What
is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and
individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.
Results are already adding
up. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough
energy to power 10 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions from 12
million cars - all while saving $6 billion.
For the home
Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill
with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features,
style or comfort. ENERGY STAR helps you make the energy efficient choice.
·
If
looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY
STAR. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US
Department of Energy.
·
If
looking for a new home, look for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR.
·
If
looking to make larger improvements to your home, EPA offers tools and resources
to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy bills and improve
home comfort.
For Business
Because a strategic approach to energy management can produce twice the savings
- for the bottom line and the environment - as typical approaches, EPA's ENERGY
STAR partnership offers a proven energy management strategy that helps in
measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking savings, and
rewarding improvements.
EPA provides an innovative
energy performance rating system which businesses have already used for more
than 10,000 buildings across the country. EPA also recognizes top performing
buildings with the ENERGY STAR.
What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes?
|
All ENERGY STAR
qualified new homes are certified to meet EPA's strict guidelines for energy
efficiency and certification is verified by an independent third party. All
ENERGY STAR qualified new homes receive the ENERGY STAR label, indicating to
consumers that these energy-efficient homes are more comfortable, more
durable, cost less to own, and are good for the environment. What are
ENERGY STAR's energy efficiency guidelines for new homes? |
What types
of homes can earn the ENERGY STAR label? Any single-family or multi-family
residential home that is three stories or less in height can qualify to receive
the ENERGY STAR label. This includes traditional site-constructed homes as well
as modular, systems-built (e.g., insulated concrete forms, structurally
insulated panels), and HUD-code manufactured homes.
Can existing homes earn the ENERGY STAR? Yes. Existing homes can be
qualified for the ENERGY STAR label if they meet ENERGY STAR's performance
guidelines. However, it is not always practical or cost-effective to bring an
existing home to this level of efficiency. Nevertheless, the energy efficiency
of existing homes can often be greatly improved using cost-effective retrofit
techniques. Visit Home
Improvement to learn how.
Do
energy-efficient homes look different?
No, builders and developers constructing ENERGY STAR qualified new homes do not
have to alter their architectural designs. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home
can be built in whatever style the consumer prefers or is most popular in a
particular geographic region.
Does an
energy-efficient home cost more?
No. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home actually costs less
because you will spend less on your new home's utility bill each month. These
energy savings can more than offset any increase in mortgage payments needed
for the improved energy features and can result in a positive monthly cash flow.
Further, ENERGY STAR financing partners offer special mortgage packages for
buyers of ENERGY STAR qualified new homes.
How will I
know if a home is labeled ENERGY STAR?
Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which should be prominently displayed on the circuit
breaker box. You can also ask your builder for the home's ENERGY STAR
certificate. This optional certificate indicates that the home has been
verified to meet EPA's ENERGY STAR qualified new homes performance guidelines.
How can I
participate in ENERGY STAR as a home industry professional?
ENERGY STAR currently partners with four main types of home industry
professionals: homebuilders,
home energy raters, utilities and other sponsoring organizations, and home
lenders . After completing and signing a partnership agreement, partners
can take advantage of the widely recognized ENERGY STAR name, logos, and a
variety of other marketing resources. Other home industry professionals can promote
ENERGY STAR as well.
Features
of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes >
Features of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes
ENERGY STAR
qualified new homes achieve their energy savings through a variety of reliable
and established technologies and building practices. Builders are free to
select the energy efficiency features used in their new qualified homes, tour
the home below learn more about the technologies and practices that are
typically included.
- Tight
Construction (Reduced Air Infiltration)
- Tight
Ducts
- Improved
Insulation
- High
Performance Windows
- Energy
Efficient Heating & Cooling Equipment
Benefits of ENERGY STAR for Homebuyers >
Benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes
ENERGY STAR
qualified new homes offer:
A Label
Backed by the Government
All ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are certified by independent third party to
meet EPA's strict guidelines for energy efficiency.
Lower Utility
Costs
ENERGY STAR qualified new homes use substantially less energy for heating,
cooling, and water heating. Homeowners can expect to save about $200-$400
annually on their utility bills.
Increased
Comfort
The energy-efficient features of ENERGY STAR qualified new homes keep out
excessive heat, cold, and noise, and ensure consistent temperatures between and
across rooms - making these homes more comfortable to live in.
A Better
Future
Millions of consumers who have purchased an ENERGY STAR qualified new home are
helping to reduce our nation's energy needs and building a cleaner environment
for the future.
Indian Creek Homes ENERGY STAR Ratings
Maidenhair Fern House ENERGY STAR Rating
Mountain Laurel House ENERGY STAR Rating