New Homes-Improved Energy Efficiency
Andrew Stratton
July 26, 2011
Energy efficiency is improving in new homes. Programs like the EPA´s Energy Star rating and the NAHB´s Green Building Standard are defining the guidelines for builders to create energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes. Some of the items that help improve efficiency are proper insulation, and Energy Star-qualified windows and appliances.
One of the biggest concerns among potential buyers of new homes is energy efficiency. Technological improvements, even just over the last thirty years, have allowed builders to construct houses that are significantly more energy efficient than they used to be. In conjunction with energy efficiency, these new homes are also more environmentally friendly. As the demand for more earth-friendly vehicles grows, so does the demand for these houses. In fact, the U.S. government´s Environmental Protection Agency has even set standards for energy efficiency and green building practices.
To earn the EPA´s Energy Star, new homes must include enough features that save energy to be more efficient than standard homes by 20 to 30 percent. The features provide improved usage of energy, water, and other materials. In addition to the Energy Star ratings, the National Association of Home Builders has instituted the Green Building Standard. This standard offers builders and buyers well-defined guidelines for the construction of green, or earth-friendly, houses. Both of these efforts aim to save energy and minimize the negative impact on the environment in several ways.
One of the first considerations for making an energy efficient house is proper insulation in the walls and attic. Good insulation helps maintain the temperature of the home. It helps keep the heat outside during the summer and slows down heat escape in wintertime. In addition to the insulation, builders install quality windows, typically with glazing and multiple panes. Energy Star-rated windows help keep heating and cooling costs down and block the sun´s harmful UV-rays.
Another money-saving feature of new homes is quality heating and air-conditioning systems. This includes tightly sealed ductwork with minimal air leakage and good insulation. These improved systems are better for the environment because they have less harmful gas emissions. They are also far more efficient than older systems. Newer condensing furnaces waste far less fuel than older furnaces. New water heaters are also much better for energy savings, especially when combined with low-flow fixtures in showers and bathtubs.
Other methods for saving energy include efficient lighting and appliances. New home builders may install Energy Star-qualified low-energy lighting fixtures, and use compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs. This type of lighting may cost more initially, but lasts longer and uses less energy than incandescent light bulbs. Lighting expenses using CFLs can be as little as one-third of the cost using incandescent bulbs. Another low-cost alternative is LED lights for accent lighting. Many appliances, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, are also given an Energy Star qualification. A new refrigerator with the Energy Star may only cost around $30 to $60 annually. The electricity for an older fridge could cost as much as $150 per year.
The purpose of energy efficiency in houses is simple. It not only saves homeowners money, but also lessens the harmful impact on the environment. Many national home building companies are now offering energy efficient homes. Over a million homes have been built that qualify for the Energy Star, and this number is sure to increase as the demand increases. In addition, the Green Building Standard is being instituted to help builders identify and implement environmentally friendly practices. More than two-thirds of the NAHB members are already utilizing green features in their new homes.
In the market to buy a new home? Choose among new homes Huntsville al a company that provides a variety of options suited to fit the needs of each homewoner. View the many properties available from one company here: http://www.markharrishomes.com
One of the biggest concerns among potential buyers of new homes is energy efficiency. Technological improvements, even just over the last thirty years, have allowed builders to construct houses that are significantly more energy efficient than they used to be. In conjunction with energy efficiency, these new homes are also more environmentally friendly. As the demand for more earth-friendly vehicles grows, so does the demand for these houses. In fact, the U.S. government´s Environmental Protection Agency has even set standards for energy efficiency and green building practices.
To earn the EPA´s Energy Star, new homes must include enough features that save energy to be more efficient than standard homes by 20 to 30 percent. The features provide improved usage of energy, water, and other materials. In addition to the Energy Star ratings, the National Association of Home Builders has instituted the Green Building Standard. This standard offers builders and buyers well-defined guidelines for the construction of green, or earth-friendly, houses. Both of these efforts aim to save energy and minimize the negative impact on the environment in several ways.
One of the first considerations for making an energy efficient house is proper insulation in the walls and attic. Good insulation helps maintain the temperature of the home. It helps keep the heat outside during the summer and slows down heat escape in wintertime. In addition to the insulation, builders install quality windows, typically with glazing and multiple panes. Energy Star-rated windows help keep heating and cooling costs down and block the sun´s harmful UV-rays.
Another money-saving feature of new homes is quality heating and air-conditioning systems. This includes tightly sealed ductwork with minimal air leakage and good insulation. These improved systems are better for the environment because they have less harmful gas emissions. They are also far more efficient than older systems. Newer condensing furnaces waste far less fuel than older furnaces. New water heaters are also much better for energy savings, especially when combined with low-flow fixtures in showers and bathtubs.
Other methods for saving energy include efficient lighting and appliances. New home builders may install Energy Star-qualified low-energy lighting fixtures, and use compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs. This type of lighting may cost more initially, but lasts longer and uses less energy than incandescent light bulbs. Lighting expenses using CFLs can be as little as one-third of the cost using incandescent bulbs. Another low-cost alternative is LED lights for accent lighting. Many appliances, such as dishwashers and refrigerators, are also given an Energy Star qualification. A new refrigerator with the Energy Star may only cost around $30 to $60 annually. The electricity for an older fridge could cost as much as $150 per year.
The purpose of energy efficiency in houses is simple. It not only saves homeowners money, but also lessens the harmful impact on the environment. Many national home building companies are now offering energy efficient homes. Over a million homes have been built that qualify for the Energy Star, and this number is sure to increase as the demand increases. In addition, the Green Building Standard is being instituted to help builders identify and implement environmentally friendly practices. More than two-thirds of the NAHB members are already utilizing green features in their new homes.
In the market to buy a new home? Choose among new homes Huntsville al a company that provides a variety of options suited to fit the needs of each homewoner. View the many properties available from one company here: http://www.markharrishomes.com
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