Features of ENERGY STAR® Qualified New Homes
ENERGY STAR qualified homes are built by licensed ENERGY STAR builders who incorporate resource efficient features into the home to reduce heating, electricity, and water use. Every ENERGY STAR qualified home is inspected by an independent evaluator, who verifies the required technical specifications. Insist on an ENERGY STAR qualified new home, then sit back and enjoy the comfort, lower utility costs, and peace of mind that come from buying an independently certified resource efficient new home… one that is better for you and the environment.
Some of the features that builders typically incorporate to meet the ENERGY STAR for New Homes technical specifications are:
Heating and cooling systems
All furnaces, heat pumps, thermostats and fireplaces 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.
Ducts
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 patio doors
All windows and glass doors comply with Canada’s requirements for ENERGY STAR qualified windows. This feature alone could cut more than 10 percent off your energy costs.
Walls and ceilings
There is more insulation in the ceilings and walls 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.
Ventilation and air leakage
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.
There are additional homeowner savings if builders supply ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and lighting.
Learn more about ENERGY STAR features:
