Energy Star Homes

The true cost of a home is not its “sticker” price, but what it costs you to own and operate every month. In a D. A. Brown Construction Inc. energy efficient home, the monthly utility bill savings can significantly exceed the small increase in the monthly mortgage payment for extra energy efficiency measures. Putting this concept into practice results in a positive cash flow the very first day you move into your ENERGY STAR home  —  with the potential to accrue tens of thousands of dollars in savings over the life of your mortgage.

 

Also, this intelligent consumer decision will have an important impact on helping the environment. It will surprise you to learn that the average American home produces more pollution than an automobile.  In fact, American household energy use contributes 20% of all U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.  As an ENERGY STAR builder and an ENERGY STAR homeowner, we’ll be doing our part to help reduce these emissions and save the environment.

 

What is an ENERGY STAR Home?
An ENERGY STAR Home is a home built to use at least 30 percent less energy (for heating, cooling and water heating) than that required by the current Model Energy Code.  Builders selling ENERGY STAR Homes have joined the U.S. EPA’s voluntary ENERGY STAR Homes Program, and their homes have been independently verified to be at least 30 percent more efficient. D. A. Brown Construction Inc. is your Southern New Mexico ENERGY STAR Builder.

 

Benefits of an ENERGY STAR Home
In addition to monthly savings, ENERGY STAR Homes benefit their owners in a variety of ways:

• Improved Comfort
• Higher Resale Value
• Greater Quality Construction
• Improved Indoor Air Quality
• Preferred Mortgage Financing

 

Typical Features of an ENERGY STAR Home
The most cost effective improvements tend to be increased insulation, high efficiency heating and cooling equipment, sealed and insulated ducts, air leakage control and high performance windows.  ENERGY STAR Homes may also feature advanced insulation techniques, energy efficient lighting and energy efficient appliances.

 

What will the Energy Efficiency Features of an ENERGY STAR Home Cost Me?
While the ENERGY STAR Home may appear to cost more, it can actually save you more than $50,000 over the life of a 30 year mortgage through monthly utility bill savings. Here’s why.  If the additional features of an ENERGY STAR Home amounted to $2,500, your monthly mortgage would increase about $15 after taxes.  The ENERGY STAR Home could save you as much as $35 a month in utility bill savings. Thus, the additional cost is not only recovered in the monthly expenses, but you end up with $20 a month in your pocket.

 

Furthermore, if you purchase an ENERGY STAR Home, you are eligible for an ENERGY EFFICIENT MORTGAGE.  Discounts and incentives offered by many lenders include reduction of loan origination fees, discounted interest rates and even cash back at closing.