Page Title

Energy Star Home
Labeling

What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New 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
and are typically achieved through a combination of:

building envelope upgrades,
high performance windows,
controlled air infiltration,
upgraded heating and air conditioning systems,
tight duct systems and
upgraded water-heating equipment.
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.

Here are some questions commonly asked about
ENERGY STAR qualified homes:

Look for this label when buying your next home.

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 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. Visit Home Improvement to learn how.

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.