Tight Construction
Improving construction details and using tighter home
construction methods can improve energy efficiency and
environmental air quality by eliminating drafts, unnecessary
noise and moisture intrusion. Improving indoor air quality
keeps dust, pollen, car exhaust, and insects out of the
home. All of the above lowers energy costs by reducing the
amount of conditioned air that escapes out of the home
Sealing the exterior and caulking the interior of the
numerous penetrations and holes created during the
construction process is crucial in achieving an air tight
home. Reducing air infiltration combined with proper
ventilation will help to eliminate air leakage which accounts
for 25 - 40% of the energy required to heat and cool the
typical home. Technology has proven house wraps,
sealants, foams, andtapes are off-the-shelf materials that
are effective in sealing unwarranted intrusions.

Proper Insulation
Proper Insulation keeps out excessive heat and cold as
well as maintains even temperatures inside the home.
A continuous boundary or barrier is required. The barrier
consists of the exterior walls, floor, ceiling and the roof.
This barrier is called the "building envelope". Insulations
must be properly installed around framing members,
electrical work, etc. to eliminate gaps. Insulation
blankets (batts) must not be compressed or squeezed
in to tight spaces. Compressing insulation reduces it's
ability to resist the flow pf heat which is referred to as
it's R-value. The higher the R-value of a material, the
better it's ability to resist heat flow. In ENERGY STAR
homes, insulation exceeds code requirements and is
properly installed to ensure performance. 

Exterior Windows
High performance windows can improve energy efficiency
by reducing heat loss and heat gain throughout the year.
Technology has discovered heat loss and heat gain
through windows accounts for up to 50% of a home's
heating and cooling requirements. Technology driven low-e
(low emissivity) coatings and/ or double glazing
substantially reduces heat gain and loss. Improved window
frame material such as wood, vinyl and fiberglass helps to
avoid condensation and moisture intrusion. Proper sealing
and caulking is essential to maintaining an air tight interior
environment.

Heating and Cooling Equipment
Heating and cooling a home can account for over 50%
of it's energy use. Using the right size A/C equipment
is essential. By installing high efficiency heating and
cooling equipment and sealing air ducts properly you
can significantly reduce your energy bill. The right size
high efficiency equipment can lower energy bills by not
"over working", provide fewer maintenance problems by
running consistently at optimal level and provide a
quieter home by not having to continually recycle to
meet unnecessary demands.

Energy Savings Goal
Chief Cornerstone Affordable Homes design engineers
have incorporated the ENERGY STAR quality home
standards for new construction into our home designs. It
is our goal to create more energy efficient and
environmentally safe homes and communities.