Energy Star New Houses in Commack

We all know we should become more energy efficient. This saves your family money and has a huge positive impact on our environment. No matter what your reason, purchasing a newly built Energy Star qualified house helps guarantee great energy savings.

What exactly is an Energy Star house? Is all new construction “green” and good for the planet? How do I know whether the home that I’m buying is truly energy efficient?

The U.S. government has defined standards as to what qualifies as an Energy Star rated house. This is important because buzz words such as “green” have no clear definition. Is a new housebuilder claiming to be green simply because he used energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs? Is it really “green” just because she added extra insulation? While these are certainly good things, it does not make your new home “green.”

To be sure that your new home you’re looking at is truly energy friendly, look for the official “Energy Star” certification that is only given to qualified home.

Government guidelines at www.energystar.gov, identify the criteria a new home must meet to become Energy Star qualified:

First, the new home 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 new house. This will drastically lower energy use and provide greater comfort in your new house as it maintains even temperatures.

Next, the house should be constructed with air tight construction and well fitting duct work. Small holes and cracks 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.

Next, the house should employ efficient windows with protective coatings and superior window frames. The goal here is to prevent cold air from coming in in the winter and to keep the warm air out in the summer. A good UV coating on the windows also prevents fading of rugs, furniture and paint in your new home.

Next, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the home. These appliances use less electricity, oil and natural gas, and produce reduce waste compared to their non-rated counterparts.

Fifth, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the new house, 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 meet these standards. This helps ensure that builders are reputable and deliver on their energy-efficient promises.

Craig Axelrod is one of the principals from Emmy Homes. Emmy is one of LI’s most established home builders. Emmy’s Commack development features luxury homes in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for information.