|
|
 |
Want that comfy home? Build with nature in mind!
The trend in new-home building seems to be bigger is better, which ultimately means bigger utility bills too. At the same time, residents of planet Earth are facing an unprecedented need to cut down on energy use.
Saving energy really does “save some green” for your wallet and the environment! And, thanks to the federal government’s ENERGY STAR program, it’s now easier to build and buy homes with energy efficiency in mind.
You’ve probably surmised that a home carrying the ENERGY STAR label will reduce your utility bill as well as your greenhouse gas emissions. But, did you know it can also increase the comfort of your home?
ENERGY STAR homes, which are subject to third-party inspection, are built to prevent air leaks and uncomfortable drafts. Thanks to tighter construction, these homes also block common air pollutants, such as moisture, dust, pests, pollen, and radon.
Tighter construction also prevents common home problems like moisture on window panes, ice dams, peeling paint, and mold.
Origins & results
Many of us today recognize the blue ENERGY STAR label, which goes to show how successful this program has become since it started in 1992. Facing environmental concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented this program to identify and promote energy-efficient products, homes, and buildings.
Over the last decade, the program’s efforts have paid off. In 2005, Americans saved about $12 billion on their utility bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 23 million vehicles from the road!
Today more than 8,000 organizations, including 3,500 of U.S. home builders, voluntarily partner with the government to build energy efficient homes. You can visit the EPA Web site to find a builder in your region.
Also, many retailers are stocking their shelves with ENERGY STAR products, such as appliances, lighting, home office equipment, consumer electronics, and heating and cooling equipment. Just look for that ENERGY STAR label.
The benefits
ENERGY STAR homes feature a tighter home envelope and duct sealing as well as improved levels of insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, and energy-efficient windows.
Benefits from building with energy conservation in mind:
- Air leaks and uncomfortable drafts are
reduced— Tightly constructed homes with well-sealed ducts result in
lower utility bills and quieter, more comfortable homes.
- Air pollution is blocked— Tight construction
also means air pollution is minimized. In fact, ENERGY
STAR homes, built by the year 2012, are projected to prevent pollution in
an amount equivalent to removing more than 3 million cars from U.S.
roads.
- Air
temperature is more regulated— High-performance
windows keep heat in during the winter and block it out during the summer,
meaning harmful ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and
furnishings is also blocked.
- Heating
& cooling equipment is more efficient— An ENERGY STAR home uses around 30
percent less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating than a home
built to the Model Energy Code, which also sets standards for energy
efficiency.
- Homes are sold at a higher
resale value— ENERGY STAR homes
reduce utility bills by about $35 per month or $420 a year. A recent EPA study
revealed that these savings can add $8,400 to the market value of your home. So,
regardless of how long you own, you’ll likely enjoy a higher resale value due
to a growing demand for energy efficiency.
If you’re interested, you may qualify for national and local ENERGY STAR mortgages. Along with easier loan-qualification requirements, you may also receive discounted loan origination fees. You can contact the EPA ENERGY STAR Hotline at 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937) or
hotline@energystar.gov for more information.
And, to match your energy efficient home, get homeowners insurance you can count on. The Esurance Homeowners Insurance Program (EHIP) is rated "A Prime" (unsurpassed) by Demotech for financial strength and ability to pay claims.
Get
your quote today!
|  |