Engaged Pair Makes ENERGY STAR a Priority

Choosing an ENERGY STAR-rated home was a priority for Kristina Zemaitis and Scott Cerney, who will marry soon and recently purchased their first home together in Astoria Homes' Tapestry neighborhood in northwest Las Vegas.

Zemaitis, who works in public relations, said they were eager to purchase an ENERGY STAR-rated home after learning about the homes' benefits.

Homes earning the label from the Environmental Protection Agency are designed and constructed to use 30 percent less energy for heating and cooling. They have a number of energy-saving features including low-e windows, which reduce the amount of the sun's heat and ultraviolet rays, as well as improved insulation and tightly sealed ducts to help maintain consistent air temperatures.

"It's comforting to know we are walking into a home that is energy efficient and will save us money," said Cerney, a construction engineer.

"I think it's great that more home builders are building ENERGY STAR homes. The energy savings are beneficial to everyone, including the environment."

Astoria Homes is a member of the Nevada ENERGY STAR Partners, a coalition of Southern Nevada home builders, developers, retailers, mortgage providers, energy consultants and local utilities promoting energy conservation.

ENERGY STAR was created in 1992 by the Environmental Protection Agency for energy-conserving computers. Since then, the program has been expanded to include all products that conserve energy and protect the environment including electronics, lighting, windows, office products, homes and mortgages.