ENERGY STAR was introduced by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The label recognizes ENERGY STAR rated homes as 30% more energy-efficient than non-ENERGY STAR rated homes, saving consumers money on utility bills as well as helping to keep the Earth's climate protected for years to come. Added benefits include:
| Lower utility bills | Fewer Maintenance Problems |
| Quieter Home | Improved Comfort |
| Improved Indoor Air Quality | Reduced fading of curtains, furniture, and flooring |
The ENERGY STAR for Homes program is gaining momentum in the Carolinas! Bolstered by Duke Power's launch of their new local 5% utility rate discount for ENERGY STAR homes, the recently passed Federal Builder Tax Credit for energy upgrades, and consumer familiarity, ENERGY STAR is here to stay! Builders looking for a way to differentiate and markety themselves are finding ENERGY STAR to be an excellent choice.
ENERGY STAR is a market based voluntary partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and organizations including 2500 of the nation's home builders promoting energy efficiency. Homes receiving ENERGY STAR certification are significantly more energy efficient and healthier.
Appalachian Energy Solutions will work with your design and construction teams to help you build better homes and a better business. By using diagnostic equipment such as the Blower Door (to measure air infiltration) and Duct Blaster (to measure HVAC duct leakage), we can measure how your home will perform. This helps us work directly with your framing, HVAC and insulation subcontractors to improve their field performance.
- Save Money and Add Value to Your Home
- Buy a Better Home for Your Money
- Put Extra Cash in Your Pocket Each Month
- Set Your Home Apart from the Crowd
- Provide a More Comfortable Home All Year Round
- Boost Your Buying Power (in conjunction with an Energy Efficient Mortgage)
- Get an independently certified, quality built home
- Live in a home designed to be very or even extremely energy efficient
- Attain higher resale value for your home
- Make a positive contribution to the protection of North Carolina's environment
TESTING AND INSPECTIONS FOR ENERGY STAR LABELED HOMES
HVAC System Leakage Test
Testing the HVAC system's leakage is done by using Ductblaster® equipment. 
Part of this testing procedure can include pressurizing the HVAC system and filling
it with smoke to determine precise locations of air leakage.
(Required testing for ENERGY STAR specifications.)
Building Envelope Leakage Testing
Leakage in the building envelope is determined using a Blower Door. Leaks at windows, doors, wall outlets, and recessed lights are located using a smoke pencil. (Required testing for ENERGY STAR specifications.)
House Framing Inspection
Framing is a critical component of the building envelope, allowing for full and proper insulation of a building. The framing is inspected to insure that a continuous air and pressure barrier is provide to prevent the mixing of conditioned and unconditioned air.
Insulation Inspection
For a home to maintain temperature efficiently, a continuous boundary of insulation is necessary between the inside and outside. Insulation should be installed to the stated R-Value with careful attention to gaps, voids, compression, and mis-alignment, as these can allow unwanted air and heat exchange between the outside and inside. Careful attention must be paid in areas where the insulation has to fit around obstacles such as pipes, electrical wiring, and outlets.
Window Inspection
High-performance, Low E windows are to checked to confirm the presence of the Low E coating and that the coating is on the correct surface (i.e. inside surface of the outside pane of glass).