facebook
Zero Down & Rates as Low as 3.75%Get Offer
Request Information

Energy Efficiency

Thoughtful engineering, efficient systems, and smart technology—standard in every First Texas, Gallery Custom, and Harwood home.

Live Better. Use Less. Save Every Day.

We build for Texas—high heat, quick swings in weather, and real-world daily life. That’s why every home we deliver is engineered to be comfortable and efficient from the start: tighter envelopes, smarter HVAC, and materials that work together to reduce waste and improve performance.

The result? A home that’s quieter, more consistent room-to-room, and designed to help lower utility usage over time—without you having to think about it.

Whole-Home Efficiency, Built-In

  • Radiant barrier roof decking + R-38 attic insulation
  • Low-E, double-pane vinyl windows & air-seal at penetrations
  • Efficient HVAC with sealed duct connections
  • Tankless water heaters & PEX plumbing
  • Wi-Fi smart thermostats & ENERGY STAR® appliances
Features may vary by community and plan. See Sales Consultant for details.

Tap or press Enter on the + hotspots to see how each component works

Cutaway of home showing energy-smart features
+++++++++++

Engineered for Efficiency

A quick look at the materials and methods that do the heavy lifting every day.

Roof & Attic

  • Radiant barrier roof decking
  • R-38 blown attic insulation
  • Professionally sealed penetrations

HVAC & Airflow

  • Efficient HVAC systems
  • Mastic-sealed duct connections
  • Wi-Fi smart thermostats

Water & Plumbing

  • Tankless water heaters*
  • PEX plumbing distribution
  • Smart routing for faster hot water
*Not applicable in all-electric communities.

Windows & Envelope

  • Low-E, double-pane insulated glass
  • Vinyl frames to reduce transfer
  • Air-seal at key infiltration points

Appliances & Lighting

  • ENERGY STAR® kitchen appliances
  • LED lighting throughout
  • Smart-home readiness

Comfort & Quiet

  • Balanced airflow & zoning (per plan)
  • Consistent temperatures room-to-room
  • Materials that dampen outside noise

How the Features Work for You

What does “whole-home” Energy Efficiency actually mean?
Whole-home efficiency means your home’s thermal envelope, mechanical systems, and smart controls are engineered to work together as a unified system—combining radiant barrier roof decking, high-density insulation, air-sealed framing penetrations, Low-E insulated windows, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and tankless water heating—so your home maintains even temperatures with far less wasted energy across scorching North Texas summers and winter cold snaps.
How do radiant barrier roof decking and R-38 attic insulation keep my home cooler in Texas summers?
Radiant barrier roof sheathing reflects up to 97% of the sun’s radiant heat before it can enter your attic space, significantly lowering peak summer attic temperatures so your HVAC ductwork and equipment don’t have to battle extreme heat. Paired with deep R-38 blown-in fiberglass ceiling insulation, R-22 sloped-ceiling batts, and R-13 exterior wall insulation, your conditioned indoor air stays comfortable hour after hour.
What kind of windows and air-sealing protection are used in First Texas Homes?
Every home features Low-E dual-pane insulated vinyl windows that block solar heat gain and harmful UV rays (protecting your hardwood floors and furniture from fading) while welcoming natural daylight. During framing and pre-drywall stages, we apply Dow Styrofoam™ WeatherMate™ Plus Housewrap, flexible window and door flashing tapes, and interior energy poly-sealant around base plates, exterior outlets, and plumbing penetrations to block drafts, dust, allergens, and humidity.
What HVAC and indoor air quality features come standard?
We install high-efficiency 15+ SEER2 Trane® or Carrier® heating and cooling systems (sized specifically for your floor plan’s thermal load), R-6 insulated air-tight ductwork, high-performance MERV media air filtration to capture airborne dust and pollen, and programmable Wi-Fi thermostats integrated with our HomePro SmartHouse Technology package.
How do tankless gas water heaters and ENERGY STAR® appliances reduce monthly utility bills?
Unlike traditional 40- or 50-gallon tank water heaters that burn energy 24 hours a day keeping stored water hot, Rinnai® tankless gas water heaters heat water strictly on demand—delivering an endless supply of hot water for simultaneous showers and laundry while using up to 40% less energy. In the kitchen and baths, ENERGY STAR® dishwashers and appliances, WaterSense® plumbing fixtures, and 100% LED lighting further reduce both water and electricity consumption.
Do these energy-efficient construction features come standard across all brands?
Yes! Core Energy Efficiency features come standard in every First Texas Homes Classic Series, Select Series, Gallery Custom Homes, and Harwood Homes residence. Specific equipment brands or municipal energy-code configurations may vary slightly by community and plan—your Community Sales Consultant can walk you through the exact specifications for your neighborhood.
How is my home’s insulation, air-sealing, and HVAC performance verified during construction?
Before drywall is hung, your home undergoes a rigorous Pre-Drywall & Thermal Envelope Inspection by municipal building inspectors, independent third-party energy raters, and our private internal Quality Control team—including blower-door air-leakage testing and duct-blaster tightness testing where required by code. You can read more in our step-by-step How We Build Your Home guide.
How are my HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems covered under the builder warranty?
Your home’s internal HVAC ductwork, refrigerant lines, electrical wiring, and potable water/gas supply lines are protected for two full years under the 2-Year Delivery Portion of Systems coverage in our insurance-backed StrucSure 1-2-10 Express Limited Warranty, in addition to direct manufacturer warranties on your HVAC equipment, tankless water heater, and kitchen appliances.

©2024 First Texas Homes. First Texas Homes Energy Savings™ (FTHES) is a trademark of First Texas Homes, Inc. FTHES describes certain features and criteria included in every new First Texas or Gallery Custom home built to help make them more economically sustainable and reduce energy consumption and the resulting environmental impact over the long term. Actual savings may vary and depend in part on occupant behavior, timing and/or fluctuating costs of energy usage, and actual climate zone conditions. Illustrations and photos are artists' depictions only and may differ from completed improvements. Plans, dimensions, features, specifications, materials, and availability of homes or communities are subject to change without notice or obligation. Manufacturer and/or features may vary. The energy-efficient features shown above may not be available in all communities. See Sales Consultant for details.

Ready to experience the difference?

Ask about our energy-smart features in the communities you love.

Schedule a Tour