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The Energy Star program was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help Americans reduce energy consumption, which in turn lowers greenhouse gases and energy costs. Since its inception, homeowners have come to recognize the Energy Star label as a means for cutting utility costs and guarding natural resources.
Energy Star saves money
With the demand for energy efficiency on the rise, many home builders, such as PMC Homes of Tulsa, have partnered with the EPA to build homes that qualify for the Energy Star stamp of approval.
How much money can families save by buying Energy Star qualified homes? In 2005 alone, Energy Star homeowners saved $12 billion dollars on utility bills. Each Energy Star home saves hundreds of dollars annually on electric bills. With this in mind, homeowners have found that Energy Star efficient appliances and construction materials quickly pay for themselves over the span of a few years.
Mortgage lenders recognize Energy Star value
Another advantage for Energy Star homeowners is more financing options. Many mortgage lenders consider the lowered utility and maintenance costs of Energy Star homes when making lending decisions. The high-quality, energy-conservative designs of Energy Star homes allow finance companies to make larger loan amounts and high resale appraisals.
Vanishing resources, serious consequences
The greatest value of Energy Star homes may not be the homes themselves, but their environmental impact. A shocking 16 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States are produced by the electricity used in ordinary homes. Because electricity is usually generated by the burning of fossil fuels, it threatens the long-term availability of an important natural resource. This fossil fuel consumption also contributes to air pollution, acid rain and global warming.
Homeowners save more than money with Energy Star
While Energy Star homeowners are certainly concerned with the high cost of electricity, most are also concerned about the worldwide consequence of excessive energy consumption. Thanks to the Energy Star guidelines, in 2005, American households prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the emissions from 23 million cars.
Over 500,000 Energy Star qualified homes have already been constructed and the trend is growing. Homeowners are rapidly seeing the benefits of energy-efficient solutions that protect resources and reduce pollution for the next generation.