Skip to main content

Homepage Header Links

  • About ENERGY STAR
  • Partner Resources

Homepage Header Search box

 
ENERGY STAR
  • Energy Efficient Products

    energy efficient products

    ENERGY 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.

    • Find ENERGY STAR Products
    • Energy Savings at Home
    • Take the Pledge
    • Learn about Climate Change

    • Ways to Save

    • Tax Credits

    • Ask an Expert

    • Heat and Cool Efficiently

    How can we help you?

    • How can I make my home entertainment center more energy efficient?
    • What should I know about LED lights?
    • I'd like to know about power management.
    • How can I reduce hot water use in my home?

    Quick Links

    • Where does my money go?
    • Set and Save with ENERGY STAR
    • Product Finder
    • Rebate Finder
    • Best Value Finder
    • Find ENERGY STAR Products
    • Energy Savings at Home
    • Take the Pledge
    • Learn about Climate Change
  • Energy Savings At Home

    energy savings at home

    Improving your home's energy efficiency with ENERGY STAR can help to lower high energy bills, improve comfort and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Learn about the many ways to save in your home and track your progress with "My ENERGY STAR" - your new dashboard to savings.

    • Start Saving Now
    • Take the Pledge
    • Home Assessment Tools
    • Seal and Insulate Your Home
    • Learn about ENERGY STAR Products
    • Learn about Home Performance with ENERGY STAR

    • Ways to Save
    • Happy couple looking at ENERGY STAR Home Advisor on their laptop
      Home Assessment Tools

    • Heat and Cool Efficiently

    • Tax Credits

    How can we help you?

    • I want help with improving my home's comfort and efficiency
    • How can I heat and cool my home efficiently?
    • How can I stop drafts?
    • I'd like to know about power management for my computer.
    • How do I choose the right lighting for my home?
    • I'm upgrading my kitchen appliances. What should I know?

    Quick Links

    • Home Improvement FAQs
    • HVAC Maintenance Tips
    • For Home Improvement Contractors
    • ENERGY STAR Choose a Light Guide
    • My ENERGY STAR Dashboard
    ​
    • Start Saving Now
    • Take the Pledge
    • Home Assessment Tools
    • Seal and Insulate Your Home
    • Learn about ENERGY STAR Products
    • Learn about Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
  • Energy Efficient New Homes

    new homes & apartments

    A new home or apartment 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 and apartments use significantly less energy than typical new homes and apartments while delivering better comfort, quality, and durability.

    • Find Builders and Incentives
    • Home Features and Benefits
    • Homeowner Testimonials
    • Resources for Partners

    • Find ENERGY STAR Home Builders

    • ENERGY STAR
      Home Features
      and Benefits

    • Homeowner Testimonials

    • Find an Energy Efficient Apartment

    How can we help you?

    • Features of an energy efficient new home
    • Benefits of living in an ENERGY STAR certified home
    • I want to buy an ENERGY STAR certified home
    • I want to construct an ENERGY STAR certified home
    • I want to find an ENERGY STAR apartment

    Quick Links

    • Builder and Incentive Locator
    • In the News
    • Green Homes and ENERGY STAR
    • Energy Efficient Mortgage Programs
    • Find Energy Efficient Certified Apartments and Condos
    • Find Builders and Incentives
    • Home Features and Benefits
    • Homeowner Testimonials
    • Resources for Partners
  • Energy Strategies for Buildings & Plants

    buildings & plants

    Improve financial performance and reduce carbon emissions with EPA's strategic energy management approach.

    • Facility Owners & Managers
    • Service Providers
    • Energy Efficiency Program Administrators
    • Tenants
    • Tools & Resources

    • Portfolio Manager
    • Find Certified Buildings

    • National Building Competition

    • Find Expert Help

    How can we help you?

    • Build an energy program
    • Improve buildings & plant performance
    • Earn the ENERGY STAR & other recognition
    • Benchmark energy use
    • ENERGY STAR in action
    • Communicate & educate

    Quick Links

    • Portfolio Manager
    • Target Finder
    • Plant EPIs
    • Commercial Food Service
    • Tools & Resources
    • Facility Owners & Managers
    • Energy Efficiency Program Administrators
The simple choice for energy efficiency.

You are here

Home » Explore Features & Benefits

Energy Efficient New Homes

Energy efficient and comfortable new homes
  • Explore Features & Benefits
    • Thermal Enclosure
    • Heating & Cooling
    • Water Management
    • Lighting & Appliances
    • Independent Inspections & Tests
  • Testimonials & Stories
    • Hear from ENERGY STAR Homebuilders
    • Hear from Homeowners
  • In the News
    • In the News Archive
  • Tools and Resources
  • New Home Construction Professionals

Complete Thermal Enclosure System

Thermal Enclosure System

Comprehensive air sealing, properly installed insulation, and high–performance windows work together to enhance comfort, improve durability, reduce maintenance costs, and lower monthly utility bills. Learn more about a complete thermal enclosure system in this fact sheet (PDF, 1.85MB).




Air Sealing

By using less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating, ENERGY STAR certified homes deliver approximately 20% savings on annual utility bills. Over the 7 to 8 years that a typical family lives in a home, you can save thousands of dollars in maintenance cost.

Properly Installed Insulation

It's not just the amount of insulation; it's the quality of installation that makes all the difference. Proper installation includes careful placement to eliminate gaps, voids, and compression; complete air barriers that prevent air from bypassing the insulation; and building techniques that minimize heat flow through framing. This ensures consistent temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort.

High–Performance Windows

Advanced technologies, like protective coatings and improved frames, help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. They also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings.

Learn about Complete Heating and Cooling Systems >

Explore ENERGY STAR Home Features

Every ENERGY STAR certified home is built with the following features. Ask your builder for more information.

  • Complete Thermal Enclosure System
  • High-Efficiency Heating & Cooling
  • Water Protection System
  • Efficient Lighting & Appliances
  • Independent Inspections & Testing
The Reagan Family, Cottage Grove, MN

“We love the style, feel and location of our new home. When we learned it was an ENERGY STAR home, it was the icing on the cake. Saving money is what did it for us. We doubled the size of our home, but our energy bills were comparable. Plus, the temperature throughout the house is consistent so we're always comfortable.”

—The Reagan Family
Cottage Grove, MN

Main menu

  • Energy Efficient Products
    • Find ENERGY STAR Products
    • Energy Savings at Home
    • Take the Pledge
    • Learn about Climate Change
  • Energy Savings At Home
    • Start Saving Now
    • Take the Pledge
    • Home Assessment Tools
    • Seal and Insulate Your Home
    • Learn about ENERGY STAR Products
    • Learn about Home Performance with ENERGY STAR
  • Energy Efficient New Homes
    • Find Builders and Incentives
    • Home Features and Benefits
    • Homeowner Testimonials
    • Resources for Partners
  • Energy Strategies for Buildings & Plants
    • Facility Owners & Managers
    • Service Providers
    • Energy Efficiency Program Administrators
    • Tenants
    • Tools & Resources

Homepage Footer last menu

  • ENERGY STAR Home
  • About ENERGY STAR
  • Recursos en Español
  • Publications
  • Partner Resources
  • Contact Us | FAQs
  • Newsroom
  • Kids
  • Privacy
  • US EPA logo
    EPA Home
  • US DOE logo
    DOE Home