Today’s new construction projects, such as house developments on Long Island, now offer the “green” choice: Energy Star rated houses. Energy Star new construction houses are new homes that meet certain strict government criteria regarding energy efficiency.
To be an Energy Star efficient new home, these houses must meet these guidelines set by the government at www.energystar.gov:
1. Efficient Insulation 2. High-Performance Windows 3. Air Tight Construction 4. Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment 5. Energy Efficient Appliances 6. Third-Party Verification
What exactly is an Energy Star rating and why is it the green choice?
We’ll talk about green power. Regrettably, this concept is thrown around so often that many companies claim many products are “green” just because they cause less damage to the ecosystem than other products. When we talk about green, we’re discussing a significant impact of pollutants or a positive conservation of energy.
With new houses, the main green effect is energy savings. Electricity and heat can be conserved in a number of ways, reducing the requirements for fossil fuels. Electricity, while clean when used, still needs to be produced. Generally, it is produced by coal or other fossil fuels with tremendous negative effects on the environment. By cutting the electric demand, you effectively reduce the amount of fossil fuel that needs to be consumed. By doing certain things in your home, you can significantly reduce the electric demand.
First, you want to use high quality insulation in new construction. Make use of enough insulation to sufficiently protect your house from the weather. Ideally, you should insulate your walls, attic, floors and basement to help keep an even inside temperature. The more consistent the inside temperature, the less often your heating system needs to go on, using energy to level the temperature.
Next, consider your windows. With new homes, you can use higher efficiency windows that reduce drafts, insulate outside cold temperatures and help block ultraviolet light (which can fade fabrics, paint and carpets, requiring you to replace them sooner).
Solid construction is critical. Small holes can create significant air flow points 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. Fixing these leaks will greatly reduce your energy costs. With new construction, solid construction, especially around external pipes and duct work, you will see a major impact.
Finally, as you choose a builder, for example www.EmmyHomes.com on Long Island, be sure the homes have a verification of their Energy Star rating. This protects you to ensure that you are getting the energy benefits that you should get from your new construction.
Craig Axelrod is one of the partners with Emmy Homes. Emmy is one of Long Island’s most established real estate builders. Emmy’s Commack real estate features luxury homes in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for more information.
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