Maleno Builders, Inc. Recognized by Builders Association

By Zach Ambrose

Erie's Most Energy Efficient Home

A North East home was recognized as the most energy efficient residential property built this year in Northwest Pennsylvania. 

The Builder’s Association of Northwest Pennsylvania announced on Saturday the winner of their 2018 Award of Excellence for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability. 

Erie-based Maleno Builders, Inc. won the award for construction practices that keep their homeowners comfortable all-year-round and reduce energy expenses by hundreds of dollars every year. 

“It’s humbling to be recognized by our peers for the hard work and quality homes we produce,” said Dominic Maleno, owner of Maleno Builders, Inc. “We were proud to hear that Maleno homes are 50% more energy efficient than standard new construction homes. Energy efficiency is one of our top priorities.” 

The award-winning home, located off Woodmere Road, features high-efficiency lighting, advanced insulation and construction practices that prevent air from escaping to the outdoors.

 “We are proud to acknowledge Maleno Builders for demonstrating that it can be cost effective to build homes that reduce energy use,” said Bob Himes, Executive Officer of the Builder’s Association of Northwest Pennsylvania. “Plus, the home is beautiful. It’s a great example of smart craftsmanship.”

 Features of modern, energy-efficient homes include LED lighting, high-efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and smart thermostats that allow better control over homeowner energy expenses.

 The builder’s association offered the Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Award at a time of transition for many Pennsylvania homebuilders. Starting in October, changes to state building codes require all residential new construction to be 25% more energy-efficient than homes built to previous standards.

 The Pennsylvania Energy Efficient New Homes Program, offered by FirstEnergy’s Pennsylvania utilities (Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power), reviewed entries for the Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Award. The Energy Efficient New Homes Program is also offering guidance and financial assistance to builders who need help making the transition to the updated building codes.

 “The building codes were updated this year for the first time in almost a decade. A lot has changed in energy efficiency technologies during those years,” said Zach Ambrose, Program Manager of the Energy Efficient New Homes Program. “We believe we can help Erie’s construction industry meet the new energy efficiency rules in a way that can improve the overall quality, durability and value of their homes.”

 In addition to receiving recognition from their peers, builders whose projects qualify for the Energy Efficient New Homes Program can earn hundreds of dollars or more in financial incentives. For multifamily projects, builders can earn thousands of dollars per building with rebates issued on a per-unit basis.

 For information on energy code changes or incentives from the Pennsylvania Energy Efficient New Homes Program, contact Zach Ambrose at coordinator@energysavepa-newhomes.com or call 412-715-2297.

Caption:

Maleno Builders, Inc. took home Awards of Excellence for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability as well as for New Construction valued $250,000-$300,000 (pictured).