Features of ENERGY STAR® Qualified New Homes
Heating and Cooling Systems
All furnaces and air conditioners are ENERGY STAR qualified. The annual fuel utilization efficiency rating (AFUE) of furnaces complies with rigorous Canadian minimum efficiency requirements. As a result, you use less fuel and save money.
Sealed Ductwork
Ducts gain efficiency by providing heating and cooling to designated areas only. In addition, there is less leakage at duct joints because all supply and return trunk ducts and all take-offs are sealed. This means that less heat is lost as air moves from the furnace to the living areas of your home and air conditioning is evenly and properly distributed.
Windows and Doors
All windows and doors comply with Canada’s ENERGY STAR qualifications based on regional climate zone. This helps to reduce condensation, reflect sunlight away in the summer and keep heat in during the winter. This feature alone could cut more than 10 percent off your energy costs.
Wall and Ceiling Insulation
There is more insulation in the ceilings, walls, and foundations of an ENERGY STAR qualified home than in a conventionally built home. This reduces heat loss, puts less strain on your heating and cooling systems and keeps your house more comfortable.
Air Tightness Requirements
ENERGY STAR qualified new homes must meet rigorous airtightness targets. Reduced air movement through the building envelope, as revealed by an air leakage test, means less draftiness for the homeowner. Inclusion of a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) creates improved air quality.
Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV)
HRVs exchange fresh outside air for stale interior air while retaining the heat from the exhaust air. This provides an energy efficient, healthier home, and helps control humidity.
Independent Third Party Verification
Every ENERGY STAR qualified home is inspected and verified by an independent evaluator, licensed by Natural Resources Canada.
In addition, every ENERGY STAR qualified New Home also includes:
- Full height basement insulation to provide an insulation blanket for decreased heat loss and a more comfortable living space.
- Increased insulation in exposed floor areas to eliminate cold spots over the garage, under bay and bow windows and all other boxed out areas.
- High efficiency lighting to reduce electrical costs.
- Water saving toilets, shower heads and faucets to reduce water use.
