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“High performance” is a term often associated with engines, athletes, and anything that functions at a top level while maximizing energy efficiency and resources. Why not consider creating a high-performance home? Purchasing a home is a huge investment, and most people who buy one expect it to function well for years to come. Choosing to go with new-home construction requires working with a builder who will discuss not only the aesthetic components of your home, but also the materials and systems that will keep your Colorado home performing affordably and dependably for years to come.
The 8 components of a high-performance home are:
1. Energy Efficiency
To qualify as high-performance, a home must have a HERS (High Energy Rating System) Index score. The HERS index describes the energy performance of a home. It is a comprehensive measure that looks at everything affecting the home’s energy consumption, such as roofing material, plug loads, hot water loads, air conditioning, and renewable energy sources. The HERS Index is a 100-point scale, in which a lower score indicates higher efficiency. The score corresponds directly to energy savings; for example. a 15% improvement in the HERS index score correlates to 15% greater energy savings.
2. Third-Party Verification
The HERS Index rating is assigned by a qualified, third-party inspection and verification company. This ensures that the rating is objective and reliable.
3. Meeting Expectations
When it comes to a home, expectations have changed dramatically over the centuries to include much more than simply shelter from the elements. Our homes are where we live and sometimes work, where we play and gather with friends. We expect our homes to meet our needs for convenience and comfort, taking into account such concerns as security, health and safety, durability, beauty, and energy efficiency. High-performance homes are better equipped to meet this ever-expanding list of expectations.
4. Building Science
The term “building science” refers to a detailed study of building practices–identifying those which result in optimal performance and those which lead to failure. Home builders rely on this information to ensure their success in quality construction.
5. Comfort
Several aspects of construction impact the comfort level of a home and are inspected and rated as part of the HERS Index. They include:
- Insulation and air barrier – The quality of these elements determines the thermal envelope boundary of the home and has everything to do with how well the home stays consistently cool in summer and consistently warm in winter (as compared to the outside ambient air).
- Air-tightness – Refers to how well-sealed the home is, in relation to preventing leaks that lower comfort and raise energy use.
- Duct efficiency – Leaky air ducts result in inefficient energy use.
- Whole house ventilation – Proper air ventilation in a home allows the controlled and predictable exchange of fresh air, which controls moisture levels and contributes to the health and safety of the home’s occupants.
6. Health and Safety
Correctly applied, building science keeps a home’s ventilation and airtight properties in balance, ensuring enough indoor fresh air without build-up of the poisonous by-products of combustion (such as carbon monoxide).
7. Durability
Durability results not only from sound building practices and high quality materials, but also from the synergy between the structure, the mechanical systems, and the occupants.
8. Codes and Programs
High-performance homes adhere to building codes as well as the requirements of established third-party programs including: ENERGY STAR, Indoor Air Plus, DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, LEED for Home, Passive House and WaterSense.
