| If you live in a cold northern climate you know | | | | The EPA also has standards for indoor air quality |
| that home heating is a very popular topic of | | | | in green buildings, called Indoor airPLUS. After |
| conversation. That's because it's not easy to keep | | | | qualifying as ENERGY STAR, homeowners and |
| a house warm when the north winds blow in | | | | builders can incorporate additional features that |
| winter. Good heating systems can make the | | | | control moisture, chemical exposure, radon, pests, |
| difference between sitting comfortably in the living | | | | ventilation, and filtration-all of which help to reduce |
| room and shivering under down blankets. And | | | | indoor pollutants and improve air quality inside |
| inefficient systems can break a budget in no time. | | | | homes. |
| That's why an energy-conscious builder is the best | | | | Ask questions before you choose a green builder |
| choice for new construction in Maine and other | | | | in Maine or anywhere else. Ask prospective |
| states where the temperatures dip well below | | | | contractors if they build energy efficient homes, |
| freezing. | | | | particularly ENERGY STAR rated homes. If they |
| Being an energy-conscious or "green" builder | | | | do build to ENERGY STAR standards ask if they |
| means you do everything possible to conserve | | | | have the homes independently tested. Ask how |
| the resources used in construction as well as the | | | | they achieve healthy indoor air quality and if they |
| energy needed to run the house. Homeowners | | | | use paints and sealants that have low or no |
| looking for a custom home builder in southern | | | | volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Find out the |
| Maine or other areas of the country should look | | | | kind of experience and training the builder and |
| for a green contractor that builds to ENERGY | | | | staff have with green building. Ask for local |
| STAR standards. ENERGY STAR is a joint | | | | references; talk to them and tour their homes if |
| program of the U.S. Department of Environmental | | | | possible. |
| Protection (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy | | | | Besides all the other benefits of green homes, |
| (DOE) whose purpose is to save money and | | | | there's another big advantage: they have high |
| protect the environment through energy efficient | | | | resale value because homeowners are increasingly |
| products and methods. In 2008 alone ENERGY | | | | concerned about energy use and the |
| STAR helped Americans saved $19 billion on utility | | | | environment. Energy efficient homes save money |
| bills. | | | | on utility bills, provide a more comfortable living |
| Homes built to ENERGY STAR standards meet | | | | environment, have better indoor air quality, and |
| the EPA's guidelines for energy efficiency. They | | | | help protect the environment. And because |
| have insulation appropriate for the climate, | | | | houses last many years, the environmental |
| high-performance windows, tight construction and | | | | benefits last for decades. To date more than |
| duct systems, efficient heating and cooling | | | | 6,500 home builders have constructed nearly |
| systems, and energy efficient lighting and | | | | 940,000 ENERGY STAR qualified homes across |
| appliances. Independent home energy raters | | | | the country. When you're ready for new |
| conduct onsite inspection and testing to verify | | | | construction in Maine, look for a green builder with |
| that homes qualify as ENERGY STAR. | | | | a proven record. You'll be glad you did. |