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Energy Star Qualifying BrackenChase homes save up to 15% on your electric bills.

Energy StarAll new BrackenChase homes in Leon County are now Energy Star qualified. Here are just a few things you'll note during a walk through.

  • Vinyl windows with Low-E glass
  • Radiant Barrier in attic
  • R-38 insulation in ceiling
  • Energy Star appliances including bath fans
  • Energy Star ceiling fans
  • Compact Florescent bulbs in 20 percent of lighting fixtures
  • 14 SEER Air Conditioning with gas furnace

During a walkthrough, you'll also note we provide gas water heater and ranges. Though they're not considered to be energy saving features, they do cost less to operate than their electric counterparts.

Of course, we could go on and on about our qualifications, but rather than tooting our own "green" horn, here's how Jane Bixler-Conn, CRS, e-Pro, green, Energy Rater, actually does the testing on BrackenChase homes.


And here's what Jane wrote in a 2009 Tallahassee Democrat article about BrackenChase homes.

 Excerpt from Evolution is an interesting concept.
BrackenChase Builders began with small steps. Their evolution to building ENERGY STAR® qualified homes started in 1991, with the first home they built. With changes to the minimum building code, new technologies and equipment, they have been on an ever evolving path. In 2009, they qualified their first ENERGY STAR home. In doing so, they did not change the lots they build on, their floor plans, or their interior finishes. As a matter of fact, when you look at a finished home, you will not know it is at least 15% more efficient than code requires. An ENERGY STAR home does not have a big “ES” branded across the front entry. But it will have a small blue sticker on the electrical panel. A sticker similar to the one that may be on your computer, copier, washer or bath fan.

If BrackenChase did not change the site, the plan or the finish, just what did they change to qualify their homes? At first, just a few things. They upgraded their insulation. They put mastic on the duct work. They put gaskets on the HVAC supply and return boots. They installed ENERGY STAR appliances and windows. They made invisible changes. And once they and their sub contractors were accustomed to these changes, BrackenChase explored ways to produce an even more energy efficient home. They started using a radiant barrier at the roof decking. They upgraded the SEER of the heating and cooling system. They increased the efficiency of their insulation by using corregated baffles at the eaves and converted to ladder “Tees”. These
changes are invisible once the home is finished. They were not major changes, because BrackenChase was already building a “good home”, one more efficient than code required, before they committed to ENERGY STAR.

Ms. Conn may be reached at the Capitol Green Building Group at 850-545-5738
www.Green-BuildingGroup.com