Energy Star gains ground with buyers

Nevada Energy Star Partners reported an increased awareness among consumers about the Energy Star program, but few of those consumers understand the benefits of energy-efficient homes. This statement is based on the results of a survey of 500 home shoppers conducted on behalf of the organization by Marketing Solutions.

According to the survey, 50.6 percent of the respondents had heard of Energy Star, while only 21.4 percent were aware of what the program entails.

The survey also reported that 92.4 percent of home shoppers were aware that energy-efficient homes may cost more, but that they are less expensive to own because of reduced heating and cooling costs.

Homes featuring the Energy Star label are at least 30 percent more energy efficient than standard homes.

In another finding, 67.9 percent of the respondents knew of the availability of energy-efficient mortgages, which are typically offered at below-market interest rates.

Several local home builders participate in the Energy Star program, which is a voluntary program overseen by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. To date, more than 4,000 Energy Star-labeled homes have been built in Nevada, and one-third of the Top 100 builders nationwide have joined the program.

Typical features in an Energy Star home include tight ducts, which lower energy consumption and improve air quality and comfort with less noise; properly installed insulation, improving comfort and reducing utility bills; high performance windows that keep heat inside during the winter and out during the summer; tight construction, which helps eliminate drafts, moisture, dust, pests and pollen while lowering energy and maintenance costs; and energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment designed to reduce utility costs and noise.

Local builders who are members of Nevada Energy Star Partners are: American Premiere Homes, Astoria Homes, Beazer Homes, Carina Homes, Concordia Homes, Del Webb Communities, Desert Wind Homes, Distinctive Homes, Greystone Homes/Lennar, Hearthstone Homebuilders, Pardee Homes, Perma-Bilt Homes, Pulte Homes, R/S Development, Royal Construction/Spinnaker Homes and Signature Homes.

Several nonbuilder companies are also members.

Real Estate home