New Home Builder in Kansas City, Bickimer Homes, Discusses Energy Efficiency
Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow on February 2nd this year. What exactly does this mean? According to the folklore, spring is right around the corner. But, before you get excited and start putting away the boots and heavy coats, let’s talk about the winter weather here in Kansas City.
According to the Old Farmers Almanac, Kansas City in February is going to have an average temperature of 30 degrees, which is 1 degree below average. There will be rain, snow, and cold weather the rest of the month. The almanac also predicts snow as late as March 22nd before spring is able to burst onto the scene in April.
Kansas City Energy Efficiency
In addition, Kansas City will have a warmer and drier spring than normal with a hot summer through late June to Late August. What does all this mean? It means you need to have an energy efficient home in Kansas City in order to be comfortable and not break the bank heating or cooling it.
Being a new homebuilder in Johnson County, Kansas, we like to educate our homeowners, present and future, on the efficiency of their new homes. Our homes are built with energy efficiency in mind. This means that our homes are more efficient or cost-effective, if you will, in the energy that they use and are ready for a Kansas City solar energy system if and when you are ready down the road.
Our homes have a more comfortable interior climate throughout the year. We achieve this by using efficient HVAC systems, proper insulation techniques, foam and caulk packages that exceed minimum code requirements, and energy efficient windows. Furthermore, we independently inspect each home in order to receive a HERS Index score.
We use 93% efficient (AFUE) or higher gas furnaces with a humidifier in our new homes. AFUE stands for: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. An AFUE of 93% means that 93% of the energy in the fuel becomes heat for the home and only 7% is not used.
We install an Aprilaire whole-home humidifier which helps control the level of humidity in your home during the dry, cold winter months. It is designed to deliver the right level of moisture to your home, minimizing the ill effects of dry air and making you more comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
Which in turn, will help save you money by allowing you to lower your thermostat settings. The moisture added also helps alleviate the issues of static electricity, cracks in paint and caulking, and physical discomforts such as dry nose, throat, lips and skin.
Our new homes are constructed to receive a HERS Index Score. An independent, accredited, and licensed inspector performs a pre-drywall inspection and a final home inspection which includes a blower door test.
The inspector is looking for proper insulation install, correct use of foam and caulk, correct ratings on the windows we use, proper HVAC equipment and water heater, and best building practices which contribute to energy efficiency. We do not sheetrock without getting a PASSED Inspection report. Once the home is finished, we have the energy inspector come out and perform a blower door test. This will reveal to us how much air leakage the house and how efficient the house will be once a homeowner moves in.
All this leads back to you, the homeowner. Buying a new home is a life-changing decision. Bickimer Homes wants you to have the home of your dreams and enjoy it in the years to come. We pride ourselves in building new homes in Kansas City that combine the latest technology and design features with quality-control procedures that will stand up to the test of time. Building Dreams on a Solid Foundation, it’s what we do.