Energy Star Homes in Commack
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Everyone knows they should become more energy efficient. This saves your family money and has a huge impact on the environment. Regardless of your motivation, buying a newly built Energy Star qualified house helps guarantee great energy efficiency.
What precisely is an Energy Star new home? Is all new construction “green” and good for the environment? How can I know whether the home that I’m buying is truly energy efficient?
The U.S. government has laid out requirements as to what constitutes an Energy Star rated home. This is relevant because buzz words such as “green” have no clear definition. Is a new homebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient lighting? Is it really “green” just because she added extra insulation? While these are certainly good things, it does not make your home “green.”
To be confident that your new home you’re looking at is really energy efficient, look for the official “Energy Star” certification that is only given to certain qualified houses.
Government rules at www.energystar.gov, identify the criteria a home must meet to become Energy Star qualified:
First, the house must make use of quality insulation that is both installed and inspected correctly. Insulation should be used in the walls, floors and attics to ensure even temperatures throughout the house. This will significantly lower energy use and provide greater comfort in your house as it maintains constant temperatures.
Second, the structure should be constructed with tight construction and well fitted duct work. Small cracks and holes can cause cold air in and warm air to escape, greatly reducing the energy savings of your new home. An opening no bigger than a quarter can be disastrous.
Next, the new home should employ efficient windows with protective coatings and superior 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 reduces 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 reduce waste compared to non-rated appliances.
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 greater your savings will be.
Finally, Energy Star contractors can go through a third-party verification process to assure that the homes built meet these standards. This is done to ensure that builders are reputable and deliver on their energy-efficient promises.
Craig Axelrod is one of the executives with Emmy Homes. Emmy is which is one of Long Island’s most established home developers. Emmy’s Commack real estate features luxury homes in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for information.
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