The homebuyer glossary

A system of framing techniques based on optimizing building materials to help make walls more energy-efficient and provides more space for high-performance materials like spray foam insulation. By following U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for advanced framing, homes are better insulated and have reduced thermal bridging, which provides more comfort and less operating costs.*

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A programmable thermostat that can help improve comfort by automatically maintaining a cozy temperature and reduce energy usage by up to 10%.*

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energy.gov
energystar.gov

An unvented attic that has been insulated along the roof line, enabling the conditioning of the air in the attic space along with the rest of the home. Conditioned attics help reduce sources of deterioration from moisture, dust and extreme temperatures, help hold comfortable temperatures in your home and stop temperature-regulated air from escaping.*

A dual-flush toilet uses two buttons or handles to flush different levels of water, letting you decide how much to flush, which saves water while maintaining high performance.*

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Home appliances with superior energy efficiency according to EPA established standards. ENERGY STAR^® is a certification established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide standards for smart and energy-efficient design. ENERGY STAR^® appliances have gone through rigorous design requirements, testing, and certifications.*

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The EPA's highest level of recognition. An award granted to Meritage Homes (and other organizations) in 2016 for its commitment to educating others about the value and benefits of energy efficiency and for building thousands of ENERGY STAR^® certified homes.*

A home that has received certification for energy efficiency, indoor air health and water resource conservation (ENERGY STAR® + Indoor airPlus + Watersense).* These certifications are available options in any Meritage Home.

Showerheads that use less water than a standard model. These showerheads can reduce water usage by up to 50%, providing you with savings on water costs and energy costs.*

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epa.gov

Mechanical ventilation systems that circulate fresh air using ducts and fans, rather than relying on airflow through small holes or cracks in a home’s walls, roof, or windows. A fresh air management system helps to keep clean, filtered, fresh air circulating throughout your home.*

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is the industry standard by which a home's energy efficiency is measured and the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home's energy performance, according to the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET^®).

When you’re buying a home it can help you anticipate the costs of energy bills. The lower the HERS score, the more energy efficient the home.*

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Indoor airPLUS is a voluntary partnership and labeling program established by the EPA that helps new home builders improve the quality of indoor air by requiring construction practices and product specifications that minimize exposure to airborne pollutants and contaminants. This certification ensures your home's indoor air quality meets or exceeds EPA's standards for excellence.* Meritage offers Indoor airPLUS certification as an option.

High-performance windows that deflect up to 70% of the sun’s heat and reduce the chance of indoor condensation. Low-E windows also reduce temperature transference so you can read by the window year-round.*

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energy.gov

Low-emitting paints, glues, varnishes, and other materials that meet the U.S. EPA standards for low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) materials.*

A higher-efficiency Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) filter measured by Minimum Efficiency Rating Values (MERV). The HVAC system helps improve a home’s air quality and reduces the quantity of allergens.*

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A multispeed HVAC system uses heat pump and/or air handler motors that can operate at more than one speed.  In contrast, a single-speed HVAC system’s operation is either completely off or at full speed until the designated temperature is met.   Since a multispeed HVAC system can adjust its operating performance to meet the needs established by the thermostat, it can operate at the same high speed as a single-speed system when needed, but can also operate at lower speeds for a longer heating or cooling cycle than single-speed systems.  Some of the benefits of multispeed HVAC systems are: (1) energy savings from lower energy use at lower speeds; (2) more consistent comfort from longer heating or cooling cycles; (3) better dehumidification due to longer cooling cycles; and (4) enhanced air quality resulting from air being cycled through the system’s filters more often.      

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NET ZERO Homes are designed to produce as much energy as they use annually. Meritage Homes is the first “major-size builder” to offer net-zero homes in an effort to build homes that cost less to operate.*

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Allows you to use your mobile device to access and control your home systems remotely.

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Sealed ducts use better sealing techniques that allow the HVAC system to keep more dust out, maintain internal temperatures, and better control internal humidity. Sealed ducts cost less to operate and keep a home cleaner. They also reduce air leaks, which increases efficiency and helps lower utility bills.*

A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system that runs more efficiently to reduce humidity and maximize comfort at less cost.* Meritage offers SEER 14 HVAC as an option.

Seasonal Energy Efficient Rated HVAC system includes variable drive that allows your home to adjust to unseasonably mild or warm days, lowering energy & upping comfort.* Meritage offers SEER 16 HVAC as an option.

Polyurethane Open Cell Spray Foam Insulation is a spray-applied plastic that can form a continuous insulation and air sealing barrier on walls, roofs, around corners, and on all contoured surfaces. It reduces air infiltration, which can cause up to 40% of a home's energy loss, creates an air barrier which reduces loss of conditioned air and helps keep your home consistently cozy, while minimizing the amount of noise that travels through exterior walls. Spray foam insulation’s barrier also reduces space for external pests, mold, airborne pollutants and allergens.*

A solar energy system uses solar panels to convert sun rays into usable energy to reduce the cost to operate your home. In some cases, the system can be sized to offset as much monthly energy as the roof can accommodate to achieve Zero Net Energy.* Meritage offers solar energy systems as an option.

Insulating barriers between the inside and outside of your home (your home’s thermal envelope) that help create a more consistent temperature and lower HVAC costs. Part of the advanced construction techniques used in Meritage homes, thermal breaks help increase the overall performance of a home by reducing thermal bridging (areas of high heat transfer) between conditioned areas and outdoors.*

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Water-efficient fixtures that will help you reduce water use in your home and save money on water bills. Water-efficient fixtures provide high pressure for full function without the energy and water waste found in conventional designs.*

The U.S. EPA’s WaterSense certification ensures your home's indoor and landscape water usage meets or exceeds the EPA's standards for efficiency.* Meritage offers WaterSense certification as an option.

Water treatment system that helps filter out harmful contaminants that can impact your food, your body and your laundry.* Meritage offers whole-home water filtration as an option.