Mastic-sealed air conditioning ducts: Applying mastic to the duct joints ensures that the ducts will not leak conditioned air into the attic, improving the home’s energy efficiency and saving the homeowner money.

15-SEER Puron® AC with variable speed air handler: The higher the SEER the more efficiently the AC operates. 15-SEER AC equipment is energy efficient (the standard SEER is 12). The variable speed air handler allows the system to operate at a low 80% of the time, which is more efficient, and removes excess moisture from the air in the home, humidity control. The Programmable Thermostat allows the homeowner to program heating and cooling cycles to coincide with home occupancy, increasing the efficiency of the system, which means reduced energy bills.

Energy Star® kitchen appliances: Combined annual energy saves a minimum of 20% over standard kitchen appliances.

Energy efficient 50-gallon water heater: Higher efficiency and extended warranty.

Sealed air-tight recessed lights: Provide a barrier to heat and air movement from unconditioned to conditioned space reducing demand on AC, saving energy.

Insulated hot water pipes: By insulating pipes, hot water remains hot; less water is wasted while waiting for “hot water;” minimizes heat loss while water is flowing through or resting in the pipes.

2. Site & Landscape

Florida Yards & Neighborhoods standards for those Gulfstream Homes where certified:
FYN-certified yards reduce the environment degradation due to storm water runoff. FYN certified yards also save up to 100,000 gallons of water per year. Assures the right plants in the right place; efficient watering practices; appropriate application of fertilizers; guidelines for controlling yard pests responsibly; recycling considerations; reduction of storm water runoff; waterfront protection where applicable.

3. Water Quality & Efficiency

Energy Star® kitchen appliances: Water-using appliances receive Energy Star® qualifications through both their reduction in water and energy use. Combined annual energy savings of approximately 20% over standard kitchen appliances.

Energy-efficient 50-gallon water heater: Higher efficiency and extended warranty.

Insulated hot water pipes: By insulating pipes, hot water remains warmer, less water is wasted while waiting for “hot water”, minimizes heat loss while water is flowing through or resting in the pipes.

Borate-treated lumber. No CCA-treated lumber is produced as of December of 2003 because of its arsenic levels: Gulfstream Homes has and will continue to use borate-treated lumber to replace CCA-treated lumber in home construction.

Protect the home’s future indoor environmental quality by assuring the AC ducts are protected from construction debris and dust. The home’s AC supply and return vents are sealed and the home’s AC system is not used during the construction process.

Construction waste recycling: Waste from construction and development activities is responsible for one third of our annual waste. Approximately 80% of all waste generated on site will be locally recycled, reducing the waste and conserving landfill space.

Sherwin Williams Harmony Paint: Low off-gassing, low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint provides healthier indoor air quality. Standard paints can off -gas for six years.

Carpet and Rug Institute-certified carpets: Carpet and padding are certified low off-gassing, improving indoor air quality.

Baited termite protection: Eliminates toxins sprayed on ground prior to home construction.

Pest Defense “Tubes in the Walls” : Provides a pest defense system that reduces human exposure to pesticides by placing them behind the walls where the pests live.

Pest Defense “Tubes in the Slab” : Provides a secondary line of defense against termite invasion.

15-SEER Puron® AC with variable speed air handler: The higher the SEER the more efficiently the AC operates. 15-SEER AC equipment is energy efficient (the standard SEER is 12). The variable speed air handler allows the system to operate at a low 80% of the time, which is more efficient, and removes excess moisture from the air in the home, Humidity control: The Programmable Thermostat allows the homeowner to program heating and cooling cycles to coincide with home occupancy, increasing the efficiency of the system, which means reduced energy bills.

Sherwin Williams Harmony Paint: Low off-gassing, low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint provides healthier indoor air quality. Standard paints can off gas for six years.

Carpet and Rug Institute-certified carpets: Carpet and padding are certified low off-gassing, improving indoor air quality.

100% recycled drywall: Drywall is purchased from a manufacturing plant that uses 100% recycled materials versus virgin materials.

Puron-based AC systems are an environmentally responsible decision: These systems use non-HCFC refrigerant (HCFCs contribute to ozone depletion).

Baited termite protection: Eliminates toxins sprayed on ground prior to home construction.

Pest Defense “Tubes in the Walls”: Provides a pest defense system that reduces human exposure to pesticides by placing them behind the walls where the pests live.

Pest Defense “Tubes in the Slab”: Provides a secondary line of defense against termite invasion.