Del Webb wraps up Energy Star month with insulation

The Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Program is being showcased during the month of May to promote the use of energy-efficient building practices. Sun City Anthem, an age-qualified community in Henderson that builds Energy Star homes, will begin testing a Cocoon insulation technique soon which may help make its homes more efficient.

"This is a step beyond the usual Energy Star methods," Ty Trueblood, director of special projects, said. "This insulation not only has a higher R-value, but is strategically placed to gain maximum efficiency from air-conditioning units."

Three homes in the community will be built with the Cocoon insulation, and monitored for energy efficiency.

"Most people don't give a lot of thought to the insulation in their home," Trueblood said. "But homeowners depend on it year-round to keep their families warm in the winter and cool in the summer."

Made from recycled paper, Cocoon insulation is a cellulose product that is blown into the attic and sprayed into walls. It fills cavities and surrounds obstructions such as pipes and wires, sealing gaps where energy can escape. The material is more dense than Fiberglas products, which helps suppress outside noise such as traffic and airplanes, and it exceeds fire retardant requirements.

"Lower energy bills are the real payoff," Trueblood said. "In addition to creating a more comfortable home environment, we anticipate greater savings for homeowners."

As part of the Energy Star program, each home at the community is tested for its energy efficiency.

Nineteen floor plans are offered, many of which are available for immediate move-in. The models are priced from the low $140,000s to more than $500,000 and measure from 1,080 to 3,009 square feet.

A central amenity at the community is Anthem Center. The 77,363-square-foot facility offers fitness, social and recreational opportunities for residents, as well as Trumpets Restaurant and Lounge, which is open to the public.

To visit the community, take Eastern Avenue south, two miles past St. Rose Parkway, to Anthem Parkway.

The sales center and models are open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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