Green Homes

What is Green?

According to the Nation Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 'Green Homes' incorporate environmental considerations and resource efficiency into every step of the building and development process to minimize environmental impact. The design, construction, and operation of a home must focus on energy and water efficiency, resource efficient building design and materials, indoor environmental quality, and must take the home's overall impact on the environment into account. However, many of the processes and technologies that go into a green home happen behind the scenes and behind the walls.

Key Components of the Green Homes Include:

Energy-Efficient Features:

Many of the energy-efficient qualities of a green home are easy to spot. Appliances, windows, and water heating systems will likely have ENERGY STAR® ratings. The home should also include efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs. Renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic electricity and water heating systems, further decrease the overall energy consumption within the home.

Water-Efficient Features

Fixtures and appliances such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, and ENERGY STAR dishwashers and washing machines all conserve water. Programmed, low-volume irrigation systems, rainwater collection systems, wastewater treatment systems, and hot water recirculation systems also save water.

Resource-Efficient Features:

These decisions-from home size, to orientation on the lot, to floor plan layout-are made in the design of your home and development of the lot. The house orientation and design should take advantage of natural daylight to reduce lighting needs, and should use strategies to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. The home should contain renewable materials, including rapidly-renewable wood species such as bamboo, and recycled-content materials in carpets, tiles, and concrete formulations.

Indoor Air Quality Features:

The heating, air conditioning and ventilation system (HVAC) must be appropriately sized for an efficient and properly ventilated home. Fans in the kitchen and bathrooms should cycle fresh air inside, and release stale air. Low-VOC paints and finishes and wall papers should be used as well.

Outside the Home

In a green home, care should be taken to preserve trees and other vegetation native to the area. Landscaping should contain plants that are appropriate for the climate, and grouped according to water needs. Driveways and other impervious surfaces should be reduced as much as possible, and may be composed of gravel, permeable block pavers, grids, or other permeable systems.

Why is Ence Green?

Our reputation as a premier builder for 50 years has come by hard work and dedication to quality and value.

Our commitment goes beyond the homes we build; Ence Homes creates a healthier, higher quality of living for every homeowner. Every Ence Home is a High Performance Home built to exceed the strict construction standards established by the Ence Homes' Green program and the Environmental Protection Agency's(EPA) ENERGY STAR® program with independent testing.

Ence Homes provides the following benefits:

Reduced Utility Bills:

Ence certifies every Green home to reduce heating & cooling consumption by 50%* via Low E windows, enhanced insulation, extra insulation in the attic, high efficient heating & cooling equipment, tight ductwork, high efficient water heating, compact florescent can lights, irrigation rain sensor, radiant barrier, ENERGY STAR® appliances, advanced framing techniques, and efficient floor plan designs.

Healthier Indoor Air:

Ence uses proper sealants, filters, advanced combustion safety, air cycling, fresh air distribution, and ventilation to help reduce potential health risks by decreasing dust, pollen, moisture, radon, carbon monoxide, combustion gasses, and odors.

Low Maintenance:

Ence constructs their homes tightly and ventilates them correctly to prevent costly moisture damage and energy loss to expand the lifetime of your mechanical equipment and home. Low E windows not only prevent energy loss but also reduce fading on furniture and finishes.

Comfort and Quiet:

Quality construction, improved insulation, and efficient air flow keep an Ence home cool in the summer, warm in the winter, diminish noise, and ensure consistent temperatures between rooms throughout your home.

Environmentally Friendly:

Ence frames its homes using premium lumber labeled by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® and landscapes appropriately for this climate, limiting grass areas to conserve water. Also, its energy efficient homes release fewer emissions into the air, which reduces the impact on our planet.

* This is referring to a home built only in Utah and will be certified by a 3rd party to have an annual level of heating and cooling consumption at least 50% below the annual level of heating and cooling consumption of a comparable dwelling.

ENERGY STAR Homes

We are proud to offer new homes that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are substantially more energy efficient than homes built to the minimum code requirements. Our ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are independently verified by a third-party Home Energy Rater to ensure they meet ENERGY STAR energy efficiency guidelines. These homes are better for the environment and better for you.

Benefits of owning one of our ENERGY STAR qualified new homes include:

A Label Backed by the Government All ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are certified to meet EPA's strict guidelines for energy efficiency. This exemplary performance is verified by an independent third party.

Lower Utility Costs

Compared with standard homes, ENERGY STAR qualified new homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and hot water heating. Homeowners can expect to save about $200-$400 annually on their utility bills.

More Comfortable/Quieter Homes

The energy-efficient features of ENERGY STAR qualified new homes keep out excessive heat, cold, and noise, and ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms-making these homes more comfortable to live in.

Helping to Create a Better Future

By purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified new home, you are joining millions of consumers who have changed to ENERGY STAR, helping our nation reduce our energy needs and building a cleaner environment for the future.

Features of our ENERGY STAR qualified new homes include:

Effective Insulation - Properly installed insulation that meets or exceeds national code requirements helps achieve even temperatures throughout the house while using less energy. The result is lower utility costs and a quieter, more comfortable home.

High-Performance Windows - Advanced window coatings help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. They also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furniture.

Tight Construction and Tight Ducts - Attention to detail by sealing all holes, cracks, and seams in ducts and construction assemblies helps eliminate drafts, moisture, dust, pests, and pollen. This improves comfort and the quality of indoor air, while lowering maintenance costs.

Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment - More efficient and properly sized heating and cooling systems use less energy, which reduces utility bills. These systems also turn on and off less frequently, removing more humidity and providing better comfort.

For more information on our ENERGY STAR qualified new homes, contact Ence Homes at 800-424-ENCE

Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified new homes at www.energystar.gov