Shea Homes at Ardiente features homes that save energy, resources

Tucked away in a quiet corner of North Las Vegas, Shea Homes at Ardiente homeowners can embrace new, updated green features that reduce their carbon footprint, lower monthly utility costs and increase home efficiency.

For homeowner Mike Crosby, the Energy Star seal and having green features were key factors when it came time to purchase a new home.

"Shea has a long history of building quality homes that are incredibly well constructed. 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 design," Crosby said.

Energy Star-qualified homes are reported to be 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code. Shea Homes at Ardiente's residences also utilize 35 percent less energy than homes built to the 2006 IECC code.

Crosby said their new home is more comfortable, easier to regulate, requires less use of heating and air conditioning and saves him money each month on energy bills. The Crosbys can even track their energy-efficiency progress online.

"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,"' said Ryan Smith, community sales manager for Ardiente. "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, floors and 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

Homes at Ardiente go through a number of inspections by an independent, third party to validate they meet Energy Star requirements.

The community's new homes range from 1,218 to 2,444 square feet and start from the $140,000s.

Ardiente is located not far from the Las Vegas Strip and close to the mountains and desert. At the hub of the community is a private 20,000-square-foot clubhouse featuring 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 on Shea Homes at Ardiente, an age-qualified community for those at least 55, visit trilogylife.com/ardiente.