We consider Energy Star New Homes to be the entry level into the “green building” game.
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict 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.
What are Home Energy Ratings?
Home energy ratings provide a standard measurement of a home’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Ratings are used for both and new and existing homes. In new homes ratings often verify energy performance for the ENERGY STAR homes program, LEED for Homes program, Austin Energy Green Building program, energy efficient mortgages, and energy code compliance.
Green Building Authority is a proud partner of ENERGY STAR. Verification of a home’s energy efficiency by a third-party organization is mandatory for earning the ENERGY STAR label.
Homeowners who want to upgrade the home’s energy efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific, cost-effective improvements. For existing homes, homeowners can receive a report listing cost-effective options for improving the home’s energy rating. An energy rating allows a homebuyer to easily compare the energy performance of the homes being considered.
There are two types of ratings:
• Projected ratings – Ratings performed prior to the construction of a home or prior to the installation of energy improvements to an existing home.
• Confirmed ratings – Ratings completed using data gathered from an on-site inspection, which could include performance testing of the home. Confirmed ratings involve an on-site inspection of a home by a residential energy efficiency professional, a home energy rater.
The home energy rater reviews the home to identify its energy characteristics, such as insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-window ratios, the heating and cooling system efficiency, the solar orientation of the home, and the water heating system. Performance testing, such as a blower door test for air leakage and duct leakage, may also be part of the rating. Home energy raters are trained and certified by a RESNET accredited home energy rater training provider.
The data gathered by the home energy rater is entered into a RESNET accredited computer program and translated into rating score. The home receives a score between 1 and 100, depending on its relative efficiency. An estimate of the home’s energy costs is also provided in the report. The home’s energy rating is then equated to a Star rating ranging from one star for a very inefficient home to five stars for a highly efficient home.
Benefits of our Home Energy Rating:
• When buying a home a rating allows you to compare homes according to their energy efficiency.
• A rating allows you to know the energy performance of your home and identifies cost effective improvements that you can make to increase your comfort and home’s performance.
• A rating is required to qualify the home for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) and/or the Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM) and the Texas Land Veterans Mortgage.
• A rating is required for a home to be labeled as ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR qualified products and practices help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE. The ENERGY STAR label also designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings. Additional information is available at the ENERGY STAR website: www.energystar.gov
Home plans that are Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR incorporate energy-efficient details and specifications to meet the rigorous ENERGY STAR for New Homes guidelines set by EPA.
To qualify, a plan is independently reviewed and verified to include energy-saving features and construction practices that will result in a home that is 20–30 percent more energy efficient than a standard home. A home built according to a Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR home plan must also meet EPA field verification requirements to earn the ENERGY STAR qualified home label. You’ll need to make sure your builder follows the home plan’s ENERGY STAR construction specifications and works with a Home Energy Rater, who will conduct the onsite inspection and testing to verify that your home qualifies for the ENERGY STAR.
Architects and designers who want to label a home plan as Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR must submit it to a Home Energy Rater for review. These raters are experienced in evaluating home plans to help you choose the most appropriate and cost-effective approaches for meeting ENERGY STAR guidelines.
Why Choose Green Building Authority?
We Provide You Independent Verification Services including:
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
We offer assurance that your homes perform efficiently with the help of diagnostic equipment, including a blower door test to evaluate the leakiness of the home envelope and a duct blaster test to gauge the leakiness of the duct system.
PLAN ANALYSIS
We will evaluate your home plans and construction practices to pinpoint the specific, cost-effective improvements needed to qualify your homes to earn the ENERGY STAR.
RATINGS BY QUALIFIED HOME ENERGY PROFESSIONALS
We are trained and certified home energy professionals, qualified to provide verification services for EPA’s ENERGY STAR program.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
We have experts on-hand to answer all your questions and ensure that you have a smooth transition to constructing high performing, ENERGY STAR qualified new homes.
Contact Us today for more information about Energy Star and HERS ratings.
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