What is the ENERGY STAR for New Homes initiative?
The ENERGY STAR for New Homes initiative was developed by
Natural Resources Canada in 2005. As a result, builders across
Canada are working with energy advisors to build homes
compliant with stringent energy-efficient guidelines. After the
home has been built, it will receive an EnerGuide rating label and
ENERGY STAR for New Homes label. These ENERGY STAR qualified homes help you to reduce
energy consumption and costs.
What is different about an ENERGY STAR qualified home?
Compared to a typical home, an ENERGY STAR qualified home
costs much less to heat, cool, and light. It will save energy, be
more quiet and comfortable, and have lower utility bills. This is
because it is built with many different features and appliances
which cut down on energy use. These can include more insulation in the walls and ceilings, higher performance windows, efficient heating systems, tight
construction and sealed ducts, as well as ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and lighting. While
efficient systems and appliances can cut down on energy use, insulation and sealed ducts can
improve a home’s airtightness. This means reducing drafts and moisture from outdoors without
letting your heating and air conditioning leak through any cracks.
Which upgrades will be part of my energy-efficient home?
There isn’t just one way to make your home energy-efficient. Many upgrades can be made, all
with different costs and efficiencies. Our energy advisors work closely with your builder to come
up with one or more customizable upgraded packages which suit you. The packages will be
developed specifically for your home, with the goal of saving you more money. These upgrades
will help your home become ENERGY STAR qualified and receive an ENERGY STAR for New
Homes label.
What are the benefits of living in an ENERGY STAR qualified home?
Living in an ENERGY STAR qualified home means living in a higher-quality home. This home uses
less energy to operate, so you can save up to 25% on your energy bills. Since the home uses
less energy, you will also be reducing your home’s greenhouse gas emissions and helping to
prevent climate change. Your home will even have better air quality, which means you will be
living in a healthier environment. When it is time to sell your home, the ENERGY STAR label will
add value to the building and can be sold at a better price. In many ways, buying an ENERGY
STAR qualified home is a smart investment which will continue to pay off in upcoming years.
How do I make sure my next home is an ENERGY STAR qualified home?
It is important for energy efficiency to be part of your home’s building plans. However, builders
must be licensed and registered with Natural Resources Canada to make energy-efficient
upgrades. This way, Natural Resources Canada can monitor ENERGY STAR qualified homes and
ensure they are in line with the current standards. Ask your builder if they are an ENERGY STAR
qualified builder, so you know if they can build you an ENERGY STAR qualified home. If you
haven’t chosen a builder yet, you can find an ENERGY STAR qualified builder by calling
AmeriSpec NL at 709-687-4673.
Why should my builder work with AmeriSpec?
As Canada’s leading home inspection service, we have many years of experience in the field of
home efficiency. We are also the largest provider of energy evaluations in Canada. Our energy
advisors are residential energy-efficiency experts who have been registered and licensed with
Natural Resources Canada to help builders construct better homes. This means all of our work
must comply with the strict requirements of Natural Resources Canada. We can offer you and
your home government-backed quality assurance, and work with your builder to construct the
ENERGY STAR qualified home you want.
Q: What is an Energy Evaluation?
A home energy evaluation is an in depth assessment performed by a qualified evaluator to determine where your home is losing energy AND money. The assessment involves the use of sophisticated diagnostic technology such as a “blower door” (depressurization) test, thermal imaging, and state of the art computer software. Based on the evaluation results, the energy advisor will recommend and prioritize upgrades so you optimize savings on utility costs while contributing to a healthier environment.
Q: What is a “blower door” test?
A blower door test is a diagnostic tool used to determine the amount and location of air leakage present in a home. Its benefits focus on the durability, comfort and energy efficiency of the property under investigation. By making recommended improvements, our clients have the opportunity to protect building materials from moisture damage; reduce drafts and cold spots; improve indoor air quality and humidity control; and essentially create a cleaner, quieter, more comfortable home. In turn, the homeowner enjoys an overall reduction in home energy costs and a contribution to a greener planet.
http://homeenergy.amerispec.ca/
