Energy Star Home Buyers

If you are looking for a new home, the ENERGY STAR® for New Homes program can offer you everything you want, plus energy-efficient features that deliver better performance, greater comfort, and lower utility bills. You can rest assured that your new ENERGY STAR® certified home will save energy, save money, and help protect the environment by operating more efficiently.

Buying a New Home? Look for the Sign You Trust – ENERGY STAR®

SMECO’s ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Program promotes energy-efficient construction so you can save energy, save money, and help to save the environment with your new home. To earn the ENERGY STAR®, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to Maryland’s standard building code.

The ENERGY STAR® Difference

ENERGY STAR® qualified homes include a variety of “tried-and-true” energy-efficiency features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution:

  • Effective Insulation
  • High-Performance Windows
  • Tight Construction and Ducts
  • Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
  • Efficient Appliances
  • Third-Party Verification

Lower Ownership Costs

Compared with standard homes, ENERGY STAR® qualified homes use substantially less energy—saving hundreds in utility costs annually and thousands over the years you live in your home, plus substantial savings on maintenance.

Improved Performance & Comfort

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.

Peace of Mind

Find the house of your dreams and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it meets the strict energy efficiency requirements of the government-backed ENERGY STAR® label.

Environmental Responsibility

Did you know that your home can be a greater source of pollution than your car? In fact, 17% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses. Simply put, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.

Find an ENERGY STAR® Builder

Contact any of the builders below if you are interested in building an energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® home.

Home Buyers FAQ

Does an ENERGY STAR® qualified home cost more?

An ENERGY STAR® qualified home does not have to cost more than one built only to code. The price is determined by your homebuilder’s construction practices. With most ENERGY STAR® qualified homes, even if the initial cost is higher, the monthly utility savings are greater than the increase in monthly mortgage payments. And that can improve your cash flow.

How do I know my home is ENERGY STAR® qualified?

Look for a blue ENERGY STAR® label on your circuit breaker box or elsewhere in the utility room. If you don’t see one, contact your builder and request documentation that your home has earned the ENERGY STAR—either with an ENERGY STAR® certificate or a Home Energy Rating (HERS) report.

EmPower Maryland logo

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.