We all know we should conserve energy. This saves money on utility bills and has a significant impact on our environment. No matter what your motivation, purchasing a newly built Energy Star qualified new home helps guarantee great energy efficiency.
What exactly is an Energy Star home? Is all new construction "green" and good for the planet? How can I know whether the home that I'm purchaseing is really energy efficient?
The U.S. government has defined standards as to what constitutes an Energy Star rated home. This is critical because terms such as "green" have no clear definition. 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 house "green."
To be sure that your new home you're looking at is actually energy efficient, look for the official "Energy Star" certification that is only awarded to qualified home.
Government rules at www.energystar.gov, identify the criteria a new home should meet to become Energy Star qualified:
First, the new home must make use of quality insulation that is both installed and inspected correctly. Insulation should be used in the floors, walls and attics to ensure level temperatures throughout the home. This can significantly reduce energy use and provide greater comfort in your home as it maintains level temperatures.
Next, the structure should be constructed with tight construction and well fitted duct work. Small cracks and holes can cause cold air in and warm air to escape, greatly reducing the energy savings of your new home. An opening no bigger than a quarter can be a problem.
Third, the house should make use of efficient windows with protective coatings and improved window frames. The goal here is to keep the cold out in the winter and to keep the heat out in the summer. A good UV coating on the windows also reduces fading of rugs, furniture and paint in your new home.
Fourth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the new home. These appliances use less electricity, oil and natural gas, and produce reduce waste vs. their non-rated counterparts.
Fifth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the new 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 assure that the houses built attain these standards. This is done to ensure that builders are kept honest and are delivering on their energy-efficient promises.
What exactly is an Energy Star home? Is all new construction "green" and good for the planet? How can I know whether the home that I'm purchaseing is really energy efficient?
The U.S. government has defined standards as to what constitutes an Energy Star rated home. This is critical because terms such as "green" have no clear definition. 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 house "green."
To be sure that your new home you're looking at is actually energy efficient, look for the official "Energy Star" certification that is only awarded to qualified home.
Government rules at www.energystar.gov, identify the criteria a new home should meet to become Energy Star qualified:
First, the new home must make use of quality insulation that is both installed and inspected correctly. Insulation should be used in the floors, walls and attics to ensure level temperatures throughout the home. This can significantly reduce energy use and provide greater comfort in your home as it maintains level temperatures.
Next, the structure should be constructed with tight construction and well fitted duct work. Small cracks and holes can cause cold air in and warm air to escape, greatly reducing the energy savings of your new home. An opening no bigger than a quarter can be a problem.
Third, the house should make use of efficient windows with protective coatings and improved window frames. The goal here is to keep the cold out in the winter and to keep the heat out in the summer. A good UV coating on the windows also reduces fading of rugs, furniture and paint in your new home.
Fourth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the new home. These appliances use less electricity, oil and natural gas, and produce reduce waste vs. their non-rated counterparts.
Fifth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the new 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 assure that the houses built attain these standards. This is done to ensure that builders are kept honest and are delivering on their energy-efficient promises.
About the Author:
Craig Axelrod is one of the executives with Emmy Homes. Emmy is one of LI's top home builders. Emmy's Commack development features luxury homes in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for more details.
