Maracay Homes announced today that it has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a 2014 ENERGY STAR-Certified Homes Market Leader. The award recognizes Maracay Homes for its comprehensive LivingSmartR program. In 2013, Maracay Homes built nearly 500 ENERGY STAR certified homes. Collectively, these homes will save homeowners approximately $150,000 on utility bills and reduce nearly 1.9 million pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
Maracay Homes’ LivingSmartR program is designed around four core “smart” components: Health, Energy, Earth and Water. Features like an ENERGY STARR qualified dishwasher, DePureT water filtration system, advanced programmable thermostats and solar-ready components are “standard” features in a Maracay home and translate into cost savings and superior comfort for homeowners.
“We are committed to sustainability for our buyers,” said Andy Warren, Maracay CEO. “This award validates our ongoing efforts to increase energy efficiency in our homes. As an Arizona-based builder, this is extremely important to our clients. Our LivingSmartR program delivers best-in-class efficient home features designed for our unique climate.”
According to RESNET, a home-energy efficiency rating service, a typical resale home in the United States rates 130 on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index and a standard new home scores 100. Current Maracay homes average 63, meaning they are already 35 perecent more energy efficient than a standard new home. Features like effective insulation systems, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, properly-sized and installed efficient heating and cooling equipment, and energy-efficient lighting and appliances all add up to better comfort, better durability, and reduced utility and maintenance costs.
To earn the ENERGY STAR label, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the EPA that require an integrated approach to design combined with tried-and-true best building practices. These homes then undergo third-party verification of energy performance and are up to 30 percent more efficient than typical new homes built today.
“ENERGY STAR partners provide new homes that are designed and built to standards well above most others on the market today,” said Jonathan Passe, director of EPA’s ENERGY STAR Residential Branch. “Because ENERGY STAR certified homes undergo rigorous independent inspections and testing, homebuyers who choose ENERGY STAR can be confident that their new home will offer real energy efficiency, comfort, durability and value for years to come.”
Together, families living in ENERGY STAR-certified homes saved $558 million on their utility bills and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 643,000 vehicles last year alone. More than 90,000 new homes were constructed to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines in 2013, and more than 1.5 million ENERGY STAR homes have been built.
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