25% of Single Family American Homes Are Now Energy Star Qualified
The Environmental Protection Agency announced this week that 25% of all single family homes in the U.S in 2010 were energy star certified.
The EPA and it’s stakeholders help home purchasers to maximize the energy efficiency of their homes overall by funding the setup of energy-saving devices and techniques such as insulation, insulated glazing (see below), leak and draft prevention, and more.
Since 1995, approximately 1.2 million homes have earned the Energy Star rating, resulting in savings approaching $350 million off electric bills and also avoiding the greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of roughly 450,000 vehicles.
Insulated glazing involves the use of two or three glass panes in each window (two is “doubled-paned” and 3 is “triple-paned”) with a small space between each pane to achieve an insulation efficiency that allows especially visible light (which turns into heat) in through each window into the room, but at the same time helps to trap heat in rooms, because it is difficult for it to pass through them. The space between the windows is usually filled with a gas, such as argon. This is actually a use of the greenhouse effect that is positive for the environment.
Heat passes through traditional single-paned windows easily, and because windows need to be transparent, alternative insulation such as foam and fiberglass are not suitable.
“New homes that earn EPA’s Energy Star seal of approval rise above the competition by offering a better quality and value, while allowing homeowners to do their part to keep our communities clean,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, Gina McCarthy.
“With Energy Star’s energy-efficient homes, homeowners will cut down on electric bills and emissions to keep our air cleaner and our communities healthier. Reaching this impressive market share milestone for Energy Star qualified homes is an accomplishment for American home buyers and builders and a step in the right direction to better protecting the environment through sustainable living.”
Photo Credit: Skvidal
Source: EPA
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