Schnettler-Benning Builds ENERGY STAR® Homes

Energy efficiency has always been a top priority for Schnettler-Benning Custom Builders, and the company was recently designated as an official ENERGY STAR® partner – one of the first builders in central Minnesota to receive that distinction.

“Since we joined the ENERGY STAR program, 100% of our homes have qualified as ENERGY STAR homes and we think of that as a real badge of honor” (Ken Benning of Schnettler-Benning Custom Builders)

What is ENERGY STAR®?

The ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency.  A home that earns the ENERGY STAR is significantly more efficient than a standard home and incorporates a number of features including:  effective insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and tight ducts, and more efficient heating and cooling equipment. 

How does a home qualify as an ENERGY STAR home?

ENERGY STAR homes undergo comprehensive inspections by a third party to verify the home’s energy performance.  Qualified homes are at least 15% more efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code.

What are benefits to home owners?

• LOWER COST OF UTILITIES
  Compared with standard construction, ENERGY STAR homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling and water heating
• SMART INVESTMENT
  To date, 3500 home builders have partnered with the EPA to construct 650,000 ENERGY STAR homes.  The trend is clear.  Building an ENERGY STAR home gives increased value when it comes time to sell.
• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
  Energy used in homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants which in turn contribute to smog, acid rain, and global warming.  The less energy we use in homes, the less pollution generated.  Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR prevent greenhouse emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.