Home > Partner Resources > New Home Industry > Technical Resources > ENERGY STAR Policy for Existing Homes

ENERGY STAR Policy for Existing Homes

Any home, new or existing, that can be field verified to meet all EPA requirements for ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes can earn the label. Given that the verification process entails inspecting insulation and air barrier assemblies as part of the Thermal Bypass Checklist (TBC), it is unlikely existing homes will be able to qualify unless they are part of a gut rehab project exposing all insulated framing assemblies.

Where a new construction project has changed mid-stream to ENERGY STAR, the builder may ask a HERS Rater to field verify some completed units. Since the HERS rater is allowed to defer up to six TBC checklist items to the builder for verification, it may be possible to complete the TBC where remaining items can be field verified by the HERS Rater even though construction is complete (e.g., attic-side knee-wall air barriers). In this case and where all other field verification requirements are met, a completed home may earn the ENERGY STAR label.

Many HERS raters have asked if they can use an infrared camera diagnostic in lieu of a TBC visual inspection. EPA defers to RESNET national technical standards regarding the home energy rating process. At this time, infrared diagnostics are not included in the RESNET Technical Standards, and it will therefore be up to RESNET to issue a formal policy on this matter and for each rater to interpret whether the infrared diagnostic can be utilized and comply with RESNET requirements.