Whether your focus is remodels or new construction, the NextGen Home is brimming with ways to increase home efficiency thanks to a strong partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. Boasting a near zero energy rating, the NextGen “Builders Challenge” Home exceeds the DOE Builders Challenge specifications, a new program that allows participating homebuilders to provide buyers with an objective rating of a house’s energy efficiency. To meet the Builders Challenge, a house must be at least 30% more energy efficient than a typical new home, or 15% more efficient than most current ENERGY STAR requirements. Builders that meet the challenge are rewarded in part by the ability to post objective monthly energy bill estimates too low for potential buyers to ignore.

Helping to meet the challenge is a wide array of products, including:

• The exciting launch of a new HVAC system from Lennox that may qualify a homeowner for a $1,500 tax break;
• A tankless water heater by industry standard-setting Seisco that utilizes technology worthy of 5 U.S. patents to perform at a more than 99% level of efficiency;
• Low E windows by ViewPoint Windows and Doors;
• Extremely user-friendly motorized exterior shutters by Alutech that lower the impact of the sun’s rays;
• A full line of DuPont Weatherization products, including the heat reflecting DuPont™ Tyvek® AtticWrap™ and radiant heat managing DuPont™ Tyvek® ThermaWrap™;
• ICYNENE LD-R-50™, a high-performance product the insulates and air-seals in one step, saving homeowners up to 50% on heating and cooling;
• water saving offerings from Danze, including their high-efficiency toilets, which use 25% less water than the standard 1.6 gallon-per-flush toilet;
• 3 kw solar panels from Aide Solar
• Self-regulating radiant heating from STEP Warmfloor™
• Philips Advanced LED light bulbs that are up to 80% more efficient than standard bulbs

At the NextGen “Builders Challenge” Home you’ll see what happens when every aspect of a home works seamlessly together to create a level of home efficiency you never thought possible.