We all want to become more energy efficient. This saves your family money and has a significant positive impact on the environment. No matter what your reason, purchasing a newly built Energy Star qualified new house helps ensure great energy efficiency.
What exactly is an Energy Star home? Is all new construction “green” and good for the environment? How do I know whether the house that I’m purchaseing is truly energy efficient?
The U.S. government has defined standards as to what qualifies as an Energy Star rated house. This is relevant because buzz words such as “green” have no clear definition. Is a new housebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient lighting? Is it really “green” just because she added extra insulation? While are good things, it does not make your house “green.”
To be sure that your new home you’re looking at is really energy efficient, look for the official “Energy Star” certification that is only given to certain qualified houses.
Government rules at www.energystar.gov, identify the criteria a house should meet to become Energy Star rated:
First, the house must make use of quality insulation that is both properly installed and inspected. Insulation should be used in the floors, walls and attics to ensure level temperatures throughout the home. This will drastically reduce energy use and provide greater comfort in your home as it maintains level temperatures.
Next, the house should be built with tight construction and well fitting duct work. Small cracks and holes can cause cold air in and warm air to escape, greatly reducing the energy savings of your home. An opening the size of a quarter can be a problem.
Third, the new home should use high efficiency windows with protective coatings and improved window frames. The goal here is to prevent cold air from coming in in the winter and to keep the heat out in the summer. A good UV coating on the windows also prevents fading of furniture, carpets and paint in your new house.
Fourth, only Energy Star appliances should be used in the new home. These appliances use less gas, oil and electricity and produce reduce waste vs. non-rated appliances.
Next, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the house, including lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, fans, appliances, refrigerators, air conditioners, dishwashers and washing machines. The more energy efficient appliances you have, the lower your electric costs will be.
Finally, Energy Star contractors can go through a third-party verification process to verify that the homes built meet these standards. This is done to ensure that builders are reputable and deliver on their energy-efficient promises.
Craig Axelrod is one of the executives from Emmy Homes. Emmy is one of Long Island’s premier home developers. Emmy’s Commack real estate features new construction in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for more information.
Hey, I think that energy star homes are great. It is much better to spend a little more money now and save money in the long run as well as saving the Earth.
I will be going through a remodel very soon here. Energy Star appliances are the way to go.
I definitely have to replace the widows and the frames surrounding them. I live in the south so don’t have to worry often if at all about the cold but keeping the extra heat out is a must.