Seasons builds for energy efficiency

     Homes in the Seasons neighborhood, developed by by John Laing Homes, have acquired the Energy Star seal by offering energy-saving features that exceed national residential standards. The neighborhood is also part of the Build America Program.
      "It has been our experience that buyers tend to put energy efficiency lower on their list of priorities if they have to choose energy efficiency as an option," Rick McCarty, vice president of sales and marketing, said.
      Energy-saving features offered at Seasons include insulated attic space; Low-E windows to keep out as much as 50 percent of the sun's rays; hydronic heating to eliminate the need for a separate furnace; controlled ventilation to eliminate build up of indoor allergens and pollutants; and natural gas appliances.
      To determine the success of the energy saving program, Building Science Corp. conducted a series of diagnostic tests last summer. The results reported that the energy-efficient homes used 15 to 23 percent less energy than the standard home.
      "We were so pleased with the result of the test that we were encouraged to commit to even more upgrades in future new home projects," McCarty said.
      As a result, the builder's new neighborhoods, Country Garden, Whisper Creek and Four Winds, will participate in Energy Star and Engineered for Life programs.
      According to the builder, there is also an Energy Efficient Mortgage, which is a financing program designed to factor the cost of energy improvements.
      For example, an Energy Star-certified home priced at $128,250 with a 30-year loan at 8.5 percent interest and estimated energy savings of $28 a month provides a home buyer $3,640 more in buying power than a regular home.
      The Seasons offers four floor plans, ranging from 1,354 to 2,193 square feet, with as many as six bedrooms. Prices start from $144,500.
      To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 to Durango Drive, go east and follow the signs.
      The sales office and model homes are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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