Energy Efficient Homes that Save the Earth and Save You Money.

• Why Buy An Energy® Star Home?
  
• What is an Energy Star Home?
• Why An Energy Star Home Costs Less.

An Energy Star® Home uses 30 percent less energy for heating, cooling and water heating than a home based on the Model Energy Code, while protecting the environment and saving you money.

Features of an Energy Star® Home include:

• Improved Insulation

• Advanced Windows

• Tightly-Sealed Ducts

• High-Efficiency Heating and Cooling

• Reduced Air Infiltration

Improved Insulation not only keeps out excessive heat or cold, but it also leads to even temperatures between and across rooms.  For insulation to work properly, it must be installed carefully with no gaps, crimping, or compression.  This is especially important in areas where the insulation has to fit around obstacles such as pipes, electrical wiring, and outlets.

Advanced windows can improve the thermal performance of homes by reducing heat loss in cooler climates and solar heat gain in warmer climates.  Window technologies have advanced dramatically.

Tightly-sealed ducts are crucial for energy-efficiency. In typical American homes, ducts leak 20 to 30 percent of the air forced through them.  This means 20 to 30 percent of the money spent to heat or cool homes is wasted.  Duct systems sealed and verified by a field test, can substantially eliminate these leaks.

High-efficiency heating and cooling (HVAC) equipment can account for over 50 percent of a home's total energy use.  You can significantly lower your home's utility bills by choosing equipment carefully.

Reduced Air Infiltration combined with proper ventilation in a home not only reduces energy bills but also improves the quality of your indoor air. Outdoor air that leaks indoors makes it difficult to maintain comfort and energy efficiency. In addition, air leakage accounts for between 25 percent and 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling in a typical home.  Today, off-the-shelf technologies such as sealants, foams, and tapes reduce air infiltration.  In energy-efficient homes, builders use these tools to seal the myriad of cracks and gaps in framing along with hundreds of holes for plumbing, mechanical equipment and electrical wiring.