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What Are the Benefits of ENERGY STAR Certified Homes?
First, you get an energy-efficient house that will bring lower utility bills. Second, the air you breathe will be better indoor air quality due to more efficient and clean running heating and cooling equipment. Third, your home can fetch a higher price when you sell it after certification.
What Are the Main Areas of Focus for ENERGY STAR Certified Homes?
ENERGY STAR focuses on four building science areas.
- Thermal enclosure ensures homes have strong air sealing, professionally installed insulation, high-performance windows, and minimize thermal bridging where air leaks out due to a lack of insulation.
- Certification demands a complete heating and cooling system with right-sized equipment, sealed ductwork, and a mechanical ventilation system drawing outside air.
- A whole water system must direct water off roofs and away from foundations, moisture-resistant barriers, and building materials protected from the elements before construction begins.
- Efficient lighting and appliances include those carrying the ENERGY STAR certification and advanced lighting (such as LEDs), which may be the most familiar to consumers. Anyone who has purchased a significant appliance – a refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher – will see an ENERGY STAR certification on many models.
What Kinds of Housing Does ENERGY STAR Certification Cover?
The certification covers nearly every kind of housing. The EPA certifies new construction of single-family homes, townhouses, apartments (of specific sizes), manufactured homes, and apartments. Owners of existing homes can seek certification if they do a "gut" renovation involving major work. This work includes steps like removing exterior cladding, replacing roofs and household systems (ducts, windows, HVAC). Moisture management strategies also count toward certification. The process covers the same areas as ENERGY STAR for new homes but uses different benchmarks for existing homes.
Are ENERGY STAR Home Certification Standards the Same in Every State?
No. The EPA maintains several versions for new construction of homes in all categories. For example, California, Florida, and the Tropics have their ENERGY STAR certification because their climates differ significantly from other regions. Oregon and Washington have stretch codes beyond the national standard. Many states use "National Version 3.1," but others continue on Version 3.0. EPA also tracks "Revisions" of "Versions." Minnesota, Texas, and others use Version 3.1, Revision 10 before moving to Revision 11 in 2022.
When Is the Next ENERGY STAR Home Certification Update?
EPA updated Vision 3.1 to Revision 11, which many states plan to adopt in 2022. Version 12's release date has not been announced.
How Many ENERGY STAR Homes Have Been Certified?
More than 2 million homes have been certified as of 2019 since the program began. In 2019, EPA certified nearly 100,000 homes. More than 870,000 existing homes have received ENERGY STAR recognition after retrofits. To date, the Canadian ENERGY STAR Homes program has certified more than 60,000 homes.
What Are the Steps to ENERGY STAR Home Certification?
For property owners serious about certifying homes, the first key will be to work with trusted contractors who have experience or knowledge of the ENERGY STAR program. The EPA's website hosts dozens of pages of information for contractors, builders, and raters. The agency has existing partnerships with developers, home builders, and factory builders found on this website, which allows a search by state and by metropolitan region. Following the main focus areas, as described above, builders will ensure strong thermal enclosures, ENERGY STAR rated appliances, and water systems that efficiently preserve water and efficient lighting.
Are There Other Issues to Keep in Mind When Certifying ENERGY STAR Homes?
After completing the above process, contractors must meet the EPA's Mandatory Requirements for All Certified Homes. That means homes have to have EPA-required insulation levels and quality, duct leakage limits, and window performance. By meeting those requirements, contractors and homeowners should close in on ENERGY STAR certification. Remember, onsite generation, such as solar energy, cannot be used to achieve certification.
What Is the Projected Value of ENERGY STAR Home Certification?
A 2017 North Carolina study showed that certified homes sold for 9.5% more than non-certified homes. Homeowners used HERS ratings (45%) more often for certification than ENERGY STAR. The certificate should invariably bring a higher price for states with a higher percentage of new homes certified ENERGY STAR. Consumers in those regions will be familiar with the residential program. For states where it is less common, a HERS rating could be a wiser choice.
Frank Jossi
Based in St. Paul, Frank Jossi is a journalist, editor and content strategist. He covers clean energy in Minnesota for Midwest Energy News and writes frequently for Finance & Commerce. His work has appeared in more than 70 local, national and international publications.
