Your new home can meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® guidelines for energy efficiency through SMECO’s ENERGY STAR® for New Homes program. Homes that meet the ENERGY STAR® guidelines that are set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are at least 15% more energy-efficient than homes simply built to code. And they typically include energy-saving features that make them 20 to 30% more efficient than standard homes.
ENERGY STAR® Homes Energy-Efficient Features
- Effective insulation
- High-performance windows
- Tight construction and ducts
- Efficient heating and cooling equipment
- Energy-efficient products
- Third-party verification
These features help to improve home quality and comfort, reduce energy demand, and reduce air pollution.
For questions or more information about the ENERGY STAR® for New Homes program, please call (877) 818-4094.
Improving Southern Maryland With Energy-Efficient Construction
For over a decade, SMECO has been partnering with home builders across southern Maryland to bring the latest energy efficiency standards to new homes for SMECO members. Since the ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Program began, over 5,200 energy-efficient new homes have helped members save more than 12,400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy.
According to Jennifer Raley, SMECO’s Energy and Technology Programs Manager, ENERGY STAR® homes offer increased comfort and lower energy costs for residents, and they help SMECO meet EmPOWER Maryland energy reduction targets.
“An ENERGY STAR® certified home helps our members save energy and money, and protects the environment by operating more efficiently,” says Raley. “Because building a new home can be stressful enough, SMECO has partnered with some of the top home builders in southern Maryland. ENERGY STAR® builders offer our members peace of mind knowing their new home is built to strict efficiency guidelines, so they use much less energy than a standard built home.”
Benefits of Building an ENERGY STAR® Home
New homes offer many opportunities for customization inside and out. Exterior colors and landscaping can instantly enhance curb appeal, but the important choices you make inside can provide savings and comfort for years to come.
Energy-saving features like high-performance windows, effective insulation, and efficient heating and cooling equipment make ENERGY STAR® certified new homes 20 to 30% more efficient than standard homes. They deliver:
- Better durability
- Improved indoor air quality
- Consistent room temperatures
- Reduced leaks and drafts
- Lower energy costs
- Peace of mind
Learn more about the features and benefits of building an ENERGY STAR certified new home on ENERGY STAR®’s website.
Regional Builder Provides a Decade of Energy Savings
Based in southern Maryland, Quality Built Homes has participated in SMECO’s ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Program since it began in 2010. The company contributed 15% of the total homes submitted to the program in 2019 — accounting for 30% of total energy savings. On average, each of those new homes offers 6.12 MWh of annual energy savings.
SMECO members who build with Quality Built Homes get:
- Better insulation with 2 by 6 walls
- Minimal air leakage
- ENERGY STAR® certification at closing
Build an ENERGY STAR® home that will help you save.
For ENERGY STAR® Home Energy Raters
With the growing demand for home energy ratings in Southern Maryland, SMECO’s ENERGY STAR® for New Homes program could be a significant business opportunity for you.
How to Participate
Certified Home Energy Raters (HERS) are integral participants in SMECO’s ENERGY STAR® for New Homes program. To earn the ENERGY STAR® label and qualify for incentives, builders must work with a RESNET®-accredited rater who has been approved for SMECO’s program.
HERS Raters List
| Contractor | Address | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| American Property Consultants, Inc. | 5901 Hillside Road P.O. Box 98 Saint Leonard, MD 20685 |
(410) 586-1234 |
| Building Performance Solutions, LLC. | 8229 Boone Blvd, Suite 730 Vienna, VA 22182 |
(540) 683-6936 |
| EDGE Energy | 7904 Foxhound Road McLean, VA 22102 |
(888) 586-3343 |
| Efficient Home, LLC. | 3905 National Drive Suite 105 Burtonsville, MD 20866 |
(301) 476-9144 |
| Energy Services Group | 986 Nabbs Creek Road Glen Burnie, MD 21060 |
(302) 383-3000 |
| Jay Hall & Associates | 610 Beach Drive Annapolis, MD 21403 |
(410) 263-3162 |
| Nation’s Capital Energy Solutions | 4463 Beech Road Suite 206 Temple Hills, MD 20748 |
(301) 423-8913 |
| Pando Alliance | 3525-K Ellicott Mills Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043 |
(240) 415-8877 |
| PEG, LLC | 11130 Fairfax Boulevard Suite 206 Fairfax, VA 22030 |
(703) 934-2777 |
| SkyeTec Inc. | 4232 40th Street Northwest Washington, DC 20016 |
(202) 280-3745 |
HERS Rater Application
To become an approved program rater, complete the HERS Rater Application.
Work with a Homebuilder
You will work with a homebuilder to make sure the builder’s house designs will be accepted in SMECO’s ENERGY STAR® program and the builder will qualify for financial incentives.
Home Registration System
Upon approval of your builder partner’s Homebuilder Application, a builder profile will be created in the Ekotrope home registration and submission portal. This will allow you to select your builder partner in the drop-down list in Ekotrope for homes ready for registration or submission. Login credentials will be provided to you to register and submit homes through Ekotrope. Homes that were modeled in energy modeling software other than Ekotrope must be imported and reviewed prior to submission.
Home Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for incentives, your clients’ homes must meet the following criteria:
- Be separately metered
- Have electrical service provided by SMECO
- Be completed within 12 months of application submittal
- Pass all required ENERGY STAR® inspections
Rater Resources
If you are not yet a RESNET-certified rater but wish to earn this accreditation, visit RESNET’s website to learn more.
For more information about qualifying new ENERGY STAR® homes, visit the ENERGY STAR® for Home Energy Raters webpage.
Questions?
EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your energy bill. EmPOWER programs can help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money. Learn more about EmPOWER and how you can participate.