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Centex Homes • Minneapolis, MN

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About the Builder - Centex Homes

Centex Homes is one of the nations largest home-builders and is the only builder to rank in the Top 10 on Professional Builder's "Giant 400" every year since the survey was first published in 1968. In 19 of those 30 years, Centex Homes has proudly placed either first or second. Centex was also ranked Number 1 in the Engineering and Construction Category of FORTUNE Magazine’s List of America’s Most Admired Companies in 1998.

A cornerstone of their success has always been energy efficient construction. This commitment shows not only in its residential projects but also in the company’s Dallas, Texas headquarters. The Centex Building received the top-ranking Energy Star building label in the nation from the Environmental Protection Agency at the 10th Annual Energy Efficiency Forum held in Washington D.C., June 9, 1999. The building scored an unprecedented 99 out of a possible 100 points after having its actual energy use monitored for a period of one year.

Centex Homes Minnesota has been building in the Twin Cities area for over 20 years. During that time, Centex has been recognized as a local leader in energy efficient thermal envelope construction. Additionally, quality inspection procedures insure the proper installation of materials, which is demonstrated to future homeowners during on-site customer orientations.

Design Philosophy and Application

Facing a pending state energy code change in the spring of 2000, Centex Minnesota looked to the Department of Energy’s Building America Program for assistance in providing affordable, effective solutions. With their help, Centex Homes exceeded these new code’s stringent standards while achieving the Building America goal of 30% reduction in energy use at no net cost. Their customers will be enjoying the benefits of energy efficiency, increased comfort, safety, durability and resale opportunities for years to come.

Centex Home Features

Mechanical System Characteristics

• Balanced heat recovery ventilation system 
• 92% efficient sealed combustion furnace 
• Electric water heater 
• 10 SEER air conditioner 
• All ductwork located within the building envelope

System Improvements

• Waterproof foundation wall system with dimpled drainage board 
• Exterior air retarder and drainage plane, sealed housewrap 
• Interior air/vapor barrier system, sealed poly-ethylene 
• High performance glazing 
• Balanced heat recovery ventilation system 
• All ductwork located within the building envelope

Envelope Characteristics

• Total Floor area: 3,692 
• Foundation Walls: 8" poured wall with R-11 fiberglass interior insulation
• Wall system: 2x6 with R-19 fiberglass batts and interior sealed air/vapor barrier 
• Attic/Roof: Raised heel truss system, R-38 blown fiberglass insulation with sealed wind-wash barrier at exterior edges 
• Windows: Vinyl framed, double glazed, argon filled with low-E coating

Measured Leakage Characteristics 

• Total envelope CFM at 50 pascals: 1,359 
• Total envelope ACH at 50 pa: 2.6