TechPractices: Watt Homes of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT

TechPractices are outstanding housing projects throughout the U.S. where innovative technologies are implemented. Builders and remodelers can use these examples as models for projects of their own.

Summary

Watt Homes, headquartered in Irvine, California, has been building homes for more than 50 years and is currently one of America's fastest growing home builders. Its Utah home building operation constructs leading-edge energy-efficient homes. The goal of Watt Homes of Utah is to sell the most energy-efficient and cost-effective homes on the market. Energy performance exceeds the EPA's Energy Star program requirements by 30 percent, while the costs remain competitive with standard homes in the market. The following achievements have been awarded to Watt Homes of Utah:

• Five Star energy rating by Energy Rated Homes of Utah with a score of 89.7 out of 100.
• The 1998 Medium Builder of the Year Award by the United States EPA's Energy Star Homes Program.
• The 1996 and 1997 EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA), which recognizes builders who integrate energy efficiency into the design, construction, and marketing of their homes.

The total monthly energy cost of the EVHA winning entry, which has 1,050 square feet of heated space, is estimated at $35.00 per month.

Details

Watt Homes of Utah has implemented numerous technologies and building techniques to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. In the land development phase, they allocate a high percentage of building lots to face south in order to take advantage of the energy benefits from solar orientation. The selection of structural materials reflects a high priority of both energy performance, cost-effectiveness, and structural performance. They use raised-heel roof trusses, which allow the full depth of insulation across the entire ceiling, including at the eaves, and they place one inch of foam exterior wall insulation over structural wood sheathing.

Watt Homes of Utah uses cellulose insulation made from recycled newsprint in wall, ceiling, and floor cavities. They use low-E, double-glazed windows and insulated steel doors to minimize heat loss. Attics are vented using continuous soffit and ridge vents to reduce the need for cooling during warm weather.

Some of Watt Homes' most innovative practices relate to air infiltration reduction. The sole plate of all exterior wall framing is sealed with foam gaskets. All penetrations to the exterior and attic are foam-sealed, and all electrical boxes in walls and ceilings are gasketed to stop air infiltration. The baseboard trim is caulked at the top and bottom along all exterior walls, and attic access panels are gasketed and have locking latches.

Watt Homes of Utah also uses energy-efficient equipment to heat and cool the home. Homes feature 90 percent efficient condensing gas furnaces, and those with air conditioners use high efficiency 12 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) models. Programmable thermostats allow occupants to reduce the thermostat temperature at night or when the home is not occupied.

Installation/Construction

Before implementing an energy-efficient upgrade, Watt Homes analyzes the effect it will have on the energy performance, durability, and cost of the home. For example, Watt Homes selected a highly insulated wall using 2x4s with structural wood panel sheathing and 1 inch of foam insulation instead of 2x6s with structural sheathing. Watt Homes determined that, for only a couple hundred dollars extra per house, the 2x4 wall resulted in a higher insulation value, eliminated cold-spots on interior walls in the winter, and prevented moisture condensation in walls (locating the insulated sheathing outside the cavity keeps the wall cavity warmer, shifting the temperature at which moist air can condense to outside the home).

To ensure that the correct products and installation procedures for maximizing energy efficiency are used, Watt Homes of Utah trains all superintendents on the construction process and benefits of energy efficiency. This also ensures that new homes are constructed to EPA's and its own standards. Superintendents undergo continual training to improve their understanding of the subject and use of materials by subcontractors is scrutinized to minimize waste. Watt Homes of Utah continues to improve its energy-efficient techniques and materials.

Additionally, all sales staff are trained in energy-efficient construction so they are better able to show homebuyers the energy-efficient features of the home during the construction process. Watt Homes conducts three homeowner orientation sessions at the foundation, framing, and final walkthrough stages of construction. Construction superintendents point out energy-efficient details and instruct the homeowner on how to maximize the energy operation of their home. When each home is completed, its energy performance is verified by a third-party energy rater who checks for airtightness and general adherence to standards set by Watt Homes and the EPA energy specifications. Any deficiencies are corrected.

Benefits/Costs

Watt Homes of Utah had the highest satisfaction rating of any builder in Utah with an average completion-of-service-requests at less than two weeks. To keep customers satisfied, Watt Homes has a 24-hour hotline for emergency calls with most repairs performed by Watt Homes representatives. All purchasers receive a homeowner's manual that outlines the buying process, warranties, customer service program, and regular maintenance of the home.

Code/Regulatory

Technologies and materials used by Watt Homes meet or exceed minimum code standards. Building officials have been very receptive to any non-standard construction practices, and they applaud Watt Homes for their high-quality, energy-efficient homes.

Feedback

Due to strong customer service during and after the sale, a third of Watt Homes' new customers are referrals from existing owners. Watt Homes commissions an independent study annually on the energy usage of all homes they build. Homes built during 1996-1997 averaged 43 percent less gas consumption than the average resident in their region.

Contact(s)

Do you have a specific question? Try the contacts listed below:

Energy Star Programs
U.S, EPA Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division
401 M Street SW, (6202J)
Washington, DC 20460
202-564-9190
888-STAR-YES
www.epa.gov/energystar.html

NAHB Research Center, EVHA Coordinator
400 Prince George's Boulevard
Upper Marlboro, MD 20774-8731
800-638-8556