New Dream Homes, LLC
Custom Home Builder
-Low Toxicity Termite Protection
“Low toxicity” termite protection is a healthier alternative to traditional methods.  The borate based formula is more environmentally friendly and is non-toxic to people and pets.

-Sealed Crawl Space
Research has indicated that sealing and conditioning the crawl space is much better at controlling moisture and minimizing potential for mold growth.

-Framing Techniques
Improved framing techniques reduce waste while improving insulation coverage.  This minimizes “cold” spots in the walls that can promote mold growth due to condensation

-Tight Construction 
Homes can loose as much as 30% of its heated and cooled air through leaks.  Properly sealing by use of gaskets, caulking and foams can dramatically reduce leakage.  Energy Star auditors will test leakage using a special device.

-High Efficiency Windows
Windows are a significant percentage of a home’s exterior wall surface area and are responsible for 25 to 50% of heating and cooling needs.  High Efficiency Windows such as double paned, gas filled, low-E2 have special coatings and features to reduce heat loss, block damaging UV rays and a less susceptible to condensation.

-Improved Insulation
Incorporating urethane foam can provide over 200% better insulating values than tradition fiberglass insulation.  In addition it forms an airtight barrier further reducing air leakage and it does not support mold growth.

-Air Tight Duct Work
Air leaking through joints and seams in duct work is among a home’s largest energy loses. Some estimates indicate that the average home’s duct work may leak as much as 30%.  By properly sealing the duct work loses can be reduced to below 5%.  Leakage is tested by the certifiers.

-Properly Sized and Pressure Balanced Heating and Cooling Systems
By using the construction methods outlined above and balancing the system, we are able to reduce the size of the heating and cooling systems installed.  The resulting reduction in size saves energy.  Coupling proper sizing with high efficient 13 SEER air conditioning units and heating and cooling cost can be reduced by 30% or more.  Pressure balancing improves air circulation within the home reducing room to room temperature variation.

-Humidity Control
Variable air conditioning equipment with a humidity sensing thermostat can be installed to control both temperature and humidity levels within the house.  They system will sense and automatically adjust to reduce humidity levels when necessary.  A separate de-humidifier may be required for times when the air conditioner may not be in use.

-Tankless or High Efficiency Water Heaters
While tankless hot water heaters cost more to install, they are significantly more energy efficient.  Tankless units are typically 87% efficient, while standard hot water heaters are about 54%.  Standard hot water heaters basically make hot water all day whether you need it or not.  The tankless system make hot water on demand and never runs out!

-Manifold Plumbing Distribution
Manifold plumbing distribution is the most efficient water delivery/management system available today.  The system brings water into a central point or manifold and delivers water to each fixture with a dedicated water line.  This equalizes water pressure allowing the home owner to use many fixtures simultaneously without dramatic pressure or temperature changes.   The system has significantly fewer joints (as much as 90% fewer) which reduces the chance of plumbing leaks.

-HEPA Filters
HEPA type air filters can be added to the heating/cooling systems to reduce the amount of pollutants (dust, pollen and such) from the air.

-Fresh Air Ventilation
To improve the air quality within the home, we use a fresh air ventilation system to pull fresh outside air into the high efficient, filtered heating and air conditioning system.  This helps dilute pollutants trapped within the home, manage moisture/humidity and provide “balancing” air for that “pulled” from the system by bathroom vents, range hoods and other appliances helping maintain the pressure balancing for the heating and cooling system.

-Direct Vented Fireplaces
Gas fireplaces produce carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, water vapor and other byproducts.  A vent free fireplace can release up to 1 gallon of water vapor for every 2.5 to 3 hours of operation.  A direct vented fireplace (vented to the outside) removes all of these combustion gases through the chimney flue and use outside air for combustion.  Direct vented fireplaces are more healthy, safer and more efficient.

-Exterior Vented Range Hoods
Cooking adds significant amounts of moisture to the air.  Additionally, cooking aromas (good and bad) become “trapped” in the home when using air recirculating vents rather than venting to the outside. 

-High Quality Bathroom Vents
Higher quality, more expensive, bathroom vent fans remove more effective in removing moisture and are generally quieter. 

Additional information is available at EnergyStar.gov for appliances, homes and commercial buildings.