News & Updates
ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year Award 2022
May 5, 2022
Main Street Homes is proud to announce that we have been recognized with an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
ENERGY STAR® is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, providing simple, credible, and unbiased information that consumers and businesses rely on to make well-informed decisions.
We were first awarded this national award in 2019, then in 2020, then again in 2021, and now for a fourth year in a row, in 2022.
The value of the ENERGY STAR® label means that your new home has been designed and built to standards well above other homes in the market today. It means better quality, comfort and durability.
Main Street Homes believes in building value in our community, and what better way to do it than by building homes that are better for the environment, community and our homeowners.
We take pride in going above and beyond standard home building guidelines to give our customers the added value, durability and comfort that an ENERGY STAR home provides.
The quality from the ENERGY STAR® label gives you the peace of mind that your home has undergone a rigorous process for inspection, testing, and verification to ensure that it meets the strict requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
So why build an ENERGY STAR® home by Main Street Homes? Well, our homes offer homebuyers better savings, value and quality!
You get Reduced Leaks & Drafts, More Consistent Temperatures, Better Durability, Improved Air Quality and of course Peace of Mind that your home was inspected and tested at multiple stages of the building process.
Main Street Homes is a proud ENERGY STAR® partner because our certified homes have been tested and inspected by a third party which adds transparency to our building process.
Beyond the savings, value and quality the benefits speak for themselves.
You get Reduced Leaks & Drafts, More Consistent Temperatures, Better Durability, Improved Air Quality and of course Peace of Mind that your home was inspected and tested at multiple stages of the building process.
Main Street Homes is a proud ENERGY STAR® partner because our certified homes have been tested and inspected by a third party which adds transparency to our building process.
Main Street Homes, founded in 1996 by Vernon McClure, has always had one goal in mind— to Build Value in Our Community. In 2014, the company announced that all homes would meet 100% of the U.S. government’s Energy Star builder criteria. Since then, Main Street Homes has built over 1,500 ENERGY STAR Certified homes in the Richmond area, and has been a MARKET LEADER with ENERGY STAR for the annual volume of ENERGY STAR homes built in RVA. Main Street Homes has grown to become one of the largest new construction home builders in the Richmond, Virginia area; building new homes in Chesterfield, Henrico, Powhatan, New Kent, Dinwiddie, Hanover, and Goochland Counties in over 20 communities—Everywhere You Want to Live!
The key elements of a Main Street Homes Energy Star built home include:
- 95% Efficient HVAC Systems with Programmable Thermostats. Programmable thermostats are ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. With proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save over $100 per year in energy costs.
- HVAC Returns in Every Bedroom- As much as half of the energy used in the average home goes to heating and cooling. Returns in every bedroom create more consistent temperatures throughout a home, making it more comfortable while saving on energy costs. No more hot and cold rooms bedrooms.
- Low-E Windows- Energy Star Certified windows use advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames that help keep heat in during winter and out during summer− translating into real savings. They also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor photographs, carpets, and furnishings. These windows can also help reduce the potential for condensation, which can damage windowsills, cause paint to crack, and encourage mold growth.
- House Wrap- Air that leaks through the average home’s envelope− the outer walls, windows, doors, and other openings − wastes a lot of energy and increases your utility costs. A well-sealed home envelope, coupled with the right amount of insulation, can make a real difference on utility bills.
- Sealed Ductwork to Prevent Leakage- Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump can be big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling system by at least 20% or more.
- Drywall Sealed at the Top Plate at all Interfaces with Unconditioned Areas- It’s not just the amount of insulation; it’s also the quality of the installation that makes all the difference. Proper installation includes careful placement to eliminate gaps, voids, and compression; complete air barriers that prevent air from bypassing the insulation; and building techniques that minimize heat flow through framing. This ensures consistent temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort.
- All Contact Areas between Air Conditioned and Unconditioned Space are Sealed- More disciplined sealing means less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating. This in one of the key reasons Main Street Energy Star Certified Homes deliver approximately 35% savings on annual utility bills.
- Pre-Drywall Inspection Conducted by a 3rd Party Engineering Firm- This ensures that your home is sealed properly, and that the ductwork meets or exceeds Energy Star standards for duct leakage.
- Final Inspection Conducted by a 3rd Party Engineer -Blower Door and Duct Blaster Tests are performed to verify that the house meets Energy Star criteria, resulting in energy cost savings of up to 35% versus other new homes.
Learn more about building an ENERGY STAR® home by Main Street Homes at GoMSH.com/energy-star.