A Dream Home Is an Energy-Efficient Home
These thoughtfully designed houses are more comfortable, enjoy lower energy costs, and provide peace of mind, knowing you’re protecting the health of your family and your community. With so many buyers prioritizing energy efficiency, it could also help with resale value.
How Efficient Can You Get?
Homes that meet ENERGY STAR® guidelines are at least 15% more energy efficient than standard homes—and typically include energy-saving features that make them 20% to 30% more efficient.
What Makes a Home an ENERGY STAR Home?
ENERGY STAR appliances are a great start, but an ENERGY STAR home is much more than that. It also includes features that improve home comfort, while lowering energy demand and reducing air pollution, including:
- Effective insulation
- High-performance windows
- Tight construction and ducts
- Efficient heating and cooling equipment
Major Benefits
Save Money
By using less energy, ENERGY STAR qualified homes save hundreds in utility costs annually and thousands over the years you live in your home. Plus, there’s substantial savings on maintenance.
Stay Comfortable
Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise. An energy-efficient home helps ensure consistent temperatures between rooms, better indoor air quality, and greater durability.
Protect the Environment
Greenhouse gases aren’t just a product of transportation and construction. Home energy use actually accounts for 17% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Find an ENERGY STAR for New Homes Builder
Choosing the right builder is key. Learn more to find one that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
It certainly can. If you resell the home later, it will be ENERGY STAR qualified, which can be a powerful marketing tool.
It doesn’t have to cost more than one built only to code. Price is determined by your builder’s construction practice and prices. Even if the initial cost is higher, the monthly utility savings can be greater than higher monthly mortgage payments, which can help with monthly cash flow.
Look for a blue ENERGY STAR label on your circuit breaker box or anywhere in your utility room. If you don’t see one, contact the builder and ask for documentation, either with an ENERGY STAR certificate or a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) report.
Questions?
Get answers. Call 877-818-4094 for more information.
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.