Energy Star rating becomes standard for Las Vegas builders

As a kid, stepping on a crack meant bad luck. For homeowners, cracks still mean bad luck.

According to Jeff Wade, director of construction for Standard Pacific Homes' Las Vegas division, cracks in a home's foundation or in outside walls can easily send utility bills soaring with lost heating and cooling.

Standard Pacific Homes is one of more than 40 partners that belong to Nevada Energy Star Partners, a coalition of Southern Nevada home builders, developers, retailers, mortgage providers, energy consultants and local utilities promoting energy conservation.

According to Wade, the Energy Star rating should be important for all home buyers.

With the rising cost of utility bills and summer temperatures climbing, homeowners deserve a well-built, energy-efficient home that will not only save them money, but reduce the usage of natural resources as well, Wade said.

"The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that homeowners with Energy Star-rated homes in comparison with homes that are not, will save more than $20 billion in energy costs and reduce greenhouse gases 7 million metric tons in the next 20 years," Wade said.

"That's a big difference. While air conditioners, insulation, windows and overall construction can easily look the same to most homeowners, those that are Energy Star-rated will help to significantly reduce their power consumption.

It's just a matter of doing your homework and making a commitment to purchase only Energy Star homes and appliances.

"All of Standard Pacific homes are Energy Star-rated. They all exceed the minimum standards set by the EPA. We believe that our homeowners deserve this, especially because purchasing a home is a major investment. We provide well-built homes that will save our consumers money right away - from the bottom up."

Energy Star-rated homes meet building guidelines for energy efficiency set forth by the EPA.

Energy Star-qualified homes can include a variety of energy-efficient features, such as effective insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment and Energy Star-qualified lighting and appliances.

These features contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, in addition to lowering energy demand and reducing air pollution.