North Carolina Energy Star Homes
An Energy Star home does more than just save homeowners money every month. It also takes a big step towards saving the planet.
Southern Energy Management has shared some facts about the 1,100 Energy Star Homes they certified in 2007.
These 1,100 homes are giving environmental and economic benefits equal to:
• Eliminating the emissions from 787 vehicles
• Saving 431,616 lbs of coal
• Planting 112 acres of trees
• Saving homeowners $502,428 on their utility bills
Energy Star homes are certified by highly qualified third party agencies, who put the home, floor plan, and interior and exterior components through a series of tests to determine energy efficiency - and make sure that Energy Star builders obtain and maintain much higher levels of energy efficiency than building codes require.
Southern Energy Management has earned the prestigious Energy Star "Partner of the Year" Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - a great sign that North Carolina and Southern Energy Management are taking good steps to protect the environment - and builders are opting to build tight, energy efficient homes using this program.
Southern Energy Management is just one of the third party verification firms working in North Carolina, so the total Energy Star home savings are actually much higher - plus there are benefits from all the homes built in 2006, 2005, etc....
In general, an Energy Star home costs 1-3% more to build than a standard home, depending on what standards the builder normally uses. But the benefits are huge - here's an overview.
Why are Energy Star Homes better?
Reduced Utility Bills - Save 15% or more on your monthly utility bills, thanks to the superior energy efficient construction of your Energy Star home. Progress Energy and Duke Power reward Energy Star homeowners with an additional 5% discount off all of your electric bills!
Low Maintenance - Enjoy peace of mind by owning a low maintenance home. Energy Star homes are built with the advantages of energy efficient windows, which reduce sun damage to furniture and finishes and high quality heating and cooling equipment, which last longer and perform better than standard equipment. Also the tight construction prevents costly home moisture damage.
Higher Resale Value - Energy Star homes are likely to have a higher resale value regardless of how long you own your home. A typical Energy Star home reduces utility bills over $420 a year. A recent EPA study revealed that these savings can add $8,400 to the market value of an Energy Star home.
Healthier Indoor Air - Your Energy Star home is built to reduce indoor air pollutants that contribute to asthma and allergies. Tight construction details block pollen, mold, dust, carbon monoxide, moisture and radon from entering your Energy Star home. Proper ventilation provides fresh air and also protects against the buildup of unhealthy air.
Help Protect the Environment - Have the great feeling of knowing that you have an important impact on helping the environment. American home energy usage contributes significantly to air pollution, including 20% of all carbon dioxide emissions. Become part of America's energy independence and relieve the stress to our planet in your Energy Star home.
Comfortable and Quieter Homes - Energy Star homes with additional insulation and high performance windows are blanketed in comfort making temperatures warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Tightly constructed Energy Star homes will not experience annoying drafts and airborne dust. Better-insulated walls, sealed ducts and properly sized efficient mechanical systems deliver quiet high performance year round.
Third party verification - All Energy Star homes are inspected and tested by Southern Energy Management through every major step in the construction process. You can be certain that your home meets all of the Energy Star requirements and that you have an objective party looking after your quality constructed home.
Watch video tours of ENERGY STAR custom homes in the Raleigh, NC area.
Green Home Builders in North Carolina - Green Building Resources
Bayer MaterialScience High Performance Residential Program - Guaranteed Savings
Green Building - What's in a Green Home?
What Is Geothermal? Homes with Geothermal Heating and Cooling
Green Home Features Available in Raleigh
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Stanton Homes makes it easy! We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today.
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Articles copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2011. Unauthorized use is not permitted. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change. Stanton Homes does not make claims to ownership of any lot listings, but can work with homebuyers to purchase available lots and build. Home plans to be approved on an individual basis, subject to neighborhood restrictive covenants and lot restrictions. Ask for further information regarding any community, lot or floor plan. Photos represent typical homes and details of each neighborhood, to help highlight different options available in the Raleigh/Triangle area. No claim of ownership is made to homes or land pictured.
Wow! that is quite a savings especially with the price of fuel going through the roof.
Penny - I love, love, love your posts! Full of really relevant info, tips and advice. I would like to really get to know more about GREEN - let's talk!
This is very good! I didn't realize that there are some homes that have greater effects on the environment than the vehicles... every little bit helps tremendously.
Michael - I think Energy Star homes are going to become highly desirable, and we also anticipate a switch from gas to electric for things like dryers, heating systems, and water heaters.
Leesa - Happy to help however I can! Energy Star is the first step towards being Green....
Chuck - Homes account for 21% of total energy useage in the US, and they produce 17% of the carbon dioxide. So if we could reduce every home's energy needs by 20%, we would have a 4% total reduction in the amount of power needed in the nation, thus reducing dependency on coal and other non-renewable energy sources.