The Value of ENERGY STAR® Products

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Homeowners looking to make smart, energy-efficient investments in their homes should always start with ENERGY STAR® qualified products. That’s the advice of Mark Clement, host of the MyFixitUpLife home improvement radio show and website.

This DOE Cool Energy Home features energy-efficient Simonton windows.

“The easiest first step when looking to purchase doors, roofing, windows or any other major product for the home is to request ENERGY STAR qualified products,” says Clement, a professional contractor with 20+ years experience. “A product that meets ENERGY STAR requirements for a specific geographic area is constructed to help make the home as energy efficient as possible. Using several ENERGY STAR qualified products together can really help ease the energy burden on the home, which can help save homeowners a great deal of money each year on energy costs.”

During October’s Energy Awareness Month, Clement offers these tips for homeowners:

Tip #1 – Visit the government’s ENERGY STAR website at www.energystar.gov to learn as much as possible about energy efficient home products before making an investment in a major product for your home.

Tip #2 - When installing or replacing windows or patio doors, always choose ENERGY STAR qualified, vinyl-framed products like those from Simonton Windows. Vinyl is an excellent insulator, and some of the best windows have fusion-welded corners and multi-chambered construction for increased energy efficiency. When combined with a Low E glass package featuring a dense (but harmless) Argon or Krypton gas fill inside the units, these windows and patio doors can help lower energy bills by keeping a home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

ENERGY STAR qualified EcoBlend roofing tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes being installed on a home.

Tip #3 – When it comes time to replace your roof, look for a “Cool Roof” that will help lower your home’s overall energy costs. A Cool Roof is measured by two properties, solar reflectance and thermal emittance. EcoBlend® polymer roofing tiles from DaVinci Roofscapes® have been verified by the independent Cool Roof Rating Council to meet or exceed requirements for ENERGY STAR qualified roofing products to reflect sunlight and heat away from the home, helping increase the overall energy efficiency of the structure. These durable, impact-resistant polymer tiles are available in slate and shake profiles in a variety of colors.

Tip #4 – If you’re constructing a new home, consider an approved green home plan that meets the strict requirements of ENERGY STAR. The House™ Designers offers an exclusive collection of more than 800 innovative, sustainable designs from leading architects and designers that come in a wide array of architectural styles and home sizes to choose from when building a new home.

Tip #5 - If your front entry door has air leaking in or doesn’t close properly, it’s time to invest in a new door. Stylish and secure, more than 94 percent of the fiberglass doors manufactured by Therma-Tru (including those with decorative and privacy glass doorlites) meet national ENERGY STAR qualifications. For added energy efficiency, homeowners can request the Tru-Defense® Door System* that includes enhanced weatherstripping, corner seal pad, door bottom sweep and profiled sill that all work together to provide strength and stability in the entry door.

For more home improvement tips, visit www.myfixituplife.com.

Last modified on Mon, Oct 29, 2012
DaVinci Roofscapes

DaVinci Roofscapes has manufactured award-winning polymer slate and shake roofing since 1999. The roofing tiles are virtually maintenance-free and far more cost-effective than the natural product. DaVinci leads the industry in tile thickness, tile width variety, and the greatest selection of subtle earth-toned colors. Company products have a 50-year limited warranty and are 100% recyclable. DaVinci proudly makes its products in the United States and is a member of the National Association of Home Builders, the Cool Roof Rating Council, and the U.S. Green Building Council. For additional information call 1-800-328-4624 or visit www.davinciroofscapes.com.

Website: www.davinciroofscapes.com
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