New Energy Star Home Advisor

A recent press release from the EPA (the US Environmental Protection Agency) announced the start of the Energy Star Home Advisor. Americans can use this an online tool to improve energy efficiency of their homes — saving money and energy at the same time. The tool recommends, customizes, and prioritizes home-improvement projects.

“As we enter the winter months, homeowners can use our new Energy Star Home Advisor to increase energy efficiency and save money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions that fuel climate change,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “When homeowners take advantage of this important tool and increase the energy efficiency of their homes, many families will notice savings on energy bills and improvements in the comfort of their homes.”

This updated version of the Energy Star Home Advisor has a “do it yourself” energy assessment. The Advisor leads the user (the homeowner) to create their own Energy Star home profile. Thus, recommended home improvements are customized. This profile is updated over time, showing the homeowner’s environmental improvements and successful energy-efficient choices constructed and integrated in their homes. They can get ongoing recommendations, and update future “to-do” lists. If one is selling the home, profiles can also be printed and effectively used. Who doesn’t want an improved energy-efficient home!

“The launch is part of EPA’s Energy Efficiency Action Week, during which EPA regional offices across the country will hold events to increase awareness about the energy and cost savings associated with energy efficiency upgrades, especially in the winter months,” the EPA press release noted.

More Energy Star tips for homeowners:

• Get a Home Energy Audit: “In select states, Home Performance with Energy Star offers an energy assessment that focuses on a systematic approach to improving energy efficiency and comfort.”
• Seal and Insulate (And check out the “Rule Your Attic!” campaign.)
• Heat Efficiently
• Use a Programmable Thermostat
• Make “Bright” Choices For Lighting
• Decorate for the Holidays with Energy Star Light Strings
• Choose Energy Star Certified Electronics
• Check out EPA’s WaterSense Tips
• Learn more about how saving water saves energy

Products, homes, and buildings that earn the Energy Star label support environmental balance. They meet strict energy efficiency requirements set by the EPA. Janet McCabe, principal deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, reminds us: “You can’t manage what you don’t measure.”

In an earlier post on Energy Star, “Energy Star Portfolio Manager Benchmarking Tool Gets An Upgrade,” we also referenced a “Portfolio Manager” too. “The new ‘turbo-charged’ Portfolio Manager makes it easier than ever for building owners and managers to make strategic business decisions that are good for the environment and good for the bottom line. Consistent with President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, this tool helps businesses cut wasted energy, reduce harmful carbon pollution, and save money.”

Green Building Elements also reports that the Home Performance with Energy Starprogram pairs homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes with local contractors ready to assist them. “Local sponsors in 34 states will help homeowners assess their homes and then connect the homeowners with a reputable contractor. (Contractors that take a whole-house approach to improving energy efficiency.)”

Related Stories:

Top US Cities with the Most ENERGY STAR Certified Buildings in 2012

Is the ENERGY STAR Program Abandoning Average Consumers?

Demystifying the ENERGY STAR Rating

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