Posts Tagged ‘new homes’

We all want to become more energy efficient. This saves money on utility bills and has a huge positive impact on our environment. No matter what your reason, purchasing a newly built Energy Star qualified home helps ensure great energy savings.

What exactly is an Energy Star new house? Are all new houses “green” and good for the planet? How do I know whether the house that I’m buying is really energy efficient?

The federal government has defined standards as to what qualifies as an Energy Star rated new house. This is critical because buzz words such as “green” are vague. Is a new homebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs? Is it really “green” just because she added extra insulation? While are good things, it does not make your new house “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 rules at www.energystar.gov, list the criteria a house should meet to become Energy Star rated:

First, the house must make use of effective insulation that is both properly installed and inspected. Insulation should be used in the floors, walls and attics to ensure even temperatures throughout the home. This can significantly lower energy use and provide increased comfort in your new home as it maintains level temperatures.

Second, the home should be built with tight construction and well fitting duct work. Small holes and cracks can cause cold air in and warm air to escape, significantly reducing the efficiency of your new house. An opening the size of a quarter can be disastrous.

Third, the new home should make use of efficient windows with protective coatings and improved 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. High quality UV coating on the windows also prevents fading of furniture, carpets and paint in your new house.

Fourth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the home. These appliances use less electricity, oil and natural gas, and produce much less waste vs. their non-rated counterparts.

Fifth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the home, including lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, fans, appliances, air conditioning, refrigeration, dishwashers and washing machines. The more energy efficient appliances you have, the greater your savings will be.

Finally, Energy Star contractors 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 principals with Emmy Homes. Emmy is one of LI’s most established real estate builders. Emmy’s Commack real estate features new construction in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for details.