Energy Star
Services
ENERGY STAR is one of the most popular and recognizable government programs designed to improve a home’s overall energy efficiency and provide reliable performance for homeowners.
To earn an Energy Star designation, a home or a multi-family building must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 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 homebuyers increasingly interested in green building, energy efficiency is the place to start. That's because the energy used in homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and risks of global warming. The less energy used, the less air pollution generated. And the easy way to make sure a new home is energy efficient is to look for the blue Energy Star mark, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency.
The Energy Star Program
This label identifies an Energy Star Home.
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:
Third-Party Verification
With the help of independent Home Energy Raters, Energy Star builder partners choose the most appropriate energysaving 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.
Effective Insulation
Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort.
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 and maintenance.
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.
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. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.
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.
Energy Star Certification
Charrette Meeting
Your team meets professional advisors in our office to discuss your project, its performance, and the process to qualify your project as an Energy Star house. Builder provides drawings and Manual J calculations.
Pre-Drywall Inspections
These will occur after framing and installation of insulation and ductwork, but prior to sheetrock. The purpose of the Pre-Drywall site visit is to inspect the installation and workmanship of components visible at this stage that are related to energy performance and the energy rating. This visit includes the visual inspection of insulation, windows, HVAC systems, framing techniques, and general air sealing. Duct leakage (“duct blaster”) is not required but it is strongly recommended.
Final Inspection and Testing
A final inspection will take place prior to occupancy but after the project is completed and all mechanical systems are operational. The purpose of the Final Inspection is to inspect and test the overall performance of the “as-built” home. The Final Inspection includes all components related to the energy rating that were not installed or inspected at the time of the Pre-Drywall Inspection. Performance tests include an air infiltration test of the building envelope (“blower door”) as well as a test of duct leakage (“duct blaster”). Accordingly, every effort must be made during construction to minimize air leakage of the structure and of ducted distribution systems.
Submission for Certification
Upon successful completion of the verification process and after the certification is completed, we will provide a certificate and a label for the breaker box.
Resources
Insulation Installation and Insulation Grading
Energy Star Builder Option Package
Energy Star Performance
Energy Star Guidelines
Contact
For more information on how SENCON can help you build Energy Star-certified homes, contact Daniel Cwik at (757) 498-0100 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
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