Features of an Energy Star Home

Features

Effective Insulation High-Performance Windows Tight Construction & Ducts Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment Lighting & Appliances Third-Party Verification

LIGHTING AND APPLIANCES

ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dish washers, and washing machines. These ENERGY STAR qualified products provide additional energy savings to the owner.

• Cost Savings. An ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) typically uses at least one-third the energy of a comparable standard incandescent bulb. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent with a 26-watt CFL can save more than $60 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.

• Enhanced Comfort. Compared to standard incandescent bulbs, ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs generate about 80 percent less heat. This means they are cool to the touch, help reduce home cooling costs, and keep homes more comfortable.

• Lower Utility Bills. Appliances account for nearly 20 percent of the average household’s energy use. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances can save up to $100 a year in energy costs compared to standard appliances.

• Improved Quality and Durability. Energy-efficient appliances often include quality components surpassing those found in standard appliances. These can result in fewer mechanical problems, longer equipment life, and in many cases extended warranties.

• Enhanced Performance. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances often outperform standard appliances due to improved design and advanced technologies. For instance, some ENERGY STAR qualified appliances include features that decrease operating noise, while others include technologies that reduce water use.

• ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators use up to 40 percent less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001 and at least 15 percent less energy than models built to current federal standards.

• ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers use at least 25 percent less energy and up to 40 percent less water than standard models and can save more than $25 a year in energy and water costs.

• ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use up to 50 percent less energy and about one-third less water than standard washers. As a result, expect to save up to $75 per year on utility and water bills with additional savings from using less detergent. Most ENERGY STAR qualified washers extract more water during the spin cycle, providing further energy savings when using a clothes dryer because drying time will be shorter. Also, owners will see less wear and tear on clothes from front loading models, which do not need an agitator.

Click here to browse ENERGY STAR Homes in Colorado Springs.