How to Promote ENERGY STAR Through HOME Investment Partnership Program

Information by State  Print version   Energy Star for Grantees   Energy Efficiency with CDBG and HOME ENERGY STAR and HUD Programs   CDBG   Public and Indian Housing   HOPE VI For More Information For questions, comments or further information on HUD's Energy Action Plan or HUD's energy initiatives, please email EnergyAction@hud.gov. or call (202) 402-2978.

HUD encourages the HOME Program's participating jurisdictions (PJs) to undertake activities that prolong the use of energy efficient residences for low-income persons. One way this can be accomplished is to incorporate ENERGY STAR qualified products and practices when conducting rehabilitation or constructing new housing. Why choose ENERGY STAR? Because it:

• Lowers utility bills,
• Improves comfort,
• Increases project value.

HOME assistance may be used for housing rehabilitation, new construction, acquisition and tenant-based rental assistance. HOME assistance used to fund rehabilitation activities require that structures be brought up compliance with local codes, as well as increase the efficient use of energy. Increasing energy efficiency can be accomplished through the installation of storm windows and doors, siding, wall and attic insulation, and conversion, modification, or replacement of heating and cooling equipment, including the use of solar energy equipment. Energy auditing and home energy rating are also an eligible use of HOME assistance.

HOME assistance used in new housing construction must meet the current edition of the Model Energy Code (MEC) published by the Council of American Building Officials. PJs are encouraged to use ENERGY STAR specifications that are higher than MEC standards.

Click on the links below to learn how to incorporate ENERGY STAR in your HOME-funded rehab and construction projects.

	HOME-Funded New Construction
	HOME-Funded Rehabilitation

Find Help

Use the Partner Locator to find homebuilders that build ENERGY STAR qualified new homes, utilities that offer special incentives to buyers and builders of ENERGY STAR qualified new homes, home improvement contractors, and home energy raters that can verify the energy efficiency of a home.

HOME-Funded New Construction

Typical household energy use

There are two key ways to incorporate ENERGY STAR into your new construction projects:

• Specify ENERGY STAR qualified products
• Adopt ENERGY STAR standards for building performance

Specify ENERGY STAR Qualified Products
Follow the links below for information on specific products. Use the energy-savings calculators to compare the annual savings of an ENERGY STAR qualified model with a non-qualifying model. Locate rebates in your area on certain ENERGY STAR qualified products.

	Appliances
	Heating and Cooling
	Insulation and Air Sealing
	Lighting
	Roof Products
	Windows and Doors

Make smart purchasing decisions using ENERGY STAR procurement resources. A clear procurement policy is a key element in the project's financial soundness.

Adopt ENERGY STAR Building Standards

ENERGY STAR qualified new homes save money and the environment.

Any single-family or multifamily residential building that is three stories or less in height can qualify to receive the ENERGY STAR label. The ENERGY STAR label is earned only after the home's energy efficiency is verified, either by an independent third-party such as an accredited home energy rater or by following the Builder Option Packages (BOPs), or by adhering to the quality control procedures established for HUD-code manufactured homes.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to be at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 1993 national Model Energy Code or 15% more efficient than state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. These savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of:

• building envelope upgrades,
• high performance windows,
• controlled air infiltration,
• upgraded heating and air conditioning systems,
• tight duct systems and
• upgraded water-heating equipment.

HOME-Funded Rehabilitation

There are three key ways to incorporate ENERGY STAR when conducting rehabilitation:

• Specify ENERGY STAR qualified products
• Conduct home sealing
• Follow recommendations for energy-efficient HVAC systems

Specify ENERGY STAR Qualified Products
Follow the links below for information on specific products. Use the energy-savings calculators to compare the annual savings of an ENERGY STAR qualified model with a non-qualifying model. Locate rebates in your area on certain ENERGY STAR qualified products.

	Appliances
	Heating and Cooling
	Insulation and Air Sealing
	Lighting
	Roof Products
	Windows and Doors

Make smart purchasing decisions using ENERGY STAR procurement resources. A clear procurement policy is a key element in the project's financial soundness.

Conduct Home Sealing
Sealing air leaks and adding insulation can save 20% or more on heating and cooling costs. These measures will also help to eliminate chilly drafts and improve comfort for housing residents.

Have a professional conduct a thorough energy audit before air sealing and insulating a home.

Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems
Heating and cooling a typical single-family home costs about $600 a year -- nearly half the home's total energy bill. In multifamily buildings, space heating accounts for one-third the total energy usage. Choosing ENERGY STAR qualified equipment is an important step to saving money. Correct sizing and installation is key to maximizing cost savings and equipment performance. Use the ENERGY STAR Guide to Energy-Efficient Cooling and Heating to get the most out of your HVAC system.