Energy-Efficiency Checklist *Adapted from the Home Buying Checklist provided by ww.energystar.gov.

	Has the home qualified for the ENERGY STAR label? 100% of the homes built by ASTORIA HOMES are inspected by ENERGY INSPECTORS™. ENERGY INSPECTORS is a reputable third party who inspects and certifies the energy upgrades and engineering in our homes. They provide diagnostics that rate the performance needed to earn the ENERGY STAR label. The ENERGY STAR label assures you that your home's predicted heating, cooling and hot water energy use is More than the national Model Energy Code.
	Are the home's windows appropriate for the climate? 100% of ASTORIA'S homes are built with Milgard® energy-efficient Low E4™ windows with vinyl frames. These windows reflect the sun’s heat away from the home in the summer and retain the furnace’s heat in your home during winter. With improvements made in window technologies, it is now possible and More affordable to buy energy-efficient windows designed for your home’s specific climate. For houses in hot climates, a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is important, allowing visible light into the house while blocking out heat.
	Is the home's insulation optimized and was it properly installed? 100% of ASTORIA'S homes contain energy-saving R-30 ceiling insulation and R-19 equivalent exterior wall insulation. ASTORIA HOMES builds with superior construction materials. We go out of our way to hire the most qualified construction team. Our team ensures your home is built efficiently and at the highest standards. Insulation in a home’s walls and attic serves as a protective barrier, keeping out excessive heat and cold and maintaining even temperatures between and across rooms. The effectiveness of insulation increases as its R-value increases.
	Is the home's heating and cooling (HVAC) equipment highly efficient and properly sized? 100% of ASTORIA'S homes contain engineered heating, ventilation and air-conditioning design that takes into account bends and turns in ductwork, register locations, duct lengths, connections, air flow, and programmable thermostats for more consistent temperatures from room to room. This equipment saves you money, and requires less maintenance.
	Is the home's ductwork tightly sealed, sufficiently insulated, and tested for air leakage? 100% of ASTORIA'S homes are built with air-tight ducts. This is achieved by using straps, collar ties, and mastic per ENERGY INSPECTORS protocols which offers lower heating and cooling costs and better air distribution. Tightly-sealed ducts are crucial to energy efficiency. Typical ducts leak 20-30% of the air forced through them, wasting 20-30% of the money you spend on heating and cooling. With proper sealing and insulation, verified on-site by a home energy rater, you can substantially reduce these leaks.