“Are your homes Energy Star certified?” It’s a question we hear more and more as people take interest in energy conservation. While Alturas Homes does not do Energy Star certification, we want to answer your questions and ensure that energy conservation is a top priority.
What is Energy Star?
Energy Star partners with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They provide information about energy efficiency, assist consumers and businesses in finding energy-efficient products, and give resources to help businesses and residential homes manage their energy. Energy Star also has a set of building standards and ratings, similar to RESNET’s HERS index score.
What is an Energy Star home?
An Energy Star home follows construction standards set by Energy Star. These homes go through routine inspections and testing throughout construction by an Energy Star certified rater. It is a rigorous process including inspections of HVAC installation, water management, and thermal enclosure.
Essentially, Energy Star is helping builders and homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient. This contributes to a cleaner environment and greater comfort.
What are the qualifications for a home to be Energy Star certified?
An Energy Star home must reach certain standards in:
What is the benefit of Energy Star certification?
Energy Star homes are more efficient at creating energy and using it. The benefits include:
Alturas Homes currently has no Energy Star certified homes. Why are our homes not Energy Star certified? The rigorous inspection process can set building schedules back a considerable amount of time. Additionally, the process adds extra costs to the homebuyer. Our homes already meet many of the additional standards required in Energy Star certification. You’re getting energy-efficiency without the extra cost.
Regardless of ratings and certifications, high-quality construction remains our number one priority. Our superintendents closely oversee each stage of the construction process, making sure the home adheres to Idaho residential building regulations. These regulations also include the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code.
You deserve to find a home you love, which is why we’ve set high standards of construction. It is our goal to provide an exceptional new home experience from start to finish. With over fifty years of experience, we know that quality should never be left at the door.
Feel free to ask us a question; we’d like to hear what you think about Energy Star. Subscribe to Alturas Homes’ blog or follow us on Instagram for more!