(NC)-Home buyers may assume their new home is energy-efficient, but may not know for sure unless they ask. Ask these questions to be sure:

. Any builder can claim to build energy-efficient homes. How do I know your homes are truly energy efficient?

. Since all builders must meet the requirements of the building code, what makes your homes different from other builders’ homes?

. How do your building techniques reflect the latest developments in housing technology?

. What steps do you take to improve the energy efficiency of the homes you build?

. Can you predict what my energy costs will be?

. What makes your homes more environmentally friendly than others?

. Are you licensed by the government to build energy-efficient homes?

. Do you affix a government-backed energy label to the home?

. Do independent, licensed professionals inspect the quality of your homes?

. Do you build homes that receive an EnerGuide rating of 80 or higher or its equivalent?

The answers to these questions are contained in a brochure produced by Natural Resources Canada, the federal government department that administers the rating system for energy-efficient homes in Canada through its EnerGuide Rating System. To order a copy of the brochure or for more information call 1-800-387-2000 (toll-free) or visit www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca.

- News Canada