The Environmental Protection Agency raised the bar for the energy efficiency of new homes, strengthening the requirements necessary for them to receive the Energy Star label.
The new guidelines require a 20% improvement over the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code
The new guidelines, released Monday, ensure that new homes qualifying for the Energy Star designation are 20 percent more efficient than those built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. That will translate into 15 percent savings on utility bills.
The previous benchmark was at least a 15 percent improvement over the 2004 International Residential Code – or roughly 20 percent to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes.
The new guidelines will go into effect in January 2011.
So far, more than 1 million Energy Star homes have been built in the United States and 8,500 contractors work to the standards. The EPA estimates that families living the homes saved $270 million on utility bills.
The new measures call for more complete air sealing with insulation and high performance windows. They also require high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. Along with saving money, the improvements should better control moisture, improve air circulation and enhance comfort.
The new guidelines also stress the use of energy efficient lighting and require more complete efforts to use flashing and moisture barriers to keep rain water away from walls, roofs and foundations.
Energy Star homes require verification by inspectors using special diagnostic equipment.
Posted by Mark Boslet 
