Looking to rent or buy a new home? If you have previously experienced costly repairs to achieve savings and comfort, you may know the value of a quality, energy-efficient home. Beyond earlier points in this booklet, how might you know if a home is built to the highest efficiency standards?

Power$mart Tips : Put the Power in Your Hands

• Look for new homes with the ENERGY STAR®. They are certified to use at least 30 percent less energy than required by the national Model Energy Code or 15 percent less energy than the state energy code, whichever is more rigorous, and typically feature high-performance windows, advanced insulation and sealing, and high-efficiency appliances and heating/cooling systems. www.energystar.gov
• Obtain a home energy rating to determine a home’s relative energy efficiency prior to purchasing to see what upgrades would have the greatest payoff. The cost can sometimes be financed as part of an energy-efficient mortgage.
• If you are refinancing your home, consider wrapping in energy-efficiency home improvements. Your interest may be tax deductible.
• Consider landscaping around the home. Planting evergreen trees on the north side and deciduous (leafy) trees on the south side of a home can block winter winds and summer sun.

You can rest assured that energy-efficient homes and products, fuel-efficient cars, and energy smart practices will do the work of cutting your utility and gasoline bills, decreasing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing energy security day after day, year after year. They pay off now and in the future.

Obtain a home energy rating to determine a home’s relative energy efficiency prior to purchasing to see what upgrades would have the greatest payoff. The cost can sometimes be financed as part of an energy-efficient mortgage.