We all want to become more energy efficient. This lowers costs and has a huge impact on the environment. Regardless of your motivation, purchasing a newly built Energy Star qualified new home helps ensure great energy efficiency.
What precisely is an Energy Star new house? Are all new houses “green” and good for the planet? How can I know whether the new house that I’m buying is really energy efficient?
The federal government has defined standards as to what qualifies as an Energy Star rated new 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 light bulbs? 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 actually energy efficient, look for the official “Energy Star” certification that is only given to certain qualified houses.
Government guidelines at www.energystar.gov, list the criteria a home must meet to become Energy Star rated:
First, the house must make use of effective insulation that is both properly installed and inspected. Insulation should be used in the floors, walls and attics to ensure even temperatures throughout the new home. This can significantly lower energy use and provide increased comfort in your home as it maintains even temperatures.
Next, the structure should be built with tight construction and well fitting duct work. Small holes and cracks can cause cold air in and warm air to escape, greatly reducing the efficiency of your house. An opening the size of a quarter can be disastrous.
Third, the new house should make use of efficient 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 rugs, furniture and paint in your new home.
Next, Energy Star rated 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 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 greater your savings will be.
Finally, Energy Star builders can go through a third-party verification process to verify that the new houses built attain these standards. This helps ensure that builders are reputable and deliver on their energy-efficient promises.
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