Energy Star New Homes in Commack

We all know we should conserve energy. This lowers costs and has a huge impact on our environment. Regardless of your motivation, purchasing a newly built Energy Star qualified house helps guarantee great energy savings.

What precisely is an Energy Star new home? Is all new construction “green” and good for the environment? How can I know whether the new home that I’m purchaseing is truly energy efficient?

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

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

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

First, the new house must make use of effective insulation that is both properly installed and inspected. Insulation should be used in the floors, walls and attics to ensure level temperatures throughout the house. This will significantly lower energy use and provide greater comfort in your home as it maintains constant temperatures.

Second, the structure should be constructed with air tight construction and well fitted duct work. Small cracks and holes can allow cold air in and warm air to escape, significantly reducing the efficiency of your home. An opening the size of a quarter can be a problem.

Third, the house should make use of efficient windows with protective coatings and superior window frames. The goal here is to keep the cold out in the winter and to keep the heat out in the summer. A good UV coating on the windows also reduces fading of furniture, carpets and paint in your house.

Fourth, only Energy Star appliances should be used in the new house. These appliances use less electricity, oil and natural gas, and produce reduce waste compared to non-rated appliances.

Next, Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the home, including compact fluorescent bulbs, fans, lighting fixtures, appliances, air conditioning, refrigeration, 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 houses built meet these standards. This helps ensure that builders are kept honest and are delivering on their energy-efficient promises.

Craig Axelrod is one of the senior developers with Emmy Homes. Emmy is which is one of LI’s premier home developers. Emmy’s Commack real estate features luxury homes in Commack. Visit EmmyHomes.com for more details.