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ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency.

Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2005 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million cars — all while saving $12 billion on their utility bills.

Energy efficient choices can save families about a third on their energy bill with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. ENERGY STAR helps you make the energy efficient choice.

If looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy.

If looking for a new home, look for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR.
What are ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes?

ENERGY STAR qualified homes, whether a start-up or custom, are independently verified to be at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 1993 national Model Energy Code or 15% more efficient than state energy code, whichever is more rigorous.* These savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of:

• building envelope upgrades,
• high performance windows,
• controlled air infiltration,
• upgraded heating and air conditioning systems,
• tight duct systems and
• upgraded water-heating equipment.

These features contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution. ENERGY STAR also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality.

Homebuyer Incentives:

Because ENERGY STAR qualified new homes offer significant utility bill savings each and every month, ownership gives you access to special financing opportunities such as Energy Efficient Mortgages. These special mortgages make it easier for borrowers to qualify to purchase homes with specific energy-efficiency improvements. Contact your local ENERGY STAR lender to learn more about how buying an ENERGY STAR qualified new home can truly pay significant dividends.

As a home buyer you can also reap the benefits from special utility promotions designed to encourage homeowners to reduce their energy consumption through energy efficiency. These promotions often include product rebates on home products that bear the ENERGY STAR label, reimbursement for the cost of having your home energy rated by a certified home energy rater, as well as other energy efficiency perks depending on the structure of the utility's ENERGY STAR program. The bottom line is that by installing energy efficient features in your new home such as a high SEER heating and cooling unit, low-e windows, and improved insulation, you can save money on your monthly utility bills, live in a more comfortable home, and help keep energy demand down.

Public Service Publications

Insulation Effectiveness Bulletin: "Beyond R-value: the truth about insulation performance in the real world of buildings"
This two page document contains a down-to-earth explanation of how insulation R-values (steady state data and calculations) of materials stack up in terms of actual performance according to field results and building inspections. Actual energy savings and comfort are strongly influenced by important physical parameters discussed here. Conclusion: all "R-factors" are NOT created equal -- let the buyer beware...