The Next Generation of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes

Buying a new home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. By choosing one that has earned the government’s trusted ENERGY STAR label, you can have the house of your dreams and enjoy peace of mind knowing it’s been built to meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Learn more ENERGY STAR in this consumer brochure (3.18MB).

With ENERGY STAR, you know you’re making the right decision—for your wallet, for your family, and for the environment—bringing these important benefits:

• Lower Utility BillsBy using less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating, ENERGY STAR qualified homes deliver approximately 20% savings on annual utility bills. Over the 7 to 8 years that a typical family lives in a home, you can save thousands of dollars in maintenance cost.
• Enhanced PerformanceIn ENERGY STAR qualified homes, comfort is ensured with consistent temperatures between and across rooms; indoor air quality is enhanced by reducing dust, pollen, bugs, and excessive humidity; and durability is improved with comprehensive water protection, windows that block damaging sunlight, and better grade equipment.
• Environmental ProtectionThe energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants. So, by using less energy to operate, ENERGY STAR qualified homes help to prevent air pollution —an added benefit for today’s environmentally-conscious consumer looking for “green” choices.

Complete Thermal Enclosure System

Comprehensive air sealing, properly installed insulation, and high–performance windows work together to enhance comfort, improve durability, reduce maintenance costs, and lower monthly utility bills. Learn more about a complete thermal enclosure system in this fact sheet (1.55MB).

• Air SealingBy using less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating, ENERGY STAR certified homes deliver approximately 20% savings on annual utility bills. Over the 7 to 8 years that a typical family lives in a home, you can save thousands of dollars in maintenance cost
• Properly Installed InsulationIt’s not the amount of insulation; it’s the quality of installation that makes all the difference. Proper installation includes careful placement to eliminate gaps, voids, and compression; complete air barriers that prevent air from bypassing the insulation; and building techniques that minimize heat flow through framing. This ensures consistent temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort.
• High–Performance WindowsAdvanced technologies, like protective coatings and improved frames, help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. They also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings

Complete Heating and Cooling System

High–efficiency systems are engineered and installed to deliver more comfort, better moisture control, improved indoor air quality, and quieter operation. Learn more about a complete heating and cooling system in this fact sheet (1.71MB).

• Efficient Heating and Cooling EquipmentLook for higher efficiency equipment that delivers premium performance. This equipment uses less energy, operates at reduced noise levels, and often comes with extended warranty coverage.
• Proper Design and Quality Installation PracticesTrained HVAC professionals design and install the heating and cooling systems in ENERGY STAR certified homes in accordance with best practices established by the leading industry association and equipment manufacturers.*
• Whole–House Mechanical VentilationThe living space in ENERGY STAR certified homes has a constant source of filtered air to reduce indoor air pollutants in your home.

* Applies to installation of ventilating systems and the most common types of heating and cooling systems in new homes.

Complete Water Management System

A comprehensive package of best building practices and materials protects roofs, walls, and foundations from water damage and helps ensure durability and prevent moisture-related indoor air quality problems. Learn more about a complete water management system in this fact sheet (2.96MB).

• Water–Managed Construction DetailsTried–and–true building practices, such as flashing, moisture barriers, and heavy–duty membranes, are employed to effectively drain water from the roofs, walls, and foundations of ENERGY STAR certified homes.
• Building MaterialsProper storage and selection of materials helps prevent water– and mold–damaged materials in ENERGY STAR certified homes.

Energy–efficient Lighting and Appliances

ENERGY STAR qualified lighting, appliances, and fans can be found throughout an ENERGY STAR home, helping to reduce monthly utility bills, while providing high–quality performance. Learn more about energy-efficient lighting and appliances in this fact sheet (1.55MB).

• Advanced LightingENERGY STAR qualified fixtures and bulbs come in many shapes and sizes. This gives home buyers a wide range of lighting choices that allow them to create the atmosphere they want for their homes. ENERGY STAR lighting offers significant cost savings and longer lifetimes than standard products.
• ENERGY STAR Qualified AppliancesHousehold appliances account for nearly 20 percent of energy use in an average house. A comprehensive package of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances can reduce energy costs, while offering improved performance, quality, and durability. ENERGY STAR certified homes often include ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, ceiling fans, and ventilation fans.

Verification

ENERGY STAR builder partners don’t just claim that their homes are energy efficient, they back it up with independent inspections and testing by a Home Energy Rater. Learn more about independent inspections and testing in this fact sheet (1.94MB).

• Climate-Specific RecommendationsFor a home to be truly energy efficient, its design and construction must consider local conditions. Home Energy Raters are trained in climate-specific energy saving techniques, and their knowledge and field experience help ENERGY STAR builder partners select the most appropriate energy-efficient features.
• Field VerificationRaters conduct onsite inspections and testing of ENERGY STAR certified homes to ensure they meet rigorous program guidelines. The process typically includes a blower door test to measure air leakage in the house, a duct blaster test to measure duct leakage, and a comprehensive set of inspections to assure proper construction details.
• Quality AssuranceHomes that earn the ENERGY STAR typically undergo significantly more systems engineering, inspections, and testing than homes built to code. This verification process helps to identify and correct mistakes before they become problems and holds builders accountable to higher standards.
• Peace of Mind That Comes with Making a Smart PurchaseLook for the blue ENERGY STAR label —typically located on a home’s circuit breaker box. It assures you that the home has been verified by an independent Home Energy Rater to be truly energy efficient.