Energy Star

ENERGY STAR is the government backed symbol for energy efficiency. The mark identifies new homes, buildings, and more than 60 types of products that are energy efficient and offer the features, quality, and performance that today’s consumers expect. A home that earns the ENERGY STAR designation is significantly more efficient than a standard home. By purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified home, you can have all the features you desire in your new home, plus better performance and lower utility bills—all while helping prevent greenhouse gas emissions.

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 as a voluntary partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers consumers and businesses energy-efficient solutions to save energy, save money, and help protect the environment for future generations.

More than 15,000 organizations, including over 6,500 of the nation’s home builders, are ENERGY STAR partners— committed to improving energy efficiency at home and at work. In 2008, Americans with the help of ENERGY STAR saved billion on their utility bills and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million vehicles.

What makes a home Energy Star?

Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR are significantly more energy efficient than standard homes.* ENERGY STAR builders achieve this high efficiency for you by selecting from a variety of features:

Tighter Construction & Ductwork

Advanced techniques for sealing holes and cracks in the home’s exterior walls “envelope” and in heating and cooling ducts help reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, pests, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while lowering utility and maintenance costs.

Effective Insulation System

Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, while using less energy. The result is lower utility costs and a quieter, more comfortable home.

Efficient Heating & Cooling System

An energy-efficient, properly installed heating and cooling system uses less energy to operate, which reduces your utility bills. This system will be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of your home.

High Performance Windows

Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor floorings and furnishings.

Independent Testing

While it's easy to claim homes are energy efficient, ENERGY STAR builder partners are backed up with verification by an independent Home Energy Rater. The inspector conducts onsite inspections and testing to verify the performance of the energy efficiency features in your home.

*ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.