Energy Efficiency
The homes at the Ridge at Monroe are being built to Energy Star, Indoor Air Plus and Zero Energy Ready Standards. These standards improve the Efficiency, Durability, and Comfort of the homes.
Energy Star
ENERGY STAR is the government-backed program that helps us all save money and protect our environment with energy-efficient products and practices. Whether you are looking to replace old appliances, remodel your home, or buy a new house, ENERGY STAR can help. More than 60 types of products, including appliances, televisions, computers, heating and cooling equipment, and even new homes can earn the government's ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR also offers best-practice solutions to make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy costs.
Indoor Air Plus
Indoor airPLUS construction specifications are designed to help improve indoor air quality in new homes compared with homes built to minimum code. Reduced indoor air pollutants help protect your family inside. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions help protect the air outside.
Zero Energy Ready
Zero Energy Ready Homes are built using innovative building technology. Every element, from your windows to the HVAC system, exceeds current building codes and can save you tens of thousands of dollars in utility bills and maintenance costs.​​
Advanced Technologies
ZERH program standards exceed the most recent building codes by 5–10 years, protecting residents from the elements with:
• High-performance windows with advanced technology coatings to block out summer heat and winter chill.
• Insulation that goes above and beyond to create a thermal blanket for your home.
• Comprehensive air sealing technology to eliminate drafts.
What makes a Zero Energy Ready Home different?
• Air sealing and screening to block dust, pollen, and pests.
• Construction materials that have low or no chemical content.
• Water protection from roof to foundation to minimize moisture related health problems.
• Furnaces and water heaters that won’t back-draft exhaust fumes, resulting in better indoor air quality.
• Radon resistant construction (in high risk zones) to vent dangerous soil gases.
• Fresh air systems that replace 100% of the air in your home at least three times each day alongside advanced technology filtration that removes airborne particles associated with common respiratory problems.
Health and Comfort
Homeowners with common respiratory issues, such as asthma or allergies, often find their conditions greatly improve or even go away once they move into a Zero Energy Ready Home. You can also look forward to:
• Even temperatures year-round—no more hot upstairs bedrooms and freezing basements.
• No drafts
• No window condensation
• Limited outdoor noises due to advanced insulation, air sealing, and quiet window technology
• Ultra-quiet appliances, thanks to ENERGY STAR® certified fans, appliances, and more
• Low energy bills!
Third Party Inspected
Every Zero Energy Ready Home is fully inspected by certified professionals, ensuring that your home meets and exceeds the highest levels of performance for everything from insulation to low to non-toxic paints.
The Zero Energy Ready Home label represents the best homes in the country. With three separate inspections, above and beyond the local permitting office, you know your home will meet the federal government’s most rigorous guidelines
