If you’re in the market for a new home, make sure to add ENERGY STAR to your list of must-haves. Local builders in Charleston are increasingly constructing ENERGY STAR qualified homes, and built more than 200 in 2008 alone. These homes offer all the features you want, plus energy-efficient improvements that deliver comfort, durability, and lower utility bills. And at the same time, you’ll be helping to protect the environment.
Buying a home today is more complex than ever. But the government-backed ENERGY STAR program makes it easy to spot truly energy-efficient new homes—just look for the blue ENERGY STAR label. The energy-efficient features of an ENERGY STAR home can help you save about $200 to $400 per year on utility bills, adding up to thousands of dollars saved over the average 7 to 8 years you may live in your home. And for homebuyers looking to “go green,” an energy-efficient home is a great place to start.
To earn the ENERGY STAR, homes must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These high-performing homes include energy-saving features that make them 20 to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes, such as:
- Effective Insulation Systems. Properly installed, climate-appropriate insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, less energy consumption, and increased comfort.
- High-Performance Windows. Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.
- 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.
- 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. This equipment is typically more durable and requires less maintenance than standard models.
- Lighting and Appliances. ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products, such as lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines, to provide additional energy savings.
In addition to these features, choosing ENERGY STAR helps you protect the environment. When power plants burn fossil fuels to make electricity, they release greenhouse gases. In fact, the average house is responsible for twice the greenhouse gas emissions as the average car. By using less energy at home, you can reduce these emissions and fight global warming.
Join the nearly 1 million families across the country who are living in ENERGY STAR qualified homes. Learn more and find a builder near you today at www.energystar.gov.