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We were pleased to receive a new Energy Star Award on March 26th: the Best Scoring Home 2009 (Best Predicted Energy Performance) award for a Production Builder was awarded to Ball Homes by E.ON U.S. and the Energy Star New Homes Program.   In the case of Energy Star scoring, lower is actually better . . . Energy Star homes are rated using the HERS Index, which established a baseline score of 100 for a home completed in accordance with 2006 International Energy Conservation Code.

Homes can and preferably do score lower than that, indicating that they exceed code requirements. A HERS Index score of 85 or lower is required to obtain the Energy Star qualification, meaning that the home performs at least 15% better than the baseline home.

The individual Ball homes earning the award scored 74 on the HERS scale, which renders them 26% more efficient than the baseline home, and 11% more energy efficient than a Energy Star qualified home scoring the required 85.   With this award, E.ON U.S. is seeking to recognize builders who outperform this standard with an ever lower-scoring home.

During the scoring process, each new home undergoes a thorough inspection and testing process, and is scored on a variety of factors including tightness of construction and ducts, high efficiency heating and cooling equipment, effective insulation, and advanced windows. Energy Star qualified homes by Ball Homes are sealed and insulated to reduce holes and cracks in the home's "envelope," and undergo a rigorous Thermal Bypass Inspection by the independent Home Energy Rater to ensure that they are properly sealed and insulated to provide maximum efficiency. Energy Star homes provide energy savings, environmental benefits, increased comfort, and better indoor air quality.

To learn more about Ball Homes and Energy Star qualification, including our 2009 Leadership in Housing award from the EPA, go to www.ballhomes.com/BallAdvantage/Efficiency/.