WHAT IS AN ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOME?
ENERGY STAR qualified homes perform better than standard new homes and require less energy to operate equipment such as furnaces and water heaters. When this equipment runs more efficiently, air pollution is reduced, providing a healthier environment for everyone.
The energy used by our homes accounts for 20% of total
ENERGY STAR homes are unique because they undergo a thorough series of inspections and tests to ensure that they function at optimal efficiency levels. These homes are then certified by a third party as ENERGY STAR homes.
The third party verifies that several key elements are present and functioning optimally:
- Higher insulation levels
- ENERGY STAR qualified windows
- ENERGY STAR qualified lighting in at least 50% of sockets
- ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher (if your home has a dishwasher installed)
- High efficiency heating and cooling equipment
FEATURES OF ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES
ENERGY STAR qualified homes achieve energy savings through established, reliable building technologies.
- Effective Insulation
Properly installed, climate-appropriate insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, less energy consumption, and increased comfort. - High-Performance Windows
Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings. - Tight Construction and Ducts
Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility bills. - Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. Typically, energy-efficient equipment is also more durable and requires less maintenance than standard models. - Lighting and Appliances
ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dish washers, and washing machines. These ENERGY STAR qualified products provide additional energy savings to the owner. - Third-Party Verification
With the help of independent Home Energy Raters, ENERGY STAR builder partners choose the most appropriate energy-saving features for their homes. Additionally, raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify that the homes qualify as ENERGY STAR.
BENEFITS OF ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES
- Peace of Mind: Home buying is complex enough without having to know all the details of energy-efficient construction. Instead, look for the government-backed ENERGY STAR label to easily identify homes that are truly energy efficient. Find the house of your dreams and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it also meets strict energy efficiency guidelines.
- Better Construction: With an ENERGY STAR home, you can be assured that your home has been built with attention to detail and a focus on keeping the exterior and interior tightly sealed.
- Comfort and Quiet: Tighter construction and improved insulation help keep out excess heat, cold and noise, while maintaining a more consistent and comfortable temperature between rooms.
- Low Maintenance: ENERGY STAR qualified homes often feature high-quality, longer-lasting heating and cooling equipment; energy efficient windows, which reduce fading of furniture and finishes; and tight construction, which prevents costly moisture damage.
- Healthier Indoor Air: Tighter construction keeps dust, pollen and mold out so you can breathe easier.
- Efficiency Verification: Before it can be labeled, your ENERGY STAR home must pass a rigorous inspection by an independent third-party energy rater.
- Lower Ownership Cost: Compared with standard homes, ENERGY STAR qualified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating-delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings. Over the average 7 to 8 years you may live in your home, this adds up to thousands of dollars saved on utility bills. Additional savings on maintenance can also be substantial.
- Better Performance: Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise. An energy-efficient home helps ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability.
- Smart Investment: To date, over 2,500 home builders have partnered with EPA to construct more than 500,000 ENERGY STAR qualified homes. By the end of the decade, more than 2 million homes are expected to earn the ENERGY STAR. The trend is clear. By choosing a home with the ENERGY STAR label, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell.
- Preferred Financing: Special Energy Efficiency Mortgages (EEM) can increase your buying power.
Environmental Protection:
Over 15% of
