ENERGY STAR homes – they’re a win-win-win for everyone
They’re great for the environment, and appealing to buyers, which means building an ENERGY STAR home is good for you as a contractor too.
Johns Manville insulation can play a part in ENERGY STAR certification, helping to meet thermal enclosure requirements. Whether you put Climate Pro® or Attic Protector® blown-in insulation to work, install Formaldehyde-free™ unfaced batts or rolls, use Corbond® spray foam or even AP™ Foil-faced foam sheathing, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s explore all the benefits of building an ENERGY STAR home, from tax credits for the builder to happy customers to a healthier environment.
ENERGY STAR Details
First, what does it mean to be ENERGY STAR certified? A building must meet national program requirements, set by the EPA, to be certified. There are also some regional program requirements in certain areas. ENERGY STAR homes are designed and built better from the ground up. They save energy, save money and by generating less greenhouse gas emissions, they help protect the environment.
An ENERGY STAR home is built to last, and because a home is a big investment, the ENERGY STAR label provides peace of mind for buyers. There are multiple benefits to ENERGY STAR certification, including thermal enclosure (where Johns Manville insulation comes in), heating and cooling, indoor air quality, water management, lighting, appliances and more.
Inflation Reduction Act 45L tax credits for energy efficient new homes
Money talks, so it’s no surprise that at the top of our list of benefits are new tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act, for energy efficient new homes. Builders can receive a $2,500 tax credit for every new ENERGY STAR certified single family home that meets the criteria. There are larger credits for homes that qualify as zero energy ready and meet further qualifications. Manufactured and multifamily residences can also qualify for tax credits.
We’ve have the helpful details about the Inflation Reduction Act on this resource page.
Home buyer appeal
Shopping for a home is a big purchase, so potential buyers are looking to check a lot of boxes. An ENERGY STAR home promises lower energy costs, improved indoor air quality and improved indoor comfort (thanks to insulation!).
Quality insulation that is properly installed does a lot for a home. By eliminating gaps and voids, by preventing air from bypassing insulation and by using building techniques that minimize heat flow through framing, you can ensure consistent temperatures throughout a home. With this comes increased comfort, and reduced energy bills.
ENERGY STAR estimates that sealing air leaks and adding proper insulation in a home can not only help with comfort and energy efficiency but can save up to 10% annually on energy bills. And that’s certainly attractive to buyers.
Being green
ENERGY STAR certified buildings help fight against climate change. ENERGY STAR homes contribute an average of 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions since they use less energy. It was reported that in 2020, the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program helped homeowners reduce 4 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
Many states have introduced a category for sustainable and energy-efficient homes into their multiple listing service (MLS) databases. The MLS is used by realtors to list and find information about homes for sale. Green fields include things like ENERGY STAR-labeled homes, LEED-certified homes, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Standard-certified homes and homes with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index score.
With a growing demand for energy-efficient homes, the ability to call out ENERGY STAR homes in the MLS makes it even easier for them to be top of the list for potential buyers – another checkmark in the win category for home builders.
Home builders aim to give homebuyers what they want, and with so many benefits to an ENERGY STAR certified home, it’s easy to see how building one is good for everyone. Learn more about Johns Manville residential insulation and how it can elevate your next project here.
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