If you are exploring new construction in Chatham County, you have probably heard terms like HERS scores, blower door tests, and high-performance standards. It can sound technical, but the goal is simple. Build homes that are more comfortable, more efficient, and more cost-effective to own over time.
At Absolute Construction & Development, building to HERO level performance is not an upgrade or add-on. It is part of the foundation. Every home is designed and tested to meet higher efficiency standards, and those results are verified by a third party through Southern Energy Management.
So what does that actually mean for you as a homeowner?
Lower HERS Scores, Higher Efficiency
Every Absolute Construction home comes with a certified HERS report. HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System, and it measures how energy efficient a home is compared to a standard new build.
For context, a typical existing home often scores around 130. A standard new home typically scores around 100. Absolute Construction homes are averaging a HERS score of 59. The lower the number, the better the performance.
That difference shows up in real life. Lower HERS scores translate into lower energy use, more consistent indoor temperatures, and long-term savings. On average, homeowners are saving hundreds of dollars per year on utility costs. Since 2017, that has added up to significant savings across Absolute’s portfolio.
Why a Better Seal Makes a Better Home
Two of the most important performance tests behind those scores are the blower door test and duct leakage testing.
Absolute homes average 3.2 air changes per hour on the blower door test. North Carolina code allows up to 5. Lower air changes mean the home is better sealed, which helps control drafts, maintain stable temperatures, and improve indoor air quality.
Duct leakage to the outside measures how much conditioned air escapes before it reaches your living space. Code allows up to 4 percent leakage. Absolute homes average just 1.12 percent. That means the air you are paying to heat or cool is actually staying inside the home where it belongs.
The result is a quieter, more comfortable living experience, with fewer hot and cold spots and less strain on your HVAC system.
Real Financial and Environmental Impact
Energy efficiency affects your monthly budget and your long-term investment. Absolute homeowners save an average of $670 per year on energy costs. Over time, that is money that can go toward travel, savings, or simply lowering the cost of ownership.
There is also an environmental benefit. Absolute homes collectively avoid hundreds of thousands of pounds of emissions each year, the equivalent of saving thousands of gallons of gasoline. Efficiency is built into the home’s structure, not added later with temporary solutions.
Building With Purpose
For Absolute Construction & Development, high performance is not a marketing trend. It is a commitment to building homes that perform better from day one and continue delivering value for years to come.
If you are considering building in Chatham County and want a home that prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and long-term savings, connect with our team to learn more about their high-performance approach and current opportunities.