Energy Star Homes Have Fresh Air Ventilation

New homes are eligible to receive the Energy Star rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The rating has long been used on appliances to help consumers choose the most energy efficient models.

Homes with the certification must meet stringent requirements showing they are designed and built to standards above most new construction. They deliver savings from their superior energy efficiency, up to 30% better than other new homes on the market.

Features of Energy Star Homes
These homes have been inspected, tested, and undergone verification that they meet the guidelines mandated by the EPA. Buyers are assured they provide high quality, personal comfort, and great durability.

A Home Energy Rater must place his stamp of approval on the home to prove it has been inspected and tested. This is often found on the breaker box.

Each home is rated according to regional standards, depending on the local weather. It makes sense that the standards for a home in Florida, where it is hot, humid and prone to hurricanes, would be different from a home in Wisconsin, with its long winter season.

Homes are verified during the construction to help spot and correct mistakes during the build process, while changes can easily be made.

Ventilation Is Essential
A steady flow of clean air in a home makes it comfortable and healthy. One of the most important features of an Energy Star home is the mechanical ventilation requirement to keep the fresh air flowing.

The goal is to provide fresh air and to prevent odors, moisture, and pollutants from building up in the structure. This is done by installing a whole house fan or mechanical ventilation system that sent fresh air through ducts. This is a major improvement over depending on air getting in and out through cracks in the walls and roof.

These types of systems, the fan or the ventilation or a combination of the two, means you have been quality of air to breathe. Since a person spends about 90% of his time inside, it makes sense to breathe the freshest, cleanest air indoors.

Planned ventilation means the owner has more control over the source of the air and how much gets in and out of the house. Since these systems have intake and exhaust processes, you can be sure that the air you breathe isn’t coming from the garage or crawl space.

The systems also keep the house in better repair by filtering it and dehumidifying the atmosphere. They work in conjunction with properly installed insulation in walls, floors and attics, adding to the energy efficiency of the new home.

Choosing an Energy Star rated new home can add comfort, savings and healthy air to your life in your new residence.