WE’RE A LEADING BUILDER OF ENERGY STAR® CERTIFIED HOMES
As a leading builder of ENERGY STAR® certified* homes, our commitment to energy efficient construction reaches back over 20 years so when we built Canada’s first community of ENERGY STAR® certified homes at Jackson Trails in Ottawa’s west end. Today, we are the leaders in ENERGY STAR® construction, meeting and surpassing ENERGY STAR® current standards on all new freehold homes we build—standards that are verified on every home by an independent energy efficiency auditor.
Certified ENERGY STAR® Homes:
- are up to 20% more efficient than conventional homes built to minimum building code.
- maintain comfortable temperatures in every season through reduced air leakage, more insulation and advanced heating and cooling systems.
- enable healthy indoor air quality though use of advanced fresh air systems (HRV).
- help create quiet indoor living areas through advanced air tightness and insulation measures
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
At Tartan, we’re committed to corporate social responsibility, and we regard building homes to over and above the most recent ENERGY STAR® standard as an important and tangible demonstration of that commitment. Minimizing the environmental footprint of the homes we build benefits not only those who purchase them, but the broader community as well. Energy efficient construction likewise aligns with our twin corporate pillars of innovation and quality, and is a key differentiator for Tartan in the marketplace. It’s a win-win-win for our customers, our company and our community.
HRV
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system improves indoor air quality by drawing fresh air from the outside while recovering heat from the inside. They also reduce humidity, indoor pollutants, and odours, and remove all water vapor that is produced in the home to ensure there is no moisture that will cause condensation and dampness.
SHINGLES
High-quality, heavyweight, extra strong limited lifetime profile architectural shingles can help reflect more sunlight away from the home, reducing heat absorption.
LOW EXPANSION FOAM
Low expansion foam at all exterior windows and doors plus sealed air ducts in unfinished basements to reduce leaks, drafts and outdoor noise. A tighter building envelope helps reduce opportunities for insects to enter the home.
EXTERIOR BASEMENT WALLS
Exterior basement walls are insulated to the floor with R-27 insulation, using rigid foam sheathing and batt insulation and a dimpled drainage membrane on the exterior foundation to improve moisture control and protection.
INSULATION UNDER THE SLAB
We put R10 value rigid foam insulation under the basement slab/floor.
WINDOWS
ENERGY STAR®-rated windows with a high-performance invisible silver coating that keeps heat in during winter and out during summer. Windows are constructed with triple panes, filled with argon gas and separated with insulated spacers - all designed for maximum energy performance that reduce condensation and improves year-round comfort in every part of the home.
WINDOW & DOOR INSULATION
Windows and doors are tightly sealed with low-expansion foam to prevent drafts and reduce extra noise.
LED LIGHTBULBS
Every light in a Tartan home includes LED bulbs, which use 80% less energy and last up to 50 times longer than standard bulbs, resulting in fewer lightbulbs to change throughout your home.
EXTERIOR WALLS
Exterior walls are insulated to R27 value which is achieved by a combination of BATT insulation and exterior foam insulation sheathing and sealed in house wrap to help reduce condensation and heating or cooling loss.
ATTIC INSULATION
R60 blown insulation in the attic. This higher level of insulation can help with improving comfort, reducing energy bills, reducing moisture and preventing ice dams.
BLOWER DOOR TEST
Wall, insulation, roofing, ducts, windows and doors form your's home's envelope. All Tartan homes must pass a special blower door test to ensure their envelope is as tight as possible to ensure comfort and energy efficiency.
DRAIN WATER HEAT RECOVERY SYSTEM
Like long showers and luxurious baths? They’ll cost less in your new home thanks to this high performing drain water heat recovery unit that uses outgoing warm drain water to heat incoming cold fresh water—and your ENERGY STAR® rated water heater.
INDEPENDENTLY VERIFIED
All Tartan homes undergo a 13-point inspection by an independent, accredited ENERGY STAR® auditor, who verifies the homes meet or exceed all standards for air tightness, energy efficiency and air quality.
HIGH EFFICIENCY FURNACE
All Tartan ENERGY STAR® certified homes are equipped with a high efficiency 96% minimum AFUE 2 stage gas value furnace with a high efficiency electronically commutated motor (ECM) furnace with a two-stage burner controlled by a programmable thermostat.
GARAGE CEILIINGS
Garage ceilings are insulated with spray foam insulation to R32 value, where there is a finished room above.
SEALED DUCTWORK
Sealed duct work throughout the unfinished part of the basement. This extra step can help improve indoor air quality by reducing the risk of pollutants entering and circulating through your home.
State of the art ENERGY STAR rated 96% minimum AFUE 2 stage gas value high efficiency furnace and high efficiency electronically commutated motor (ECM) motor maintains proper moisture levels.
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) system improves indoor air quality by drawing fresh air from the outside while recovering heat from the inside. They also reduce humidity, indoor pollutants, and odours, and remove all water vapor that is produced in the home to ensure there is no moisture that will cause condensation and dampness.
High-quality, heavyweight, extra strong limited lifetime profile architectural shingles can help reflect more sunlight away from the home, reducing heat absorption.
Low expansion foam at all exterior windows and doors plus sealed air ducts in unfinished basements to reduce leaks, drafts and outdoor noise.
Many homeowners are surprised by how comfortable a modern lower level can be. Advanced insulation, air sealing, and moisture protection work together to create a healthier, more inviting space while helping protect the home for the future.
Exterior basement walls are insulated with R27 insulation to the floor, with a dimpled drainage membrane on the outside to prevent water penetration. On the inside, basement walls are built with rigid foam sheathing and batt insulation between the concrete and drywall. Unlike 95% of other production builders, Tartan puts R10-value (R means resistance to heat flow) rigid foam insulation under the basement slab/floor in all our homes to make your lower level living space warmer and drier. Plus, all unwanted holes in the home’s envelope are carefully sealed to help prevent air leakage – fewer leaks mean less energy loss, less moisture, fewer pests and more comfort all over your home.
ENERGY STAR® rated windows with a high-performance invisible coating made of silver. They are triple-paned with Low-E argon gas sealed between the panes. This radiant barrier helps control convection. Plus, they are tightly sealed with low-expansion foam to prevent drafts and reduce extra noise. This solid construction keeps heat in during winter and out during summer, making every room more comfortable all year long.
Every light in a Tartan home includes LED bulbs, which use 80% less energy and last up to 50 times longer than standard bulbs, resulting in fewer lightbulbs to change throughout your home.
Exterior walls are insulated to R27 value which is achieved by a combination of BATT insulation and rigid foam insulation sheathing plus dimpled drainage membrane on the outside of the foundation to reduce condensation as well as heating or cooling loss.
R60 blown insulation in the attic. This higher level of insulation can help with improving comfort, reducing energy bills, reducing moisture and preventing ice dams.
DOWNLOAD THE NRCANADA INFOGRAPHIC
Want to know more, watch the video about ENERGY STAR® Certified Homes below:
What is an Energy Star certified home?
* ENERGY STAR@ qualified means a home meets ENERGY STAR@ standards but might not have undergone formal, third-party verification whereas all Tartan Homes are ENERGY STAR@ certified meaning your home has passed third-party testing and certification to ensure it meets ENERGY STAR standards.