When you choose a Heartland home, you're investing in a smarter way to live. BuiltSmart is our approach to energy efficiency, comfort, sustainability, and savings—designed to enhance your lifestyle while lowering utility costs. Every BuiltSmart home is built to be modern, high-performance, and cost-effective, offering a healthier and more resilient living space.
With over 70 years of homebuilding experience, Heartland Homes ensures that BuiltSmart homes are not only well-built but also built for the future.
BuiltSmart homes maximize efficiency without sacrificing comfort. From high-performance HVAC systems to energy-efficient windows, every detail works to reduce energy consumption and lower monthly bills. That means you can spend less on utilities and more on what matters most to you.
BuiltSmart homes are equipped with smart insulation, high-performance HVAC systems, and ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances. These features help minimize energy loss and reduce monthly costs.
BuiltSmart homes feature smart thermostats that optimize energy use based on your schedule and advanced insulation that minimizes outside noise for a quieter living space.
BuiltSmart homes use advanced building techniques and materials that exceed industry standards for durability and efficiency. Each home undergoes independent third-party inspections to ensure top performance.
BuiltSmart homes follow green building practices to reduce environmental impact, using eco-friendly, recycled materials and water-smart landscaping.
With energy-efficient systems and appliances, BuiltSmart homes can reduce energy use by up to 30%, leading to lower monthly utility bills and less maintenance over time.
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard for measuring a home's energy efficiency. The way it works is simple: the lower the HERS score, the greater the efficiency. A standard new home has a HERS score of 100, which serves as a baseline. BuiltSmart homes score significantly lower, making them some of the most energy-efficient new builds available. This means lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint for homeowners.
A lower HERS score = lower energy bills. BuiltSmart homes save homeowners thousands in energy costs over the years by achieving lower HERS scores than standard new homes.
A Heartland home with a 65 HERS score is about 30% more efficient than a standard new home. Optimized insulation, appliances, and HVAC systems translate into significantly lower utility bills. Plus, eco-friendly materials mean you're choosing a home that's both cost-effective and better for the environment. It's a win for your wallet and the planet.
Most new homes have a HERS score of 100, which meets the industry standard but lacks the advanced features of BuiltSmart homes. While better than older resale homes, standard new homes still have room for improvement in energy efficiency. Many homeowners end up spending extra to retrofit energy-efficient features that BuiltSmart homes include from day one.
Many older homes score 130 or higher on the HERS scale, making them at least 30% less efficient than today's standard new homes. That means higher monthly utility bills due to outdated insulation, inefficient HVAC systems, and energy-draining appliances. Upgrading these homes with energy-efficient features can cost tens of thousands of dollars—an expense that BuiltSmart homes help you avoid right from the start.