Shea offers Energy Star homes

Located in North Las Vegas, Shea Homes at Ardiente offers retirees Energy Star homes with green features that can save thousands of dollars on energy costs and improve home comfort.

For Mike Crosby, energy efficiency and the Energy Star seal was an important aspect for him and his family.

"We not only bought into a community at Shea, we bought into the vision. Shea cares about everything from the details to the big picture -- from the insulation to the construction," Crosby said.

Energy Star homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code. Shea Homes at Ardiente also uses 35 percent less energy than homes built to the 2006 IECC code, according to Ryan Smith, community sales manager for Ardiente.

Shea Homes at Ardiente is an age-qualified community for homeowners at least 55.

Homes in the retirement community range from 1,218 to 2,444 square feet and are priced from the $140,000s.

Crosby said his new home is more comfortable, easier to regulate, requires less use of heating and air conditioning and saves money each month on utility bills. He also likes being able to track their energy efficiency progress online.

Smith agreed.

"A new home can look great from the outside, but to make sure that it is truly energy efficient, it's important to look behind the walls. Just as important to having energy-efficient windows, for instance, is ensuring the window is sealed and that the home is tightly constructed. That is where Energy Star comes in. At Ardiente, we ensure that homeowners have it all with energy-efficient appliances and features."

Specific features of Energy Star homes at Ardiente include:

• Tightly sealed walls and floors with attic insulation and ducts installed with minimum air-leakage and efficient insulation.

• Tech Shield on sheathing material to maintain a constant temperature.

• Fixtures and Jenn-Air appliances that include the Energy Star seal.

Ardiente features a private 20,000-square-foot clubhouse with two resort-style pools, fitness center and group exercise studio.

Outdoor amenities include seven parks, tennis and bocce courts and a Life Trail course.

For more information, visit: http:trilogylife.com/ardiente.