Energy Star Homes - the way of the future
by Michelle Minnoch

While many people are aware of the Energy Star products they can buy for their homes, some may not be aware that there are Energy Star homes on the market.

"Energy Star homes are the best in their class," said Doug Trumble, Innisfil Sales Manager for Pratt Homes. "It's not just what you will save, but what you are not wasting."

In 2005, Natural Resources Canada expanded the Energy Star program of appliances to Energy Star homes. Energy Star homes are approximately 30 - 40% more energy efficient than those that are built to Ontario's regular standard building code.

"Canada has some of the best building codes, some of the best standards," said Trumble. "With the Energy Star home, you are getting what I believe is the best of the best because you are also buying a home that is better for the environment."

Energy Star homes are a partnership between the government and the home building industry. Once a builder completes an Energy Star home, a third party inspector from the government does the home inspection to ensure the home meets the proper standards.

New homes built as Energy Star efficient homes usually include insulation upgrades, higher performance windows, better draft proofing, more efficient heating/hot water/air conditioning systems, and sealed ducts for better air distribution.

"This is something the average consumer can do to help with the environment and energy costs," he said. "Energy Star homes are tighter homes, with lower air exchange ratio. This is something I think all builders should be looking at."

The benefits to an Energy Star Home include lower energy bills, improved comfort, government backed quality assurance, lower impact on the environment and probably a higher resale value. The Government of Canada is hoping that by 2010, all new homes are built to the Energy Star Home standard.

Trumble said more and more people are looking to Energy Star homes as the home for them.

"When you are buying a home, especially for the first time, there is a lot of information to take in," said Trumble. "More and more people though are becoming more energy conscious and realize that the savings in the long run and the benefit to the environment is something they would like to look into further. I remind them that the savings in the long run are going to be highly beneficial to both them and the environment."

About 17% of all energy consumed in Canada is used to run homes. Through the one tonne challenge, the Government of Canada was asking all residents to

reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent. Greenhouse gases are produced from the energy used from our homes, using coal, oil and gas. An Energy Star home reduces its greenhouse gas emissions by three tonnes per year.

Another bonus for homebuyers when buying an Energy Star home comes from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The

CMHC offers a ten per cent refund on its mortgage loan insurance premium when a buyer purchases an energy efficient home. Contact the CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 for more information.

Trumble says buying a home should be an exciting experience and those looking should buy the home they want, one they will be comfortable in.

"There are more people that come in and want to

know about an Energy Star home," Trumble said. "I hope that's an upward trend."

For more information about Energy Star homes, log onto http://oee.nrcan. gc.ca /energystar or h t t p : / / p r a t t h o m e s . ca/3/page/Energy_Star_Ho mes.html http:// pratthomes. ca/