Energy Star New Homes in Commack

We all want to conserve energy. This saves money on utility bills and has a tremendous impact on our environment. Regardless of your motivation, buying a newly built Energy Star qualified home helps ensure great energy efficiency.

What exactly is an Energy Star new home? Are all new houses "green" and good for the planet? How do I know whether the new home that I'm purchaseing is truly energy efficient?

The federal government has set out 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 lighting? Is it really "green" just because she added extra insulation? While are good things, it does not make your new home "green."

To be sure that your new home you're looking at is really energy efficient, look for the official "Energy Star" certification that is only awarded to certain qualified houses.

Government rules at www.energystar.gov, list the criteria a home must meet to become Energy Star qualified:

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

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

Third, the house should make use of efficient windows with protective coatings and improved window frames. The goal here is to keep the cold out in the winter and to keep the heat out in the summer. High quality UV coating on the windows also prevents fading of furniture, carpets and paint in your home.

Fourth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the house. These appliances use less gas, oil and electricity and produce reduce waste vs. 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 builders can go through a third-party verification process to verify that the homes built attain these standards. This is done to ensure that builders are kept honest and deliver on their energy-efficient promises.