Energy Efficient New Homes
Georgia's new home buyers should seriously consider the benefits of an energy efficient new home. These homes offer built-in quality and comfort, and are built more efficient than homes built to standard building codes helping the homeowner save money and energy.
Energy Efficient New Home Builder Locator.
Features
An energy efficient new home performs better for the homeowner and the environment thanks to a variety of energy-efficient features.
Effective Insulation (131KB PDF)
Properly installed insulation in floors, walls and attics ensure even temperatures throughout the house, while using less energy. The result is lower utility costs and a quieter, more comfortable home.
High-Performance Windows (199KB PDF)
Windows with advanced coatings and construction help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. They also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.
Tight Construction and Tight Ducts (151KB PDF)
Advanced techniques for sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in the heating and cooling ducts help reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, pests and noise. A more tightly sealed home improves comfort
and indoor air quality, while lowering utility and maintenance costs.
Energy efficient new homes are substantially more efficient than homes built to the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), depending on the region of the country.
More Efficient Heating (126KB PDF) and Cooling Equipment (162KB PDF)
Energy-efficient, properly installed heating and cooling systems use less energy, which reduces utility bills. You can expect higher quality and greater durability backed by longer warranties now available on many models.
Independent Testing (182KB PDF)
You can enjoy peace of mind knowing your new home has been independently certified verifying the energy performance of your home.
Benefits
Enjoy peace of mind knowing that it also meets strict energy efficiency guidelines.
Green Home Option (131KB PDF)
Homebuilders and homebuyers across the country are increasingly interested in green building. Green building means improving the way that homes and homebuilding sites use energy, water and materials to reduce impacts on human health and the environment. Building a green home means making environmentally-preferable and sustainable decisions.
Lower Ownership Cost
Energy efficient homes use less energy — delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings on energy bills. Over the next 7 to 8 years, this adds up to thousands of dollars saved on utility bills. Additional savings on maintenance can also be substantial.
Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise. Energy-efficient homes help ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air quality and greater durability.
Smart Investment
To date, more than 2,500 home builders have partnered with EPA to construct more than 500,000 energy efficient new homes. By the end of the decade, more than 2 million homes are expected to earn the energy efficient distinction. By choosing an energy efficient new home, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell.
