A joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE), ENERGY STAR promotes energy efficient products and practices that help save money and protect the environment. Since its inception in 1992, the ENERGY STAR label is now proudly displayed on over 60 product categories, including new homes.
The invitation-only open house proved extremely popular due to the fact that this is the very first home in northwest Indiana to be built specifically in line with the prestigious label's new, far more stringent, guidelines.
As northwest Indiana's largest new home builder with opportunities for buyers in Dyer, St. John, Crown Point, Cedar Lake, Valparaiso and Chesterton, Olthof Homes is responding to the ever-growing interest in energy-efficient homes. While a standard 2,700 square foot Brookfield built by Olthof would net a savings of about $1,700 per year in utility costs when compared with a typical existing home, the new Brookfield model complete with ENERGY STAR package is estimated to increase those savings to an estimated $2,600, according to Todd Olthof of Olthof Homes.
"We were in the process of reviewing a variety of ENERGY STAR package options for our buyers when the new standards were announced," Fritz Olthof, who spent the last 6 months completely immersed in building the new Brookfield, said. "Since these were really a game-changer, we decided to move forward with plans for a home that would qualify when testing officially begins after January 1st."
Through the end of this year, a new home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency making them 20-30% more efficient than other new homes to qualify for ENERGY STAR. Homes currently achieve various levels of performance through a combination of energy-efficient improvements, including effective insulation systems, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment plus ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting and appliances.
According to the EPA, Version 3.0 of the ENERGY STAR for New Homes program has been designed to address several key areas previously overlooked, and third-party verification by a certified Home Energy Rater is still required.
As a result, Raters will continue to work closely with builders throughout the construction process to help determine the best energy-saving equipment and construction techniques while conducting all of the required on-site diagnostic testing and inspections necessary to document that a home is eligible for the "next generation" ENERGY STAR label.
"Since we were building a model for the future, we spent a great deal of time problem solving the whole way through," Fritz Olthof said. "The experts at Energy Diagnostics, especially our main contact Matt Brown, were a great help to us, especially at the pre-planning stage."
An ENERGY STAR partner from the very beginning, Energy Diagnostics of Valparaiso works with 130 builders in the tri-state area, according to Brown. Over the years, the company has generated over 15,000 HERS ratings (a scoring system that allows you to compare the energy efficiency of a home similar to miles per gallon (MPG) in cars -- a HERS Reference Home (based on the International Energy Conservation Code) scores a HERS Index of 100 and a net zero energy home scores a HERS Index of 0 so the lower a home's HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is with each 1-point decrease in the HERS Index corresponding to a 1% reduction in energy consumption).
"As of January 1, an ENERGY STAR home must meet the requirements of four checklists-a Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist, a HVAC System Quality Installation Contractor Checklist, a HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist and a Water Management System Builder Checklist," he said. "A typical existing home built in 1972 has a HERS rating of 130 and the Brookfield with ENERGY STAR package just built by Olthof Homes has a HERS rating of 53. That's the equivalent of 77% LESS energy use and represents the potential savings on utility bills for the homeowner."
Ultimately, HERS ratings can help buyers make more informed decisions when it comes to the energy efficiency of a home.
"Our goal is to always keep out in front of a typical code-built house," Fritz Olthof said. "This one has gone way beyond our expectations. It's definitely a one-of-a-kind right now."
As the entire Olthof Homes sales team gathered for the debut of the new Brookfield model with ENERGY STAR package, it was obvious they were all very much looking forward to an energy-efficient future.
To schedule a personal tour this state-of-the-art home located at 1406 Deer Creek Drive in Dyer's Hearthstone by Olthof Homes, call Lisa McCleskey at (219) 322-2525 or send an e-mail to lmccleskey@olthofhomes.com. You can also search for the perfect community to build one of your own at olthofhomes.com.
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