These features aren’t just better for your comfort — they’re better for your wallet. High-performance, energy-efficient, and healthy-home systems lower your monthly costs and increase the long-term value of your condo. Homes built with ENERGY STAR, Indoor airPLUS, WaterSense, and ZERH-level upgrades consistently sell faster and command a resale premium because buyers know they’re getting superior construction and healthier living.
Owning here means you benefit twice: every day you live in the home, and again when it’s time to sell. It’s comfort you can feel — and value you can count on.
Greenville, South Carolina
Your home meets the EPA ENERGY STAR® v3.2 standard — one of the highest energy-efficiency specs in the country.
This means your home was designed, built, and tested to use less energy, feel more comfortable, and provide better indoor air quality than a typical home built to code.
In plain terms:
You get lower utility bills, more even temperatures, quieter HVAC systems, and a home that’s easier on the environment.
ENERGY STAR homes are built to stay comfortable all year, no matter the season.
More even temperatures from room to room
Fewer temperature swings during hot/cold snaps
Quieter heating and cooling equipment
Faster cooling/heating when the thermostat changes
Better humidity control
These benefits come from high-performance insulation, sealed air leaks, efficient windows, and premium heating/cooling systems.
Behind the scenes, your home meets dozens of EPA requirements.
Here are the features that matter most for you as an owner:
Your walls, floor, and attic meet strict “Grade 1” installation standards — meaning they perform exactly as designed.
Your home uses ENERGY STAR-rated windows that reduce heat gain in summer and keep heat inside during winter.
Your home passed a certified blower-door test to ensure minimal drafts and reduced energy loss.
Your heat pump or HVAC system:
uses less energy
provides better airflow
includes an advanced ECM motor
is properly sized to your home (no oversizing)
Your home includes ASHRAE-compliant mechanical ventilation to keep indoor air fresh without wasting energy.
Most lights and installed appliances meet ENERGY STAR criteria for lower cost and longer life.
ENERGY STAR homes typically save 20–30% on energy costs compared to similar homes built to code.
Savings come from:
lower heating/cooling costs
better ventilation efficiency
higher-performing windows
reduced air leakage
efficient water heating
Your actual savings depend on how you operate the home, but ENERGY STAR provides a strong baseline for long-term cost control.
ENERGY STAR homes are easy to maintain.
Follow this quick guide to keep everything running efficiently:
Replace your HVAC filter (use MERV 11–13)
Check bathroom fans for dust buildup
Rinse the exterior fresh-air intake screen
Make sure supply/return vents are not blocked by furniture
Have your HVAC system professionally serviced
Inspect weatherstripping on exterior doors
Ensure gutters/downspouts direct water away from the home
Your home includes a smart or programmable thermostat designed to save energy automatically.
Recommended settings:
Summer: 75–78°F when home; 80–82°F away
Winter: 68–70°F when home; 62–65°F away
Use the “Set Schedule” or “Eco” mode for best performance
Avoid rapid temperature swings (they cost more)
If your home uses a heat pump, avoid switching to “Emergency Heat” except during a system malfunction.
To maintain good indoor air quality, your home includes a whole-house ventilation system (CFIS, ERV, or HRV depending on model).
You’ll notice:
Cleaner indoor air
Less stale or stuffy air
Balanced humidity levels
The system may run continuously or intermittently — this is normal.
Do not turn off the ventilation controller unless you’re advised by a technician.
Your home includes a high-efficiency water heater (UEF ≥0.90 or heat pump water heater).
You’ll benefit from:
Lower hot water costs
Faster recovery time
Better temperature consistency
Tips:
Keep the temperature set to 120°F
If a heat pump water heater is installed, do not block airflow around it
Your ENERGY STAR certification includes:
A verified HERS rating report
An ENERGY STAR certificate
Builder warranty covering major systems
Manufacturer warranties on HVAC, windows, and appliances
Keep all documents together for resale value and reference.
ENERGY STAR homes typically:
Sell faster
Sell for more
Appeal to energy-conscious buyers
Come with verifiable EPA-backed documentation
Your certificate is part of your home’s long-term value.
I can generate a Domus Serenitas–branded Homeowner Guide (.docx) with:
Icons (🌿 ❄️ 🔆)
Clean headings
Color bars matched to ENERGY STAR blue
Your logo or header style
QR codes embedded for:
Maintenance tips
Warranty registration
Energy-saving guides
Contact/support portal
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS Index) measures a home’s energy performance versus a standard new home.
This packet includes all design requirements, installation standards, test procedures, and documentation needed to achieve a low HERS Index Score (≤55; target ≤50).
• Conditioned floor area, ceiling heights, orientation
• Roof type/color, foundation type
• Window U-factor/SHGC; door U-factor
• Insulation R-values; air barrier materials
• HVAC efficiencies (SEER2/HSPF2); water heater UEF
• Ventilation type (CFIS/ERV/HRV)
• Duct location/insulation; leakage targets
• Grade I insulation: R-38 attic (R-49 preferred), R-20 walls or R-13 + R-5 CI, R-19 floors
• Air barrier taped and continuous
• Windows U ≤ 0.30, SHGC ≤ 0.25
• NFRC labels remain until documented
• Required ≤3.0 ACH50; target ≤2.5; preferred ≤2.0
• Seal rim joists, penetrations, plates, drywall seams, knee walls, panel penetrations
• Manual J—room loads using real NFRC values
• Manual S—equipment sized within ±15%
• Manual D—duct sizing for ≤0.36 in. w.c. ESP
• Heat pump ≥15.2 SEER2 & ≥8.1 HSPF2
• ECM blower required
• Leakage ≤4 CFM25 per 100 ft²
• Prefer ducts inside conditioned space
• Mastic-seal joints; UL-181 tape only as accessory
• Supply ducts R-6 (R-8 preferred)
• Required airflow: 0.03 × floor area + 7.5 × (bedrooms + 1)
• Systems allowed: CFIS, ERV, HRV
• Measured airflow + controller documentation required
• Water heater UEF ≥0.90
• All hot water lines insulated to R-3
• Compact plumbing recommended; demand recirculation allowed
• 300 ft² south or southwest roof zone
• Conduit from attic to panel; breaker reserved for PV
• Blower door
• Duct blaster
• Ventilation airflow test
• Refrigerant charge verification
• Thermostat setup verification
• Plans, elevations, orientation, window schedule
• Insulation details; air barrier continuity plan
• Manual J/S/D; AHRI certificates
• Ventilation verification forms
• Blower door / duct leakage / airflow test reports
• Photos: air barrier, insulation, ducts, window labels, mechanical room
• Install: R-49 attic preferred; R-20 walls; R-19 floors
• Windows: U ≤ 0.30 / SHGC ≤ 0.25
• Blower door ≤3.0 ACH50
• ECM blower motor
• Duct leakage ≤4 CFM25/100 ft²
• Prefer ducts inside conditioned space
• Install/verify ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation
• Insulate hot water lines (R-3)
• Conduct all required tests
• Provide photo documentation
• Grade I insulation: R-38 ceiling; R-20 walls; R-19 floors
• Seal sheathing seams; continuous factory air barrier
• Install windows U ≤ 0.30 / SHGC ≤ 0.25; leave NFRC labels
• ECM air handler; sealed return plenum; 6" fresh-air tap
• 4" MERV 11–13 filter rack upstream of coil
• Pre-wire ventilation controller
• Insulate internal hot water lines (R-3)
• Ship: NFRC list, AHRI certificate, insulation QA sheet, mechanical data sheets
Greenville, South Carolina
Your home meets the EPA WaterSense® New Homes Specification, which means it uses 20–30% less water than a typical home without sacrificing convenience, comfort, or performance.
This protects:
Your water bill
Your plumbing system
Your appliances
Your community’s water resources
Your home includes WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures that are designed to perform better and use less water.
Toilets (1.28 gallons per flush)
Bathroom faucets (1.5 gallons per minute)
Showerheads (2.0 gallons per minute)
These fixtures:
Reduce waste
Maintain excellent pressure
Lower your utility bills
You won’t notice a difference in performance — only in savings.
Your home is designed to get hot water to faucets and showers more quickly to reduce waste.
This is achieved through:
Short, efficient plumbing layouts
Insulated hot water lines
Optional demand-initiated recirculation (if installed)
This means:
Shorter wait times for hot water
Less water wasted down the drain
Improved energy savings
Your WaterSense-certified home includes features that help detect leaks early and protect your property.
A whole-house leak detection device
OR
A smart main water shutoff valve
These systems help protect your home from:
Slow, hidden plumbing leaks
Faucet or toilet malfunction
Catastrophic water damage
They also protect your water bill from creeping up.
If your home includes builder-installed landscaping or irrigation, it meets WaterSense outdoor requirements.
This includes:
Native or climate-appropriate plants
Efficient drip irrigation
A WaterSense-certified smart controller
A rain sensor or soil moisture sensor
These strategies help your yard stay healthy while conserving water.
A WaterSense home typically saves:
Up to 50,000 gallons of water per year (for a family of four)
$300+ annually on combined water + sewer + energy
Thousands of gallons during hot water delivery alone
Savings depend on how you operate the home — but the baseline efficiency is built in.
WaterSense homes are easy to maintain.
Follow these simple steps:
Check faucets and toilets for drips
Inspect showerheads for mineral build-up
Clean faucet aerators (easy twist-off)
Check irrigation system (if installed) for broken heads or leaks
Test the leak detection system
Flush the water heater (recommended if not heat pump type)
Inspect caulking around tubs and showers
A few tips to maximize performance:
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners
Use a vinegar soak to clear mineral deposits
Do not use “drop-in tank tablets” — they damage seals
Listen for running water after flushing
If the toilet runs, check the flapper or fill valve
Keep water heater set to 120°F
Ensure hot water pipes stay insulated (especially after repairs)
Your closing packet includes:
WaterSense Home Verification Form
Plumbing fixture model list
Builder or manufacturer product sheets
Irrigation or landscape documentation (if applicable)
These help preserve your home’s resale value and confirm EPA certification.
Homes certified under WaterSense typically:
Sell faster
Are easier to market
Appeal to eco-conscious and cost-conscious buyers
Provide verifiable efficiency documentation
Your certification is a long-term asset.
Indoor AirPLUS Homeowner Guide
Welcome
Your home was designed and built to meet EPA Indoor AirPLUS standards. This means cleaner air, better ventilation, and healthier materials. This guide explains how your systems work and what simple steps keep indoor air quality high.
1. Fresh-Air Ventilation (CFIS System)
Your home brings in filtered outdoor air through a controlled Fresh-Air Ventilation System (CFIS).
What it does:
- Provides healthy outdoor air 24/7.
- Filters pollen, dust, and outdoor pollutants.
- Helps control humidity and odors.
What you need to do:
- Change the 4-inch air filter every 3 months.
- Keep the outdoor air intake clear (do not block).
- Leave the system ON all year for best comfort and health.
2. Filters & Maintenance
Your system uses a 4-inch MERV 11–13 filter. Higher MERV means better particle removal.
Filter replacement schedule:
- Every 90 days (recommended)
- More often if you have pets or allergies
Where the filter is:
- Inside the air handler return duct (your technician will show you at move-in).
3. Radon-Ready System
Your home includes a passive radon vent system.
What this means:
- A pipe below the slab safely routes soil gases above the roof.
- No action required unless a future radon test shows elevation.
- Annual radon test recommended.
4. Low-VOC Materials
Your home was built using:
- Low-VOC paints and adhesives
- Low-emission flooring and cabinetry
- Certified low-emission carpet and pad
This reduces chemical exposure in your living spaces.
5. Moisture & Comfort
Your home includes:
- Sealed foundations
- Waterproofing and proper drainage
- Controlled ventilation
- High-efficiency heat pump
Tips:
- Use bath fans during showers.
- Keep downspouts pointed away from the house.
- Report any unusual moisture or condensation.
6. Carbon Monoxide Safety
Your home includes CO alarms (even though systems are all-electric).
- Do not disable alarms.
- Replace batteries annually.
- Replace alarm units every 7–10 years.
7. Annual Homeowner Checklist
Do this once a year:
- Replace or clean HVAC filters (4 times a year).
- Test carbon monoxide alarms.
- Inspect the fresh-air intake.
- Check for moisture around windows and doors.
- Optional: conduct a radon test.
8. Who to Contact
For maintenance questions:
- Your property manager or builder representative.
For Indoor AirPLUS information:
- epa.gov/indoorairplus
Thank you for choosing a healthier home at Domus Serenitás.
A Zero Energy Ready Home is one of the smartest choices a homeowner can make. It’s built so efficiently that adding a small solar system in the future could bring your energy bill close to zero — and even without solar, you’ll enjoy better comfort, cleaner air, and noticeably lower monthly costs. ZERH homes consistently sell for more because buyers know they meet the highest federal standards for performance and health.
✔ Lower bills from day one
Your heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances use far less energy than a standard home.
✔ A quieter, more comfortable home
High-performance insulation and advanced air sealing keep rooms evenly comfortable and block outside noise.
✔ Cleaner, healthier indoor air
Every ZERH home includes EPA Indoor airPLUS features — better filtration, moisture control, and fresh-air ventilation.
✔ Future-ready, solar-ready design
Your roof and electrical panel are prepped for solar, so you can add panels later at your own pace.
Your attic, walls, and floors are insulated above standard code. This locks in comfort and reduces energy waste.
Blower-door testing ensures your home meets strict airtightness levels for consistent temperatures and better air quality.
Your HVAC system uses less energy, operates quietly, and maintains comfortable temperatures year-round.
Your home brings in filtered outdoor air while preserving heating/cooling you’ve already paid for.
Your roof, wiring pathway, and electrical panel are designed to support solar without major retrofit work.
Hot water reaches faucets faster, with less waste — and all hot water lines are insulated to save energy.
✔ Change filters every 3 months
Your HVAC filter improves air quality and helps your system run efficiently. Use MERV 11–13.
✔ Set your thermostat and leave it
Heat pumps perform best with steady settings. Avoid large swings.
✔ Use bathroom and kitchen fans regularly
Helps remove moisture and maintain good indoor air quality.
✔ Keep fresh-air vents unobstructed
Do not block or close the outdoor air intake.
✔ Monitor your energy use
Smart thermostats and your utility dashboard help track savings.
✔ Higher resale value
Homes built to ZERH standards typically earn a premium at resale because buyers recognize the lower operating costs and higher quality.
✔ Lower maintenance
Systems work more efficiently and experience less wear.
✔ Better durability
Strong moisture control and airtight construction reduce mold, drafts, and long-term damage.
✔ Healthier living environment
Cleaner air, fewer pollutants, and more consistent comfort.
Replace HVAC filters every 3 months.
Keep ERV/HRV filters clean.
Ensure downspouts drain 5+ feet away from the foundation.
Use kitchen/bath exhaust fans during and after cooking/showering.
If solar is added in the future, send installer your ZERH packet for reference.
Your systems come with standard manufacturer warranties. Keep your ZERH packet, HVAC manuals, and Indoor airPLUS documentation in a safe place if you ever choose to sell — buyers and appraisers will value this.
Your home uses far less energy than a typical condo.
Air quality is cleaner and healthier.
Temperatures stay more consistent.
It’s solar-ready for future savings.
Homes built this way sell for more.