Today’s new construction projects, such as house developments on Long Island, now offer the “green” choice: Energy Star rated new houses. Energy Star new construction houses are new houses that meet certain stringent government criteria for energy efficiency.
To be an Energy Star efficient new home, these new houses must meet these guidelines set by the government at www.energystar.gov:
1. Effective Insulation 2. High-Performance Windows 3. Tight Construction 4. Efficient Cooling and Heating Equipment 5. Energy Efficient Appliances 6. Third-Party Verification
What precisely is an Energy Star rating and why is it the green choice?
We’ll talk about green energy. Regrettably, the concept is thrown around so often that many companies claim many products are “green” just because they cause less harm to the environment than another product. When we discuss about green, we’re talking a significant reduction of contaminants or a significant conservation of energy.
With new houses, the main green effect is energy savings. Energy and cost can be conserved in many ways, reducing the requirements for fossil fuels. Electricity, which is clean when used, still needs to be produced. Most often, it is produced by burning coal or other fossil fuels with massive negative environmental impact. By cutting the electric demand, you can help reduce the amount of fossil fuel that needs to be consumed. By doing certain things in your new home, you can massively reduce the electric demand.
First, you want to take advantage of high quality insulation in new homes. Use enough insulation to adequately protect your home from the weather. Ideally, you should insulate your basement, walls, floor and attic to help keep an even inside temperature. The steadier the temperature inside, the less often your heat will kick on, using energy to level the temperature.
Next, think about your windows. With new construction, you can use more efficient windows that reduce drafts, insulate outside cold air and help block UV light (which can fade fabrics, paint and carpets, requiring you to replace them sooner).
Solid construction is critical. Small cracks and holes can create significant drafts that allow heat to escape in the winter and air conditioning to escape in the summer. When this happens, your air conditioning and heating need to work overtime to compensate. Plugging these holes will significantly reduce your energy expenses. With new homes, solid construction, especially around external pipes and duct work, you will see a major savings.
Finally, as you choose a builder, for example www.EmmyHomes.com on Long Island, be sure the new homes have a verified Energy Start certification. This protects you to make sure that you are getting the energy benefits that you should get from your new construction.
Craig Axelrod is one of the executives with Emmy Homes. Emmy is one of Long Island’s most established real estate developers. Emmy’s Commack real estate features luxury homes in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for more details.
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Topics: Real Estate, Homes, construction, Real Estate