Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 10, 2008

DESIGN HOMES RECOGNIZED AS ENERGY STAR PARTNER

BLOOMSBURG, PA. It has been announced that Design Homes, LLC, a builder of custom modular homes, condominiums, townhomes, and specialty buildings has been designated an Energy Star Partner. Energy Star is a labeling program created jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to recognize energy-efficient products, including new home construction. Its goal is to protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.

Energy Star qualified homes include energy-efficient features that provide comfort, lower energy demand, and reduce air pollution. This is accomplished with effective insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling systems. Also included are energy efficient products such as appliances, lighting, and water heaters.

A cornerstone of the Energy Star program is identifying builders providing efficient homes that will provide energy savings and
environmental benefits. Qualified builders earn the Energy Star Partnership status when homes they build meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and verified by independent certified energy raters. These homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built in accordance with the International Residential Code of 2004. Design Homes, LLC, has consistently exceeded the EPA’s energy performance levels to earn its Energy Star Partnership.

Design Homes, LLC, has benchmarked its construction technique using EPA’s performance rating system to demonstrate its environmental commitment to its builders and consumers. Bobby Christiansen, Design Homes' Vice President and General Manager, states:

“In addition to the home of your dreams, you will enjoy peace of mind knowing that your Energy Star Rated home also meets or
exceeds strict energy guidelines put forth by the EPA. This ensures an energy-efficient home that provides consistent room temperature, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability. An Energy Star home is also a smart investment because the Star rating is an increasingly valued feature when, and if, you plan to sell.”

Here's what independent certified energy rater Peter V. Vargo had to say about Design Homes, LLC:

“It is my pleasure to inform you of the remarkable, final test results, regarding energy efficiency, of the Energy Star Home you shipped to St. Albans, VT in September of 2007. The blower door test number, which measures air infiltration and is in large part a result of the detailed air sealing you do in the factory, was an almost unheard of 1.15 ACH50*. To put this into perspective the minimum blower door test requirement in most states to achieve Energy Star Home Certification is 5.00 ACH50 or less. The average new home built to current minimum energy code is typically in the 7.00 to 8.00 ACH50 range. To achieve such an incredibly low number, almost 5x less than the minimum requirement for Energy Star, is not only extremely difficult but is a true testament to the focus and attention to detail of both Design Homes and their builder. Although these types of stats are not readily available, in my experience the blower results of this home are easily among the top 1% or less in the country.”

Peter Vargo, Certified Energy Rater
Owner, Nu-Tech Energy Solutions, Co.

For more information, contact:
Tom Hetherington, Director of Sales and Marketing
Design Homes, LLC
11 Edwards Drive
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Phone: 800-242-5377
Fax: 570-752-1013
or
Peter V. Vargo, Certified Energy Rater
883 Warrior Run Boulevard
Turbotville, PA 17772
Phone: 570-490-3928