Why Energy Efficient Homes Matter

LED lighting has revolutionized the way we illuminate our homes, businesses, and cities. With their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and versatility, LED lights have become increasingly favored over alternatives like fluorescent lights or incandescent lights. At Senergy Builders, we take pride in harnessing the power of LEDs to illuminate our constructed homes. We are loyal to the mission to promote energy efficiency in Grand Junction, through our methods and craft . At the same time, by benefiting from the LED lights we provide, our homeowners get the benefit of saving money. We are passionate about adhering to ENERGYSTAR standards, and this is prevalent in our dedication to the complete domination of ENERGYSTAR approved LED lights in our constructed houses. We even have subdivisions that speak for themselves, such as Brookfield South and River Trail. 100% of lighting used in Senergy Builder homes is LED Technology. What makes LED lighting so important to maximizing energy efficiency efforts? Energy Efficiency One of the most significant advantages of LED lighting is its energy efficiency. LEDs consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent and fluorescent lights, making them the ideal environmentally friendly choice. LED bulbs use up to 80-90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, which translates to lower electricity bills and reduced energy consumption in the long scheme. In terms of saving on money, a single bulb contributes to saving about $55 over its lifetime. This energy efficiency also contributes to mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation. Long Lifespan LED lights have an exceptionally long lifespan compared to traditional lighting technologies. While incandescent bulbs typically last around 1,000 hours and fluorescent bulbs around 8,000 hours, LED bulbs can last up to 25,000 hours or more. This longevity reduces the frequency of bulb replacements, saving both time and money in the long run. Additionally, fewer discarded bulbs result in less waste, contributing to sustainability and resource conservation. Durability and Reliability LED lights are highly durable and resistant to shock, vibration, and temperature fluctuations. Unlike fragile incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, which can easily break or shatter, LED bulbs are solid-state devices that can withstand rough handling and adverse conditions. This durability makes LED lighting particularly suitable for outdoor and industrial applications where robustness is essential. Instantaneous Lighting LED lights provide instant illumination without the need for warm-up time, unlike some fluorescent and HID (high-intensity discharge) lights. This instantaneous lighting is especially beneficial in environments where quick and reliable illumination is critical, such as emergency situations, security lighting, and automotive headlights. Design Flexibility LED lighting offers unparalleled design flexibility, allowing for innovative and creative lighting solutions. LEDs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and color temperatures, making them suitable for diverse applications, from architectural lighting and accent lighting to decorative lighting and stage lighting. Additionally, LED technology enables precise control over light intensity and direction, facilitating customizable lighting designs tailored to specific needs and preferences. Color Rendering and Temperature Control LEDs offer superior color rendering compared to traditional lighting sources, allowing for accurate representation of colors and improved visual clarity. LED bulbs are available in a wide range of color temperatures, from warm white to cool white, allowing users to create different moods and ambiance according to their preferences. This versatility is particularly beneficial in residential, commercial, and hospitality settings, where lighting plays a crucial role in enhancing aesthetics and atmosphere. Safety and Environmental Benefits LED lighting is inherently safer and more environmentally friendly than traditional lighting technologies. LEDs do not contain hazardous materials such as mercury, which is present in fluorescent and HID lamps, making them safer to handle and dispose of at the end of their life cycle. Additionally, LED lights emit significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs, reducing the risk of burnt fingers and combustion, especially in confined spaces and sensitive environments. Smart Lighting Integration LED technology seamlessly integrates with smart lighting systems, enabling remote control, automation, and connectivity via smartphones, tablets, and voice-activated assistants. Smart LED bulbs can be programmed to adjust brightness, color, and scheduling according to user preferences, enhancing convenience, energy efficiency, and security. This connectivity also facilitates the implementation of advanced lighting features such as motion sensing, occupancy detection, and daylight harvesting, further optimizing energy savings and user comfort. Health and Well-being LED lighting has been shown to have positive effects on human health and well-being. Unlike traditional lighting sources, which can emit flicker and glare, LEDs produce steady, uniform light that is easier on the eyes and reduces eye strain and fatigue. Moreover, LED bulbs can be tuned to emit specific wavelengths of light, such as blue-enriched white light, which has been shown to improve alertness, mood, and cognitive performance, particularly in indoor environments with limited natural light exposure. Global Impact The widespread adoption of LED lighting has significant implications for global energy consumption, carbon emissions, and sustainable development. As countries transition to LED lighting on a large scale, they can achieve substantial energy savings and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, thus contributing to combating climate change.

What exactly makes a home an ENERGY STAR home? What does ENERGY STAR mean in the first place? You’ve likely seen the blue logo denoting a home or neighborhood as ENERGY STAR certified. At Senergy Builders , we’re proud to build net zero and ENERGY STAR certified homes in Western Colorado. In today’s blog, we answer the above questions and explain what it means to create an ENERGY STAR home, as well as the benefits these homes deliver to homeowners. What does ENERGY STAR mean? ENERGY STAR is a public-private partnership administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Thousands of organizations (nearly half of which are Fortune 500 companies) partner with ENERGY STAR. Together with the EPA, these companies deliver cost saving energy solutions via ENERGY STAR’s strict standards. The mission? To protect the environment, improve air quality, and protect public health. The blue ENERGY STAR logo denotes energy efficiency. How efficient? Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped US families and companies: reduce 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases save on 5 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity What Makes A Home ENERGY STAR Certified? As stated on energystar.gov’s website, “ENERGY STAR certified homes and apartments are designed and built better from the ground up. They deliver better durability, better comfort, and reduced utility and maintenance costs.” So, whenever you see homes or apartments with the ENERGY STAR logo, you can rest assured these building(s) are exceptionally high quality. To earn the ENERGY STAR, homes must meet very strict program requirements, developed by ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR homes must: be at least 10% more efficient than homes built to code achieve a 20% improvement on average To achieve these high standards, every ENERGY STAR home has the following home features, which we explore below. A Complete Thermal Enclosure System Did you know that the average home has a half-mile of gaps and cracks around windows and doors? This lack of air sealing leads to reduced energy efficiency, and reduced comfort for residents. ENERGY STAR homes address this issue with comprehensive air sealing—no more wasted energy, and markedly improved indoor climate for homeowners. A complete thermal enclosure system consists of: Proper air sealing: reduces moisture, drafts, dust, pollen, etc. A tightly sealed home can make a huge difference in overall comfort within a home. Properly installed insulation: quality and strategic placement over quantity of insulation. All too often, standard homes are packed with too much insulation, whereas it’s the quality and placement of insulation that makes a true difference. High-performance windows: windows greatly affect energy efficiency and comfort. High-performance windows that have protective coatings and improved frames keep out heat and cold, and block UV rays. A Complete Heating and Cooling System High efficiency heating and cooling systems are highly engineered and strategically installed to provide improved comfort, indoor air quality, and moisture control. Efficient heating and cooling equipment: premium performance entails using less energy, with less noise. Proper design and quality installation practices: all aspects of heating and cooling equipment (duct, sealing, size, refrigerant, etc.). used in ENERGY STAR homes are fully engineered and tested. Whole-house mechanical ventilation: indoor air quality impacts the comfort and health of your living environment. To ensure a home has a constant source of clean air, ventilation in ENERGY STAR homes filters to remove indoor pollutants. A Complete Water Management System Water damage does more than aesthetic damage—it can result in mold and mildew growth and compromised structural integrity. To prevent water damage from occurring, the highest quality materials are combined with best building practices to protect walls, roofs, and foundations. Water-managed construction details: practices such as moisture barriers and flashing are used to effectively drain water away from walls, roofs, and foundations. Building materials: high-quality materials are carefully selected and stored. Energy Efficient Lighting and Appliances ENERGY STAR qualified appliances, such as lighting and fans, reduce energy consumption, resulting in lower utility bills. Advanced lighting: ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs and fixtures are available in many shapes and sizes, providing homeowners with a wider selection to choose from. ENERGY STAR lighting provide cost-savings and longer lifetimes. ENERGY STAR qualified applications: Did you know that household appliances account for about 20% of energy use in a home? ENERGY STAR qualified applications deliver reduced energy costs with improved performance and durability.