Main Street Homes is proud to announce that it received the 2019 ENERGY STAR^®Partner of the Year Award for its outstanding efforts in corporate energy management. Main Street Homes’ accomplishments will be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 11, 2019.

“Main Street Homes 100% Energy Star Certification demonstrates integrity by requiring that all construction is inspected by a third-party energy expert as part of the certification process. This reassures all homebuyers that they will live in a home that is built to save energy and save money,” said Vernon McClure, president of Main Street Homes.

For homebuyers shopping for a home with energy savings, this offers an additional safeguard. Homes built by Main Street Homes are rated by the Home Energy Rating System (HERS), which measures a home’s energy efficiency. This allows homebuyers to compare the energy savings of any new home by Main Street Home against the average new or resale home. On average, a new home by Main Street Homes is 60% more energy efficient than older resale homes. That translates to a savings of up to $100 a month in utility bills over the life of a 30-year mortgage. 

“I applaud the 2019 ENERGY STAR Award Winners,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Bill Wehrum. “Their innovation and leadership enhance America’s economic competitiveness. Reducing costly energy waste improves air quality and public health while protecting the environment.” 

The ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award recognizes ENERGY STAR partner businesses and organizations in good standing that demonstrate superior leadership, innovation, and commitment to environmental protection through energy efficiency and ENERGY STAR.  For a complete list of 2019 winners and more information about ENERGY STAR’s awards program, visit energystar.gov/awardwinners.

ENERGY STAR^® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions. 

Thousands of industrial, commercial, utility, state, and local organizations—including more than 40 percent of the Fortune 500®—rely on their partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions. Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped save American families and businesses nearly 4 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity and associated reductions of over 3 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases. In 2017 alone, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped Americans save $30 billion in energy costs. 

The key elements of the Main Street Homes 100% Energy Star Certification include:

95% Efficient HVAC Systems with Programmable Thermostats- Programmable thermostats are ideal for people who work, travel or are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. With proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save an additional $180 every year in energy costs.

HVAC Returns in Every Bedroom- As much as half of the energy used in the average home goes to heating and cooling. Returns in every bedroom will create more consistent temperatures throughout a home – making it more comfortable and saving on energy costs.

Low-E Windows- Energy Star Certified windows use advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer—translating into real savings. They also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor photographs, carpets, and furnishings. These windows can also help reduce the potential for condensation, which can damage window sills, cause paint to crack, and encourage mold growth.

House Wrap- Air that leaks through the average home’s envelope − the outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings − wastes a lot of energy and increases your utility costs. A well-sealed envelope, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can make a real difference on utility bills.

Sealed Ductwork to Prevent Leakage- Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump can be big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling system by 20%, and sometimes more.

Drywall Sealed at the Top Plate at all Interfaces with Unconditioned Areas- It’s not just the amount of insulation; it’s also the quality of the installation that makes all the difference. Proper installation includes careful placement to eliminate gaps, voids, and compression; complete air barriers that prevent air from bypassing the insulation; and building techniques that minimize heat flow through framing. This ensures consistent temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort.

All Contact Areas between Air Conditioned and Unconditioned Space are Sealed- More disciplined sealing means less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating. This in one of the key reasons Main Street Energy Star Certified Homes deliver approximately 35% savings on annual utility bills. 

Pre-Drywall Inspection Conducted by a 3rd Party Engineering Firm - This ensures that your home is sealed properly and that the ductwork meets or exceeds Energy Star standards for duct leakage.

Final Inspection Conducted by a 3rd Party Engineer - Blower Door and Duct Blaster Tests are performed to verify that the house meets Energy Star criteria, resulting in energy cost savings of up to 35% versus other new homes.

More background information about ENERGY STAR can be found at: energystar.gov/about  and energystar.gov/numbers