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More people are more aware than ever before of energy efficiencies in homes, and public awareness of the Energy Star designation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has jumped to 56 percent of U.S. households, according to a recent nationwide survey.
What is Energy Star? The designation is a symbol for energy efficiency, with qualifying homes designed and built to use up to 30 percent less energy than standard homes. Homeowners can save an average of $300 to $400 a year on utility bills. An independent third-party inspector must also verify Energy Star homes.
Energy Star was introduced by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through energy efficiency. Products that earn the Energy Star prevent greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy-efficiency specifications set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. During the last year, enough energy was saved through the use of Energy Star to power 20 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 18 million cars. Estimated savings were an astounding $9 billion.
According to PG&E, energy-efficient features in an Energy Star home work together to provide a comfortable environment. Some of the features include:
* Tight construction and tightly sealed ducts that keep out drafts, moisture, dust, pollen and pests. The goal is to improve air quality and circulation to lower the strain on the heating system and air conditioning. In addition to energy savings, there can be reduced expenses for mechanical repair costs.
* Energy-saving windows keep indoor heat from escaping during the winter and keep the house cooler during the summer by keeping the sun from heating up the house. Energy-efficient windows can block out ultraviolet light to reduce fading of carpets, furniture and drapes, and they also can reduce condensation that might cause mold, mildew, dry rot and rust.
* Improved insulation evens out the temperatures inside the home for a more comfortable environment and lowers energy usage as well as energy costs.
* Efficient heating and air conditioning systems are designed to turn on and off less often and use less power. These systems are sized and installed to fit individual floor plans and construction to provide further efficiencies and can reduce energy bills.
Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to jnewton@jnpr.com.
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