If you’re interested in not only a beautifully designed custom home but also an energy-efficient home, Starr® Custom Homes has you covered.
Insulation is measured by R-value; the higher the value, the better the insulation. Our homes come standard with 2×6 frame construction that enables us to use R-21 insulation in the exterior wall. The minimum required by code is R-13 – so from the start, our clients are getting more insulation in their home. We also provide R-38 insulation in the attic, where R-30 is minimum required. Beyond this, we can provide our clients spray foam insulation for even greater insulative value, or perhaps build with an insulated concrete form, which combines concrete and insulation in the exterior wall instead of wood frame.
Our windows always include low-E glass which limits the sun’s heat from penetrating the glass, which is nice in these Florida summers! Additionally, we use a ‘radiant barrier’ in the attic roof, which is a foil-type product that reflects the sun’s heat off of the roof instead of allowing to pass through into the attic. These keep the attic cooler, making the attic ductwork and thus the air conditioning system more efficient.
Heating and air conditioning systems (HVAC) are rated by SEER – seasonal energy efficiency rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit is at treating the air in the home – which means lower utility costs for you. Building code requires a 13 SEER minimum; Starr® Custom Homes always uses 15 or 16 SEER systems, bringing additional energy savings to the homeowner.
There are other options to further increase the energy efficiency of your home, such as geothermal systems, solar panels, and products that save water. Starr® Custom Homes is ready to educate you on these alternatives to help you determine which is right for your new home. Contact us today for more information.
