Rising energy prices-which have soared over the past 12 months-and a growing concern about global warming have made energy efficiency a hot topic for companies across the globe.

Since its inception the results of the ENERGY STAR program has been impressive: Last year alone ENERGY STAR has helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million cars- all the while saving households and corporate consumers $12 billion on their utility bills.

During 2005 Americans saved billions of dollars in utility bills, in large part because of the use of energy efficient products. You can save 20% to 30% of your energy costs through the use of energy efficient products and practices. Business and consumers have been quick to make use of the energy efficient guidelines, purchasing about 175 million ENERGY STAR qualified products in 2005 alone. 

Making your home energy efficient can help reduce high utility bills and increase comfort. Many common home problems like moisture on window panes; ice dams; peeling paint; and mold, can also often be solved by taking steps to improve energy efficiency. Improving energy efficiency with VARIANTHOUSE is also an important first step in the growing trend of “green building.”
There are many ways to make your home as efficient as possible.

Most importantly is the construction of the shell of your home. VARIANTHOUSE insulating concrete forms have long been associated with “green building” and energy efficiency.

VARIANTHOUSE insulating concrete forms, made with BASF’s Neopor, virtually eliminate all air leaks creating a more even temperature which provides a healthier environment for all inhabitants. In fact, VARIANTHOUSE ICF’s will reduce your monthly utility bills by 30%-70%, it is recommended however, to also upgrade other aspects of your home. Sealing air leaks that cause uncomfortable drafts is the most cost-effective ways to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.  Sealing holes and cracks in the home’s “envelope” and in duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility bills. In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. Typically, energy-efficient equipment is also more durable and requires less maintenance than standard models. Lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dish washers, and washing machines all have an effect on our utility bills. These products provide additional energy savings to the owner.

Benefits of VARIANTHOUSE New Homes

Home buying is complex enough without having to know all the details of energy-efficient construction. Find the house of your dreams and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it also meets strict energy efficiency guidelines.

Compared with standard homes VARIANTHOUSE homes use substantially less energy for heating and cooling, delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings. Over the average 4 to 6 years you may live in your home, this adds up to thousands of dollars saved on utility bills. Additional savings on maintenance can also be substantial.

Properly installed VARIANTHOUSE insulating concrete forms deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise. An Energy-efficient home helps ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability.

Did you know that your home can be a greater source of pollution than your car? In fact, 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide.

Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. Simply put, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.

There are also other ways of reducing your energy consumption. 

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool - wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system - leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure. Just as a tune-up for your car can improve your gas mileage, a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.

A programmable thermostat is ideal for people who are away from home during set periods of time throughout the week. Through proper use of pre-programmed settings, a programmable thermostat can save you about $100 every year in energy costs.                                            

Ducts that move air to-and-from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent — and sometimes much more.

Focus first on sealing ducts that run through the attic, crawlspace, unheated basement, or garage. Use duct sealant (mastic) or metal-backed (foil) tape to seal the seams and connections of ducts. After sealing the ducts in those spaces, wrap the ducts in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer or cold in the winter. Next, seal ducts that you can access in the heated or cooled part of the house.

If your HVAC equipment is more than 10 years old or not keeping your house comfortable, you should have it looked at by a professional HVAC contractor. If it is not performing efficiently or needs upgrading, consider replacing it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency heating and cooling units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. But before you invest in a new HVAC system, make sure that you have addressed the big air leaks in your house and the duct system. Sometimes, these are the real sources of problems rather than your HVAC equipment.

Remember that getting the proper size and a quality installation is essential to getting the most from your new equipment. When replacing HVAC equipment, bigger doesn't always mean better. If the unit is too large for your home, you will be less comfortable and might actually have higher utility bills. Oversized equipment will operate in short run cycles, not allowing the unit to reach efficient operation and remove humidity from the air - resulting in an uncomfortable home.
Your contractor should determine the right size for your HVAC equipment by using ACCA/ANSI Manual J or an equivalent sizing calculation tool that takes into account specific information about your home.

• Living in a home that is not energy efficient not only damages the environment, but also has an adverse effect on your health.
• High utility bills in summer and winter can often be traced to air leaks in your home's envelope, inefficient windows or heating and cooling equipment, or poorly sealed and insulated ducts.
• Water leaks or high humidity can lead to mold and mildew. This can cause wood rot, structural damage, peeling paint, and a variety of health problems.
• A damp basement is commonly caused by moisture migrating through the foundation. As this moisture evaporates, it increases indoor humidity and can promote the growth of mold — resulting in an uncomfortable house.
• Some types of floor coverings (such as wood, stone, tile, or concrete) will naturally feel cold on bare feet. However, insufficient insulation or air infiltration can also cause cold floors.
• Cold air coming into or going out of your house, especially through leaks hidden in the attic and basement, can cause rooms to feel drafty and uncomfortable.
• Increased dust could be a sign that it is time to change your air filter or that your ductwork is not well sealed.
• Inefficient windows or high indoor moisture levels from air leaks can result in condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows and sills.
• Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside of the roof causing snow and ice to melt and refreeze as it runs off your roof — forming icicles and ice dams.
• Peeling or cracking paint on your home's exterior may be a sign of a humidity problem or improper paint application.
• Significant differences in temperature from one room to another could be caused by several factors, including inadequate insulation, air leakage, and poor duct performance.
• Air leaks in your home allow warm humid air to escape and draw in drier colder air.