How do I know my home is an ENERGY STAR qualified home?
After a home passes the performance tests and receives a HERS Index of 85 or lower, 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 homebuilder for a copy of the home’s Energy Star certificate.
Can any home be built to ENERGY STAR specifications?
Yes, any home, whether large or small, can be built to the ENERGY STAR specifications.
Does an ENERGY STAR qualified home cost more?
An ENERGY STAR qualified home does not have to cost more than a home built to code. The price is determined by the construction practices of your homebuilder. And, even if the price is higher, the monthly utility savings will be greater in most ENERGY STAR qualified homes than the increase in the monthly mortgage payment, making total costs of ownership lower every month.
The True Cost of Homeownership includes all the related expenses such as Mortgage payment, Insurance, Monthly operation costs (water, energy, waste disposal), Maintenance (interior and exterior), health costs, and Property Taxes. In addition to energy savings, high performance ENERGY STAR homes have been shown to reduce ownership expenses related to maintenance, water use, health costs and even insurance rates. By looking at the total cost of homeownership, buyers are able to see the benefits in purchasing a energy-efficient home. Lower monthly utility bills allow for easier household budgeting and give them more money to spend somewhere else.
Is it really necessary to buy a home built to the ENERGY STAR specifications?
Yes, Absolutely! 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 can save money every year on lower utility and maintenance costs. Additionally, studies suggest that energy-efficient homes have a higher resale value than other homes on the market. A study reported in The Appraisal Journal (October 1999) reported that, on average, home value increases by about $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills.
Are ENERGY STAR qualified homes built too tight?
No, ENERGY STAR qualified homes may utilize mechanical ventilation to help ensure the home has the appropriate circulation of fresh air to create a living environment that’s healthy and safe, while simultaneously helping to remove odors, moisture and other indoor air pollutants.
Will I really notice a difference in comfort with an ENERGY STAR qualified home?
Yes, homeowners have said that they enjoy greater comfort with fewer drafts and even improved temperature room-to-room. Some homeowners say they experience fewer colds and allergies because of the healthy indoor air quality.
For Real Estate Professionals & Mortgage Lenders
Can real estate professionals or mortgage lenders become ENERGY STAR Partners?
Yes, you can! Energy efficiency is a growing concern among homebuyers. By becoming an ENERGY STAR partner, you are committing to educating your customer about the benefits of owning an ENERGY STAR qualified home and providing them with the value of your knowledge by giving them the tools to make the best investment decision. You are also differentiating yourself in a saturated market. Become an ENERGY STAR Partner today! Visit www.energystar.gov, read, complete, and fax an application back to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. By becoming a partner, you have access to marketing and sales materials to help you promote your ENERGY STAR partnership.
How do I assure my client that the home they are purchasing is an ENERGY STAR qualified home?
Every home that achieves ENERGY STAR specifications receives an ENERGY STAR label and certificate. The homebuilder should provide each homeowner with those two items at closing. Sometimes, the HERS Rater will affix the label to the home’s circuit breaker box. Make sure your clients receive their ENERGY STAR documentation, as it will help increase the re-sale value of their home.
Can existing homes earn the ENERGY STAR?
No, currently existing homes cannot earn the ENERGY STAR. Existing homes can make significant improvements in comfort and efficiency through a process titled Home Performance with ENERGY STAR. This innovative whole-house approach to improving the comfort and energy efficiency of your home is being piloted across the country and may be available in your area today. To learn more about Home Performance with ENERGY STAR visit www.energystar.gov.
How much money will consumers save on utility bills in an ENERGY STAR qualified home?
ENERGY STAR homes in Texas must be built 15 percent more energy efficient than state code (2001 IECC). Therefore, consumers can expect to save approximately 15 percent on their energy bills for heating, cooling, water heating, lighting and appliances compared to an equivalent non-ENERGY STAR qualified home. We do not recommend quantifying the amount of money consumers may save because utility costs are dependent upon each family’s lifestyle.
How do ENERGY STAR building requirements differ from code requirements?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifies ENERGY STAR qualification guidelines. In Texas, ENERGY STAR qualified homes must exceed the state’s energy and building code by at least 15 percent and must receive a HERS Index of 85 or lower. This Index is based on energy use for heating, cooling, water heating, lighting and appliances.
How does a HERS Rater determine if a home qualifies for the ENERGY STAR?
A HERS Rater performs an analysis of the home’s plans using industry-approved software. Once the home is completed, a blower door test and a duct blaster test are administered by the HERS rater. The results are used to create an ENERGY STAR label and certificate. Once printed, the home can be marketed as an ENERGY STAR qualified home.
What measures are taken if a home does not pass the tests to receive the ENERGY STAR?
Your HERS Rater will work with you to identify problems that are causing the home to fail. After the problems are addressed and corrected, the home may be retested. Once a home is certified as ENERGY STAR, it is always an ENERGY STAR qualified home.
How can my competitors’ homes qualify for the ENERGY STAR in similar sized homes with different energy efficiency features?
The ENERGY STAR Homes Program allows builders to construct their ENERGY STAR qualified home by adjusting the existing design features making the home more energy efficient. This customizable process allows builders to determine the most cost-effective way earn the ENERGY STAR.
How will we benefit from marketing that we build ENERGY STAR qualified homes?
Energy efficiency is an increasingly important hot button for consumers. While many builders do construct ENERGY STAR qualified homes, there is a great opportunity to promote and sell your ENERGY STAR affiliation. Consumers are becoming savvier and may expect that their builder is an ENERGY STAR homebuilder. Promoting your affiliation with the government-backed brand will assure consumers about your commitment to building a high-quality product.
What steps should I take to become an ENERGY STAR homebuilder?
Any homebuilder can become an ENERGY STAR homebuilder by following these steps:
- Select a HERS Rating Provider to evaluate your home’s predicted energy performance and to test and verify that your homes meet ENERGY STAR specifications. It is always a good idea to collect estimates from a few HERS Raters to ensure you are receiving the most service for your money.
- Identify energy efficiency measures needed to meet or exceed ENERGY STAR specifications.
- Log on to www.energystar.gov, read, complete, and fax a homebuilder partnership agreement to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Begin building and testing your ENERGY STAR qualified homes.
- Market your ENERGY STAR homes.
- To apply for the CenterPoint Energy ENERGY STAR Homes Program.
