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Green Building Practices

resnet energy smart builder

Energy Efficiency Practices

Charles Simms Development is a RESNET Energy Smart Builder. Energy Smart Homes are up to 30% more energy-efficient than most existing homes. Our green building practices have four main objectives: Energy Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, Water Conservation, and Resource Efficiency.

The Answers to your questions

FAQs About the HERS Index

What is the HERS Index?

The RESNET HERS Index is the industry standard by which a home's energy efficiency is measured. The HERS, or Home Energy Rating System, was developed by RESNET and is the nationally recognized system for inspecting, testing, and calculating a home's energy performance. Third party Certified RESNET Home Energy Raters conduct inspections to verify a home's energy efficiency and recommend improvements that can be made to increase it.

Why ask about the HERS Index?

The HERS Index allows you to compare homes based on energy performance. It pays to know what the projected energy costs are for the home you want BEFORE you buy! If the home you want to buy doesn't have a HERS Index Score - ask for it. A typical resale home has an HERS Index Score of 130. A lower HERS Index Score means a MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT home that costs less to run.

Enjoy peace of mind by knowing the home was rated by a certified RESNET HERS Rater. A low HERS Index Score adds VALUE and COMFORT to a home, which is why more homebuyers want them and more builders are providing them.

What do the numbers mean?

The HERS Index Score is like an MPG (miles-per-gallon) sticker for homes. A home built to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code is awarded a rating of 100 on the HERS Index. This is known as the RESNET Reference Home. The lower a home rates the more energy efficient it is. Therefore, a home with a rating of 70 on the HERS Index is 30% more efficient than the RESNET Reference Home. A rating of 130, however, is 30% less efficient than the RESNET Reference Home.

certified (Hers) Home

Energy Efficiency

All homes will be rated and tested by a certified HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Rater to earn the lowest possible HERS rating. See the HERS brochure for more information on how homes are rated and compared to existing homes.
Blower Door Testing: All homes will undergo a blower door test to verify air tightness of the building enclosure. Airtight homes are important to save energy by minimizing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer via drafts.
R-38 Attic insulation - Building code is: R-30.
Energy Star Appliances.

Energy Saver Electric Water Heater w/ 2” non-CFC foam insulation.
13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficient Rating) rated air conditioning.
96% AFUE rated efficient furnace.
Simonton Windows have some of the best insulation values around. Simonton Windows are NFRC, AAMA, and Energy Star rated.
R-15 Wall insulation - Building code is: R-13.

PROPER VENTILATION AND FILTRATION

Indoor Environmental Quality

Because our homes are built very airtight, we have also installed systems that properly ventilate and filter the air in our homes.
Proper ventilation and filtration is installed to provide adequate fresh air, reduce indoor pollutants, reduce humidity levels, and reduce unhealthy air particulates.
Bathroom Fans: Bath fans have been installed in all bathrooms to exhaust humidity and odors to the exterior.
Furnace Filters - Easy access is provided for regular replacement by homeowners (every 30 to 60 days recommended).

Carbon Monoxide Detection: One hard wired with battery backup CO detector is installed per home.
Direct vent sealed combustion furnace.
Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) interior paints.
Attic Ventilation: Continuous ridge vent and/or box vents combined with soffit vents.
Attics are ventilated in winter to reduce condensation potential. Attics are ventilated in summer to exhaust excessive heat from the attic.

water efficient performance

Water Conservation

Water efficient sink faucets/aerators that use less than 2.2 gpm.
Water efficient shower heads that use less than 2.5 gpm.
Low consumption/high performance toilets - 1.6 gpf.

recycled content material

Resource Efficiency

Stick Framing On-Site: Our framing is done on-site to eliminate panels built in factories.
Stick framing allows for increased accuracy of dimensions for openings, as well as the latest framing techniques.
Recycled content materials specified: LVL and PARALLAM headers for window and door openings are made with chips from paper byproducts. Carpet padding is made with recycled content.
Whole House Wrap weather resistant barrier protects subsidence from outside elements.

Gutters, downspouts, and conductors divert water away from the foundation.
Proper grading techniques to divert water away from the foundation.
Flashing details to prevent moisture from penetrating home.
Plumbing supply lines inside the insulation envelope.
Homeowner manual provided for proper use and care.