Family enjoys benefits of Energy Star program

After listening to friends talk about the benefits of owning an Energy Star home, environmentally conscious homeowners Mitch and Vicki Olson decided to purchase a home that complied with the requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency's program. They found it at Desert Wind Homes' Sovana neighborhood.

"We are very impressed with the high quality and design of Desert Wind's homes, and we were even more pleased that (they) built Energy Star homes," Mitch Olson said. "In fact, I would have paid for the upgrade to an Energy Star rating, if had not been included in the original price of our home."

Olson said he is happy to do his part to conserve energy and protect the environment.

"I think all new homes should be required to be Energy Star homes. The reduced energy consumption is mutually beneficial to both the environment and the homeowner."

Olson and his wife lived in an older home after moving to the Las Vegas Valley from Minnesota. Since moving into their new home, he said they have have seen a dramatic decrease in their utility bills.

"Our current home is more than 400 square feet larger than our previous home and we spend an estimated $1,200 less on our power bills each year."

The Olsons also purchased an Energy Star-labeled refrigerator and have a desert landscape.

"I'm doing everything I can to save natural resources, including energy," Olson said.

Nevada Energy Star Partners is a voluntary coalition of Southern Nevada home builders, developers, retailers, finance companies, energy consultants and utility companies promoting energy conservation.SUMMER TIP:

Dressing appropriately for the season will add to the comfort level in your home, while helping reduce energy costs at the same time. Try wearing loose fitting, open weaves for hot weather and layered, thicker-knitted clothes for colder weather.

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