Bow, NH
The Pines of Bow is a 55+ community of detached single-family homes located south of Concord. Project Manager, Paul Bliss of Gary Chicoine Construction began building new homes there in 2005.
“Not long after we started building, the housing market went through a very tough period. I needed to offer something extra that would attract buyers,” said Bliss.
So he decided to build to the ENERGY STAR standard that would offer efficiency and savings for years to come for the homeowner.
“Once we started building ENERGY STAR certified homes, it’s all people wanted,” said Bliss. “I can’t go back now. Today’s educated consumer demands ENERGY STAR quality built into their homes.” Bruce Bennett, is a Senior Project Manager for GDS Associates and is an independent third-party that certifies ENERGY STAR homes. According to Bennett, the model home at The Pines of Bow achieved a 56 HERS Index. This means it is projected to use approximately 40% less energy than a home built to typical constructions standards.
“These houses are built tight and have whole house mechanical ventilation to provide excellent indoor air quality,” noted Bennett. Features include High Efficiency windows, 95% AFUE Gas Furnace, on demand water heater with 82% efficiency, R-38/R49 insulation in the ceiling, R-21 in the walls and R-30 in the floor. Energy efficiency does come at an increased cost,
Energy efficiency does come at an increased cost, however Bliss said the investment is a good one for the homeowner because the energy savings continues for years to come. “The incentives paid by Liberty Utilities are critical, “said Bliss. “I couldn’t do the project without it.”
