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Energy Efficient
Products
Energy Efficient
ProductsENERGY STAR products are independently certified to save energy without sacrificing features or functionality. Saving energy helps prevent climate change. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to save money on your energy bills and help protect our environment.
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Energy Savings
At Home
Energy Savings
At HomeImproving your home's energy efficiency with ENERGY STAR can help to reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Let us help you — whether you do-it-yourself or hire a qualified professional.
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Energy Efficient
New Homes
Energy Efficient
New HomesA new home that has earned the ENERGY STAR label has undergone a process of inspections, testing, and verification to meet strict requirements set by the US EPA. ENERGY STAR certified homes use 15-30% less energy than typical new homes while delivering better comfort, quality, and durability.
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Energy Strategies for
Buildings & Plants
Buildings
& PlantsImprove financial performance and reduce carbon emissions with EPA's strategic energy management approach.
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Home > Partner Resources > For New Home Industry Professionals > Version 2.5 and 3 Guidelines > Regional Specs > California ENERGY STAR Version 3
California ENERGY STAR Version 3 Guidelines
Should I use the Version 3 guidelines?
- Homes permitted on or after October 1, 2012 must be certified under Version 3 of the guidelines for California.
For more information about the transition from Version 2 to Version 3, including the transitional Version 2.5 and Version 3 guidelines, see the Transition Timeline for California.
How to Qualify a Home
Select the core energy efficiency measures
There is only one path to qualify a home to earn the ENERGY STAR in California, the Performance Path. The Performance Path is based on a customized package of upgrades. See Version 3 Program Requirements for California 
(99KB) (Revision 03).
Complete inspection checklists
The Version 3 Program Requirements for California require the completion and enforcement of four inspection checklists:
- Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist
- HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist
- HVAC System Quality Installation Contractor Checklist
- Water Management System Builder Checklist
These checklists include building science practices that promote improved comfort, indoor air quality, and durability in certified homes. The Inspection Checklists document contains the four checklists that every home certified under Version 3 must complete. See the national Inspection Checklists (869KB) (Revision 06).
EPA has developed guidebooks on the checklists to explain the rationale behind each item.
Sampling Protocol
‘Sampling’ allows builders who have demonstrated an ability to consistently meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines to minimize production interruptions and verification costs. For more information, see the California Home Energy Rating System Program Regulations. 
Policy Changes and Clarifications
EPA periodically makes policy changes and clarifications, typically in response to a unique situation within a particular climate zone, and shares frequently–asked questions. See Recent Policy Changes and Clarifications.
Training Requirements and Resources
Version 3 includes new and more rigorous requirements for builders, raters, and HVAC contractors. EPA requires that they each complete training on Version 3 to promote successful adoption and has created a number of resources to assist them in understanding the guidelines. Learn More
California Version 3 Development Archives
Summary of Public Comment Period for Draft Version 3 California Guidelines (40KB) This document contains a summary of comments received during the California comment period, along with EPA's response to each point raised and the resulting policy change, if any.
