Energy Star awareness increases

Awareness has grown among homeowners of their role in energy conservation, a trend emphasized in the Ultimate Family Home built by Pardee Homes. The residence was showcased during the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas earlier this year.

The 5,300-square-foot house produces as much electricity as it uses, making it a "zero-energy" home.

"The Ultimate Family Home marked the launch of our Zero Energy Home program, and is on the cutting edge of energy-efficient and sustainable construction resulting in utility cost savings of more than 75 percent," said Kathy Hilty, marketing director for the builder. "But what's more exciting is that we have already incorporated many of the innovative energy-saving technologies used in the Ultimate Family Home into our new-home neighborhoods."

Rob Hammon, a principal with ConSol Energy Consultants, called the home a role model for future developments.

"We've taken the core concepts that go into certifying a home as Energy Star and enhanced them. For example, the duct system was specifically designed for efficiency and is surrounded by a higher level of insulation and, where possible, is buried in the ceiling insulation," he said. "In addition, the radiant barrier that is a part of the roof deck helps reduce the attic temperature, thereby increasing the efficiency of the ducts in the attic space."

Other energy-saving features include high-efficacy lighting, tankless water heaters, high-efficiency appliances, tight construction, low-e windows, and right-sized heating and cooling equipment.

The home meets the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star requirements, which means it uses at least 30 percent less energy for cooling, heating and water heating than homes built to standard code.

Such a home provides other benefits such as reduced utility bills, greater sound insulation, improved indoor air quality and comfort, and reduced fabric fade. Such homes help reduce pollution.

To earn the Energy Star label, homes must be inspected and verified by an independent company.

Sam Rashkin, director of the EPA's Energy Star for Homes program, said purchasing an Energy Star-labeled home can be a sound investment, in light of rising energy costs.

"Lower energy costs are built into every Energy Star-labeled home ... so you can expect to save hundreds of dollars on utility bills annually," he said.

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