walls and R40 ceilings which reduces heat flow through walls and ceilings. All thermal bypass locations are sealed to prevent air leakage. The combination of a tightly sealed well insulated home makes a Poirier Homes home a very inexpensive to heat and cool. The insulation and thermal bypass sealing is inspected by an Energy Star inspector. Our homes are estimated to be 45% better insulated than current International Residential Code standards. Our homes are inspected after insulation as part of the Energy Star certification process, including a blower door test to insure a well sealed home.
Appliances:
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances. From refrigerators to clothes washers, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances save energy, save money, and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants at the source. Poirier Homes provided refrigerators, refrigerator and freezer drawers, and dishwashers are always Energy Star rated. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators use up to 40 percent less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001 and at least 15 percent less energy than models built to current federal standards. These refrigerators feature high-efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms. ENERGY STAR qualified freezers use at least 10 percent less energy than required by current federal standards. ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers use at least 41 percent less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption.
HVAC:
In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment will not have to work so hard to heat and cool the home. Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance. Poirier Homes HVAC systems are multi -zone hydro-air systems including an Energy Star rated Weil-McLain Ultra 230 High Efficiency 93% AFUE natural gas fired boiler, with outdoor reset feature for optimal gas usage (standard gas boilers are 82% efficient). The main HVAC truck lines are made from sheet metal sealed with mastic to prevent air leakage and wrapped with insulation. The air conditioning units are 14.5 SEER units, uses ozone responsible R410A refrigerant which merits the US EPA’s most stringent environmental ratings. These units are 12% more efficient than standard code compliant air conditioning units. The air conditioning coil used features an antimicrobial drain pan that resists mold and mildew growth. Humidifiers introduce humidity during the heating cycle to provide comfort and protect the home. Air cleaners remove particles down to three microns from the indoor air removing removing allergens and pollutants. An indirect Superstor hot water storage tank uses heat from the efficient boiler to quickly and inexpensively provide hot water. Poirier Homes HVAC systems undergo a duct pressure test to insure against air leakage as part of the Energy Star certification process.
Lighting:
An ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) uses about 75 percent less energy than a comparable standard incandescent bulb. Poirier Homes provides energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs in fixtures whenever possible. These bulbs provide a cost savings compared to standard incandescent bulbs, operate at a lower, safer temperature, and generate less heat, saving on air conditioning costs. The CFL bulbs also last up to ten times longer than regular bulbs.
Other Green Features
Siding:
The siding on many of Poirier Homes homes is fiber cement siding which come prefinished from Certain teed, the manufacturer. The raw materials are low in toxicity – wood pulp, cement, sand and water (recycled up to 4 times). The siding and paint finish are extremely durable: Longer lasting materials not only require fewer resources for replacement but also reduce maintenance and repair costs. Using prefinished materials reduced the need for painting onsite, and the Unique Colormax manufacturing process bakes on paint in the factory delivers a high quality, consistent finish, and reduces contaminants during exterior painting. A 15-year finish warranty ensures reduced need for repainting in the future.
Framing:
Floor joists are Boise Alljoists, a product in compliance with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Boise joists are 50% stronger than dimension lumber with half the wood fiber. Subfloor material is Huber Advantech (another SFI product) and Huber Zip System (SFI) wall sheathing for air and moisture resistance to promote a well sealed building envelope.
Poirier Homes will continue to monitor new developments in energy conservation and is committed to incorporating them in all future Poirier Homes homes.