We all want to become more energy efficient. This saves money on utility bills and has a significant impact on the environment. No matter what your reason, buying a newly built Energy Star qualified new home helps guarantee great energy efficiency.
What precisely is an Energy Star house? Are all new houses “green” and good for the environment? How do I know whether the new house that I’m purchaseing is truly energy efficient?
The U.S. government has defined standards as to what constitutes an Energy Star rated home. This is relevant because terms such as “green” have no clear definition. Is a new homebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient lighting? 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 confident 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 rules at www.energystar.gov, identify the criteria a new home must meet to become Energy Star qualified:
First, the new 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 new home. This will drastically lower energy use and provide greater comfort in your new home as it maintains level temperatures.
Next, the house should be built with air 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 no bigger than a quarter can be disastrous.
Next, the house should employ high efficiency windows with protective coatings and superior window frames. The goal here is to keep the cold out in the winter and to keep the warm air out in the summer. High quality UV coating on the windows also prevents fading of rugs, furniture and paint in your home.
Next, only Energy Star appliances should be used in the new house. These appliances use less gas, oil and electricity and produce much less waste vs. non-rated appliances.
Next, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the new home, 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 builders can go through a third-party verification process to assure that the new homes built meet these standards. This is done to ensure that builders are kept honest and are delivering on their energy-efficient promises.
Craig Axelrod is one of the partners with Emmy Homes. Emmy is one of LI’s most trusted home developers. Emmy’s Commack development features new construction in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for more information.
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