You've decided to build a new home or are at least considering the possibility. Regardless, now is time to review the features and benefits you would like to obtain from your new home. Whether it's your primary home or even a second home with limited use, it's vital to consider the energy consumption of the home. The belief that "we won't use it much so it won't cost us much" and a lack of consideration for a home's operating expenses are now part of the past with energy costs continuing to rise each year.
This is not about granite countertops, paint colors or the deck overlooking the lake. It's a serious review of what energy your new home will consume. This is determined BEFORE you even put a shovel in the ground. A preliminary analysis will help you understand your monthly costs of home ownership in regard to the heating and cooling system... a primary cost to every homeowner.
Building a new home that meets the code requirements may not necessarily meet Energy Star's requirements for energy efficiency and the "Energy Star" label. To achieve "Energy Star" status, a home must be at least 15% more energy efficient than a new home that meets the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC). However, when you have an Energy Star home, you know the energy efficiency is not only proven by a third-party energy auditor, but you also get piece of mind that a builder has achieved the anticipated results, which lower the homes operating costs and provide greater comfort (heating/cooling, lighting, air-exchange, etc).
As these examples show, Timm Construction has been building homes that are not only well beyond the code requirements, but are also well beyond the base-line score to become an Energy Star Home.
In addition, our work has met or exceeded the requirements of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code
All homes are rated with a HERS Index. A lower score means greater energy efficiency. A zero-energy home would produce as much energy as it uses (for example, using wind or solar energy to heat water or generate electricity equal or greater than the amount consumed)
RATING = 65
This home at Alpena Village scored an Energy Star HERS rating of 65 (35% greater energy efficiency compared with a standard new home that meets the Energy Code). This particular home is being used as the Office for Alpena Village.
33% Greater Energy Efficiency compared with a standard new home that meets the Energy Code requirements.
An Alpena Village home (HERS 67)
Model opened in February of 2009 and is available 7 days a week for touring. Learn about energy efficient, sustainable features that save money and the environment.
217 Woods Circle, #2
Alpena, Michigan
Adjacent to Alpena Community College and District Health Department #4
TURNKEY HIGH ENERGY EFFICIENCY FEATURES
ENERGY STAR
EarthLinked® Geothermal Heating & Cooling
Geothermal Water Heating
Advanced Framing Techniques
Tankless Water Heaters (to fine tune water temperature)
