ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3 Guidelines

Should I use the Version 3 guidelines?

  • All homes with permit dates after January 1, 2012 must be certified under Version 3.
  • All homes with permit dates prior to January 1, 2012 must be certified under Version 3 if the final inspection dates are after July 1, 2012.
  • No homes may be certified under Version 3 prior to January 1, 2012, except as part of a sponsored Version 3 pilot program.

For more information about the transition from Version 2 to Version 3, including the transitional Version 2.5 guidelines, see the Transition Timeline.

How to Certify a Home

Select the core energy efficiency measures

There are two paths to certify a home to earn the ENERGY STAR. The Prescriptive Path is based on a predefined package of improvements, while the Performance Path is based on a customized package of upgrades. The National Program Requirements define the core energy efficiency specifications for both the Prescriptive and Performance Paths. See the National Program Requirements PDF (204KB) (Revision 06).

Complete inspection checklists

Both the Performance and Prescriptive Paths require completion of four inspection checklists:

  • Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist
  • HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist
  • HVAC System Quality Installation Contractor Checklist
  • Water Management System Builder Checklist

These checklists include building science practices that promote improved comfort, indoor air quality, and durability in certified homes. The Inspection Checklists document contains the four checklists that every home certified under Version 3 must complete. See the Inspection Checklists PDF (869KB) (Revision 06).

EPA has developed guidebooks for these inspection checklists to explain the rationale behind each item.

Standard Features of an ENERGY STAR a Certified New Home
Download Standard Features of
an ENERGY STAR a Certified
New Home PDF (571KB)

Issue ENERGY STAR Label and Certificate

EPA requires that ENERGY STAR certified homes be labeled and that homeowners to receive an ENERGY STAR certificate for their homes. Using RESNET-approved energy rating software, Providers can print labels and generate certificates that contain specific information about homes. Once a home has been certified to meet ENERGY STAR requirements, Providers will send ENERGY STAR certified home labels and certificates to builders. The labels should be affixed to the circuit breaker box of the home, and the certificates should be distributed to homeowners.

Sampling Protocol

'Sampling' allows builders who have demonstrated an ability to consistently meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines to minimize production interruptions and verification costs. For more information, see Chapter 6 of the Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards Exit ENERGY STAR.

Policy Changes and Clarifications

EPA periodically makes policy changes and clarifications, typically in response to a unique situation within a particular climate zone, and shares frequently–asked questions. See Recent Policy Changes and Clarifications.

Regional Specifications

County–level ENERGY STAR Reference Design documents and regional specifications have been developed for states with advanced codes or unique climate considerations. See Regional Specifications.

Sector–Specific Policies

EPA has developed eligibility and verification guidance for the following specific housing sectors:

Training Requirements and Resources

Version 3 includes new and more rigorous requirements for builders, raters, and HVAC contractors. EPA requires that they each complete training on Version 3 to promote successful adoption and has created a number of resources to assist them in understanding the guidelines. Learn More

Version 3 Development Archives

  • Estimated Cost and Savings PDF (369KB). This document includes estimates of representative incremental costs and savings for the ENERGY STAR Version 3 guidelines.
  • EPA has archived documents related to the development of the Version 3 guidelines, including the draft specifications, public comments, and EPA responses. View the Archives.