Each week readers of New Homes Marketplace ask questions of area homebuilders. Chris Lincoln, National vice president of Manufacturing for William Ryan Homes, provides this week’s answers.
Q: What type of energy-efficient features do you feature as standard?
— Jason, Bensenville
A: Energy-efficiency is extremely important to today’s buyers and one of the major benefits when buying a new home versus an older home. Our homes are built with state-of-the-art, industry leading building systems that preserve the environment and save homeowners money. We use foam sealed window and door penetrations, raised-heel roof trusses with higher density R-49 insulation, far above the industry norm, in all of our homes. These features reduce loss of conditioned air and minimize ice damming. Most homebuilders use 2-inch-by-4-inch wall construction, however, at William Ryan we use 2-inch-by- 6-inch construction with R-21 insulation and weather barrier wrap, which reduces energy use and air and moisture infiltration. Closed cell foam at the basement sill and first and second floor rim board is used for superior draft stopping and reduced energy use. Additional energy-efficient features in all of our homes include Ow-E & Argon gas filled windows, 93 percent efficient furnaces, 13 Seer air conditioners and power vented water heaters. Each new home is given a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) index rating and, proudly, our homes test 30 percent more efficient than the standard new home.
Q: What new innovations in building homes do you see becoming more and more popular?
— Don, Elk Grove Village
A: Industry-wide we are seeing innovations in solar energy and battery storage with solar panels, roof tiles and shingles becoming increasingly popular and more affordable. A push toward Zero-Energy homes is also increasing. These homes are designed for zero energy consumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by the home on an annual basis is roughly equal the amount of renewable energy onsite. Mini-split heating and cooling, essentially ductless systems where the heating and cooling is done through a single device, has been used for decades in Europe and Asia and is gaining momentum in the United States. Smart Home technology and automation is changing daily and has gone from a desire to a necessity for new homeowners. Being able to change your thermostat, view the inside and outdoor of your home, lock doors, turn lights on/off, play music, check smoke detectors, raise and lower shades and even vacuum your home all from your smart phone or Ipad is just the beginning when it comes to Smart Home technology.
About William Ryan Homes
William Ryan Homes is celebrating 25 years in suburban Chicago homebuilding, as well as markets in Arizona, Florida and Wisconsin. The company is presently the No. 1 privately owned builder of single-family homes in the Chicago area. As a national company, William Ryan Homes offers quality on every level with science-based building systems, national purchasing power and operational efficiencies that enhance the value received. For more information, visit williamryanhomes.com.
