Why Energy Star?
This information is provided by Sonoma Building Co.
Why should you consider an Energy Star™ qualified home?
In 1992 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced Energy Star™ as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Currently there are more than 2,500 home builders who have constructioned more than 400,000 Energy Star™ qualified homes, including close to 10% of the new housing started in 2004.
Energy-efficient choices can save families about 1/3 on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. Energy Star™ helps you make the energy-efficient choice!
Energy Star™ qualified homes are at least 15% more energy-efficient than other homes. These homes achieve energy savings through established, reliable building technologies. Builders work with Home Energy Raters to select from a number of features when planning and building homes, including:
1. Effective Insulation - Properly installed, climate appropriate insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, less energy consumption, and increased comfort.
2. High-Performance Windows - Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during winter and out duing summer. Therse windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.
3. Tight Construction and Ducts - Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility bills.
4. Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment - In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. Typically, energy-efficient equipment is also more durable and requires less maintenance than standard models.
5. Lighting and Appliances - Energy Star qualified homes may also be equipped with Energy Star qualified products-lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dish washers, and washing machines. These Energy Star qualified products provide addtional energy savings to the owner.
Did you know...?
* Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved enough energy in 2005 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million cars - all while saving $12 billion on their utility bills.
* In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new Energy Star qualified model would save enough energy to light the average household for more than four and a half months.
* The average home has roughly two TV's, a VCR, a DVD player and three telephones. If these items were replaced with Energy Star models, it would save over 25 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, the equivalent to taking over 3 million cars off the road.
* If just one in 10 homes used Energy Star qualified appliances, the change would be like planting 1.7 million new acres of trees.
* The average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling.
