Building Green

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HERS Index Rating

Actual savings may vary and may depend in part on occupant behavior, timing and/or fluctuating costs of energy usage, and actual climate zone conditions. All referenced energy savings
is based on data published by the EPA and DOE. Feature are
subject to change without notice or obligation.

 
About the HERS Index

The HERS Index is a scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home (based on the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code) scores a HERS Index of 100, while a net zero energy home scores a HERS Index of 0. The lower a home's HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is.

 

Each 1-point decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption compared to the HERS Reference Home. Thus a home with a HERS Index of 85 is 15% more energy efficient than the HERS Reference Home and a home with a HERS Index of 80 is 20% more energy efficient. Typically, Dunhill Homes score a 70 or better, which means they are 30% more energy efficient than the HERS Reference Home.

 
Building Green at Dunhill Homes
Our homes save money on utility bills, provide a more comfortable living environment with better indoor air quality, and help protect the environment. Each house is also inspected by an independent organization and assigned a HERS rating. to the left is an example of a HERS scale. Typically, Dunhill homes score around a 70 or better! Read the description on the HERS rating system below for more information.
dunhill homes energy efficiency Prevent UV rays from fading your furniture and save money on utility costs with Low Emissivity E40 Vinyl windows. These windows perform an estimated 28% better than the standard window.
dunhill homes energy efficiency

Fortiflash is a barrier around your windows to prevent moisture penetration and air leakage.
dunhill homes energy efficiency

Programmable thermostats help reduce energy costs up to 33%.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Insulated garage doors better regulate temperature within the garage.
dunhill homes energy efficiency

Extreme insulation system consisting of both Spray Foam and Cellulose insulation that results in a total R-Value of 51 in the attic.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Spray Foam Insulation is an airtight sealant providing better energy efficiency, a quieter home and healthier air for you to enjoy. Experience energy cost savings of up to 50%.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Cellulose Insulation protects your home from leaks by filling the gaps better than typical insulation increasing your R-value. Live green with 85% recycled product and increase the wall’s fire resistance by up to 22%-57% to protect your family.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

A combination of DOW Foam board and Structural Sheathing with taped joints wraps your entire home adding an additional R-3 and prevents the penetration of hot or cold air into your home.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Conserve water by monitoring your irrigation with a rain sensing irrigation system and letting nature do its job.
dunhill homes energy efficiency

CFL light bulbs are four times more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Conserve water with the Pex plumbing system by reducing the amount of time it takes for hot water to arrive at your faucet and decrease the amount of energy used by the water heater.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Enjoy the water pressure you love but conserve water and save energy with high performance low flow faucets. Use between 20%-40% less water with better performance than less efficient fixtures.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

With Energy Star® appliances you can be more energy efficient and save money on everyday tasks.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Air returns in every room improve the air quality and increase the comfort level with a better air circulation system.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

High-performance insulation and radiant barrier allows us to right-size your HVAC system reducing HVAC tonnage by as much as 40%.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Tech Shield Roof Decking blocks radiant heat in the roof from entering the attic, keeping the attic cooler, lowering energy costs by up to 17% and making your home more comfortable.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Sill Seal system is another way to reduce air infiltration into your home at the foundation and exterior frame making your home perform more energy efficiently.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Vents in bathrooms, kitchen and utility room all run to the outside extracting moisture and odors from inside.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

Soffit and Roof venting provide fresh air circulation in the attic to maintain lower temperatures for more efficiency.

dunhill homes energy efficiency

High efficiency, elongated commodes add style and design to your home and perform more energy efficiently to save you money.
 
 

**Please note the above "building green" information and HERS rating pertains specifically to Dallas/Fort Worth communities. Houston, Texas and out of state communities rate on a different system.

 

Efficient Appliances
Dunhill homes use less energy than older homes – which adds up to savings on your utility bills. All our homes feature Energy Star® qualified appliances that have earned the government's rating for meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines. From refrigerators to dishwashers, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances save energy, save money, and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants at the source.
 
Efficient Equipment
All our homes include high-efficiency 16 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) air conditioning systems and energy efficient 50 gallon quick recovery electric water heater. Each home is equipped with programmable thermostat; through proper use of the 4 pre-programmed settings, you can save about 150 every year in energy costs.
 
Efficient Home Envelope
Each Dunhill home has wall, floor and attic insulation that far surpasses industry standard and it is installed with utmost care. We have R 51 insulation in ceilings consisting of 2'' spray foam sealant and cellulose. The R value is a measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry – the bigger the number the better. Each of our homes also includes comprehensive air barrier details, dual-paned low-E (low emissivity) glass windows and all ventilation systems run to outside. All walls have R-15 Cellulose in walls and there is a continuous soffit and static roof venting. All of this means your home uses less energy and costs less to heat, cool and power.
 
Efficient Air Distribution
The most efficient HVAC systems are optimized when the air distribution system is efficient as well. The combination can dramatically increase the savings that you will enjoy over the life of your home. All our homes are built with special care down to the installation of air ducts. We have completely eliminated hot spots from all our homes by adding air returns in every room. Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance. We at Dunhill make sure that each home surpasses the industry on this aspect as well.
 
Efficient Lighting
All our homes have CFL or Compact Fluorescent Light fixtures, meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by US Environmental Protection Agency. A CFL bulb can save more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime, uses 75% less energy than standard. The CFL bulbs also generate about 75% less heat. This means they are cool to the touch, help reduce home cooling costs.
 
Efficient Water Usage
Our homes are equipped with CPVC plumbing system and water saving plumbing fixtures. We also include rain sensing irrigation system, which automatically shuts off your sprinkler system when it rains.