Blog Post

The novel coronavirus elevated the importance of improving the quality of the air we breathe. Indoor air quality matters more than ever, so we're working hard to give our homeowners the benefit of programs like Indoor airPLUS to combat airborne pollutants.

On average, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors, and indoor air is estimated to be 2 to 5 times more polluted than what you breathe outside, according to the EPA. Builders have made huge strides in constructing airtight homes, which is great for energy efficiency because air leaks have been reduced or eliminated. However, the tight seal also means that air isn’t flowing as freely in and out of the home. It’s simply recirculating through your indoor spaces. 

That air could contain all sorts of microscopic allergens and toxins. Mold, dust, pet dander, germs, bacteria, viruses, radon, carbon monoxide, and tobacco smoke are just a few. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases or liquids that are released from products like household cleaners, disinfectants, air fresheners (including scented candles), furniture, carpets, aerosol sprays, paint, hobby supplies, adhesives, wood preservatives, and dry-cleaned items. Some of the VOCs emit terrible fumes, while others are odorless, just lingering in your home without your knowledge.

Kettler Forlines Homes earns a “Star” for energy efficiency…

We decided many years ago that building a quality home wasn’t simply about constructing a comfortable, well-built home with structural integrity and an appealing design. We thought about “performance”. How does your home work for you?

That decision led Kettler Forlines Homes to invest in achieving the standards for each of our residences to be an ENERGY STAR Certified Home. To earn the ENERGY STAR rating, a builder must adhere to an extensive list of building science measures that conserve energy. The requirements cover thermal enclosure, heating and cooling system, water management, lighting, and appliances. As a result, these homes are estimated to be 15% to 30% more energy-efficient than homes built to current code. Look at your energy bills. What would a 30% savings contribute to your household budget? 

Certification is a detailed (and therefore, time-consuming) process, so many builders have chosen not to pursue the ENERGY STAR label. At Kettler Forlines Homes, we think saving energy is a worthwhile investment!

The ENERGY STAR certification for our homes is also a requisite for meeting the requirements of Indoor airPLUS, the second step in our goal to build high-performing homes.

…And an “A+” for indoor air quality

Take a deep breath in your home. Now consider that you inhaled dust, pollen, mold spores, carbon monoxide, radon, bacteria, and even formaldehyde.

You can breathe easy when you live in a home that has earned the Indoor airPLUS Home Certification. This EPA program was developed to provide builders with guidelines for improving the indoor air quality in homes.

Every home built by Kettler Forlines Homes adheres to the high standards for Indoor airPLUS’s quality control program:

• Mold and moisture control materials and methods in all moisture-sensitive areas of the home
• Enhanced filtration and dehumidification to ensure adequate flow of clean air
• Venting of all combustion appliances and systems to prevent back-drafting of pollutants, like carbon monoxide
• Use of no- and low-VOC paints and carpets and low-formaldehyde manufactured wood products
• Installation of special seals and screens to prevent pest entry, which reduces the need for pesticides
• Adherence to radon-resistant construction techniques to protect against radon, the second-highest leading cause of lung cancer

Your home is your haven, your safe zone. Kettler Forlines Homes makes sure of it!

We are building single-family homes in The Reserve at Brightwell Crossing, our neighborhood in Poolesville, MD. If you have a different location in mind, let's talk about building your dream home on your lot.