There are six defining features to an ENERGY STAR qualified home:
•effective insulation in the floors, walls and attic
•high-performance, energy-efficient windows
•tight construction and ducts to seal the home
•efficient heating and cooling equipment
•energy-efficient products like appliances and ventilation fans
•independent verification that the home is ENERGY STAR qualified
We were the one of a few major homebuilders to build exclusively with ENERGY STAR qualified appliances in every one of our new homes. Since ENERGY STAR appliances are approximately 15% more efficient than standard appliances, that means you'll be reducing your carbon footprint and your utility bills at the same time.ENERGY STAR qualified homes offer greater efficiency and savings. Designer Homes is a leader in building ENERGY STAR qualified homes. these homes take ENERGY STAR to the next level, using features throughout your home.
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2007 alone, ENERGY STAR helped Americans prevent 40 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the annual emissions from 27 million vehiclesand save more than $16 billion on their utility bills.
Designer Homes and its partners at Kohler are participating in WaterSense, a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to make it easy for Americans to conserve water, save on utility bills and protect the environment.
WaterSense is doing for water conservation and awareness what ENERGY STAR® did for energy efficiency by creating a consistent, highly recognized standard for high-performance, water-efficient products.
Look for the WaterSense label on many of the Water Wise products, indicating that they meet this standard for high-performance, water efficient products.
The EPA is developing a WaterSense new-home standard that takes this efficiency to the next level with water efficient features throughout the home that don't compromise on performance.
The average family uses about 100,000 gallons of water each year. With the right household appliances and fixtures, this number could be cut by 11,000 gallons, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
•Use fluorescent light bulbs.
•Upgrade to dimmer switches to save energy and nearly double the lifespan of your bulbs.
•Unplug or switch off power strips for small appliances and electronics when not in use.
•Always clean the lint filter on the clothes dryer after each use; a clogged filter will reduce dryer performance.
•Install a programmable thermostat to save on heating and cooling bills. You can set the thermostat according to your household's lifestyle patterns, and avoid wasting energy when no one is home.
•Keep your chimney's flue closed when not in use.
•Wash only full loads, in cold water whenever possible. If you are washing a small load of clothing, be sure to change the load setting.
Save up to 33%as much as $200 annually on heating and cooling bills by installing a programmable thermostat and setting it to 78° during the day and 72° at night.
WATER WISE
•Utilize highly efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances. Install WaterSense labeled toilets and faucets.
•Wash only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine. If you are washing a small load of clothing, be sure to change the load setting. Use cold water settings whenever possible.
•Take advantage of your dishwasher's "eco" setting to reduce water use.
•Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth, or washing your hands, and take shorter showers.
•Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of day to avoid evaporation; early morning is best.
•Use a broom, not a hose, to clean outdoor areas.
•Learn to reuse and recycle. Don't pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it, such as cleaning or watering plants.
•Fix leaky faucets or running toilets, which can save approximately 20 gallons of water per day.
HEALTHY HOME
•Regularly maintain your heating and cooling system to avoid the build-up of dust and moisture.
•Use non-toxic cleaning products.
•Add household sponges to the dishwasher before you run it to keep them clean.
•Be aware of what goes down the drain. Harmful chemicals in cleaning solutions can contaminate groundwater systems, harming animals and even other people.
•Use paints with lower levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
•Clean or replace filters in your furnace.
•Install mold-resistant carpet pads.
•Install a water filtration system to remove contaminants and sediment, and eliminate chlorine taste and odor.
•Install a carbon monoxide detector, since the odorless, colorless gas is impossible to detect otherwise.
•Use biodegradable shampoos and soaps, and buy rechargeable batteries. Leaking mercury from used batteries can contaminate water systems.
SUSTAINABLE SOURCES
•Reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible.
•Install Corian® countertops, which contain 6% to 13% recycled content.
•Choose carpets that contain recycled or recyclable content like Anso and Nylon 6 face fiber.
•Select shelving, cabinets and interior doors made from recycled wood particles.
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