Texas Builder Guarantees HVAC Costs

Medallion Homes of San Antonio, Texas has announced their Engineered for Life program which allows them to guarantee heating/cooling cost as well as comfort level for the first two years of their new homes. Beginning last September, the strict testing program has allowed Medallion to offer energy savings of at least 30% and increased comfort due to consistent interior temperature and superior air quality.

&quotMedallion has been working toward this program for several years now, and thanks to scientific building advances brought on by the Engineered for Life Program, we have now reached this milestone," says Carrie Gehlbach, vice president of advertising and marketing with Medallion.

Engineered for Life was developed by the Department of Energy’s Building America program. They use such building techniques as centrally located HVAC units to reduce the length of duct runs, ducts built within the living space to reduce heating/cooling loss and high-performance windows to maximize energy efficiency. For example, one of Medallion’s new &quotYear 2000" models, the Lagnston Plan, is a 2425-square-foot two-story home with a guaranteed monthly heating and cooling cost of $24.

&quotIn addition to cooling costs, the program allows us to guarantee comfort level, meaning that the temperature in the homes will not vary by more than three degrees from the thermostat setting from room to room," says Gehlbach.

Homes that meet the program’s standards surpass the Model Energy Code by at least 30%, and are recognized as Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Homes. Because of the lower energy costs, new homebuyers may be able to take advantage of Energy Efficiency Mortgages, which include favorable terms such as higher qualifying ratios, cash back at closing and reduced interest rates.

Medallion is the first San Antonio builder to earn the Energy Star seal from the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA. They are also the first to earn the Good Cents Environmental Home designation for building efficient and environmentally friendly homes. Each certified home is rated on energy efficiency, new home design, construction practices, building materials, water efficiency and community planning.

For more information on Medallion Homes and their energy efficient building practices, visit www.medallionhomes.com.