Why "Energy Star Rated" for your home?

Exerted from the US Gov't Energy Star web site:

A typical household spends about $1,900 a year on energy bills and contributes twice the amount of greenhouse gases to the environment as an average car. ENERGY STAR, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, can guide you in making your home more energy efficient, reducing high energy bills, improving comfort, and protecting the environment—whether you do it yourself or hire a qualified professional.

Improving energy efficiency with ENERGY STAR is also an important first step in the growing trend of “green remodeling.” That’s because the energy we use in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. So, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.

What's involved becoming more Energy Star Rated?

• Heat and Cool Efficiently- when replacing look for Energy Star rated systems.
• Choose Energy Star appliances when initially purchasing or replacing.
• Check Seal Air and Ductwork leaks.
• Add more insulation in Attics (easiest and most cost effective to lower energy use).
• Select high efficiency Hot Water Heater when replacing.
• Select high efficiency windows/doors when replacing.
• Replace lighting with florescent models.
• Install a programmable thermostat.

Go to http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=home_energy_advisor.showGetInput for a free energy audit.