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Energy Star rated appliances are standard in most homes. More than likely your new washer, dryer, or refrigerator is an Energy Star model, rated to save you money on your water and power bills. But did you know that the kind of materials used in your home's construction can also help you save money and lower your cooling bills? Here is everything you need to know about Energy Star siding in St. Paul. What is Energy Star? Energy Star and the Energy Star logo came out of a 1992 joint venture by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. It sets the standard for energy efficient consumer products. Home appliances and construction materials that receive the Energy Star rating have to go through extensive testing to earn the blue logo. On average, Energy Star building materials, like siding, can save home and business owners 20-30% on energy cost. What is Thermal Bridging? Most homes use some kind of insulation between wall studs. However, even wall insulation can allow heat and air conditioning to escape and raise your energy cost. This is called thermal bridging. Wall studs make up about 25% of the total area of your exterior walls, which means that 25% of your home is essentially unprotected from thermal leaking. Insulated siding acts like a blanket around your home, effectively sealing exterior walls from thermal bridging. What is the R-Value? The R-value is a rating system that ranks building materials by energy efficiency. The higher the number the better. Standard siding materials have R-values less than 1. However, insulated vinyl, steel, and aluminum siding have higher ratings. This is what you want to look for. Energy Star siding was included in the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code which means many states recognize the use of siding by offering rebates. Check with your local utility provider for more information on energy savings and Energy Star siding in St. Paul.
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