MASSTOWN - A Masstown home is one of two in the province to be certified as ENERGY STAR.
The home, belonging to John and Claire Ford, features energy-saving windows and insulation, as well as major appliances and other energy-using equipment that meet strict qualifications for top high-efficiency performers in their category.
When contacted, the homeowners weren't interested in doing a story on why they wanted to go energy efficient with Kent Homes partner Harmony Grove Homes in Truro.
"This is a true first for Kent Homes, because the recognition is not just among manufactured houses, but among all home builders in the region," said David Saucy, general manager of Kent Homes, in a press release. "The ENERGY STAR designation complements our superior EnerGuide ratings, giving customers confidence that they are choosing the best in energy efficiency for their homes."
Mount Uniacke's Phil and Kimberly Dunbar have also been given the designation.
ENERGY STAR is an international symbol of energy efficiency. It is a partnership between government and industry that allows businesses and consumers to save money and protect the environment.
Harmony Grove Homes in Truro is the Kent Homes Retailer for Colchester County and surrounding counties.
"We are the first Kent Homes retailer in Atlantic Canada to display an ENERGY STAR rated model home at our location in Truro," said Ray Rieksts, owner of Harmony Grove Homes. "The ENERGY STAR option is one of many energy-saving features that we offer to meet our customers' needs."
Kent Homes offers the most energy-efficient line of homes manufactured in Atlantic Canada, providing a rating of at least EnerGuide-83 with all its standard homes.
Comparing the average home today at an EnerGuide-77 rating, a Kent Home with an EnerGuide-83 rating can reduce energy consumption by 25 per cent and save homeowners more than $900 per year. Kent Homes can also exceed the EnerGuide-83 rating and reach levels of 85, 86, 87 or more based on additional options.
Features such as compact fluorescent lighting, a ductless heat pump, a heat recovery ventilator, durable materials, and tight construction are ways Kent Homes can help lower electricity bills each month.
There are a number of other options to help reach a higher efficiency level as well, including higher insulation levels and a heat recovery water drainage system.
