About Doss Ferry - Energy Star Program

Hanby Pass & Blue Creek at Doss Ferry

Q:  So what is energy star anyway? 
The simple definition is that for a house to be certified as an Energy Star home it must be at least 15% more energy efficient than the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code.

Q:  What makes a home more energy efficient? 
There are many things that can be done to improve the performance of a home, but there are a handful of improvements that make a very big impact.  They are as follows:

  • Build a very tight house.  Keeping the house tight prevents outside air from entering inside and prevents inside heating/cooling air from leaking outside.
  • Insulate effectively.  Increasing the R value and filling every nook and cranny with insulation goes a long way!
  • Use low E windows.  By using an energy efficient window, it will cut down on the amount of heat transfer from inside to outside.  Also, it will decrease the amount of radiant heat allowed to transfer through the window.
  • Upgraded HVAC.  Using a HVAC unit with a higher SEER rating will cut energy costs.  Also, using professional techniques of sealing the ductwork will dramatically REDUCE conditioned air loss in the attic from leaky ducts.
  •  Sealing.  Caulking and foaming around all other potential leak paths will cut down air leakage by 25%.  This means caulking the bottom plate, foam sealing around all doors and windows – MAKING IT TIGHT.

Q:  Why does Doss Ferry say they are 25% more energy efficient? 
Every single home that is certified goes through a very rigorous inspection process including an initial study of the house plan to see how efficient it can be built.  Every house is put into modeling software that takes into account dozens of different aspects of the home and it will in turn, give a potential rating for the house.  In an addition, there is a separate software analysis that helps properly size the HVAC system.  Based on how many energy efficient categories that the builder can accomplish, the rating will determine how energy efficient the home is compared to the code standard.  Doss Ferry’s homes have been through this modeling process.  Based on all five steps from the above, building a tight house, insulate effectively, etc., we have been rating on average a whopping 25%.

Q:  How do I know that the house that I buy will meet Energy Star guidelines? 
The great thing is that every single house is inspected by a Third Party inspector.  This inspector is completely different than the local building inspector.  This inspector is specially trained and certifified by the EPA to give the Energy Star rating.  There are only a handful of these specialized inspectors in Alabama.  Not only does the inspector use computer modeling on each home plan, but they are required to be present at two on-site inspections for every home.  Only after a home has successfully passed a thorough post-insulation – pre-drywall inspection, can the home be sheet rocked.  When the home is finished, it must pass a final inspection.  Then, and only then, can it get the Energy Star Seal.

Q:  How do you know that the house and the air ducts are tight and sealed properly? 
One of the neatest components of the certification process is to watch the leak inspection test.  All doors and windows are closed on the house and the inspector places a fully enclosed pressurized system at the front door of the home.  This device will create a slight pressure differential from the inside of the house to the outside and the actual air leakage can be measured!  Pretty Neat!  The same type of test is performed with the air ducts within the home!  YOU can feel confident that your home is energy efficient.

Q:  Will I really have lower utility bills? 
YES!!!  You will be living in one of the most energy efficient homes in Alabama.  Your utility bills will be at least 15% lower than a house that is built to the latest building code.

Q:  This sounds great, but how much will all of this cost? 
Every home in Hanby Pass and Blue Creek will come standard as an Energy Star home.  And the pricing on these homes create an incredible value. We know customers are very smart and can recognize a deal when they see one.

Q:  Will the larger homes at Doss Ferry be built with Energy Star as a standard?
No.  This is a brand new program for us and it happened at the same time that we were designing and pricing the 14 new home plans that make up our 2010 collection being released specifically for Blue Creek and Hanby Pass. However, we will offer Energy Star certified homes as an option on our 12 original plans.

To learn more about Energy Star, take A TOUR BEHIND THE WALLS by visiting www.energystar.gov. 

Better yet, come see it in person!  Give Gina or Mary a call today at 205-453-3003 to get your personal tour.