1. The estimated average air leakage of homes
throughout the nation is 67%. Today's Energy Star homes must reach a maximum leakage
of 35%. All Pierce and Lakewood homes have a maximum leakage of 25% and some homes
test as low as 14%.
2. Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency have shown that the loss
of warmed or cooled air through leaky ducts accounts for up to 20% of the average home
energy bill. All Pierce EFL homes have duct leakage of less than 5% of the high
speed air handler fan capacity, with many ducts testing in the 1% range. This leakage is
verified by actual measurements as described in another section of this web site.
This 20% savings is in addition to the added comfort resulting from the uniform
distribution of air throughout the home, the prevention of combustion backdrafting and the
prevention of outside pollutants from entering the home.
3. Research has shown that proper sizing, installation and maintenance of
air-conditioning and heating systems can result in energy savings of up to 35% for
air-conditioners and 16% or more for heating. Each Pierce EFL home is analyzed based
on the insulation R values used, home orientation, the percentage of wall area occupied by
windows, the maximum allowed duct and whole house leakage acceptable, SEER values of
air-conditioners and energy factors of the space and water heating equipment. From
this analysis, the air-conditioning and heating equipment sizing is determined. The
goal of this process is to insure adequate cooling and dehumidification during the cooling
season and proper heating during the winter months. Pierce EFL homeowners are
provided with a guarantee that their air-conditioning and heating energy costs will not
exceed a predetermined amount.
4. Foam insulation vs. fiberglas batt
insulation is used because it has more long term value. Foam insulation is a premium
product but Pierce believes it is worth the extra cost because it provides a superior
product for our homeowners. Additionally, foam insulation provides continuous
sealing around plate and wall penetrations such as wires, pipes and chases, which makes
the home much tighter and better insulated. Click here to
see photos on this site illustrating the problems associated with
improper installation of batt insulation.
5. The Pierce EFL home provides a more healthy environment in which to
live as indicated on other parts of this site. In one Pierce EFL home, a sales
representative with severe allergy problems noticed that during the time spent in the
home, allergy medication was not needed. This of course is the experience of one
person and does not guarantee that others with allergy or chemical sensitivity problems
would have the same experience.
