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:
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. 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.
How can I participate in ENERGY STAR as a home
industry professional?
ENERGY STAR currently partners with four main types
of home industry professionals:
homebuilders, home energy raters, utilities and other
sponsoring organizations, and home lenders.
After completing and signing a partnership agreement, partners can take
advantage of the widely recognized ENERGY STAR name, logos, and a variety of
other marketing resources. Other home industry professionals can
promote ENERGY STAR as
well.
Features of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes
Source US Dept. of Energy's Energy Star Website
