What Are Energy Star Homes? |
 ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to be at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 1993 national Model Energy Code or 15% more efficient than state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. These savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use. These features contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution. ENERGY STAR also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality. |
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What Does It Mean To The Homeowner? |
Because ENERGY STAR qualified new homes offer significant utility bill savings each and every month, ownership gives you access to special financing opportunities such as Energy Efficient and ENERGY STAR Mortgages. These financing options qualify you for more home and/or options, at your present income level, by incorporating the projected energy savings into the maximum allowable housing expense, or PITI, that lending institutions use to determine how much mortgage for which you can qualify.
ENERGY STAR financing partners are also required to offer home buyers other incentives that can include: cash back at closing, interest rate discounts, or the waiving of specified fees. Contact your local ENERGY STAR Mortgage lender to learn more about how buying an ENERGY STAR qualified new home can truly pay significant dividends.
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Common Questions |
How does a home earn the ENERGY STAR label?
The ENERGY STAR label is earned only after the home's energy efficiency is verified, either by an independent third-party such as an accredited home energy rater or Builder Option Package (BOP) verifier, or by adhering to the quality control procedures established for HUD-code manufactured homes.
What types of homes can earn the ENERGY STAR label?
Any single-family or multi-family residential home that is three stories or less in height can qualify to receive the ENERGY STAR label. This includes traditional site-constructed homes as well as modular, systems-built (e.g., insulated concrete forms, structurally insulated panels), and HUD-code manufactured homes.
Can existing homes earn the ENERGY STAR?
Yes. Existing homes can be qualified for the ENERGY STAR label if they meet ENERGY STAR's performance guidelines. However, it is not always practical or cost-effective to bring an existing home to this level of efficiency. Nevertheless, the energy efficiency of existing homes can often be greatly improved using cost-effective retrofit techniques.
Do energy-efficient homes look different?
No, builders and developers constructing ENERGY STAR qualified new homes do not have to alter their architectural designs. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home can be built in whatever style the consumer prefers or is most popular in a particular geographic region.
Does an energy-efficient home cost more?
No. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home actually costs less because you will spend less on your new 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. Further, ENERGY STAR financing partners offer special mortgage packages for buyers of ENERGY STAR qualified new homes.
How will I know if a home is labeled ENERGY STAR?
Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which should be prominently displayed on the circuit breaker box. You can also ask your builder for the home's ENERGY STAR certificate. This optional certificate indicates that the home has been verified to meet EPA's ENERGY STAR qualified new homes performance guidelines. |
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