About ENERGY STAR®

What is an ENERGY STAR Labeled Home?

The ENERGY STAR label is the identifying mark of energy efficient equipment, appliances, electronics, and new homes. It provides consumers an easy way to recognize energy-efficient homes verified by a third-party to meet ENERGY STAR performance guidelines.

An ENERGY STAR labeled home uses less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating than a home built to the Texas residential energy efficiency building code called IECC. In addition to energy savings, an ENERGY STAR labeled home offers quality construction, improved comfort and indoor air quality, and higher resale value. Energy efficient features typically include a tighter home envelope, tighter duct sealing, improved levels of insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, and energy-efficient windows.

The construction of ENERGY STAR homes feature the best building practices and technologies-including increased insulation levels, high efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment, superior duct systems, and high performance windows.

• Advanced insulation and air sealing techniques improve your home's thermal performance year-round so you're warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer, plus you'll notice less drafts and less uneven room temperatures.
• High efficiency heating and air conditioning systems use less energy, last longer, and operate more quietly and safely.
• Well-sealed and insulated duct systems reduce energy waste and help eliminate dust, mold, odors and radon gas from entering your home.
• High performance windows are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reduce drafts and create a more comfortable living environment.

What Distinguishes an ENERGY STAR Labeled Home?

For a home to receive an ENERGY STAR label, an accredited, third party rating provider must first test its performance. During the performance testing the home’s Home Energy Ratings System (HERS) score is calculated. The HERS score determines how energy efficient the home is compared to other homes of similar size and construction. If the home scores higher than an 86 on the HERS scale, it meets the ENERGY STAR performance criteria. Once the home has met this criteria it can be given a certificate and an ENERGY STAR label can be displayed in the home.

Does an ENERGY STAR home cost more?

An ENERGY STAR labeled home actually costs less to own because of the dramatic decrease in monthly utility bills. These energy savings can more than offset any increase in mortgage payments needed for the improved energy features. Through better construction and the use of energy-efficient features, ENERGY STAR labeled homes offer lower operating costs (mortgage + utility bills) than typical homes of the same, or even higher, purchase price.

How Can I Learn More?

The ENERGY STAR label is part of a comprehensive, voluntary program of the Environmental Protection Agency that promotes energy efficient products, electronics, equipment, and new homes. To learn more about ENERGY STAR visit www.energystar.gov/homes.

For more information about the Oncor ENERGY STAR Homes Program please call 1.800.273.8741 ext. 5 or email: esh@oncor.com.