Energy Efficient Homes

How Our Homes Compare

A typical standard code compliant home has a HERS rating of about 100. A home made by Alden typically achieves a mid-50s to low-60s rating, making them approximately 35-45% more efficient.

How We Achieve Greater Energy Efficiency

Superior Wall Foundation System — R-21 vs. the Standard R-12

Most builders use a standard foundation wall system with an R-value of 12. Alden Homes uses the Superior Walls XI Plus system, which delivers an R-value of 21. This system uses “Cool Therm” insulation, which achieves a higher R-value per inch than conventional insulation, handles moisture more effectively, and is fire retardant. It’s a smarter foundation that pays dividends in comfort and efficiency for the life of your home.

Blown-In Blanket System (BIBS) Insulation — R-23 in Exterior Walls

Traditional batt insulation leaves gaps around outlet boxes, pipes, and other obstructions — creating weak points where conditioned air escapes and outside temperatures creep in. Alden Homes uses the Blown-In Blanket System (BIBS) for all exterior walls, achieving an R-value of 23 compared to R-21 for standard batt. The blown-in method fills completely around every obstruction, ensuring uniform insulation coverage with no weak points throughout the wall cavity.

2×6 Exterior Walls with ZIP System® Sheathing

Our homes are framed with 2×6 exterior walls — larger than the 2×4 framing common in standard construction — providing a deeper wall cavity that accommodates more insulation. Combined with ZIP System® sheathing and tape, the exterior envelope is waterproof, airtight, and more durable than traditional house wrap. Together, these elements create a sealed shell that keeps conditioned air in and the elements out.

Exterior Foundation Insulation

We go a step further by installing a layer of rigid foam insulation on the inside of the block foundation wall before backfilling. This prevents frost from freezing through the wall — protecting your foundation, preventing cracking in patios and flatwork, and adding another layer of thermal protection at the base of your home.

High-Efficiency Dual Fuel Furnace and Variable-Speed Heat Pump

Alden Homes installs the Lennox Merit Series Dual Fuel Furnace — a high-efficiency gas furnace engineered for quiet operation and consistent, even heat distribution without the temperature swings common in standard systems. Paired with the Lennox High-Efficiency Variable-Speed Heat Pump (up to 19 SEER), the system automatically adjusts its output based on outdoor conditions, running at exactly the capacity needed rather than cycling on and off at full power. The result is steadier indoor temperatures, lower energy consumption, and a quieter, more comfortable home.

Whole-House Humidifier and Dehumidifier

Humidity control is a critical — and often overlooked — factor in home comfort and efficiency. Alden Homes builds whole-house humidifier and dehumidifier units directly into the HVAC system. By maintaining ideal humidity levels year-round, your air conditioning doesn’t have to work overtime to compensate for excess moisture in the summer, and your home stays comfortable in the winter without the dry air common in standard forced-air systems.

Ducted Returns in Every Room

Standard homes rely on a single central return or transfer grills above doors to circulate air — an approach that leads to pressure imbalances, uneven temperatures, and unwanted noise. Alden Homes installs rigid ducted high and low return vents in every room, creating a fully balanced air circulation system. The result is a quieter, more consistent home where every room feels the same — no hot spots, no cold corners.

Smart Lighting and Climate Control with Caseta by Lutron

Every Alden home comes connected with Caseta by Lutron smart home technology. Through the Caseta Smart Bridge and app, you can monitor and control your lights, shades, and temperature from anywhere. Smart lighting and automated climate control make it easy to avoid wasting energy without ever sacrificing comfort or convenience.

LED Lighting Throughout

Every fixture in an Alden home is equipped with LED lighting, which uses a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs and lasts significantly longer. We also design for natural light through thoughtfully placed windows to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Water Efficiency Built In

Efficient plumbing fixtures — including low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads — are standard in every Alden home, reducing water consumption without any sacrifice in performance.

Third-Party Verified for Peace of Mind

We don’t just say our homes are energy efficient — we prove it. An independent third-party inspector audits insulation, air sealing, and overall energy performance before your home is complete. Every Alden home must pass this inspection to earn its ENERGY STAR certification, ensuring it operates at peak efficiency from the day you move in.

What This Means for You

Every one of these features works together to deliver a home that performs differently than what most builders offer. Lower utility bills, fewer drafts, consistent temperatures in every room, better air quality, and a structure built to hold up for decades. When you build with Alden Homes, energy efficiency isn’t something you have to ask for — it’s already there.