ENERGY STAR is a joint
program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S.
Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the
environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Results are already
adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy
in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from
27 million cars - all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills.
Energy efficient choices
can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar
savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style
or comfort. ENERGY STAR helps you make the energy efficient choice.
- If
looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the
ENERGY STAR. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the
EPA and US Department of Energy.
- If
looking for a new home, look for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR.
- If
looking to make larger improvements to your home, EPA offers tools and
resources to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy
bills and improve home comfort.
For Business:
Because a strategic
approach to energy management can produce twice the savings - for the
bottom line and the environment - as typical approaches, EPA's
ENERGY STAR partnership offers a proven energy management strategy that
helps in measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking
savings, and rewarding improvements.
EPA provides an
innovative energy performance rating system which businesses have
already used for more than 62,000 buildings across the country. EPA also
recognizes top performing buildings with the ENERGY STAR.
Henry B. Nathan, at United Realty
Group is a Real Estate Professional specialized in South Florida. This
information is included in my website for your information only and
without responsibility on my part.
If you are
searching for information to purchase a condo or a home in Aventura, or
a Florida Condo, a Miami Condo, a Sunny Isles Condo or a Hollywood
condo; a Fort Lauderdale Condo or a South Beach Condo, please call Henry
B. Nathan and I will give you my best assistance.
Benefits for
Homeowners
ADDED CONFIDENCE
Home buying is complex enough without
having to know all the details of energy efficient construction.
Instead, look for the government backed ENERGY STAR label to easily
identify homes that are truly energy efficient. Find the house of your
dreams and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it also meets strict energy
efficiency guidelines.
LOWER OWNERSHIP COST
Compared with standard homes, ENERGY STAR
qualified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and
water heating delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings. Over the
average 7 to 8 years you may live in your home, this adds up to
thousands of dollars saved on utility bills. Additional savings on
maintenance can also be substantial. Financing your home purchase using
an energy efficient mortgage can also lead to savings.
BETTER PERFORMANCE
Properly installed energy efficient
improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts,
moisture, pollution, and noise. An energy efficient home helps ensure
consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air
quality, and greater durability.
SMART INVESTMENT
To date, more than 5,000 home builders have
partnered with EPA to construct more than 840,000 ENERGY STAR qualified
homes. By the end of the decade, more than 2 million homes are expected
to earn the ENERGY STAR. The trend is clear. By choosing a home with the
ENERGY STAR label, you can be confident that it will have an
increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Did you know that your home can be a
greater source of pollution than your car? In fact, 16 percent of U.S.
greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses
nationwide.
Energy used in our homes often comes from
the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog,
acid rain, and global warming. Simply put, the less energy we use in our
homes, the less air pollution we generate.
Home Improvement
Improve Your Home's Energy
Efficiency with ENERGY STAR
Making your home more energy efficient with ENERGY STAR can help to
reduce high energy bills and improve comfort. Many common home problems
like moisture on window panes; ice dams; peeling paint; and mold, can
also often be solved by taking steps to improve energy efficiency.
Improving energy efficiency with ENERGY STAR is also an important first
step in the growing trend of 'green remodeling.' That's because the
energy we use in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels
at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global
warming. So, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution
we generate.
ENERGY STAR can guide you in making your home more energy efficient -
whether you do-it-yourself or hire a qualified professional. Take these
steps to get started or use the new ENERGY STAR Home Advisor to get
specific, customized recommendations on how you can make your home more
energy efficient, cut utility bills, and improve comfort - all while
helping to protect the environment.
Analyze your Home's Energy Use
If you have five minutes and your last 12 months of utility bills, use
the ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick to compare your home's energy
efficiency to similar homes across the country and get recommendations
for energy-saving home improvements from ENERGY STAR. Or hire a
professional to perform a comprehensive home energy audit.
Air Seal and Insulate with ENERGY STAR Home Sealing
Sealing air leaks that cause uncomfortable drafts and adding insulation
are two of the most cost-effective ways to improve the energy efficiency
and comfort of your home. Use ENERGY STAR Home Sealing to guide you in
making these improvements that every home should have.
Heat and Cool Efficiently
Learn to make smart decisions about heating and cooling efficiently.
Change your air filter regularly, install a programmable thermostat,
seal your heating and cooling ducts, and consider installing ENERGY STAR
qualified heating and cooling equipment.
Choose ENERGY STAR Qualified Products
More than 50 types of products can earn the ENERGY STAR, including
appliances, lighting, home electronics, and home office equipment.
ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines
set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. They use less energy,
save money, and help protect the environment.
Take the Whole House Approach with Home
Performance with ENERGY STAR
A whole-house assessment by a contractor participating in Home
Performance with ENERGY STAR can uncover your home's performance
problems and identify improvements that, when made together, can greatly
improve your home's energy efficiency and comfort. The contractor can
also help you get the work done right. Find out if Home Performance with
ENERGY STAR is available in your area.
Energy Efficient Home Features
ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15 percent more energy
efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code
(IRC).
Any home three stories or less can earn the ENERGY STAR label if it has
been verified to meet EPA's guidelines for energy efficiency. This
includes site constructed homes, attached or detached homes, single or
low rise multifamily residential buildings, manufactured homes, systems
built (e.g., SIP or modular) and log homes, existing homes, or
retrofitted homes.
ENERGY STAR qualified homes achieve energy savings through established,
reliable building technologies. Builders work with Home Energy Raters to
select from a number of features when planning and building homes.
Take a tour behind the walls of an ENERGY STAR qualified home.
1. Effective Insulation
Properly installed, climate appropriate insulation in floors, walls, and
attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, less energy
consumption, and increased comfort. Learn more about Properly Installed
Insulation.
2. High Performance Windows
Energy efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as
protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in
during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging
ultraviolet sunlight.
3. 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. Learn more about Efficient Duct Systems .
4. 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. Typically, energy efficient equipment
is also more durable and requires less maintenance than standard models.
Learn more about:
Qualified Heating Equipment
Qualified Cooling Equipment
Mechanical Ventilation
5. Lighting and Appliances
ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR
qualified products - lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs,
ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dish washers,
and washing machines. These ENERGY STAR qualified products provide
additional energy savings to the owner. Learn more about ENERGY STAR
qualified products:
Qualified Appliances
Qualified Lighting
Advanced Lighting Package
High Efficiency Water Heaters
