Denver, Colorado (1/15/1999) --- Johns Manville (JM) is introducing an enhancement to its popular Performance Home™ computer software and will demonstrate it at the 1999 International Builders' Show in Dallas. The software adds increased value to builders' services by enabling complete, energy-efficient home designs, while reducing costs.
First introduced exclusively to insulation contractors in 1987, Performance Home Software is directly available for the first time to builders. By taking the guesswork out of upgrading a home to meet or exceed energy codes, it establishes the hard numbers homebuyers and builders need when deciding to upgrade insulation. Insulation upgrades reduce energy bill costs enhancing a homebuyer's ability to qualify for a higher mortgage. The program uses size, type, physical characteristics of the home, the region of the country, and the energy costs to calculate the upgrade savings.
Now available on CD-ROM, the software enhancements allow the builder to include specific options in other energy categories besides insulation, i.e., windows, HVAC systems, etc. The software will deliver the lowest cost options that meet key energy codes including Model Energy Code™ and Energy Star™. Using the JM software, a builder can also evaluate insulation upgrade options for specific home types and designs.
"The software provides the builder the benefit of offering the lowest cost path to the homeowner to meeting energy requirements," said Bill Blalock, JM's residential market manager. "Homeowners can have a more energy-efficient, comfortable home without overspending."
An additional feature, offered for the first time, is a direct link to the Environmental Protection Agency's HomeCalc™. The detailed financial results of the Energy Star™ analysis (available only in Performance Home™) are now linked to the inputs of the HomeCalc™ program. This feature quickly allows users to accurately see the financial advantages of building an Energy Star home without re-entering data.
The JM Performance Home computer program is one of only four energy-efficient programs recognized by the National Association of HomeBuilders. EPA Energy Star™ and Freddie Mac have also recognized the program.
Johns Manville (NYSE:JM) is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium quality insulation and building products. The 141-year-old Denver-based company had sales of $1.65 billion in 1997. Johns Manville produces and markets insulation products for buildings and equipment; commercial/industrial roofing systems; and engineered products including high-efficiency filtration media, fibers, fabric and nonwoven mats used as reinforcements in building and industrial applications. Johns Manville employs approximately 9,300 people and operates 54 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at
www.jm.com.
For more information on the full line of Johns Manville building insulation products, please contact the Johns Manville Product Information Center, P.O. Box 5108, Denver, CO 80217; phone: 800.654.3103; fax: 303.978.2318.
