Home buyer impressed by Energy Star

Energy efficiency was an important factor for Vince Valenti when he set out to purchase a new home.

"Everywhere I looked, it was like $500 to $800 more for these options," Valenti said. "That's when I decided I wanted to buy an Energy Star home. It was a financial decision."

Now, Valenti is looking forward to moving into his new 1,626-square-foot home, which is Energy Star-rated, in November. The home came standard with low-e windows, as well as R-30 insulation in the attic.

Valenti is a video game programmer and works on his computer for long hours. His computer is also Energy Star rated. When his home is completed, Valenti plans to purchase energy-efficient appliances as well.

Energy Star labeled homes can save their owners as much as 30 percent on heating, cooling and hot water costs compared to homes built to the national Model Energy Code.

Nevada Energy Star Partners include Energy Inspectors, Marina Mortgage, Motivational Systems, Nevada Power, Pie Design and Marketing, Sierra Air Conditioning, Southern Nevada New Homes Guide, Waterfield Mortgage and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage.

Home-builder members are: American Premiere Homes, Amstar Homes, Astoria Homes, Beazer Homes, Centex dba Real Homes, Concordia Homes, Del Webb Corp., Desert Wind Homes, Distinctive Homes, Greystone Homes, Hearthstone Homebuilders, KB Home, Pardee Homes, Perma-Bilt Homes, Pulte Homes, Royal Construction/Spinnaker Homes, Signature Homes and Westmark Homes.

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