Feel the Difference in Energy Efficiency

Tom Palmer Homes is an ENERGY STAR® Partner and has made a commitment to building energy-efficient homes.

We are proud to offer new homes that have earned the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are substantially more energy efficient than homes built to the minimum code requirements. Our ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are independently verified by a third-party Home Energy Rater to ensure they meet ENERGY STAR energy efficiency guidelines. These homes are better for the environment and better for you.

Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified new homes at http://www.energystar.gov/.

Homeowners who buy ENERGY STAR-qualified homes enjoy the following benefits:

• Lower monthly utility bills
• Improved heating and air conditioning performance
• Potential for better resale value
• Improved protection from hot and cold air drafts, moisture, pests, pollen, noise and air pollution
• A hedge against potential future price hikes by utility providers
• The peace of mind that comes from reduced energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint

We've recently hired home energy raters, such as Southern Energy Management, to provide consulting and verification on our building processes. These firms have advised us on optimal HVAC duct work and equipment, insulation, framing, wall sealing techniques and appliances. This way, our homes are built to a higher standard than the more relaxed energy-efficiency requirements of the North Carolina building code.

Our home energy rater partners inspect and test the manner in which we build our houses during the construction process. And these firms ultimately determine whether our homes qualify for the ENERGY STAR rating, while scoring our level of efficiency through what is known as a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) index.

To achieve ENERGY STAR certification, the houses we're building have:

• High-Performance Insulation: We know that effective insulation means a quieter, more comfortable home. So we've made a commitment to using insulation and wall sealing methods that exceed local code requirements - including caulking around gaps in framing members, establishing two-sided air barriers along cold walls and using premium insulation products.
• Energy Efficient Windows: The windows we use contain thin layers of metallic oxide that's bonded to the glass on the window. The coating largely prevents UV (ultraviolet) rays from passing through. As a result, the windows keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. As an added benefit, the coatings prevent ultraviolet rays from damaging furniture and carpet.
• Tight Ducts: Tightly sealed ducts improve air quality while lowering maintenance costs. In order for homes to be Energy-Star qualified, the heating and air ducts must be tightly sealed. Once our homes are complete and the power is turned on, a sustainable energy company tests the ducts for efficiency.
• Efficient Equipment: We install energy-efficient heating and air equipment in the homes we build. All of our homes have at least 13 SEER heating and air units - and many of our homes have 14 SEER units. Energy-efficient HVAC units improve the comfort of a home, reduce noise and use less energy than conventional systems. In addition to HVAC units, we also use other ENERGY STAR products - such as ceiling fans, light fixtures and appliances.

Depending on the utilities in a given neighborhood, ENERGY STAR qualified homes can qualify for discounts from utility providers. For example, Duke Energy offers special, discounted rates for ENERGY STAR certified homes.

If you're considering building a custom home, we invite you to ask us about the many options available for achieving energy efficiency.