Here's something to consider when you're appliance shopping. The Energy Star program was formed as a partnership between the US Department of Energy, the EPA, and retailers and manufacturers to pinpoint energy efficient products for consumers. It's estimated that if everyone used appliances with the Energy Star label, we could each save 30% on our energy bills and an estimated $100 billion nationwide over the next 15 years.

John Livermore joins Bob to explain the Energy Star Homes program started in the 1970s by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The red blower door is in place to do the blower door test required for certification as an Energy Star Home. Certified homes must be at least 30 percent more efficient than the model energy efficiency code. Once certified, homeowners and builders are eligible for rebates and services from a consortium of utilities and energy service providers. Livermore reviews key areas of energy-efficient building with Bob, including air sealing. He repeats the builders' motto, "build tight and ventilate right," when discussing the importance of a tightly sealed home with proper air exchange. Livermore shows Bob a light expansion foam that can be used with a foam gun to seal against air leaks around doors and windows and the Panasonic Whisper Light fans that bring air changes to the home at a controlled ventilation rate. Another energy saver is the programmable thermostat that allows homeowners to schedule heat for waking hours of occupancy. Compact fluorescent lights are also used throughout the home because they use 70 percent less energy, have a lower heat output and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

The ceiling fan is being installed in the Punta Gorda home. Its workbox must be firmly mounted to hold the ceiling fan in place. This house is Energy Star qualified, which means that, in addition to the insulation, windows, and building materials, the appliances are also Energy Star rated. Fluorescent bulbs are used in the fixtures to reduce energy use throughout the year. The burnished brass-look fixtures are from Sea Gull Lighting and are all Energy Star certified.

Once the roof is in place, the windows and sliding patio door in the back can be installed. The windows are from a new fiberglass window line from Pella, which includes low-emissivity glass for greater efficiency. The fiberglass frames make them more resistant to extreme weather. The windows will not warp or rot in the heat or cold. Duane Putz of Pella reviews the features of the windows and glass patio door. The Pella Impervia door is made from Duracast, a fiberglass composite, and is very durable, and resistant to impact and scratches. All of the hardware is color matched to the product so it blends very nicely. It's also available in other finishes such as brass, satin nickel, and bronze. Both the upper and lower sash can be raised or lowered, providing natural ventilation. The sashes tilt inwards making it possible to clean the exterior face of the glass from the interior of the home. Pella Impervia windows are Energy Star rated in all 50 states and save the average homeowner 24 percent over single-pane wood windows. The powder coat finish over the fiberglass means there is no need to add a stain or finish to the window.

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Energy Star labeled clothes washers use 35-50% less water, and up to two-thirds less energy that conventional washers. The average family can save up to $100 each year in costs by switching to an Energy Star labeled clothes washer.

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