Energy Star homes are now mainstream in the new home market, and offer purchasers an easy and affordable way to make a smart environmental choice.

Energy Star homes are constructed differently, and include equipment that makes them 20%-30% more efficient than a code built home. This includes things like more insulation, more efficient heating, cooling and ventilation equipment and Energy Star appliances. Energy Star homes cost less to operate, have better indoor air quality and are more comfortable to live in.

The Energy Star program offers builders the flexibility to choose building techniques and products that bust suite their business. Although many builders offer Energy Star homes, they do not necessarily use the same techniques or products to achieve the Energy Star status. Before a home can be certified Energy Star, a Natural Resources Canada (or NRCan) certified energy advisor will work with the builder to analyze the new house plans and choose the energy efficient components that will affect the homes performance (ie. mechanical equipment, windows, building envelope, insulation levels, etc.). The energy advisor inputs this information into NRCan’s energy simulation software to determine the estimated annual energy usage and EnerGuide rating for the house as per the plans. After construction is complete, the energy advisor will return and test the home, and apply the Energy Star label the homes electrical panel.

Energy Star homes must score 80 or higher on a scale of 0 to 100. Most code built homes score between 65 and 72, and a score of 100 represents a highly efficient home that is so air tight and well insulated that it requires no purchased energy at all.

Read more information on Energy Star for new homes at: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca