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By Andrew Hunt, FrontDoor.com | Published: 3/27/2008
While Energy Star has long been the standard for energy- and resource-saving home appliances, new buildings and single-family homes can also receive the Energy Star distinction.
Homes must meet Environmental Protection Agency guidelines and be at least 15 percent more energy-efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC). Additional energy-saving features can make them 20 percent to 30 percent more efficient than traditionally built homes, which can mean great savings in energy bills over the life of the home.
Specific areas that the program concentrates on are: effective insulation; high-performance windows; well-sealed ducts; efficient heating; and cooling equipment.
The final step to successfully building an Energy Star-rated house is that it must pass an inspection by an independent home energy rater to meet the EPA's guidelines for energy efficiency. When the home passes the final inspection, it is given the gold star brand found on Energy Star appliances. While not as aggressive as other green building programs, the brand recognition makes the program attractive for builders just getting started in green building.
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