Energy Star for Homes: What is it and Do I Want It?

So, What is Energy Star for homes anyway... and do I want it? Energy Star is a government program set up to rate the energy efficiency of a home. It is typically for new homes and YES ... YOU WANT IT. If you have an older home, consider having it rated anyway. It probably won't meet Energy Star, but a good rater can show you where best to spend your repair money. And... you can really save some big bucks in the long run. (see my other articles for more info)

How it works: A builder works with an Energy Star "Rater" (who is basically an efficiency inspector). The rater evaluates the plans and calculates projected energy use. He may make recommendations for better efficiency and cost effectiveness. The builder then builds the house, the rater inspects, and if it is up to par, the house gets an Energy Star label.

OK great, now what exactly does that mean...? I'll break it down some. The main things the rater is looking for are as follows: insulation values of the building, efficiency of the heating and AC systems, air leakage, electrical usage, and air quality.

The rater uses modeling software which will compare the house you are building with an identical house that was build exactly to the current building codes. The energy usage of both the replica house and your house is calculated. Whatever percentage of energy your house uses compared to the replica house is the "Energy Star index". For instance, a house that uses half as much energy as a house build just to code will have an index of 50. 75% is a 75 and so on.

Be careful that you are seeing the "INDEX", not the energy star "rating". Some states use a formula that is based on the index but gives you a different number which doesn't reflect percentages. (In New York they start with 80 and add 1 point for every 5% savings. A 70 index (70%) is an 86 rating).

The rater checks that the builder follows what is known as the "Thermal Bypass Checklist". This lists all the details which must be followed in order to get an energy star label. These details make the house safe, efficient and durable.