ENERGY STAR Homes

There is a lot of talk about energy efficient homes and ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that provides information, training, and certification of products and practices to help homeowners save money and protect the environment.

By making a green home compliant with ENERGY STAR standards, homeowners enjoy a savings of at least 20%-30% in energy costs (more if structural insulated panels are used), and create a healthy indoor environment for their family while reducing air pollutants, dust, and drafts, and increasing the value of their home.

An ENERGY STAR home has five major components that a conventional home might not have:

•1. High performance insulation: probably the biggest savings in energy costs in the home. I recommend using structural insulated panels, which create a continuous thermal building envelope.

•2. Energy efficient windows

•3. Tight Building Envelope: sealing heating & cooling duct systems

•4. Efficient Heating and Cooling Systems

•5. Efficient Products. ENERGY STAR products and appliances make a significant contribution toward energy savings in a green home.

After the home is built, an independent ENERGY STAR qualified Home Energy Rater evaluates the home to earn certified as an ENERY STAR home. After approval, the only thing left to do is to enjoy the comfort of the new energy efficient home, marvel at the low energy bills, and admire the ENERGY STAR label on the home's breaker box!