|
Holton Homes wins high ratings
for efficiency
Idaho Statesman - News to Use, Environment at Work - Ken
Dey
If you're one of the thousands of
people who bought a new home in the Treasure Valley, you
know there's little difference, other than cosmetic
changes, in most of the homes popping up in valley
subdivisions.
But occasionally you stumble across
a builder who is going the extra mile to construct a
better home.
Holton Homes in Nampa is one such
builder.
The company recently was named
Idaho's Energy Star Builder of the Year by the Idaho
Department of Water Resources for its efforts to improve
the energy efficiency of its homes.
Most consumers are aware of the
Energy Star program.
We see its stickers on many
appliances, but the program goes well beyond appliances
when applied to home-building.
For example, most homes built today
use 2x4 construction, but a Holton home uses 2x6
construction that allows for more insulation in the
walls.
The larger framing also creates a
quieter home.
An Energy Star home also includes
only Energy Star approved appliances and an energy
efficient heating and cooling system.
Holton said the venting in the home
is sealed to avoid any loss of heating or cooling air.
Energy Star homes typically are 30%
more efficient than a home built to the building code
standards.
An Energy Star home's disadvantage
is the initial cost, which can be higher.
But Holton says at some point the
home' energy efficiency pays for the cost.
"We put money in your pocket from
day one," Holton says.
Holton says Energy Star homes are a
harder sell in Idaho because energy costs in general are
still lower than in most parts of the country. But he
said more consumers are becoming aware that the low
energy costs won't last forever.
For more information about Energy
Star, visit www.idahoenergystar.com.
|
