Your home is probably the biggest investment you’ll make, so it makes sense to purchase a home that meets high energy performance guidelines.

You probably look for the ENERGY STAR when shopping for energy-efficient products such as computer equipment, home appliances, and electronics. Now you can find the ENERGY STAR label on a new home.

What is an ENERGY STAR qualified home?

An ENERGY STAR qualified home uses less energy than a home built to the Texas residential building code and provides homeowners with a better lifestyle for less money. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are tested by an independent third party to ensure they meet the specifications required to receive the ENERGY STAR label.

The energy savings earned by an ENERGY STAR qualified home are based on heating, cooling, and hot water, lighting and appliance energy use. Energy savings are typically achieved through a combination of:

• Exterior construction upgrades;
• High-performance windows;
• Controlling the amount of air leaking out through the duct system or unsealed holes;
• Controlling the amount of air entering the home from the outside;
• Properly installed insulation;
• High-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems;
• High-efficiency water heating equipment;
• ENERGY STAR qualified clean air systems;
• High efficiency ENERGY STAR lighting fixtures; and
• ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators, clothes washers, and dish washers.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes function more efficiently as a system, resulting in benefits for homeowners:

• Money savings each month from lower monthly utility bills;
• Increased buying power with more favorable financing options through an energy efficient mortgage;
• Elevated return on investment with higher resale value; and
• Greater comfort than homes built to the current residential code.

How does a home earn the ENERGY STAR?

Independent Home Energy Rating System Raters (HERS Raters) conduct a plan analysis to determine the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures for the home. During the homebuilding process, the HERS Rater inspects the home and performs diagnostic tests to analyze the home’s energy performance. The results of the diagnostic tests determine the home’s HERS Index. The HERS Index indicates how energy-efficient the home is compared to other homes of similar size and construction. If the home meets the minimum HERS Index, it qualifies for the ENERGY STAR.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency determines the criteria that a home must meet to earn the ENERGY STAR. In Texas, homes that score an 86 or above and are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than the Texas building code receive the ENERGY STAR.

Download a copy of the new ENERGY STAR qualified homes brochure (PDF).

How do I know my home is an ENERGY STAR qualified home?

After a home passes the performance tests and receives a HERS Index, an ENERGY STAR label and certificate for the home are printed and the home can be marketed as an ENERGY STAR qualified home. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which should be displayed inside the home’s circuit breaker box. You can also ask your builder for a copy of the home’s Energy Star certificate.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes are built by numerous homebuilders in CenterPoint Energy's electric service territory.

Are you building your own home?

Any home can be built to ENERGY STAR specifications. Click here to learn more about the technical specifications for ENERGY STAR qualified homes or click here to contact a local Houston HERS Rater.  Contact Texas HERO for information on Home rating services and providers statewide. 

Do you want to be part of preserving our big blue Texas sky for future generations? Make your next home an ENERGY STAR qualified home.