Environments For Living - Homebuyers & Homeowners FAQ

: Click here to find a builder near you who participates in the Environments For Living® program

Energy Use Worksheet (.pdf 46k): Sample Energy Use Worksheet; Download the latest version of Adobe Reader®

How does a home qualify for TopBuild Home Services' Environments For Living® program?: The builder must submit the home design plans to the Environments For Living® program for a "plan review" as part of our builder requirements. We review the plans for compliance with the program requirements; however, we do not review the builder's plan for the home's design. Once we confirm that the plans include all of the program requirements, the builder must build the home in strict compliance with the program requirements. Finally we have a testing and inspection process that confirms the builder is in compliance with the program requirements.

What is the difference between homes built under the Environments For Living program and the Environments For Living Certified Green program?: The Environments For Living Certified Green program includes building science features from the program, plus additional requirements in areas such as indoor water efficiency, lighting and appliance efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. Click here (2.6mb) to download the builder's program requirements.

How does TopBuild Home Services' Environments For Living program differ from a program such as ENERGY STAR®?: All levels of the current Environments For Living program may qualify for the ENERGY STAR® label; certain program levels actually require that your builder provide additional features and techniques.

How does the Environments For Living Certified Green program differ from other green building programs?: The Environments For Living Certified Green program is prescriptive, as compared with most green building programs, which are based on earning points for various green techniques and features. The Environments For Living Certified Green program is complementary with many points-based green building programs, which allows your builder to choose to build your home to meet both programs and achieve both labels.

Why don't conventional code-built homes require the building science features of the Environments For Living program?: Building codes are generally designed to establish the minimum that a builder must do, largely in the interest of public safety. In contrast, the Environments For Living program establishes higher benchmarks for performance and includes advanced construction techniques.

What is the Environments For Living program's "heating and cooling energy-use guarantee"?: This is a limited guarantee from TopBuild Home Services on the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home. Please note that the guarantee is on energy use, not cost, as local utility rates may fluctuate. Please see the guarantee for complete details and limitations.

What is the Environments For Living program's "comfort guarantee"?: The comfort guarantee promises that the temperature at the location of your home's thermostat will not vary more than +/-3 degrees from the center of any conditioned room within the thermostat's zone. See the guarantee for complete details and limitations.

How can I find a builder who is participating in the Environments For Living program?: You can click here to find a builder currently using the program, and you can also ask your local builder if he or she would consider the program.

Do I have responsibilities under the limited guarantee?: Yes; please see the guarantee for complete details and limitations.

Can I add a pool or an addition to my home without voiding the guarantee?: You must notify TopBuild Home Services of any change to your home that may increase energy use, its equipment or occupancy. We can generally adjust for the addition of a pool or spa by estimating energy use based on the type and size of the pool/spa and the mechanical pump. However remodeling or altering your home is much more problematic as it involves construction techniques that may not conform to the program requirements. Please see the guarantee for complete details and limitations.

I'm selling my Environments For Living home and want to know if there are any resources for me in promoting it to potential buyers.: If your realtor is not familiar with the program, ask him or her to visit our Web site to learn more.

I'm a new homeowner and I just received my guarantee; what's the next step?: When you receive your guarantee, you will notice a perforated reply card at the bottom from TopBuild Home Services. Please detach that card, fill it out, and mail it to us; the postage is pre-paid for your convenience. To activate your guarantee you must submit the registration card within 30 days of the date you close on the purchase of your home to the Environments For Living program c/o TopBuild Home Services to activate your guarantee. For your convenience you can also register online.

How do you separate energy used for heating and cooling from the rest of my energy use?: The methodology we use is fully described in the account analysis. Click here to see the account analysis.

Why is there a dollar amount on my guarantee if the guarantee covers energy use and not cost?: The dollar amount printed on your guarantee is strictly an estimate and will vary with your actual cost of energy. The heating and cooling cost was based only on the utility rated and does not include taxes, surcharges, or other fees charged by your utility provider. (Please see the guarantee for complete details and limitations.)

I believe I have a comfort problem in one of the rooms in my home. What should I do?: You should contact your builder right away. If you have done this and are not satisfied, TopBuild Home Services, through the Environments For Living program, will notify and reasonably coordinate with your builder to make any changes or modifications, as deemed reasonably appropriate by your builder or TopBuild Home Services. Your builder, not TopBuild Home Services, is responsible for making any changes or modifications to your home.

The reverse side of my guarantee mentions an energy use worksheet that I can use to compare my usage to my guarantee amount. Where can I get a copy of this sample worksheet?: Please click here to view the Account Analysis, which includes an "energy use worksheet" in a printable format. You can also contact our office at (866) 912-7233 and we will send you copy via your requested preference.

If, after living in my home for a year, I want to submit a claim, what will I need to do?: Your claim must be submitted within 30 days after the first year start date (see limited guarantee for details). You must include copies of your actual detailed monthly utility statements for your home for the applicable period and proof of the HVAC system maintenance and service work with your claim. Submit your claims to: TopBuild Home Services, c/o Environments For Living program, 475 N Williamson Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114. Your claim may also be submitted via fax to (386) 763-2925.