Single-Family Program Requirements

Eligibility

The ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (SFNH) program requirements apply to site-built and modular detached Dwellings (e.g., single family homes and duplexes) and Townhouses. For details, see the Program Requirements documents below.

Program Versions

To determine the applicable SFNH program requirements, including the minimum Version and Revision, see the SFNH Applicable Program Requirements, Versions, and Revisions by Location (PDF, 215 KB). For quick reference, find the minimum Version required for certification in each state on the map below.

The map indicates that a Single-Family New Homes Version 3.2 is required in Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington; implementation date for Version 3.2 is defined, but not yet required, in Illinois and Virginia; that regional program requirements are applicable in California, Guam, Hawaii, the Northern Mariana Islands, the US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico; and that, in all other states, Version 3.1 is required.

Key Updates:

Version 3.2 is required in CT, FL, MD, NJ, OR, VT, and WA for certification of homes permitted on or after 1/1/2025.
An implementation date for v3.2 is defined, but not yet required, in IL and VA.
Revision 14 of the program requirements has been released. Read the Highlights (PDF, 226 KB) here.

Partners should be aware that the § 45L tax credit may require a more rigorous version than the EPA requires for certification. To see the minimum eligible versions required for the tax credit, visit www.energystar.gov/45LTaxCredits.

Certification Process

Each home must meet certain minimum mandatory requirements, and these are verified in the field by a third-party Rater that is credentialed by an EPA-recognized Home Certification Organization (HCO). Visit the Single-Family New Construction Certification Process page to learn more.

Program Requirements

Program documents reflect Revision 14. Read the Highlights (PDF, 226 KB) here and find details in the Policy Record. Historical documents can be found in the Archives.