What makes a home ENERGY STAR?

Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Building Code (IRC) and are verified by an independent third party Home Energy Rater. ENERGY STAR builders achieve this high efficiency by implementing the following features:

Tight construction and ducts

Advanced techniques for sealing holes and cracks in the homes “envelope” and in heating and cooling ducts help reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, pests, and noise. 

Effective Insulation

Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, while using less energy.

Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment

An energy-efficient, properly sized and installed heating and cooling system uses less energy to operate, which reduces your utility bills.

High Performance Windows

Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frame assemblies, to help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer.

Efficient Products

ENERGY STAR Homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products such as lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances that offer additional energy savings.

Independent testing

While it is easy to claim that homes are energy efficient, ENERGY STAR building partners back that up with verification by an independent Home Energy Rater. The Rater conducts onsite inspections and testing to verify the performance of the energy efficiency features in the home.

Marshall Municipal Utilities will assist home owners and contractors from the design stage through completion of new home construction to insure proper construction techniques are used and energy efficient equipment is installed to achieve ENERGY STAR certification. 

MMU will rebate the entire cost of design review, third party home performance verification and testing, and ENERGY STAR certification (up to $1,000) for new homes located in MMU’s service territory achieving ENERGY STAR Certification.

To download a rebate application form click here: ENERGY STAR Homes Rebate Form

Along with the above incentives, homeowners may also receive additional rebates for the following equipment installed in their home:

·        ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioners or Heat Pump systems

·        Electronically Commutated (ECM) furnace air handler motors

·        ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers.

·        ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent fixtures and energy efficient CFL bulbs.

For more information on the benefits of ENERGY STAR qualified homes, please visit the ENERGY STAR Website.