Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficient Homes
Today’s new built homes are much more efficient in comparison to resale homes built just a decade ago. Wilkinson homes are more affordable to maintain, comfortable and have a higher value.
Most often, when you think of an “energy-efficient” home, you think of the latest and greatest appliances; heating and cooling systems that promise to cut your electric bills in half; voice-activated technology systems, and other gadgets that claim to reduce your energy bills.
Most appliances are already energy efficient. So the real energy savings is how your home is built…
From The Outside In
Thermal Envelope
A well-insulated building envelope is a key component of an energy efficient home. As such, Wilkinson meets or exceeds today’s stringent energy code requirements. The following are standard in every Wilkinson Home:
- Continuous blown-in attic insulation of R-49.
- Where possible, an energy heel truss design is used to provide full-depth insulation around the perimeter of your home.
- 2” x 6” exterior wall framing in every home allowing for a higher insulation value of R-20.
- Masonry foundation walls receive a continuous R-11 vinyl encased blanket insulation.
A well-insulated home must be airtight to maximize energy efficiency. Therefore, Tyvek® Weather Resistant Barrier (WRB) is applied to the exterior walls of our homes. This keeps moisture and air out, while still allowing moisture vapor to escape.
Extra precautions are taken to air-seal all penetrations in the building envelope. This includes anything from a small wire to a large door opening.
Every one of our homes meets respective energy code requirements and are tested by third party verification of the infiltration through a blower door and duct testing.
High Performance Windows
We all love windows…they provide natural light and make a home feel more open. At Wilkinson Homes we don’t skimp on windows. We understand that windows are a major source of heat and cooling loss, which is why we use Low-E double pane windows on every home. These windows minimize solar heat gain while also providing insulation value. All windows are carefully installed to ensure an air and watertight seal.
High Efficiency Heating & Cooling
When it comes to HVAC systems, bigger is not better. What’s important is making sure your HVAC system is “right-sized” for your home. Our HVAC vendor uses a software to calculate the exact system that your home needs to achieve the desired climate inside and remain energy efficient.
Programmable thermostats are known to save homeowners on their heating and cooling bills. Each Wilkinson Home comes standard with a programmable thermostat allowing you to enjoy year-round comfort with an energy-efficient feature that makes daily life a little bit easier and more convenient.
What is a HERS rating?
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. It’s also the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance.
The U.S. Department of Energy determined that most resale home score 130 on the HERS index while a standard new home scores 100. (the lower the number, the better)
We compiled statistics from the last 6 of our homes that were tested by a third party certified RESNET HERS Rater, and Wilkinson Homes’ average score was 55!
This means that even with our standard construction practices our homes are more efficient than industry standard and way more efficient than the typical resale home.
Other energy-efficient options
The true benefit of building with Wilkinson is that we customize. What that means, unlike most builders, we are willing to work with you to achieve the level of energy efficiency you desire for your home. There are many products available… you bring your ideas to us!