We all know we should conserve energy. This saves money on utility bills and has a huge impact on the environment. Regardless of your motivation, purchasing a newly built Energy Star qualified house helps guarantee great energy savings.
What precisely is an Energy Star new house? Is all new construction “green” and good for the environment? How can I know whether the house that I’m buying is really energy efficient?
The U.S. government has set out standards as to what constitutes an Energy Star rated new house. This is important because buzz words such as “green” are vague. Is a homebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs? Is it really “green” just because she added extra insulation? While these are certainly good things, it does not make your new home “green.”
To be sure that your new home you’re looking at is really energy friendly, look for the official “Energy Star” certification that is only given to qualified home.
Government guidelines at www.energystar.gov, list the criteria a house should meet to become Energy Star rated:
First, the new home must make use of quality insulation that is both installed and inspected correctly. Insulation should be used in the walls, floors and attics to ensure level temperatures throughout the new house. This can significantly reduce energy use and provide greater comfort in your home as it maintains even temperatures.
Second, the house should be built with tight construction and well fitted duct work. Small holes and cracks can allow cold air in and warm air to escape, significantly reducing the energy savings of your new house. A gap the size of a quarter can be a problem.
Third, the new home should use high efficiency windows with protective coatings and superior window frames. The goal here is to prevent cold air from coming in in the winter and to keep the warm air out in the summer. High quality UV coating on the windows also reduces fading of rugs, furniture and paint in your home.
Fourth, only Energy Star appliances should be used in the house. These appliances use less electricity, oil and natural gas, and produce reduce waste compared to non-rated appliances.
Fifth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the house, including compact fluorescent bulbs, fans, lighting fixtures, 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 assure that the homes built meet these standards. This helps ensure that builders are kept honest and are delivering on their energy-efficient promises.
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