Alachua Fl Homes

Alachua Fl Homes - An Energy Star Home

So how does a home in Alachua Fl or any home in the United States become designated an Energy Star qualified home? An Energy Star home is established by meeting guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Energy Star home in Alachua FL must be at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC). In addition, the home must have energy saving features that make them 20% to 30% more efficient than standard homes. The Energy Star home includes such features as effective insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and duct work, efficient heating and cooling equipment, efficient water heater, Energy Star lighting, appliances and programmable thermostats and independent third party inspection and testing. An energy efficient Alachua Fl Energy Star home cost less to operate, has improved comfort and creates less pollution. For a home to earn the Energy Star it must receive a third- party verification from a qualified home energy rater that will certify the homes compliance with EPA guidelines for energy efficiency.

Energy Efficient Mortgage

When someone purchases an Alachua Fl home with an Energy Star designation, the borrower may be eligible for an energy efficient mortgage. Energy efficient mortgages can make it easier to qualify for a loan to purchase a home that has cost effective energy efficient improvements. An energy efficient mortgage can be used to finance the purchase of both new homes and existing homes. It can be used for single family homes, condominiums, or owner occupied residences.

Older energy inefficient homes can qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage. Once a rating report is completed on the older home, it will recommend cost-effective measures to improve the efficiency of the home and give an estimate of the savings that will be derived from making the energy improvements. When a homeowner applies for an energy efficient mortgage, he or she can add the cost of needed energy efficient improvements to the home purchase price. In addition, the value of the energy improvements is added to the value of the home for borrowing purposes. By using a mortgage as a means of stretching out payments for energy efficient improvements, you can initially save a lot of money and at the same time take advantage of the immediate benefits. Energy efficient mortgages are underwritten by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA or VA. 

Benefits of an Alachua Fl Energy Star Home

An energy efficient home will provide consistent temperatures within the house while improving air quality. Substantially less energy will be utilized for heating, cooling and water heating which will result in lower monthly utility bills. The value of your residence should hold due to the Energy Star designation. Potential buyers of your home will be confident of the energy efficiency of the home they are purchasing.