We have seen the ENERGY STAR logo on many appliances that we buy, and many of us know what it is. Nonetheless, for those who are not familiar with this logo, ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that intends to help us all in protecting the environment through energy-efficient products and practices, and while doing so, we may be able to save energy and money as well. Those appliances which bear the logo have passed the approval of these two agencies, based on some guiding principles they have formulated for this purpose.
One criterion for a home to qualify as energy-efficient includes being at least 15% more energy-efficient than homes built to the standards of the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC). The ENERGY STAR label may be awarded to homes three-stories or less if they pass the EPA’s guidelines for energy efficiency. Homes qualified for an ENERGY STAR save more energy through the reliable building technologies employed by builders who work with Home Energy Raters during the planning and building stages.
Must-have features for an energy-efficient home as defined by the EPA and DOE are as follows:
- Effective insulation—proper insulation of walls, windows, doors, attics, and floors ensures uniform temperatures throughout the house, resulting in less energy consumed at a higher comfort level. You may check this procedure for proper insulation for more information.
- High-performance windows—these windows keep heat in during winter, and keep it out during the hot seasons, and prevent ultraviolet sunlight from discoloring furniture and other household accessories. Please see the high-performance windows qualified by ENERGY STAR.
- Efficient duct systems—tight construction and sealed duct systems help reduce moisture, dust, and noise, thus improving air quality while saving home energy. Efficient duct systems optimize the home’s comfort distribution.
- Efficient HVAC systems—energy-efficient heating and cooling systems use less energy in operation and reduce indoor humidity while enhancing the overall coziness of the home. Besides these advantages, these equipments require less maintenance and are more robust than non-ENERGY STAR gear. Learn more about the details of qualified heating, ventilation, and cooling equipment.
- Qualified lighting and appliances—appliances that bear the ENERGY STAR logo must equip the energy-efficient homes to qualify for an ENERGY STAR home rating. Check out ENERGY STAR for qualified energy-efficient products that fit your energy-efficient home.
- Third-party verification—ENERGY STAR home builder partners select the energy-saving features best fitted for their homes with the help of independent Home Energy Raters. These raters perform on-site inspections to authenticate that the homes qualify as ENERGY STAR or energy-efficient. Learn more about Independent Inspection and Testing.
Aside from the energy savings and the better comfort of an energy-efficient home, another benefit that the homeowners or the would-be homeowners may look forward to is their ability to qualify for Energy Star Mortgage. The U.S. program, named the Energy Star Mortgage, is designed to save homeowners a minimum of 20% on energy costs. In February 2009, the Energy Programs Consortium, a nonprofit policy research group in Washington, D.C., launched its new Energy Star Mortgage in Maine as a joint effort with the state housing agency there. As for participating banks, they must either offer a mortgage discount or pay part of the closing costs to have the right to offer a mortgage under the brand label of Energy Star Mortgages.
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