"Energy Star New Homes" is a website containing information about the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR® program and NEW HOMES that are FOR SALE with an ENERGY STAR Partner.
About the Energy Star Program
ENERGY STAR is the symbol for energy efficiency, as designated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition to homes, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on energy-efficient electronics and appliances.
What distinguishes an ENERGY STAR home?
An ENERGY STAR labeled home uses 30 percent less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating than a home built to the Model Energy Code. In addition to energy
savings, an ENERGY STAR home offers quality construction, improved comfort and
indoor air quality, and higher resale value, all while protecting the environment.
Energy efficient features typically include a tighter home envelope, tighter duct sealing, improved levels of insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, and
energy-efficient windows. All ENERGY STAR labeled homes undergo a third party
evaluation of their energy efficiency.
Does an ENERGY STAR home cost more?
An ENERGY STAR labeled home actually costs less because of the dramatic decrease in monthly utility bills. These energy savings can more than offset any increase in mortgage payments needed for the improved energy features, which can result in a positive monthly cash flow. Through better construction and the use of energy-efficient features, ENERGY STAR labeled homes offer lower operating costs (mortgage + utility bills) than typical homes of the same, or even lower, purchase price.
| Items |
ENERGY STAR |
Standard Home |
Net Amount |
| Selling Price |
$200,000 |
$197,000 |
$3,000 |
| Down Payment of 5% |
$10,000 |
$9,850 |
$150 |
| Mortgage |
$190,000 |
$187,150 |
$2,850 |
Monthy |
|
|
|
| Mortgage @ 7% |
$1,216 |
$1,197 |
$19 |
| Utility Bill lower |
$100 |
$134 |
$34 |
| Total Payment |
$1,316 |
$1,331 |
$15 Per Mo. |
|
| This give you a yearly rate of return of 120% or $180 per year. Your downpayment is $150 more and your yearly cost is $180 less. The total cost of the home will be more, but the overall net cost per year will be less . |
|
ENERGY STAR
Is a national, voluntary program sponsored and developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that promotes energy-efficient products, including homes.
The ENERGY STAR Program promotes the construction of homes that achieve ENERGY STAR qualifications and energy efficiency standards. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15% more energy-efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC). They also are preferred by more homebuyers because they save more money on utilities, are more comfortable and help protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
|