Home Energy 101
For most homeowners, their home is the largest single investment they will make. Learn how PA Home Energy uses ENERGY STAR to help homeowners lower their energy bills by using less energy and how this often leads to an improvement in home comfort and safety.
PA Home Energy uses a comprehensive whole-house approach that analyzes the overall performance of the home rather than simply evaluating a single component (e.g. furnace). The program is unique because it targets both new and existing homes. The new homes market will be served using the ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes program and the existing homes market will be served using the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program.
Homeowners are often driven to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by a variety of factors that include:
- Reducing utility bills (electric, gas, water),
- Improving home comfort (through temperature regulation and draft minimization),
- Improving home safety (by reducing carbon dioxide and mold), and
- Greening (to accommodate for climate changes).
Understanding the overall performance of the home is the best way to improve its energy efficiency while also addressing comfort, safety, and environmental considerations.