Blu Homes

Blu conserves resources

Blu homes’ energy and water costs are dramatically lower than conventionally built homes.  Blu uses:

• Passive Solar: Using innovative 3D modeling technology, Blu designs homes to fit the sun, wind, and weather patterns specific to a building site. Wise use of a home’s natural environment can offer the most cost effective energy savings available

• Efficient building enclosures: We strongly believe that a well insulated, cost-effective building enclosure is the most important way to get energy efficiency from your home. We use high-performing insulation and high efficiency, low-E, gas-filled windows to help self-regulate the interior home climate. See more details on how our houses utilize an efficient building enclosure. (link to envelope page)

• Efficient lighting: We use cost-effective CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) lights in our houses which are 4-6 times more efficient than traditional incandescent lights. When appropriate, we also use LED lighting, which offers extended life and low energy consumption in a number of applications.

• Energy Star appliances: We use only ENERGY STAR certified appliances in our homes. Appliances have two price tags: what you pay to take it home and what you pay for the energy and water it uses. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies that use 10–50% less energy and water than standard models. The money you save on your utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more expensive but more efficient ENERGY STAR model. See the ENERGY STAR website for more info.

• Efficient heating and cooling: High efficiency heating systems – for both space and water heating – are staples in Blu homes. We’ve evaluated the most cost efficient tankless water heaters, radiant floor systems, and high efficiency heat pumps. The heating systems we install in our homes are chosen to save money by using less energy, and to maximize comfort through amenities like whole-floor radiant heat. For cooling, home positioning on the site to maximize healthy air flow, green roofs, window shading, and energy efficient ceiling fans can all help passively cool the home. We also use high efficiency air conditioning systems for optimal comfort in hot climates.

• Renewable energy features: We encourage the use of cost-effective renewable energy sources, such as solar thermal systems. We also recognize the growing cost effectiveness of a broader set of renewable including solar photovoltaic panels, on site wind power and other renewable and are excited to offer them as options.

• Energy monitoring system: Having access to knowledge on your energy use should not be complicated or expensive. Our monitoring systems are simple, easy to use, and give you a good picture of your home’s energy use. You may even be able to see the cash flow in as you sell energy back to the power grid!