A homeowner in the Habitat for Humanity subdivision could receive a late Christmas gift this year.

Cherokee Technology Center carpentry teacher Johnny Breitenbach said he hopes a new Habitat for Humanity home receives an Energy Star rating by the end of the year. His construction classes have been working this year to build an energy efficient home.

The Energy Star rating is an international standard that homes can receive by being built with energy efficient consumer products. Smaller heating and cooling units are installed with the goal of saving homeowners money by reducing the amount of energy used in homes.

Devices carrying the Energy Star logo can save a homeowner between 20 and 30 percent on utility bills.

“Our students are learning a valuable skill they will need for working in the construction business,” Breitenbach said. “There is going to be a great demand to build houses that are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly in the future.”

The Habitat for Humanity house is expected to be ready for the energy rating inspection around Christmas, Breitenbach said. The inspection will look at the home’s duct work, heating and cooling systems, and construction to determine whether it meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s requirements for an Energy Star rating.

While waiting on the inspection, Cherokee Technology Center carpentry students will start work on framing a new Habitat for Humanity house.

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian nonprofit organization which works to make home ownership a reality for local residents by providing homes at low monthly payments. Homeowners spend 300 volunteer hours working to help build the homes.

“Our plan is to build all houses so they receive the Energy Star rating in the future,” Breitenbach said.