If You Are Buying a New Home

The best time to invest in energy efficiency is when the home is first built.  If you are shopping for a new home, make sure you buy a home that meets the EPA EnergyStar criteria.  Features of an EPA EnergyStar home include:

Tighter construction and sealed ducts that keep out drafts, moisture, dust, pollen and pests. This not only improves air quality and circulation, but also reduces strain on the heating system and air conditioner, which lowers expensive mechanical repair costs.

Improved insulation keeps out the cold, prevents your heat from escaping, and evens out the temperatures everywhere inside the home, resulting in lower energy usage, lower costs and greater comfort.

Energy-saving windows keep indoor heat from escaping during winter, and keep the summer sun from heating up the house. These windows also block out ultraviolet light, which can fade carpets, furniture and drapes.  They reduce condensation-a major cause of mold, mildew, dry rot and rust.

Super-efficient heating and air-conditioning systems turn on and off less often and use less power, reducing energy bills. These systems are properly sized and installed to fit each home's individual floor plan and construction, further improving efficiency.

For more information on where to find EnergyStar new homes, see www.energystar.gov or your contact SCE or SoCalGas.