Subscribe Feed (RSS)We all know we should become more energy efficient. This saves money on utility bills and has a significant impact on the environment. Regardless of your motivation, buying a newly built Energy Star qualified new house helps ensure great energy savings.
What precisely is an Energy Star new house? Is all new construction “green” and good for the planet? How do I know whether the house that I’m buying is really energy efficient?
The U.S. government has defined standards as to what constitutes an Energy Star rated new home. This is important because buzz words such as “green” are vague. Is a housebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient light bulbs? Is it really “green” just because the house has insulation? While these are certainly good things, it does not make your home “green.”
To be sure that new construction you’re looking at is truly energy efficient, look for the official “Energy Star” certification that is only awarded to certain qualified houses.
Government rules at www.energystar.gov, list the criteria a new home must meet to become Energy Star qualified:
First, the new house must make use of effective insulation that is both installed and inspected correctly. 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 increased comfort in your home as it maintains level temperatures.
Next, the house should be built with air tight construction and well fitted duct work. Small holes and cracks can allow cold air in and warm air to escape, greatly reducing the energy savings of your new house. A gap the size of a quarter can be disastrous.
Third, the new home should make use of efficient windows with protective coatings and superior window frames. The goal here is to keep the cold out in the winter and to keep the heat out in the summer. High quality 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 home. These appliances use less electricity, oil and natural gas, and produce reduce waste compared to non-rated appliances.
Next, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the home, including compact fluorescent bulbs, fans, lighting fixtures, appliances, air conditioning, refrigeration, 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 new homes built attain 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 senior developers from Emmy Homes. Emmy is which is one of Long Island’s premier real estate developers. Emmy’s Commack development features luxury homes in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for more details.
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