2. Energy stars ► 1. Effective Insulation ► Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort. Learn more about Properly Installed Insulation (149KB). Properly Installed InsulationProperly Installed Insulation ► 2. High-Performance Windows ► Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings. Learn more about Qualified Windows (212KB). Qualified WindowsQualified Windows ► 3. Tight Construction and Ducts Tight Construction and Ducts ► Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance. Learn more about Efficient Duct Systems (163KB). Efficient Duct SystemsEfficient Duct Systems

3. Energy Star Insulation

4. Energy Star Window!

5. energy star Efficient Duct Systems

6. Appliances

7. ► 4. Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment ► In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment won't have to work so hard to heat and cool the home. Learn more about: ► Qualified Heating Equipment (142KB) Qualified Heating Equipment Qualified Heating Equipment ► Qualified Cooling Equipment (178KB) Qualified Cooling Equipment Qualified Cooling Equipment ► Mechanical Ventilation (140KB) Mechanical Ventilation Mechanical Ventilation ► 5. Efficient Products ► ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified products: ENERGY STAR qualified productsENERGY STAR qualified products ► Qualified Appliances (153KB) Qualified Appliances Qualified Appliances ► Qualified Lighting (170KB) Qualified Lighting Qualified Lighting ► Advanced Lighting Package (91KB) Advanced Lighting Package Advanced Lighting Package ► High Efficiency Water Heaters (177KB) High Efficiency Water Heaters High Efficiency Water Heaters

8. Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment

9. ► 6. Third-Party Verification ► With the help of independent Home Energy Raters, ENERGY STAR builder partners choose the most appropriate energy-saving features for their homes. Additionally, raters conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify the energy efficiency measures, as well as insulation, air tightness, and duct sealing details. Learn more about Independent Inspection and Testing (182KB). Independent Inspection and TestingIndependent Inspection and Testing ► Benefits ► ADDED CONFIDENCE ► ► ► ► ► ► Read our Consumer Brochure Read our Consumer Brochure Read our Consumer Brochure ► Home buying is complex enough without having to know all the details of energy-efficient construction. Instead, look for the government-backed ENERGY STAR label to easily identify homes that are truly energy efficient. Find the house of your dreams and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it also meets strict energy efficiency guidelines. ► LOWER OWNERSHIP COST ► Compared with standard homes, ENERGY STAR qualified homes use substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating-delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings. Over the average 7 to 8 years you may live in your home, this adds up to thousands of dollars saved on utility bills. Additional savings on maintenance can also be substantial. Financing your home purchase using an ENERGY STAR Mortgage or an energy efficient mortgage can also lead to savings. Learn more about Mortgage Lending Programs. Learn more about Mortgage Lending ProgramsLearn more about Mortgage Lending Programs

10. ► BETTER PERFORMANCE ► Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise. An energy-efficient home helps ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability. energy-efficient improvementsenergy-efficient improvements ► SMART INVESTMENT ► To date, more than 8,500 home builders have partnered with EPA to construct more than 1 million ENERGY STAR qualified homes. The trend is clear. By choosing a home with the ENERGY STAR label, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell. 8,500 home builders8,500 home builders ► ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ► Did you know that your home can be a greater source of pollution than your car? In fact, 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide. ► Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. Simply put, the less energy we use in our homes, the less air pollution we generate.