Aug 2 2007
For people buying a new home in New Jersey, an ENERGY STAR(R) Home is an option that can reduce their energy demand, lower their monthly energy bills and increase their comfort, health and safety at home.
Supported with incentives from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) and New Jersey's Clean Energy Program(TM), these homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than a standard home. They achieve energy savings with improved air sealing and insulation techniques, high quality windows and doors, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, well-sealed duct systems and ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and lighting.
"The typical home adds more greenhouse gas pollution to the atmosphere each year than the average car," said NJBPU President Jeanne M. Fox. "Conversely, the New Jersey ENERGY STAR Homes program is committed to providing customers with dependable, affordable power - while lessening the impact of electric generation on the environment.
"Investing in energy efficient homes through the ENERGY STAR(R) Homes program gives residents an opportunity to help reduce energy usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions and is one of many ways New Jersey residents can be a part of the Governor's overall energy vision for the future."
Governor Corzine believes that reducing our carbon footprint can and should go hand-in-hand with increasing our economic vitality. Toward this end, the Governor has established clear goals to address the state's energy use through the year 2020 with the overarching goal to reduce projected growth in energy by 20 percent by 2020. New Jersey Energy Star Homes clearly supports this goal while helping new homeowners save on energy costs.
The average New Jersey home releases 22,000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), each home built to ENERGY STAR standards can keep 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gases out of our air each year.
Using the latest technology and building science techniques, homes in any price range and architectural style can be built more efficiently without sacrificing style or comfort. To receive certification as a New Jersey ENERGY STAR Home, a home must reach an index of 85 points or less on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) scale, a nationally recognized standard for rating energy efficiency.
In order to ensure a home meets this rating, a utility representative will work with homeowners and builders to select the appropriate mix of energy- efficiency upgrades and ensure proper building practices are followed. Additionally, each New Jersey ENERGY STAR Home must pass a stringent evaluation, including:
- A computer-based energy analysis,
- Inspections and certification testing to ensure that the home is properly insulated, doors and windows are installed correctly and all cracks and gaps in a home are sealed.