ENERGY STAR New Home

In a time when energy costs are rising and the federal government is making moves to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, this is the time to purchase a home that saves energy and reduces your carbon footprint. How does an energy efficient home do that? Energy used in homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to global climate change. So, the less energy used, the less air pollution generated. And the easy way to make sure a new home is energy efficient is to look for the blue ENERGY STAR mark, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency.

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the International Residential Code, and generally include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

South River EMC members who build or purchase a new ENERGY STAR certified home, qualify for a rebate of $350-$750. Additionally, they may qualify for state and federal tax credits.

Features

Energy efficiency is the place to start. That's because the energy used in homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to global climate change. So, the less energy used, the less air pollution generated. And the easy way to make sure a new home is energy efficient is to look for the blue ENERGY STAR mark, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes save money on utility bills, provide a more comfortable living environment with better indoor air quality, and help protect the environment. For a complete listing of requirements of an ENERGY STAR qualified home, visit the ENERGY STAR Web site.

Did You Know?

Each ENERGY STAR qualified home can keep 4,500 lbs of greenhouse gases out of our air each year. And because homes have such long life spans, this environmental benefit lasts for many, many years.

An efficient home envelope, with effective levels of wall, floor and attic insulation properly installed, comprehensive air barrier details, and high-performance windows;
Efficient air distribution, where ducts are installed with minimum air leakage and are effectively insulated;
Efficient equipment for heating, cooling, and water heating;
Efficient lighting, including fixtures that earn the ENERGY STAR; and
Efficient appliances, including ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers, refrigerators, and clothes washers.

These energy efficiency improvements save homeowners money — about $200 to $400 per year on utility bills. More importantly, monthly energy savings can easily exceed any additional mortgage cost for the energy efficiency improvements, resulting in a positive cash flow from the first day of home ownership. As a result, the cost-effectiveness of ENERGY STAR improvements can help offset additional costs associated with other green home features. For a complete listing of requirements of an ENERGY STAR qualified home, visit the ENERGY STAR Web site.

Benefits to Homeowners

Added Confidence
Home buying is complex enough without having to know all the details of energy-efficient construction. Instead, look for the government-backed ENERGY STAR label to easily identify homes that are truly energy efficient. Find the house of your dreams and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it also meets strict energy efficiency guidelines.
Lower Ownership Cost
Compared with standard homes, ENERGY STAR qualified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating-delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings. Over the average 7 to 8 years you may live in your home, this adds up to thousands of dollars saved on utility bills. Additional savings on maintenance can also be substantial. Financing your home purchase using an energy-efficient mortgage can also lead to savings.
Better Performance
Properly installed energy-efficient home improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise. An energy-efficient home helps ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability.
Smart Investment
To date, more than 6,500 home builders have partnered with EPA to construct nearly 940,000 ENERGY STAR qualified homes. The trend is clear. By choosing a home with the ENERGY STAR label, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell.

Rebate Information

Contractors:

If you build a new ENERGY STAR certified home in an area that receives electricity from South River EMC, you will receive a $400 rebate once the home has been certified as ENERGY STAR qualified by a licensed independent HERS rater*. Search the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Web site for a list of HERS raters in North Carolina.

Members:
If you move into a new home that has been ENERGY STAR certified, you will receive a $350 rebate. For members who have an ENERGY STAR certified home custom built, you will receive a $750 rebate, once the home has been certified as ENERGY STAR qualified by a licensed independent HERS rater*.

Restrictions:
• Rebates are subject to change without notice.
• All rebates are subject to approval and are contingent upon fund availability.
• All rebates are contingent upon the final report of an independent HERS rater.

How to apply:
• Contractors: once the home has been inspected by a HERS rater, complete an application and return it to South River EMC
along with a copy of the ENERGY STAR certificate.
• Members building custom homes: once the home has been inspected by a HERS rater, complete an application and return it to South River EMC along with a copy of the ENERGY STAR certificate.
• Download and print an application. (Applications should be returned to South River EMC Attn: Catheine O'Dell PO Box 931 Dunn, NC 28335.)
• Members purchasing an ENERGY STAR certified home: contact Catherine O'Dell at 910-230-2982.

*South River EMC must have an official copy of the HERS rater's report. Search the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Web site for a list of HERS raters in North Carolina.