What makes an ENERGY STAR Qualified Home?

This label identifies a home as having
earned the ENERGY STAR

According to the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes website, to earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.

And with homebuyers increasingly interested in green building, energy efficiency is the place to start. The easy way to make sure a new home is energy efficient is to look for the blue ENERGY STAR mark, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. Learn more about how Green Begins with ENERGY STAR Blue (130KB).

Any home three stories or less can earn the ENERGY STAR label if it has been verified to meet EPAs guidelines, including: single family, attached, and low-rise multi-family homes; manufactured homes; systems-built homes (e.g., SIP, ICF, or modular construction); log homes, concrete homes; and even existing retrofitted homes. Note: A building with first floor retail and 3 stories of residential can qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of tried-and-true energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution.

1. Effective Insulation

• Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort.
• Learn more about Properly Installed Insulation (149KB).

2. High-Performance Windows

• Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer.
• These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.
• Learn more about Qualified Windows (212KB).

3. Tight Construction and Ducts

• Sealing holes and cracks in the homes "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise.
• A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance.
• Learn more about Efficient Duct Systems (163KB).

4. 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.
• When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment wont have to work so hard to heat and cool the home.
• Learn more about: Qualified Heating Equipment (142KB), Qualified Cooling Equipment (178KB) and Mechanical Ventilation (140KB)

5. Efficient Products

• 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, dishwashers, and washing machines.
• Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified products: Qualified Appliances (153KB), Qualified Lighting (170KB), Advanced Lighting Package (181KB), High Efficiency Water Heaters (177KB)

6. 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.
• Raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify the energy efficiency measures, as well as insulation, air tightness, and duct sealing details.
• Learn more about Independent Inspection and Testing (182KB).

Other Resources to become more familiar with ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes:

• Take a tour behind the walls of an ENERGY STAR qualified home


• See the Builder Option Packages for technical specifications:
  Energy Star Builder Option Packages
• Check out these presentations to become more confident in your ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes knowledge when talking with your architects, contractors and HERs:
  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.ResESMktgSalesPresentation

Existing Homes

ENERGY STAR is not just for new homes! There is a program for retrofitting existing homes through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program. You can see their website with details on the program here. For existing homes, you may also want to consider making use of the many weatherization programs available. Be sure to verify the quality of the program before you commit to it.