ENERGY STAR® QUALIFIED NEW HOMES
THE BASICS
III Homes that earn EPA's ENERGY STAR incorporate
energy savings in design and construction so they
are significantly more efficient than standard
homes. By choosing an ENERGY STAR qualified
home, homeowners can be assured that their
homes are truly energy efficient.
¦	ENERGY STAR qualified homes must be at least
30 percent more efficient than the national Model
Energy Code for homes or 15 percent more
efficient than the state energy code, whichever
is more rigorous.
¦	Builders select from a variety of features to achieve
an ENERGY STAR qualified home, such as:
•	Properly installed insulation: Improves
comfort and reduces utility bills.
•	High performance windows: Keep heat out
during summer and in during winter.
•	Tight construction and tight ducts: Reduce
drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, pests, and noise,
while lowering utility and maintenance costs.
•	Energy-efficient, properly installed heating and
cooling equipment: Reduces utility bills and
provides more consistent temperatures
throughout the home.
¦I To date, over 2,000 builders have constructed
more than 250,000 ENERGY STAR qualified
homes in all 50 states. Twenty-four of the nation's
25 largest builders are ENERGY STAR partners.
¦I While other builders claim their homes are energy
efficient, ENERGY STAR partners prove it by
using third-party home energy raters to verify the
energy performance of the home.
THE BENEFITS
¦	The construction, insulation, and heating
and cooling equipment found in ENERGY STAR
qualified homes add comfort by keeping out
excessive heat, cold, and noise and by ensuring
consistent temperatures across rooms.
¦	People living in ENERGY STAR qualified homes
breathe more easily because their homes are built
to reduce indoor pollutants that contribute to
allergies and asthma.
¦	The benefits of an ENERGY STAR qualified
home go beyond its four walls. Fifteen percent of
all greenhouse gases are generated from the energy
used in houses nationwide. In fact, a home can
be a greater source of pollution than the average
car. ENERGY STAR qualified homes consume
less energy, so homeowners help protect the
environment while saving money.
¦	Just one ENERGY STAR qualified home can
keep 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gases out of
our air each year.
HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY SOLUTIONS
WITH ENERGY STAR
¦	ENERGY STAR is the government-backed
symbol for energy efficiency.
¦	The ENERGY STAR label helps consumers
identify new homes and products that are energy
efficient and also offer the features, quality, and
personal comfort today's consumers expect.
Products that can earn the ENERGY STAR
include appliances, lighting, home office
equipment, windows, consumer electronics,
and heating and cooling equipment.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
THROUGH SUPERIOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY, VISIT
www.energystar.gov
RUN DATE: October/November 2004
PUBLICATION: Indianapolis New Homes Guide
SIZE: 2 Page spread
TITLE: ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes-EPA/Smiling Expectant Couple
BUYING A NEW HOME IS REASON TO CELEBRATE.
SO IS PROTECTING THE PLANET
HELP YOURSELF AND THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN YOU BUY AN
ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOME.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes meet EPA's strict guidelines for energy efficiency.
These homes provide greater comfort and durability while lowering utility
costs. Energy efficiency also protects the environment by significantly reducing
the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. Learn more. Visit
www.energystar.gov
ENERGY STAR

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