You’ve probably heard of ENERGY STAR appliances and other products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), who administers the ENERGY STAR brand, certifies ENERGY STAR homes as 30 percent more efficient than local building codes.
The Idaho Energy Division has been developing standards and certifying ENERGY STAR homes for more than five years in Idaho. They’ve also conducted training for builders and subcontractors, managed a network of Home Performance Specialists to verify standards in the field, and developed marketing materials. Idaho Power is supporting these efforts by providing marketing support, training, and builder incentives for ENERGY STAR homes.
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As part of our efforts to reduce energy demand during peak summer periods, Idaho Power is embarking upon a number of programs that will reduce the need for peak generation capacity in the future. ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest is a regional program in Idaho, Montana, Washington and Oregon designed to reduce peak demand for power in the Northwest now and in the future.
The ENERGY STAR is your assurance that a third party has inspected the new home and certified that the proper materials were used and correct procedures were followed to maximize its efficiency. Energy efficiency is not an automatic feature of a new home. A builder must understand the “house as a system” approach to energy efficient building in order to provide a cost effective, high performance home.
Use our builder checklist to find out exactly how your builder will construct your new home, and if he’s constructed similar homes in the past. Experienced ENERGY STAR builders often provide the best value because they’ve refined their processes and used subcontractors familiar with ENERGY STAR requirements.
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Because customers do not demand energy efficient homes. Builders hear their customers demand a granite kitchen countertop more often than energy efficiency, and most build accordingly. However, at Idaho Power we’ve never met a customer who didn’t want to lower his/her utility bill.
An ENERGY STAR investment pays off almost immediately in the form of lower utility bills and that value will be passed on to all future homeowners as well. As more home buyers learn about the value of ENERGY STAR homes, more homebuilders will provide them.
ENERGY STAR homes receive fresh air through the installation of a mechanical ventilation system. Concerns about houses being built “too tight” have stemmed from many homes that are built tightly “by accident” without any thought toward mechanical ventilation. Leaky houses do not provide the proper level of ventilation in the right places at the right time.
Through extensive research and testing, building scientists have found that the best strategy for maximizing occupant health and comfort in homes is to “build tight and ventilate right.” With a simple inexpensive ventilation system, a home can have a continuous controlled supply of fresh air.
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- ENERGY STAR homes have properly sealed air ducts, which will help prevent the spread of mold spores from crawl spaces into the home.
- ENERGY STAR homes seal plumbing and electrical penetrations in floors and walls preventing spread of contaminants such as mold into the home.
- ENERGY STAR homes have balanced airflows for the heating and cooling systems. This minimizes pressure in rooms that can push indoor moisture into walls and create potential mold problems.
Typically, the upgrades needed to meet ENERGY STAR home standards are in the range of 1 to 3 percent higher than code levels.
We estimate it costs between $2,500 to $4,500 to update to these energy saving features in a new home. Adding $4,500 to an existing 30-year, $160,000 mortgage at 7 percent results in an additional monthly payment of $30, including taxes and insurance.
However, monthly energy savings from these measures will result in estimated energy bill savings of $40 to $50 per month, so the homeowner enjoys net savings from the first month of ownership throughout the life of the home.
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Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which should be prominently displayed on the electrical breaker box. You can also ask your builder for the ENERGY STAR-labeled certificate.
For more information log onto
www.idahoenergystar.com
www.energystar.gov
Idaho Power's Energy Center
Return to ENERGY STAR Home Buyer's Kit.