MANAGE YOUR ENERGY
SMECO
has joined with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
to offer energy-efficient home construction in Southern Maryland
through the ENERGY STAR Home Program.
Under ENERGY STAR, SMECO will work with you and your builders to ensure that homes are built to strict energy efficiency standards with cutting edge technology. An ENERGY STAR Home is built to use 30% less energy (for heating, cooling, and water heating) than a home built to the standards of the current national Model Energy Code. For a fee, SMECO will inspect and certify each home. Once completed, the home receives a nationally recognized rating that certifies it as an ENERGY STAR Home.
Though quality construction does cost more, the modest increase in the up-front price is offset by energy savings. For example, if the additional features of an ENERGY STAR Home amounted to $2,500, this would add about $15 to your monthly mortgage. However, the home could save as much as $35 a month on energy bills. This covers the additional cost of $15 a month and puts $20 a month back into your pocket.
The purchaser of an ENERGY STAR Home is eligible for an ENERGY STAR mortgage. Discounts and incentives offered by participating mortgage providers and lenders include reduction of loan origination fees, discounted interest rates, and even cash back at closing.
The ENERGY STAR Home program promises to continue SMECO’s focus on energy-efficient home construction and the resulting energy savings that help protect our national resources.
We maintain a list of local participating ENERGY STAR Home builders. For more information, please contact SMECO at 1-888-440-3311, contact us by e-mail, or visit EPA's ENERGY STAR Web site.