BE AN ENERGY STAR HOME

Conservation and efficiency. Repeat. Conservation and efficiency. Repeat. Conservation and efficiency. Repeat. Conservation and efficiency. Repeat...

Energy Star homes don’t cost much more
Jennifer Hiller, April 6, 2007 (San Antonio Express-News)

WHO
Homeowners, home buyers

WHAT
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program, first applied to home appliances (refrigerators, washers and dryers, air conditioners) and, more recently, light bulbs. The EPA program has a rigid set of specific standards and a prescribed series of site-specific evaluations by carefully audited third-parties.

WHEN
The Energy Star program originated in 1992. Currently being used to rate houses: 60+ San Antonio builders signed up, 37 percent of 2006 Texas new homes Energy Star-certified.

WHERE
12% of new homes receive Energy Star certification. The nationwide program is described here as it pertains to San Antonio. Be the first one on your block.

WHY
When houses leak heating and cooling escape, driving up energy consumption. Leaking occurs at the fireplace, the ductwork, passages for wiring and pipes, through poorly insulated walls, at door and window frames. Energy Star certification means 15-30% more efficient, with extra insulation in the attic and walls, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and Energy Star-approved appliances and light bulbs. Energy Star efficiency may cost $1,000 but save 20% of a $1900/year energy bill ($380), earning its cost backing less than 3 years.

QUOTES
- "A lot of people think you just need more insulation," said Jack Morris of Plum Creek Builders, which builds to Energy Star's highest guidelines. "You can have tons of insulation, and it doesn't matter if the house isn't tight."
- Shane Anthony, vice president of customer relations at Pulte Homes, San Antonio: "We're building a tighter house. It probably adds a few percentage points, maybe $1,000, to the cost of the home."
- “If all homes could reduce energy usage by 10 percent, Americans would save $20 billion annually in utility costs and avoid the greenhouse-gas equivalent of 25 million vehicles on the road, according to the EPA.”