What are ENERGY STAR® qualified new homes?
ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to meet EPA’s strict guidelines for energy efficiency. These homes earn the ENERGY STAR label, indicating to consumers that these energy-efficient homes are more comfortable, more durable, cost less to own, and are better for the environment. To date, over 350,000 homes have been built with the ENERGY STAR label. Are all energy-efficient homes ENERGY STAR homes?
No. To ensure that an ENERGY STAR qualified home is truly energy-efficient, it is inspected and tested by an independent third-party Home Energy Rater. We perform these inspections and testing to ensure that the homebuyer has added confidence that their home will perform efficiently. How does a home earn the ENERGY STAR label?
To earn the ENERGY STAR label, a home must first be verified to be at least 15% more energy-efficient in its heating, cooling, water heating, lights and appliances than a comparable home built to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code standards. Energy savings may vary. The ENERGY STAR label is earned only after the home's energy efficiency is verified by a Certified Home Energy Rater.

Ratings involve the analysis of a home's construction plans and at least two on-site inspections of the home. The plan review allows us to get technical information such as orientation, shading area, proposed HVAC rating, insulation levels, etc. Meanwhile, the on-site inspections include an inspection of the airsealing and insulation quality, a blower door test (to test the leakiness of the house) and a duct test (to test the leakiness of the ducts). Results of these tests, along with inputs derived from the plan review, are entered into a computer simulation program to generate the home’s score and the estimated annual energy costs. Do energy-efficient homes look different?
No, builders and developers constructing ENERGY STAR qualified homes do not have to alter their architectural designs. An ENERGY STAR qualified home can be built in whatever style the homebuyer prefers. Does an energy-efficient home cost more?
No. An ENERGY STAR qualified home actually costs less because the homeowner will spend less on their home's utility bill each month. These energy savings can more than offset any increase in mortgage payments needed for the improved energy features and can result in a positive monthly cash flow.