Energy Star and Built Green

Energy Star and Built Green homes have become popular as of late and for good reason.  Energy Star appliances help your home to operate much more efficiently and built green as a standard has become so effective that homes are built so much more soundly than they were 15 to 20 years ago.  In one discussion we filmed with several building industry experts back in January, it was clearly stated that homes built today release about enough air on a daily basis to fill a normal balloon as opposed to similar homes built say 25 years ago release enough air to fill a “hot air balloon” on a daily basis. 

At first stated, to a person around the room, everyone was questioning that claim but that came from the current Built Green Association Chairman here in Spokane.  Think about that.  A typical home built 25 years ago or more releases enough air to fill a hot air balloon on a daily basis.  My goodness, don’t tell that to any air balloon enthusiasts, they might croak.  Now just imagine what that could relate to in energy savings.  And with oil costs and such going up right now at such a pace that could be very significant.  Then when you add Energy Star, you further reduce your energy consumption and now we are talking thousands of dollars saved annually.  I don’t know about you but that sounds good right now.

• Consistent temperatures
• Improved indoor air quality
• Greater durability
• Increased resale value when it comes time to sell

Here is Washington where we have cold winters this can make a huge difference.  And in the summers, although we don’t have the smoldering heat of the Southwest, we do have some fairly warm stretches with just enough humidity to make thing interesting and so controlling that air loss can make a difference.

Recently we filmed a 4,000 square foot home with floor to ceiling windows and 15 foot high ceilings and during the dead of winter with temperatures in the high 20’s their heating bill was less that $90.00 for the month.  Now match that up against your older home.

There are still builders out there that think Built Green is over stated.  But the quality builders either know they already meet the standards or they are getting on the program because they know that energy efficiency is not only important today but it is going to be even more important in the months and years to come.  

Check out the builders on the Builders Blocks