Atlantic Design and Construction knows all about building high performance homes in a hot-humid climate. Located in hot and humid Gainesville, Fla., they were already implementing energy-efficient measures for some time when they heard about Energy Star in 1998 and decided to take the next step.
The firm found that they could make a handful of improvements to their building practices to qualify for the Energy Star rating. In fact, the changes implemented were so effective that they won Energy Star’s Small Builder of the Year award in 2000. Since then they have built more than 300 Energy Star homes.
Some of the most significant improvements Atlantic has made to their homes are the simplest. Atlantic’s president Lucian Kragiel explained, "Sealing the ducts with mastic is, I think, the single most important thing that anyone should do." He estimated that the average duct leakage in Atlantic’s new homes is 10% and in the older homes it is closer to 30%.
The firm made larger improvements as well, such as moving the air handler for the HVAC system from the unconditioned garage space to a completely sealed equipment room. Having the air handler in a conditioned space eliminated a number of problems that occur in hot-humid climates. It reduces rusting in the furnace heat exchanger and decreases sweating on the evaporator coil cabinet, thus increasing the life expectancy of the heating and cooling system. It also takes care of problems related to air leakage, which can introduce the home to moisture, outdoor irritants or noxious fumes from the garage. Having the handler in a conditioned space improves comfort because the air leaks are drawing only conditioned air into the system. It also saves energy because the handler doesn’t have to work as hard or as long as it would in an overheated garage.
Atlantic added a few other features to their homes as well. They increased the efficiency of the air conditioner and furnace. They switched from R-11 fiberglass batts to R-13 blown-in cellulose and installed programmable thermostats. Finally, Atlantic performed additional air sealing around the interiors of their houses where the walls meet the slab, and they right-sized the HVAC system. These upgrades combine to give Atlantic homes an average HERS rating between 89 and 90.
Since offering the upgrade they have had 100% participation. "We show people the wisdom of Energy Star construction and the economics of it and everyone chooses it," said Kragiel. Atlantic tells its customers how several national banks offer mortgage rate incentives for Energy Star homebuyers. Atlantic also points out to their customers that high performance homes have better resale value. Kragiel explains that it is important to educate yourself so that you can educate your customers. He admits that it takes little time upfront to learn and understand how to build high performance homes, but insists that it is well worth the investment.
Building homes that meet Energy Star standards pays off. The houses are more comfortable and more durable than the average home, and they are in demand. Plus, Energy Star homes help the environment. Kragiel explains, "You can make money doing it, and you feel better about yourself at the end of the day, knowing you’re making the planet healthier by building better homes."
This information is provided by the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building America program. Building America is a private/public partnership that develops energy solutions for new and existing homes. The Building America program combines the knowledge and resources of industry leaders with the DOE’s technical capabilities. Together, they act as a catalyst for change in the home-building industry.
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