To earn the Energy Star, a home must met strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency. The home must be at least 15% more energy efficient than an average new home. At Bay Ridge, we achieve this by using the following techniques:

• Properly installed and inspected insulation to ensure even temperatures and reduced energy use throughout the house.
• High performance Andersen windows that help to prevent heat loss in the winter and keep heat out in the summer.
• Tightly sealing the home’s envelope to prevent drafts and moisture from getting inside and improve the home’s indoor air quality.
• Tightly sealing the ducts in the heating and cooling system to prevent leakage and ensure maximum efficiency.
• High efficiency Payne furnaces with electronically commutated motors (ECMs) that use less energy than a standard furnace.
• Independent third-party inspections and tests throughout the home’s construction to verify the insulation, air tightness, and duct sealing details and overall energy efficiency.

The EPA estimates that earning an Energy Star qualification will reduce a new home’s energy bill by $200-$400 annually. The steps taken to reach this level of energy efficiency will help protect against heat, cold, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise. Decreased energy use also helps the environment by reducing the amount of pollutants generated by power plants.

Learn more by visiting the Energy Star web site.