The ENERGY STAR Homes program, developed and managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is a certification program for homes that exceed 2004 IECC energy code requirements by 15% or more. ENERGY STAR Homes are more comfortable, durable, healthy, as well as less costly to operate.

Before construction, the program requires evaluation of home plans and usually energy modeling to optimize various building systems (insulation levels, equipment efficiencies, etc.). During construction, SWA raters visit homes to ensure that the specifications in the plans are truly installed in the field. Raters also check compliance with EPA’s rigorous Thermal Bypass Checklist which mandates air sealing, insulation, and other building durability measures.

After construction is complete, raters return to complete the inspection and perform final testing. Verification includes blower door tests to measure the “tightness” of the home envelope and duct blaster testing to measure leakage from the duct system(s).

Energy Star Qualified Homes Program