1 In 5 New Homes EnergyStar: Tougher 2011 Standards
Energy Star Could Get Tougher Source: BUILDER OnlinePublication date: July 9, 2009 By Teresa Burney Qualifying for the Energy Star label on homes is likely to become much more difficult in 2011. The Department of Energy is seeking comments now on proposed significant increases in Energy Star specifications. "They are much stricter, intentionally," said Sam Rashkin, national director of Energy Star for homes, of the new specs. "It should be a bit of a stretch for builders." While adding between $2,000 and $4,000 to a home's cost, roughly $10 to $20 a month more in mortgage costs, the changes should save homeowners between $30 and $50 a month on their utility bills, said Rashkin. In the long run, the change in specs will be good for builders of new homes because it "substantially increases the differential between the new product and their competition, a used home." That angle has not escaped the notice of builders who have been signing up for the progra...