Energy Program Benefits Homes And Owners (NAPSA)—Building a new home can be one of the biggest and, often, most challenging decisions a person will make. There are so many things to consider throughout the process. Once you have picked the lot and have decided to move forward with the planning and design of your new home, you will need to make some very serious decisions. Who will build your home? Will the design and layout fit your needs? Can you meet those needs financially? Will your new home be safe and durable? Knowing you have considered all of the options carefully, will your new home provide the peace of mind you and your family expect? It’s more likely to if you plan ahead and participate in a voluntary newconstruction program. The program evaluates each new home based on the principles of what is called “applied building science” and the recognition that a home is an integrated and interactive system. This system, which is designed, built and tested to meet program standards, consists of the building structure and the mechanical heating and cooling systems. These components, along with the occupants, work together to ensure better performance and homeownersatisfaction. The Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes program works with homeowners, builders and the building industry to construct better homes, homes that are, on aver- i BF | Comfort, safety, durability and energy efficiency are key concerns when building a new home. age, 25 percent moreenergyefficient than homes built to the states Uniform Dwelling Code. In addition, the homes in the program exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s national program standards for new home construction. Focus on Energy—the state- wide energy efficiency initiative in Wisconsin—works to set additional building standards that are more specific to Wisconsin’s extreme weather. These standards also emphasize comfort, safety and durability while addressing indoor air quality, as well as energy efficiency. As a result, the program benefits the homeowner, builder and environment by meeting some of the highest building quality and performance standards in the country. In addition, in the face of rising energy costs, energy efficiency is increasingly becoming a key buying criterion and can enhance a home’s resale value. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.focusonenergy.com.
