We all know we should conserve energy. This lowers costs and has a tremendous impact on our environment. Regardless of your reason, buying a newly built Energy Star qualified home helps ensure great energy savings.
What precisely is an Energy Star house? Are all new houses "green" and good for the environment? How can I know whether the new home that I'm buying is really energy efficient?
The federal government has laid out requirements as to what constitutes an Energy Star rated new house. This is important because terms such as "green" are vague. Is a housebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs? 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 new construction you're looking at is really energy friendly, look for the official "Energy Star" certification that is only awarded to qualified home.
Government guidelines at www.energystar.gov, identify the criteria a house must meet to become Energy Star rated:
First, the new home 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 even temperatures throughout the new home. This can drastically reduce energy use and provide greater comfort in your house as it maintains even temperatures.
Second, the house should be built with tight construction and well fitted duct work. Small cracks and holes can allow cold air in and warm air to escape, significantly reducing the efficiency of your house. An opening the size of a quarter can be disastrous.
Third, the home should employ high efficiency windows with protective coatings and superior window frames. The goal here is to prevent cold air from coming in in the winter and to keep the warm air out in the summer. A good UV coating on the windows also prevents fading of furniture, carpets and paint in your new home.
Next, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the house. These appliances use less gas, oil and electricity and produce much less waste vs. their non-rated counterparts.
Fifth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the new home, 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 assure that the houses 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 executives with Emmy Homes. Emmy is one of Long Island's most established home builders. Emmy's Commack development features new construction in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for more information.
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