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Certicate No. H-007018 Certication Date: July 28, 2017 High-Performing Home Certicate 263 Stagebridge Trail, Lovingston, VA 22949 Gold This home’s high-performing asset specications can be found in the Pearl Certication Report and Appraisal Institute’s Residential Green and Energy Ecient Addendum that accompany this certicate. W. Casey Murphy Pearl VP of Quality Management

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Page 1: High-Performing Home Certific ate - LandAndFarmimages.landandfarm.com/imgs3/c3/a6/9e/PearlGoldCertificationRep… · comfortable, cleaner and quieter, and cost less to operate, than

Certificate No. H-007018 Certification Date: July 28, 2017

High-Performing Home Certificate263 Stagebridge Trail, Lovingston, VA 22949

Gold This home’s high-performing asset specifications can be found in the Pearl Certification Report and Appraisal

Institute’s Residential Green and Energy Efficient Addendum that accompany this certificate.

W. Casey Murphy Pearl VP of Quality Management

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Pearl HomeCertification Report

263 Stagebridge TrailLovingston, VA 22949

Gold Home Certificate No. H-007018

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This Pearl Gold home has verified high-performing assets for a number of features that enhancethe quality of life for its owners. Pearl Gold Certified: it’s what value feels like.

263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

What You Need to Know

This home has many high-performingfeatures, including its Propane Boiler,Central Air Conditioner, Air Sealing, AtticInsulation and Conditioned basement.

This home will be healthier, morecomfortable, cleaner and quieter, andcost less to operate, than mostVirginia homes.

CertificationLevel

Gold 913 Pearl Points

Building Shell: 242 / 300 points

Heating and Cooling: 271 / 360 points

Baseload: 200 / 240 points

Home Management: 200 / 300 points

U.S. Homes Eligible For Pearl Certification Levels

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 1

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Special Performance Features of This HomeInformation below based on Virginia data from the National Renewable Energy Lab.

263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

Attic Insulation:Better-insulated thanaverage

This home’s attic is well-insulated, which means lower utilitybills and greater comfort - particularly in rooms locateddirectly under the attic. Good attic insulation also protectsagainst excessive heat loss in winter that can cause roofdamage from snow melt.

Wall Insulation:Top 7% of VA homes

This home's wall insulation is outstanding and better thanmost homes. It will be more energy efficient and quieter as aresult. The additional insulation acts as a sound as well as atemperature barrier.

Conditioned basement:Top third of VA homes

Foundation insulation is a significant benefit for keepingheating costs down. Up to 50% of heat loss comes from anuninsulated and conditioned basement in an otherwise well-sealed and insulated home. This home’s basement is,however, very well-insulated.

Air Sealing:Top 10% of VA homes

This home's air tightness has been tested using specialdiagnostic equipment. A well-sealed home will have greatercomfort, lower energy bills, better humidity control and lessdust. A well-sealed home combined with proper ventilationwill have improved air quality.

Propane Boiler:Top 1% of VA gas andpropane heated homes

This home’s heating equipment is exceptionally efficient. Itsaves the homeowner money during cold winter monthswhile providing comfort. The boiler also has a safer ventingsystem, preventing dangerous combustion gases fromentering into living spaces.

Central Air Conditioner:Top 6% of VA homes

This home’s air conditioner is one of the most energyefficient available in the market. It saves the homeownermoney every summer, while providing comfort.

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 2

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Special Performance Features of This Home

263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

Refrigerator:Very efficient

ENERGY STAR certified refrigerators are about 9-10 percentmore energy efficient than models that meet the federalminimum energy efficiency standard.

Dishwasher:Very efficient

ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers use advancedtechnology to get your dishes clean while using less waterand energy. Dishwashers that have earned the ENERGY STARare, on average, about 5 percent more energy efficient and15 percent more water efficient than standard models.

Clothes Washer:Very efficient

ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers use about 25 percentless energy and 40 percent less water than regular washers.

CFL Lighting:Very efficient lighting

More than half this home's lights are ENERGY STAR qualifiedCFL bulbs, which use less energy and last a longer time thantraditional incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs that have earnedthe ENERGY STAR are subject to rigorous qualityrequirements relating to color quality, light distribution, anddurability.

Room Ventilation:Lower indoor humidity

All of this home’s full bathrooms have vented exhaust fans.This reduces the risk of mold and mildew, and providesbetter humidity control and healthier indoor air quality.

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 3

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About Pearl CertificationPearl Certification is a national firm that provides third-party certificationof high-performing homes: homes with “performance assets” that makethem healthy, safe, comfortable, energy and water efficient.

The Science Behind Pearl CertificationPearl’s certification system is based on building science. It was developed in consultation with national experts onenergy efficiency and home performance, and with technical assistance from the National Renewable EnergyLaboratory (NREL). This system is approved for use in the Department of Energy’s Home Performance withENERGY STAR program.

Pearl’s certification system takes into account how well an asset like insulation or a cooling system was installed. Italso takes into account tools that allow a homeowner to view, understand, and improve their home’sperformance.

For more information on Pearl’s Certification, please email us at: [email protected], or visit ourwebsite at www.pearlcertification.com

PEARL’S PARTNERS

Pearl works in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and many of the nation’s leading real estate, appraisal,contracting, and building science organizations.

263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

Pearl’s certification system enables home buyers tosee and understand the value of a home’s high-performing assets when the home is sold. Researchfrom across the U.S. shows that third-party homeperformance certifications like Pearl’s add an averageof 4% to the sale price of high-performing homes,compared to similar homes lacking these assets.

Pearl is the only private certification firm to sponsorthe U.S. Department of Energy’s prestigious HomePerformance with ENERGY STAR program.

Pearl is a National Association of Realtors (NAR) REachAccelerator company.

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

OVERVIEW OF PEARLCERTIFICATION SYSTEM

Pearl certifies a home’s performance assets, such asinsulation, heating and cooling, lighting, appliances,smart home devices, and solar energy.

Attic

Wall

Rim Joist

Floors &Foundation

Windows

Doors

Air Sealing

Roofs

Building ShellThe building shell creates air, moisture, and thermal barriers that separates the home’s inside from the outside. The building shell consistsof the roof and attic, exterior walls, windows, doors, and basement or crawlspace.

Cooling

Heating

Heat Pump

DistributionSystem

Heating and CoolingA home’s heating and cooling systems keep the home at the right temperature year round. They include furnaces, boilers, air conditioners,and heat pumps. The ducts or pipes that circulate heated or cooled air, water or steam through the home are also a part of the heating andcooling system.

Ventilation

Water HeatingSystem

Clothes Dryer

Dish Washer

ClothesWasher

Refrigerators

Lighting

BaseloadA home’s baseload includes all the devices that run year-round, not just in the heating or cooling seasons. Water heaters, refrigerators,dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers and plug-in devices all contribute to the home’s baseload.

Controls

Planning

Home ManagementA home’s management assets include “smart” devices that control heating and cooling systems, lighting, and other devices; dashboards thatprovide information about energy use; and inventories and plans for improving the home’s performance assets.

Solar, Batteries, and Electric Vehicle Readiness

SolarPhotovoltaic

Electric VehicleReady Home

Batteries

Homes with solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicle charging: Pearlcertifies if a home is pre-wired for these high-performing assets or hasthem installed. Our system captures critical information needed forappraisers. At this time, these assets are not eligible for Pearl points.

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

HOME ASSET DETAILS

Building ShellPlatinum Level:This Home:Average Home:

250242150

Attic and Roof

Attic Hatch None. Attic sealed.

R-Value R-30

Insulation Depth 6

Wall Insulation

R-Value R-19

Insulation Depth 6

Insulation Type (predominant) Fiberglass

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

HOME ASSET DETAILS

Building ShellPlatinum Level:This Home:Average Home:

250242150

Floor and Foundation Insulation

Foundation Type Conditioned basement

Estimated R-Value R-13

Insulation Depth 5

Insulation Type (predominant) Fiberglass

Air Sealing

Tested and verified using blower door Yes

Blower door result 1991 @CFM50

Air leakiness: Air changes per hour 6.0 @ACH50

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 7

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

HOME ASSET DETAILS

Building ShellPlatinum Level:This Home:Average Home:

250242150

Windows and Skylights

Type Window

U-Factor 0.29

SHGC 0.25

Panes Double-pane

Framing Wood

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

HOME ASSET DETAILS

Heating and CoolingPlatinum Level:This Home:Average Home:

300271180

Heating System

Type Propane boiler

AFUE 95.5

Cooling System

Type Central air conditioner

Efficiency (SEER) 17

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 9

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

HOME ASSET DETAILS

Heating and CoolingPlatinum Level:This Home:Average Home:

300271180

Distribution System: System 1

Type Hot water / steam system

Location 80% or More WithinConditioned Space

Piping Outside of Conditioned Space Is Insulated Yes

Distribution System: System 2

Type Forced Air System

Location Mostly Within ConditionedSpace

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

HOME ASSET DETAILS

BaseloadPlatinum Level:This Home:Average Home:

200200120

Water Heating

Fuel Propane

Tank Size Greater than 55 gallons

Energy Factor 0.89

Refrigerator

ENERGY STAR® Yes

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 11

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

HOME ASSET DETAILS

BaseloadPlatinum Level:This Home:Average Home:

200200120

Clothes Washer

ENERGY STAR® Yes

Dishwasher

ENERGY STAR® Yes

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 12

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

HOME ASSET DETAILS

BaseloadPlatinum Level:This Home:Average Home:

200200120

Lighting

Prevalence of ENERGY STAR® Qualified CFLs 80%

Healthy Air

CO Detector(s) Yes

Dedicated ventilation in every full bathroom Yes

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 13

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

HOME ASSET DETAILS

Home ManagementPlatinum Level:This Home:Average Home:

250200150

Planning

My Home Profile Issued Yes (available mid-2017)

Comprehensive Home Energy Asset Inventory Yes

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263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

HOME ASSET DETAILS

Home ManagementPlatinum Level:This Home:Average Home:

250200150

This home will have a “My Home Profile” account. This account gives theowner a tool to understand, manage, maintain, and improve the home’sperformance.

The “My Home Profile” account access is expected in mid-2017.Homeowners wanting to make smart home improvementsthat can add value to their property use Pearl’s certificationfor guidance. Descriptions of upgrades relevant to this homecan be found in its My Home Profile, as well as generalinformation on expense and complexity. Suggestedimprovements lower energy or water costs, and increasecomfort and indoor air quality. Homeowners may also

choose to work with a Pearl Network Contractor who cancreate a Home Improvement Plan with more specific adviceon what home performance assets should be considered forupgrade or replacement.

For more information on Pearl’s certification, email at:[email protected], or visit our website:www.pearlcertification.com

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 15

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Appendix A: Appraisal Institute’s Green andEnergy Efficiency Appraisal AddendumInstructions to homeowner or listing agent:High-performance features can add significant value to a home. Recent studies have indicated that improvementssuch as air sealing and insulation, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, and other “green” and energy efficientfeatures can add 3-9% onto a home’s value, if verified by a third party.

A home may be appraised for different reasons:

• Mortgage refinance• To discontinue mortgage insurance - if the home’s value has increased enough, the homeowner may have sufficient

equity in the home to no longer need insurance • Immediately prior to selling a home to assist in pricing the home• As part of the home sale process to meet the buyer’s lending requirements

Pearl Certification has an AI REPORTS® License Agreement with the Appraisal Institute.

The following appendix can be provided to an appraiser to assist him or her in valuing the home. As stated in theAddendum:

“The objective of this Addendum is to standardize the communication of the high performing features of residentialproperties. Identifying the features not found on the 1004 form provides a basis for comparable selection and analysisof the features. Builders, contractors, homeowners, and third party verifiers are encouraged to complete thisAddendum and present to appraisers, agents, lenders, and homeowners.”

The Appraisal Institute makes no representations, warranties or guarantees as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the data,analysis or work product provided by the individual appraiser(s) or any other individual in the specific contents of the AIReports®

263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 16

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Appendix B: Glossary of TermsAFUE: It’s important to choose an energy-efficient, ENERGYSTAR rated heating system with a high annual fuel utilizationefficiency (AFUE) rating. The higher the AFUE, the more efficientyour new heater will be. The AFUE rating is determined bytaking the amount of fuel the furnace will use in a year andcomparing that to the amount of heat generated by thefurnace. An older furnace that has a 70% rating uses 70% of itsfuel to make heat. A newer gas fired furnaces are required tohave a minimum AFUE rating of 80%. An ENERGY STAR ratedfurnace will have an AFUE of 90% or higher.

ACH50: This term is a measurement of a home’s leakiness, andit refers to “Air Changes per Hour” (ACH). ACH means thenumber of times a home exchanges its volume of indoor airwith the outside. Contractors use a “blower door test” forleakiness, and do so at a negative pressure of 50 pascals;hence, energy auditors record the value as ACH50. If anaverage home has a 15 ACH50, it means the home willexchange its entire volume of air 15 times an hour with theoutside. Very efficient and well—sealed homes can be as lowas 1 ACH50.

AC: This term is short-hand for “air conditioner,” which is apiece of equipment that can generate cool air to make yourhome comfortable in warmer months. Heat pumps, a centralAC, mini spits, and window units are kinds of air conditioners.

Blower Door Test: Professional contractors use a blower testto determine a home’s leakiness (or conversely, its airtightness). To perform the test requires a large fan that pullsair from the house to create negative pressure and a specialinstrument called a manometer that reads the number of airexchanges your home has under industry standard conditionsfor testing.

CAZ Test: The term “CAZ” stands for “Combustion ApplianceZone,” and it is a series of tests contractors perform on gasfueled equipment (furnace, stove, or water heater) for yoursafety. They will test the appliances for gas leaks, spillage, draft,and carbon monoxide backdrafting when the home is underwhat’s known as “worst case” conditions (e.g., with the dryer,bathroom and oven exhaust fans running). If one or more ofthe appliances fail the test, your contractor will recommendhow to solve for the apparent health and safety issue.

CFL: Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) are more energyefficient than older incandescent lightbulbs, they do not addadditional heat to a room, and they last longer too.

Conditioned Space: Rooms in your home which are insulatedand heated or cooled by equipment are known as “conditionedspace.” Conditioned space can include an attic or basement, aswell as other common living spaces like bedrooms, bathrooms,and your kitchen.

Cooling Load: This term refers to what percentage of the totaluse or load does a particular cooling unit and its associatedduct system provide to the home. For example, if the homehas a central air conditioner that provides cool air to the mainportion of the home and a window unit that provides cool airto an addition, the cooling load would be a certain percentagesplit between them.

Duct Sealing CFM: Ducts are the tubes which connect yourheating and cooling equipment to the floor or ceiling registerswhich allow the conditioned air into a room. Unfortunately,most homes have leaky ducts which waste a significant amountof energy and can cause comfort, mold, and mildew issues.Ducts should be sealed where they are connected or joinedtogether, and they are tested based on the amount of leakageout of the ducts or air infiltrating (coming into) the ducts. Theduct sealing cfm is a measurement of the efficiency of yourductwork.

Ductless System: Some heating and cooling equipment doesnot require ducts, such as radiant floor or radiator heat andwindow air conditioning units. They are known as “ductlesssystems.”

Efficiency Factor: The efficiency factor of a water heater(sometimes referred to as the energy factor), describes a waterheater’s overall energy efficiency based on the amount of hotwater it produces per unit of fuel consumed during a typicalday. The water heater’s efficiency factor is measured by itsenergy factor. The higher the number, the more efficient thewater heater is. Electric water heaters with an EF of .93 orgreater and gas water heaters with an EF of .62 or greater willbe 10% more efficient than thestandard 40 gallon waterheater.

263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 17

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Energy Management System: Energy Management Systemshave been around for commercial properties for some time,but new technologies have made them applicable andaffordable for homeowners to use as well. Energymanagement is really a process whereby you monitor andcontrol the home’s energy usage, with an eye towardsconserving it. Typically a Home Energy Management Systemwill include some hardware device as well as software toanalyze the data the device picks up from the home’sequipment. These systems differ from simpler monitoringdevices in that with them, the homeowner can also controlfeatures of their home, such as thermostat temperature andlighting, remotely through a website or phone app. They canalso provide a report of the home’s overall energyperformance by analyzing the data they monitor.

Energy Monitoring System: In contrast to an energymanagement system, and energy monitoring system includesdevices which help a homeowner see and track energy usagefor individual devices or for heating and cooling systems. Theymeasure energy use, but do not manage it.

EPA Bypass Checklist: This term refers to a checklist createdfor ENERGY STAR homes that looks at a list of building detailswhere thermal bypass, or the movement of heat around orthrough insulation, occurs due to gaps between the air barrieran insulation. If an insulation is installed according thischecklist and can be documented, you are assured to receivethe full benefit of that insulation’s efficiency.

ENERGY STAR: ENERGY STAR is federal program overseen bythe federal government’s Environmental Protection Agency. Itwas designed to encourage greater energy efficiency and billsavings for homeowners through a certified labeling system onappliances and new homes. This program has saved billions ofdollars for property owners since its launch in more than 20years ago.

Filtration: This term refers to the filters which are fitted to ahome’s heating and cooling equipment. A filter’s basic functionis to protect the longevity of the equipment by protecting itfrom dust and other airborne particles. Some filters are alsodesigned to improve the indoor air for occupants as well –removing pet dander, pollen, and other impurities from the airpassing through the home’s ventilation system.

Forced Air System: Any home that relies on ducts and ventsto move heated or cooled air around has a forced air systeminstalled. Furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumpsare all examples of forced air systems. Heating Load: This termrefers to what percentage of the total use or load does aparticular heating unit and its associated duct system provideto the home. For example, if the home has a furnace thatprovides heat to the first level and a heat pump that providesheat to the second level, the heating load would be a certainpercentage split between them.

HEPA Filter: To be classified as a High Efficiency Particulate Air(HEPA) filter, a filter must meet the Department of Energystandard of removing a minimum of 99.7% of pollen and otherparticles from the air. HEPA filters can be especially effective inmitigating allergies and asthma triggered by indoor airpollutants.

HSPF: This terms stands for “Heat Seasonal PerformanceFactor,” and it is used to measure a heat pump’s efficiency. Itmeasures the total heating output as compared to the totalamount of energy used during the same period to create thatheat. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the unit. AnENERGY STAR unit must have an HSPF of an 8 or higher.

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR: Similar to theENERGY STAR program for new homes and appliances, HomePerformance with ENERGY STAR is a federal program designedto help homeowners of existing homes save money on theirutility bills. Administered by the national Department of Energy(DOE), it is run by DOE approved sponsors who pre-qualifycontractors for participation, perform independent qualityassurance inspections, and issue a certificate of completion atthe conclusion of qualifying projects.

Hydronic System: You are probably familiar with hot waterradiators often found in older buildings – these are examplesof a hydronic heating system. Some newer homes incorporatethese systems (which can be glycol, water or electric) into theslab foundation or under tile floors.

LED: A “Light Emitting Diode” or LED is a special semiconductordevice which emits light when electricity is passed through it.LEDs have a fuller light spectrum than CFLs, can turn onimmediately, and their costs have come down dramatically inthe past three years. LEDs are very energy efficient, anddepending on the manufacturer and application, they can lastfor decades.

263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

Pearl Home Certification Report | pearlcertification.com/registry | Page 18

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MERV: The Minimum Efficiency Rating Value or MERV of an airfilter tells you how effective that filter is at removing indoor airpollutants from a home’s ventilation system. MERV filters canbe almost as effective as a HEPA filter, and they can beinstalled in more applications.

MERV # Typical controlled contaminant1 - 4 Pollen, dust mites, cockroach debris, sanding dust,

spray paint dust, textile fibers, carpet fibers 5 - 8 Mold, spores, dust mite debris, cat and dog dander,

dusting aids9 - 12 Legionella, Humidifier dust, Lead dust, Milled flour,

Auto emission particulates, Nebulizer droplets 13 - 16 Bacteria, droplet nuclei (sneeze), cooking oil, most

smoke and insecticide dust, most face powder, mostpaint pigments

Mini-Split: Mini-splits are a kind of heat pump or airconditioner, and they are often used in remodels or retrofitswhere adding ducts is impractical or impossible. Mini-splits aresmall and can be zoned for individual rooms.

Multistage Compressor: A multistage compressor providesmany benefits over a single-stage compressor in an airconditioning unit. With a single-stage compressor, the systemis either on or off, and when it is on it is functioning at 100% ofits capacity. A multistage compressor is on more often butfunctions at around 80% of its capacity, which actually saveenergy (and money) in the long run. It also means lesstemperature spikes and greater comfort for the home’soccupants.

Non-Programmable Thermostat: A thermostat is used tosense the temperature of the room and will turn on and off theheating or cooling equipment to reach the desiredtemperature setting. Although they are the least costlythermostat, non-programmable thermostats are imprecisecompared to programmable or wi-fi thermostats, and theyprovide the homeowner with only one option for controllingover their temperature setting – to manually change it.

Photovoltaics: This terms applies to solar power generationand solar panels. A photovoltaic converts solar energy fromthe sun into a stream of electrons that provides power forbuildings and devices.

Programmable Thermostat: A thermostat is used to sensethe temperature of the room, and based on how it isprogrammed, it will turn on and off the heating or coolingequipment to reach the desired temperature setting.Programmable thermostats can have many settings (setpoints): ones for weekday and weekends, ones for when thehouse is unoccupied due travel, and even daily settings timedaccording to when you’re asleep, awake, away at work, etc.Programmable thermostats can save homeowners money bynot running heating and cooling equipment at times ortemperatures when not needed.

R-Value: R-value indicates how well an insulative materialresists heat flow, and the higher the R-value, the better itinsulates.

RESNET Installation Grade: This grading system applies toinsulation installs, and it lowers the operative R-value forinsulation installs which are poorly done. Missing areas,compressed insulation, and voids all lower the performance ofinsulation and lower the grading of it as well.

Rim Joist: This component of your home is critical to airleakage, and it is the perimeter joist often referred to as the sillplate when it lies between the foundation and the walls. It isone of the first places a contractor will go to apply insulatingfoam to reduce air leakage.

Smart Thermostat: This device functions like a regularthermostat in that it controls the home’s heating and coolingequipment. However, it is also “learning” thermostat - thesoftware “learns” the preferences of the occupants based uponadjustments occupants make over time, and it automaticallyadjusts the temperature for comfort and energy bills savings.In addition, they can be controlled remotely by phone appsand other desktop software.

SEER: This terms stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio,”and it measures the efficiency of a central air conditioner. Thehigher the SEER number, the more efficiently the unit willoperate all season long. It is similar to the HSPF but applies tocooling. An ENERGY STAR heat pump or air conditioner musthave a SEER of 14 or higher.

U-Factor: U-factor is a rating of how well the window insulates.Generally the numbers range from .25 – 1.0. The lower thevalue the better it insulates.

263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

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Unconditioned Space: This terms refers to rooms you havein your home which are not insulated and/ or heated orcooled. Most attics are unconditioned, as are garages, andsome basements. If you have ductwork in an unconditionedspace, it is important to seal and insulate it for maximumcomfort and energy cost savings.

Wi-Fi Thermostat: A wi-fi thermostat controls when yourheating and cooling equipment turns on just like any otherthermostat; however, because it can connect to a home’sinternet router, the homeowner has the option of controlling itremotely through a phone or web application. Some models ofwi-fi thermostats “learn” the patterns of the home’s occupantsand adjust their settings accordingly.

263 Stagebridge Trail,Lovingston, VA 22949

Certified on July 28, 2017Pearl Gold Certificate | Pearl Score: 913

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