 Homeowners > ENERGY STAR
In order to earn the ENERGY STAR®, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20% to 30% more efficient than standard homes.
With ever-increasing homebuyer interest in Green building, energy efficiency is the place to start. That’s because the energy used in homes most often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and risks of global warming. Therefore, the less energy that is used, the less air pollution that is generated.
ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of “tried-and-true” energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution.
Effective Insulation
Insulation and air barriers in floors, walls, and attics ensure even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort. Murus SIPs are ideally suited for creating an energy efficient building envelope because they provide continuous high-performance insulation and extremely low air infiltration rates. Murus SIPs undergo random testing by a third-party independent testing agency so you can be assured that you are getting the best and most consistent quality possible.
High-Performance Windows
Energy efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. High-performance windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.
Tight Construction and Ducts
Sealing holes and “cracks” in the home’s envelope and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility usage and maintenance. Because of their solid core composite construction, Murus SIPs are a natural choice for a tightly sealed home envelope.
Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
In addition to using less energy to operate, energy efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment can be smaller and therefore less expensive because it won’t have to work so hard to heat and cool the home.
Efficient Products
ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products – lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines.
Third-Party Verification
With the help of independent, certified Home Energy Raters (HERs), ENERGY STAR builder partners choose the most appropriate energy-saving features for their homes. Additionally, raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify the energy efficiency measures, as well as insulation, air-tightness, and duct sealing details. For a list of HERS raters near your building site, look here:
http://www.natresnet.org/directory/raters.aspx
So what’s the bottom line for ENERGY STAR homeowners? They get all the features they want in a new home, plus energy efficient improvements that deliver better performance, greater comfort, and lower utility bills. As an added bonus, there are federal, state, local, and utility incentives that promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Visit the Federally-funded Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency for details: http://www.dsireusa.org/
We’d be glad to discuss with you how Murus SIPs can benefit your ENERGY STAR home project. Give us a call at (800) 626-8787, or email info@murus.com. For more information on ENERGY STAR homes, visit http://www.energystar.gov
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