ENERGY STAR qualified homes use less energy than homes built to typical Maine building standards, are third-party tested and function more efficiently as a system.  This results in benefits for homeowners through dramatically reduced energy costs, increased buying power with more favorable financing options through energy efficient mortgages, higher return on investment with better resale value, greater comfort than the typical Maine home AND often for the same or less money. 

To earn the Department of Energy ENERGY STAR label on new home a MABEP HERS Rater must first conduct a plan analysis to determine the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures for the home.  The Rater will work with the Builder/Contractor as they evaluate the various measures and select an ENERGY STAR Building Path.  Prescriptive or Performance Path, the Rater will be actively involved during the home building process.  The MABEP HERS Rater will inspect the home several times during construction and perform diagnostic tests to analyze the home’s energy performance.

Many Builders/Contractors will select the Performance Path which requires a HERS Index.  The results of the Rater’s diagnostic tests and inspections will determine the home’s HERS Index which, as is explained in another section, indicates how energy-efficient the home is compared to other homes of similar size and construction.

If the home meets the individual target HERS Index for that home, it can qualifies for the ENERGY STAR.

Starting April 1, 2011, EPA released a new version of ENERGY STAR (Version 3) requirements. The ENERGY STAR home qualification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the  Department of Energy (DOE) has always been an ambitious goal and this new version is no different.  Now, there is no longer a fixed HERS Index needed to reach the ENERGY STAR qualification.  The new HERS Index target for ENERGY STAR homes is now based on more demanding ENERGY STAR Reference Design specifications and the building size and climate zone.

For example, in prior years the energy efficiency of houses was rated on a scale of 1-100 HERS points and 1-5 stars. A rating of 80 points or 5 stars would qualify a house for the ENERGY STAR designation in Maine.  Now the HERS Index may vary from home to home based on the ENERGY STAR Refence Design Specifications.

Finally, it is critical to remember that though the new standards are strict, any home can be built to ENERGY STAR specifications and the benefits are great.

To learn more about the technical specifications for ENERGY STAR qualified homes or to plan a project, please contact MABEP HERS.