Building Performance Benefits - The Energy Star Program
What is an Energy Star Home?
Energy Star homes save homeowners money in utility bills.
In addition, Energy Star homes:
- Have higher appraised value
- Qualify for Energy Efficient Mortgages and Tax Credits
- Are more durable and comfortable
Using Structural Insulated Panels in residential building can easily qualify a home as Energy Star. A SIP building envelope has an extremely high whole wall R-Value and low levels of air infiltration, reducing the overall loads for heating or air conditioning equipment.
In 1992 the Environmental Protection Agency established the Energy Star program to label energy efficient products and reduce energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions across America.
Today, the Energy Star program encompasses 40 product categories and is widely recognized as the mark of energy efficiency for electronics, appliances, and even homes.
The Energy Star for Homes program aims to reduce the energy consumption of one of America’s largest energy uses. According to the EPA, homes account for 15% of energy consumption nationwide. New homes that demonstrate a certain level energy saving improvements earn the Energy Star label.
SIPs make such a large contribution to energy efficiency that two of the first three LEED Platinum homes in the US were built with SIP envelopes. Energy Star exempts SIP-built homes from the 17-point thermal bypass insulation inspection and blower door tests required for qualification in the program.
Remember to take these steps for ENERGY STAR Qualification…
- Check out some of the web-based resources available to homeowners for calculating the energy rating you can expect from your Timberline SIP enclosed timber frame home
- Early in your project, let your builder know that you want your new home to be Energy Star qualified
- Contact a Home Energy Rater
- Have your plans reviewed by an independent Home Energy Rater to calculate building performance information
