Get ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 07) Inspection ... - Energystar

ENERGY STAR certified buildings save energy, save money, and help protect the environment by generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions than typical buildings. To be certified as ENERGY STAR, a building must meet strict energy performance standards set by EPA.

Conditioned floor area (CFA) is the total floor area (in square feet) of enclosed conditioned space on all floors of a building, as measured at the floor level of the exterior surfaces of exterior walls enclosing the conditioned space. [§100.1] This term is also referred to in the Standards simply as the floor area.

By choosing ENERGY STAR, a typical household can save about $450 on their energy bills each year and still enjoy the quality and performance they expect. Over the lifetime of the program, every dollar EPA has spent on ENERGY STAR resulted in nearly $350 in energy cost savings for American business and households.

For instance, light bulbs such as CFLs and LEDs that earn an Energy Star are shown to consume two-thirds less energy than a standard incandescent bulb. Similarly, Energy Star qualified refrigerators are at least 15% more efficient than their traditional counterparts.

What's the difference between "ENERGY STAR certified" and "ENERGY STAR qualified?" Product manufacturers should be using the term "ENERGY STAR certified products" because ENERGY STAR products are independently certified to ensure they meet ENERGY STAR's requirements.

Con of ENERGY STAR: The Price You'll likely earn back the price if you think long-term. Compared to same-year, non-certified models, ENERGY STAR can save upwards of $100 in energy bills. Still, these appliances are simply not affordable for many households considering our current high-inflation economy.

Energy Star-certified homes have to pass rigorous requirements as established by the EPA, but it's still a good idea to get certified. You'll enjoy greater energy bill savings, reduce your rate of greenhouse gas emissions, and rest easy knowing that your home is worth more than it was originally!

By looking for the Energy Star label, you can ensure that the product you end up buying is more energy-efficient than most alternatives. This will save you money and help to lower your impact on the environment.