Energy Star New Houses in Commack

Article Written By: Craig Axelrod

We all know we should become more energy efficient. This lowers costs and has a tremendous positive impact on our environment. No matter what your motivation, purchasing a newly built Energy Star qualified house helps ensure great energy efficiency.

What precisely is an Energy Star new home? Is all new construction "green" and good for the environment? How do I know whether the new home that I'm purchaseing is truly energy efficient?

The federal government has defined standards as to what constitutes an Energy Star rated new house. This is important because terms such as "green" have no clear definition. Is a new homebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient light bulbs? Is it really "green" just because the house has insulation? While are good things, it does not make your home "green."

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

Government guidelines at www.energystar.gov, identify the criteria a house should meet to become Energy Star qualified:

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

Second, the house should be built with 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 home. A gap the size of a quarter can be a problem.

Third, the home should make use of high efficiency windows with protective coatings and superior window frames. The goal here is to keep the cold out in the winter and to keep the heat out in the summer. A good UV coating on the windows also reduces fading of furniture, carpets and paint in your new house.

Fourth, only Energy Star appliances should be used in the new home. These appliances use less gas, oil and electricity and produce much less waste vs. their non-rated counterparts.

Fifth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the new home, including lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, fans, appliances, air conditioning, refrigeration, dishwashers and washing machines. The more energy efficient appliances you have, the lower your electric costs will be.

Finally, Energy Star contractors can go through a third-party verification process to assure that the new homes built meet these standards. This is done to ensure that builders are reputable and are delivering on their energy-efficient promises.

About the Author

Craig Axelrod is one of the principals with Emmy Homes. Emmy is one of Long Island's most trusted home builders. Emmy's Commack real estate features luxury homes in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for information.

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