Features of ENERGY STAR New Homes
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. That's because the energy used in homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and risks of global warming. So, the less energy used, the less air pollution generated. And 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.

Any home three stories or less can earn the ENERGY STAR label if it has been verified to meet EPA's 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.

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 reduce air pollution:

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:

TIGHT CONSTRUCTION AND DUCTS
Advanced techniques for sealing holes and cracks in the home's "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
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 AND COOLING EQUIPMENT
An energy-efficient, properly installed heating and cooling system uses less energy to operate, which reduces your utility bills. This system can also 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 carpets and furnishings.

EFFICIENT PRODUCTS
Your home may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products—lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances—that offer additional energy savings.

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

*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.

Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified
new homes at http://www.energystar.gov/.