ENERGY STAR qualified homes offer homebuyers all the features they want in a new home, plus energy-efficient improvements that deliver better performance, greater comfort, and lower utility bills. Benefits of owning an ENERGY STAR homes are:

* Added Confidence
* Lower Ownership Costs
* Better Performance
* Smart Investment
* Environmental Protection

Features of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet 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 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

And with homebuyers increasingly interested in green building, 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 smog, acid rain, and risks of global warming. 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 can include a variety of ‘tried-and-true’ energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution:

1. Effective Insulation

Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort.

2. High-Performance Windows

Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.

3. Tight Construction and Ducts

Sealing holes and cracks in the home’s “envelope” and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance.

4. Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment

In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment won’t have to work so hard to heat and cool the home.

5. Efficient Products

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, dishwashers, and washing machines.

6. Third-Party Verification

With the help of independent Home Energy Raters, ENERGY STAR builder partners choose the most appropriate energy-saving features for their homes. Additionally, raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify the energy efficiency measures, as well as insulation, air tightness, and duct sealing details.

For more information about Orlando and surrounding Central Florida ENERGY STAR homes, please complete the form below.

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Related posts:

1. The Basic 10 of Green Construction Part III
2. The Basic 10 of Green Construction Part IV
3. The Basic 10 of Green Construction Part II

Some environmental purists will state that building a large, expensive, custom Green Home goes against what the green and environmental movement is all about. Others will say that the affluent buyer is going to build a large custom home anyway, so it is certainly better for the environment if they can incorporate as many sustainable eco-friendly products, as well as water conservation and energy saving processes, in to their home as possible.

As a former partner with Westmont Green Homes, and builder of the VISION House Series – Orlando ’08 (a custom green home showcased during the International Builders Show), I am a strong proponent of educating buyers from all economic groups as to the benefits of building a Green Home, and that includes the affluent custom home buyer.

In Central Florida, an eco-concious buyer can find Green and ENERGY STAR homes available in all price ranges. For the more discriminate buyer, there are many talented custom home builders who can design and build a home that is not just beautiful, and customized to your every desire, but that has incorporated energy efficiency, water conservation, environmental friendly processes and products that result in a healthier and more energy efficient home. In fact, below are a few custom green homes available:

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Related posts:

1. The Basic 10 of Green Construction Part IV
2. The Basic 10 of Green Construction Part V
3. The Basic 10 of Green Construction Part III

Harmony is an inclusive Florida community, designed specifically to bring people together. This spirit of community can be found reflected in the friendly front porches that line Harmony’s quiet and charming streets. Every new home built in Harmony makes our whole community stronger and healthier.

Every home in Harmony, Florida is designed to conform to the highest building standards, maintaining neighborhood attractiveness and property value. In addition, all Harmony homes are built to be fully Energy Star© compliant, fitted with highly energy-efficient appliances, high-performance windows, tightly sealed duct systems and high quality water heating equipment – a design independently certified.

Harmony has received several awards both regionally and statewide for its dedication to environmental stewardship. Harmony was the proud recipient of the 2006 WCI Green Building Award for its commitment to preserving the environment while creating a healthy economy for Florida. In fact, Harmony was the first community in Osceola County (and only the third in Central Florida) to be recognized by the Council for Sustainable Florida.

Located in Osceola County, Florida, Harmony is the only upscale community in east Central Florida to offer such unprecedented amenities – both natural and developed – within a short drive of the region’s most significant destinations. Approximately 40 minutes to the southeast of Downtown Orlando, Harmony residents enjoy close proximity to Orlando International Airport, local theme parks, beautiful beaches, championship golf courses, and many other area landmarks.

Just some of the features and amenities of living in Harmony:

• Annual Special Events
• Harvest Festival
• Winter Carnival
• Camping Areas
• Community Boating
• Clubhouse
• Dog Wash Station
• Fishing & Monthly Derbies
• Human Sundial
• Interactive Water Feature
• Johnny Miller 18-Hole Championship Golf Course
• On-Site Schools (K – 12)
• Parks and recreation
• Pet Parks
• Paths for hiking and jogging
• Picnicking
• Playgrounds
• Swim Club
• Town Square
• Unique Sculptures

Come see for yourself.

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Oakland Park is a wonderful new community with exceptional amenities, historically inspired homes, and the warmth and welcome of a good old-fashioned small town.

Nestled between Winter Garden and Oakland, Oakland Park combines the architecture and colorful history of the region with the core principles of Friendly Neighborhood Design™ to create a vibrant new Central Florida community. Designed to enhance and encourage the melding of home, family, community, and environment, this inviting collection of tree-lined streets, parks, and residential neighborhoods on the shores of Lake Apopka promises both exceptional quality homes
and something too often missing in today’s communities – a true sense of belonging.

Oakland Park was designed based on Traditional neighborhood communities – the small towns of the early twentieth century. Houses are close to the street, streets are connected, housing is diversified, and uses are mixed. Architecture is controlled by style and detail, and civic places are an important element. Communities that embrace these principles have an environment that encourages walking, civic engagement, and a generally healthier lifestyle.

Home styles in Oakland Park are charming, historically inspired by the best of the best, and delightfully individualistic. And the principles of green building create a legacy of enduring beauty. Come see for yourself.

To schedule a personal tour of the beautiful community, please complete the form below.

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Avington Park is a place where residents can live in touch with nature while working to enhance their surroundings and preserve the environment for the future. We hope to bring together a community of people who will become more than neighbors and forge true friendships. Avington Park’s mission is to give our residents a rural lifestyle in a private and peaceful setting merely minutes from the amenities of the city.

Avington Park is located off a scenic road, surrounded by national forests and protected from over-development. The charm of Mt. Dora offers a lifestyle that is rich and authentic . Avington Park is a private enclave yet minutes away from shopping, dining and recreational activities. The entire community, from the layout of the home sites to the construction of the development, has been carefully designed to be a certified Green community. This ensures protection of natural resources and enhancing the land for future generations.

Just some of the features and benefits of living in Avington park (Coming soon!):

• Over 6000 trees on the property preserved
• Gentle roundabouts and massive oak trees guide you along streets that contour to the land.A bird & butterfly preserve will be created to enhance the ecosystem
• Over 50 acres of the property has been set aside as park land & trails
• Roads designed to contour to the natural features of the land
• Only 8% of the land will be built on
• Environmental education for all new residents about how to protect the native plants & animals in their community
• Walking, equestrian & fitness trails designed to blend seamlessly with environment
• Gopher tortoise habitat retained on site
• Florida Green Building Coalition certification approval
• Education program on how to create energy efficient home design
• Large lot size allow for proper solar orientation of each home
• All homes required to be Energy Star® rated and utilize non VOC paints

Come see for yourself.

To get a personal tour of the property, please complete the form below.

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