Energy Star Homes

LEED - Home & Commercial
NAHB Green Build Kentucky Green Build

 

ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED HOMES

We are proud to provide rating services to qualify new homes for the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are substantially more energy efficient than homes built to the minimum code requirements. Even in states with more rigorous energy codes, the U.S. EPA ensures that ENERGY STAR remains the symbol for truly energy-efficient performance. These homes are good for businesses, consumers, and the environment.

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

The Energy Star Homes program is evolving between 2011 and 2012, when "Version 3" of the program will start being enforced.  As of April 1, 2011 all homes built from then until January 1, 2012 will be certified under "Version 2.5". 

The EPA is providing this transitional "version 2.5" as a "practice period" where mainly only new checklists are required to be completed.  There are a total of 4 checklists that must be completed under V2.5 & 3, which are:

  1. Thermal Enclosure Rater Checklist (TERC)
  2. Water Management System Builder Checklist
  3. HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist
  4. HVAC System Quality Installation Contractor Checklist

You can download a copy of all the checklists HERE or by clicking above.

The only checklists that are actually enforced under V2.5 is the TERC, and the only line items that are actually enforced are those in Sections 3 & 5 of that checklist.  Starting 1/1/2012 all checklists and all items will be enforced.

THERE ARE THREE BASIC STEPS FOR ENERGY STAR CERTIFICATION

  1. Complete a Projected Rating based on blueprints, insulation, window & door, and HVAC specs before construction begins (idealy).  This is the best time to choose "options" on how to build your house more efficiently by using different framing techniques, insulation materials, and HVAC equipment among other things.
  2. Complete a Thermal Bypass Check after insulation and air-sealing, but BEFORE drywall is installed.  Click here to watch a video detailing this step.
  3. Complete an Air-Leakage Test with a blower-door, and a Duct-Leakage Test with a duct-blaster to quantify whole-house air-leakage and duct leakage to outdoors, respectively.  Click here to watch a video detailing the steps of the final inspection.

For more information on the certification process, call Eric at 502-509-5535 or send an email to eric@BuildingPerformanceGroup.com.

 

Why Choose an Energy Star Certified Home?

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. Learn more about how Green Begins with ENERGY STAR Blue PDF (130KB).

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 reduced air pollution:

1. Effective Insulation

Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort. Learn more about Properly Installed Insulation PDF (149KB).

2. High-Performance Windows

Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings. Learn more about Qualified Windows PDF (212KB).

3. Tight Construction and Ducts

Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance. Learn more about Efficient Duct Systems PDF (163KB).

4. Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment

In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment won't have to work so hard to heat and cool the home. Learn more about:

5. Efficient Products

ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified products:

6. Third-Party Verification

With the help of independent Home Energy Raters, ENERGY STAR builder partners choose the most appropriate energy-saving features for their homes. Additionally, raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify the energy efficiency measures, as well as insulation, air tightness, and duct sealing details. Learn more about Independent Inspection and Testing PDF (182KB).

Take a tour behind the walls of an ENERGY STAR qualified home