Energy Star Home Features 

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 that the homes qualify as ENERGY STAR. Builders can claim that their homes are energy efficient. But many of the energy efficiency features in a home are not visible, so how can home buyers really be sure? Look for homes that have earned the ENERGY STAR—these homes have had their energy efficiency independently verified by an inspector known as a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rater. These professionals advise builders how to select the most appropriate energy-efficient features for a home, inspect and test the home during construction, and then verify that the home meets EPA’s strict guidelines for energy efficiency.

Peace-of-Mind for Making a Smart Purchase.

Before buying a used car, consumers often take the car to a trusted mechanic not affiliated with the seller to have an expert verify its performance. This helps ensure they are making a smart purchase. Homebuyers can have similar peace-of-mind by looking for the ENERGY STAR label—typically located on a home’s circuit breaker box. This label assures homebuyers that the home has been verified by an independent HERS rater to be truly energy efficient. In addition to lowering monthly utility bills, the energy efficiency features typically found in ENERGY STAR qualified homes can also contribute to improved home durability and homeowner comfort.

Climate-Specific Recommendations.

An energy-efficient home built in Florida would not necessarily be energy efficient if it were built in Colorado. For a home to be energy efficient, it must be designed for regional weather characteristics. HERS raters are trained in climate-effective energy saving techniques, and their knowledge and field experience helps ENERGY STAR builder partners construct high-quality, energy-efficient homes.

Additional Inspections for Quality.

Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR typically undergo more inspections and testing than code-built homes. The HERS verification process helps identify and correct mistakes before they are hidden behind walls and holds builders constructing ENERGY STAR qualified homes to a higher standard. As a result, HERS verification can help improve the quality and energy efficiency of a home.

Completion of Field Verification.

HERS raters must also conduct on-site inspections and testing of a home. This field verification ensures energy measures are consistent with ENERGY STAR guidelines. The process usually includes a blower door test (to test the leakiness of the house), a duct blaster test (to test the leakiness of the duct system), and completion of a thermal bypass checklist (a visual inspection of common construction areas where air can flow through or around insulation). The standards for HERS ratings, inspection protocols, and testing guidelines are maintained by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). For more information, visit the RESNET Web site at www.natresnet.org.

 

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