Squash Meadow Construction recently completed an Energy Star Level II qualified home. The home, owned by Peter and Andrea Brennan in Vineyard Haven, underwent rigorous inspections in order to qualify as an Energy Star Level II home.

In order to receive Energy Star qualification, a house must be very well insulated, use high performance windows, use “tight” construction methods to eliminate air leakage, use super efficient heating and cooling equipment, use efficient appliances, lighting and other fixtures and undergo third party testing and verification.

The third party verification is done by a HERS (Home Energy Rating System). The overall HERS rating dictates the efficiency of the home. In order to receive a Level II qualification, a home must have a HERS rating less than 65. The Brennan’s home scored a HERS rating of 54. It will perform 46 per cent more efficiently than if built to basic building code requirements.