Everyone knows they should become more energy efficient. This saves money on utility bills and has a huge impact on the environment. No matter what your motivation, purchasing a newly built Energy Star qualified new house helps guarantee great energy savings.
What precisely is an Energy Star home? Are all new houses “green” and good for the environment? How do I know whether the new home that I’m purchaseing is really energy efficient?
The federal government has laid out requirements as to what qualifies as an Energy Star rated new house. This is important because terms such as “green” have no clear definition. Is a new housebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient lighting? Is it really “green” just because the house has insulation? While are good things, it does not make your home “green.”
To be confident that new construction you’re looking at is really energy efficient, look for the official “Energy Star” certification that is only awarded to certain qualified houses.
Government guidelines at www.energystar.gov, identify the criteria a new house must meet to become Energy Star qualified:
First, the house must make use of effective insulation that is both installed and inspected correctly. Insulation should be used in the walls, floors and attics to ensure consistent temperatures throughout the home. This can significantly reduce energy use and provide increased comfort in your house as it maintains even temperatures.
Next, the house should be built with air tight construction and well fitting duct work. Small cracks and holes can allow cold air in and warm air to escape, significantly reducing the energy savings of your house. A gap the size of a quarter can be a problem.
Third, the home should make use of high efficiency windows with protective coatings and improved window frames. The goal here is to keep the cold out 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 home.
Fourth, only Energy Star appliances should be used in the new home. 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 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 homes built attain these standards. This helps 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 which is one of Long Island’s top real estate builders. Emmy’s Commack development features new construction in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for more details.
Energy Star New Houses in Commack
Everyone knows they should become more energy efficient. This saves money on utility bills and has a huge impact on the environment. No matter what your motivation, purchasing a newly built Energy Star qualified new house helps guarantee great energy savings.
What precisely is an Energy Star home? Are all new houses “green” and good for the environment? How do I know whether the new home that I’m purchaseing is really energy efficient?
The federal government has laid out requirements as to what qualifies as an Energy Star rated new house. This is important because terms such as “green” have no clear definition. Is a new housebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient lighting? Is it really “green” just because the house has insulation? While are good things, it does not make your home “green.”
To be confident that new construction you’re looking at is really energy efficient, look for the official “Energy Star” certification that is only awarded to certain qualified houses.
Government guidelines at www.energystar.gov, identify the criteria a new house must meet to become Energy Star qualified:
First, the house must make use of effective insulation that is both installed and inspected correctly. Insulation should be used in the walls, floors and attics to ensure consistent temperatures throughout the home. This can significantly reduce energy use and provide increased comfort in your house as it maintains even temperatures.
Next, the house should be built with air tight construction and well fitting duct work. Small cracks and holes can allow cold air in and warm air to escape, significantly reducing the energy savings of your house. A gap the size of a quarter can be a problem.
Third, the home should make use of high efficiency windows with protective coatings and improved window frames. The goal here is to keep the cold out 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 home.
Fourth, only Energy Star appliances should be used in the new home. 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 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 homes built attain these standards. This helps 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 which is one of Long Island’s top real estate builders. Emmy’s Commack development features new construction in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for more details.
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