Home Energy Ratings with Energy Star®

Benefits of owning an ENERGY STAR qualified new home include:

• A Label Backed by the Government – All ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are certified to meet EPA’s strict guidelines for energy efficiency. This exemplary performance is verified by an independent third party.
• Lower Utility Costs – Compared with standard homes, ENERGY STAR qualified new homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and hot water heating. Homeowners can expect to save about $200-$400 annually on their utility bills.
• More Comfortable/Quieter Homes – The energy-efficient features of ENERGY STAR qualified new homes keep out excessive heat, cold, and noise, and ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms—making these homes more comfortable to live in.
• Helping to Create a Better Future – By purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified new home, you are joining millions of consumers who have changed to ENERGY STAR, helping our nation reduce our energy needs and building a cleaner environment for the future.

Features of an ENERGY STAR qualified new home include:

• Increased Insulation – Improved and effective use of insulation helps achieve even temperatures throughout the house while using less energy. The result is lower utility costs and a quieter, more comfortable home.
• High-performance Windows – High-performance windows help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. They also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furniture.
• Tight Construction and Tight Ducts – Tight ducts and tight construction help eliminate drafts, moisture, dust, pests, and pollen. This improves comfort and the quality of indoor air, while lowering maintenance costs.
• Energy-efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment – More efficient and properly installed heating and cooling systems use less energy, which reduces utility bills. These systems also turn on and off less frequently, removing more humidity and providing better comfort.

Verification using the Home Energy Ratings System (HERS)

To verify that a home meets the ENERGY STAR qualified new homes performance standard using a HERS rating, a home must be rated and receive a score of 86.0 or higher. A HERS rating evaluates the energy efficiency of a home's heating, cooling and hot water heating usage, and results in a score between 0 and 100. This score indicates the estimated annual energy use of a rated home relative to a reference house built to the Model Energy Code (MEC), with the reference home being assigned a score of 80. A rated home with identical annual energy use would also receive a score of 80. But for every 5 percent reduction in energy usage (compared to the reference house) the score increases by one point. Thus, a home with a HERS rating of 86, or that of an ENERGY STAR qualified new home, will use 30% less energy for heating, cooling and hot water heating.

HERS Raters must be approved to conduct HERS Ratings by an accredited HERS Provider. Qualified individuals must have completed training that includes: knowledge of building science, home energy rating software and blower door and duct leakage equipment.

Home Energy Ratings

Home energy ratings provide a standard measurement of a home’s energy efficiency. Ratings are used for both and new and existing homes. In new homes rating often verify energy performance for the ENERGY STAR homes program, energy efficient mortgages, and energy code compliance. Homeowners who want to upgrade the home’s energy efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific, cost-effective improvements. For existing homes, homeowners can receive a report listing cost-effective options for improving the home’s energy rating. An energy rating allows a home buyer to easily compare the energy performance of the homes being considered.

There are two types of ratings:

• Projected ratings – Ratings performed prior to the construction of a home or prior to the installation of energy improvements to an existing home.
• Confirmed ratings – Ratings completed using data gathered from an on-site inspection, which could include performance testing of the home.

ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes

A new ENERGY STAR qualified new home performs better for the homeowner and the environment thanks to a variety of energy-efficient features.

What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes?
ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are certified to meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set forth by EPA.

Features of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes
ENERGY STAR qualified new homes use tried and true technologies and construction practices.

Benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes
ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are high quality, comfortable homes that cost less and are good for the environment.

* Note: We are not limited to the Kankakee County area ....

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