energy_star Energy Efficient Building
We are Energy Star Certified!

ENERGY STAR certified new homes are designed and built to standards well above most other homes on the market today, delivering energy efficiency savings of up to 30 percent when compared to typical new homes. A new home that has earned the ENERGY STAR label has undergone a process of inspections, testing, and verification to meet strict requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), delivering better quality, better comfort, and better durability.

What is ENERGY STAR

Hear What Happy ENERGY STAR Homeowners Have to Say

ENERGY STAR is a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. As of December 2012, families and businesses have realized estimated savings of over $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions over the past two decades.

To maintain consumer trust and improve the oversight of ENERGY STAR certified products, homes, and commercial facilities, EPA has implemented third-party certification requirements and testing.

For new homes, verification of a home's energy efficiency by a third-party organization is mandatory for earning the ENERGY STAR label. There are two paths to certify a home to earn the ENERGY STAR. The Prescriptive Path is based on a predefined package of improvements, while the Performance Path is based on a customized package of upgrades. The National Program Requirements define the core energy efficiency specifications for both the Prescriptive and Performance Paths. See the National Program Requirements.

Both the Performance and Prescriptive Paths require completion of four inspection checklists:

  • Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist
  • HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist
  • HVAC System Quality Installation Contractor Checklist
  • Water Management System Builder Checklist

These checklists include building science practices that promote improved comfort, indoor air quality, and durability in certified homes. The Inspection Checklists document contains the four checklists that every home certified under Version 3 must complete. See the Inspection Checklists.

ENERGY STAR HOMES TYPICALLY INCLUDE:

  • R15 Batt Insulation
  • R38 Attic Blown-in Insulation
  • Low E Rated Vinyl Windows, for Performance & Quality
  • Poly Seal Entire House (expanding foam around any areas that penetrate the house)
  • Radiant Barrier Decking
  • House Wrap (air barrier effectiveness)
  • Mechanical Equipment Size & Efficiency, Our STP is Carrier 16 Seer
  • Hot Water Heater Size & Efficiency
  • Infiltration (construction tightness/air barrier effectiveness)

INSPECTIONS

All houses are inspected at various stages of construction to ensure the proper installation of all energy features. Upon house completion, an Energy Star Rater will perform a rigorous test to ensure the home has met all of the standards.

FINAL INSPECTION

  • Blower Test - Energy Star Auditors use a calibrated door. This blower door allows the auditor to quantify the amount of air leakage and the effectiveness of any air-sealing job.
  • HVAC Load Analysis, Appliances, Lighting, Attic Insulation

Please visit energystar.gov for an excellent FAQ Section.