Energy Star Qualified In Highlighted Regions

When I do a pre-drywall inspection, I really look around!? I check everything, read what is stuck on windows and doors, look at labels, measure wall placements, and so forth.? Again, I really look around!

My buyer told me that this home was sold as an energy-efficient home and he would be receiving a certification from one of the rating agencies, he couldn't remember which.? It doesn't matter which, they all have their criteria, and to certify the house the energy-saving contents and materials have to meet that criteria.

In this house I looked at the stickers on the windows.? I read them for U-factor, emissivity, light transference - all the information they offer.

Interestingly, the map had some information I wasn't expecting.? It shows where this manufacturer recommends where in the country this particular window meets the Energy Star criteria.

It says "Energy Star Qualified in Highlighted Regions."

We are in Virginia, and looking at a map of Virginia we are located in the far right of the bulge at the very top of the state.? While Virginia is considered to be a more moderate climate than say Minnesota, it is cold here by comparison to the deep south.

It seems that these windows are not meant for Virginia!

That .35 on the lower right is the U-factor.? If you divide that number into 1 you get 2.85 as an R-value for the windows in this house.? That isn't terrific.? The "better" rated windows have U-factors of .15 and .2.? There are other considerations, like installation, but those are good U-factors for new construction.

My question to the buyer, and his to his builder, is this:? given the map and U-factor, does this window meet the criteria set forth by the agency that will certify this house?? Because, it seems to me, the windows in this house do not qualify for Energy Star in Virginia!

My recommendation:? the buyer had been in this house many times, without noticing this sticker.? Why should a buyer pay attention anyway when told the house meets this or that standard?? I just see what I see and based on that question what I question.? It makes sense.? Energy savings are a big deal in the long run.? You should get what you pay for!

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Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC??

Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia

www.jaymarinspect.com

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Source: http://activerain.com/blogsview/3539099/energy-star-qualified-in-highlighted-regions

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