Category Archives: Energy efficient

By: Leslie Williamson

With the large number of homes on the market right now, consumers can afford to be more selective about the homes that they buy.  Homes with energy efficient features are appealing to many buyers, including environmentally friendly buyers who appreciate that the features reduce a home’s carbon footprint, as well as financially savvy buyers who look forward to lower monthly utility bills and the potential to qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage.

But selecting an energy efficient house involves much more than just looking for Energy Star appliances.  Let’s discuss some of the top energy efficient home features to look for:

• Exterior: The outside of the home is your shield from the heat of the sun. To reduce heat absorption, especially in warmer climates, look for homes with light colored exterior walls and roofing materials, as these reflect heat and light.

• Windows and Exterior Doors: Along with the exterior walls, a home’s windows and doors are constantly exposed to the elements.  It’s best to look for windows and doors that have an Energy Star rating, as these products are designed to prevent heat and cold transfer. When inspecting windows, make sure they are double pane.

• Insulation: Energy-efficient insulation is a must for locking in heat and keeping a house cool. You can determine if the home’s insulation is energy efficient by checking its ‘R-value.’ In general, a high R-value equates to better insulation. It is recommended that a home’s wall insulation be a minimum R-13 for 2×4 framed walls and R-19 for 2×6 framed walls.  In the attic, the insulation should be a minimum of R-30 and it should be evenly distributed.

• Air Ducts: The air ducts in a home distribute that nice, air-conditioned breeze.  However, most homes lose 20% of their A/C due to ductwork leaks, which result in higher utility bills and poorer air quality.  Be sure to have the home’s air ducts tested for leaks.  If leaks are found, make arrangements to seal the ducts for greater efficiency.

• Plumbing Fixtures: The right plumbing fixtures in a home will dramatically reduce the number of gallons used per day.  Look for low-flow toilets, low-flow showerheads and low-flow faucet aerators.  Low-flow faucet aerators, for example, typically reduce water usage from 4 gallons per minute to 2 ½.

• Lighting and Appliances: Choosing a home with Energy Star appliances gives you piece of mind that your appliances are energy efficient. In addition, check to see if any light fixtures in the home carry the Energy Star label.

For more information about energy efficient home features and the Energy Star program, visit www.energystar.gov.