What is Energy Star?
There are many important features incorporated into ENERGY STAR qualified homes. The two main areas of focus are the homes “building envelope” and the “mechanical systems”.
The Envelope
All wrapped up.
Energy Star qualified homes are tested to ensure the house is carefully sealed to prevent heated air in winter and cooled air in summer from leaking our through the gaps. Better draftproofing and sealed ducts for better air distribution.
Insulation Consideration
Increased insulation in walls, attics and basements provide a more comfortable inside environment.
Windows
Modern, Low-E coated, Argon-filled windows, when properly installed to prevent air leakage, provide beautiful views while minimizing heat loss with amazing efficiency.
The Mechanicals
Breathe easy
High efficiency heating and air conditioning coupled with effective ventilation greatly reduce energy use and deliver an healthier indoor environment along with great savings. New technology furnaces and air conditioning units are powerful, quiet and durable (less likely to require service). New furnaces burn fuel more efficiently producing a small fraction of the greenhouse gasses of older models. And, HRV’s (when selected) help reduce the amount of heat that is lost as household air is replaced with outside air. As fresh air enters the house, it is warmed as it passes through a heat exchanger, heated by the warm outgoing air stream. Consider a programmable thermostat, smart metering (enabling home owners to take advantage of fluctuating energy costs throughout the day)
All Washed Up
That 5-foot tall white cylinder in the basement (your hot water heater) is the number two energy consumer in the house. A little efficiency goes a long way here.
See the Light
Lighting and appliance choices are obvious places to save on power consumption. Look for ENERGY STAR qualified products- it’s the easy way to make a better selection.
Today , 17 percent of the energy consumed in Canada is used to run our homes. Every time we use energy from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas , we produce green house gas emission that contribute to climate hange. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home reduces GHG (green house gas) emissions by approximately three tonnes per year.
To determine the home’s energy rating (on a scale from 1-100) a trained energy advisor enters the house and conducts tests. Once this is complete, the energy advisor provides an EnerQuide label and a homeowner report that outline the home’s level of energy efficiency. Although most new houses receive a rating of 68 or higher the average ENERGY STAR qualified home receives an energy rating of 83 or higher. Therefore, when you see the ENERGY STAR symbol on a new house, you know that it is an energy-efficient new home that would receive an excellent EnerGuide rating.
The Benefits to the new homeowner are:
-lower energy bills
-improved comfort
-government backed quality assurance
-lower impact on the environment
-higher resale value
For more information visit- www.esnewhomes.ca