​Frequently Asked Questions

High Efficiency Homes

Whether you're a home buyer or a home builder, saving money is always a top priority when it comes to a new house. A high efficiency home is a great way for home buyers to save money on yearly energy costs, and home builders can enjoy rebates and other benefits when working with HEH to build energy-efficient homes. So where do you get started?

What makes a home energy efficient?

Many factors go into creating a high efficiency home. Several factors involved a home's energy performance include:

  • Tight exterior construction to reduce air leaks;
  • High-performance windows;
  • Controlling air leaks through the duct system or unsealed holes;
  • Controlling air entering the home from the outside;
  • Properly installed home insulation;
  • High-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems;
  • High-efficiency water heating equipment;
  • High efficiency lighting fixtures; and
  • Independent inspection and testing

How much can I expect to save with a high efficiency home?

Around $200-250 a year off of your electric bill! All of the homes built through the CenterPoint Energy High Efficiency Homes program are built above energy codes, to an average of 18% above code. The higher rating and savings are achieved with high efficiency HVAC systems, advanced insulation, and better windows than the average new home.

Are high efficiency homes more expensive than normal homes?

It's a common misconception that a high efficiency home is more expensive than a traditional home build. Homes above code in the Houston area are no more expensive than one built with standard appliances and features!

What makes an appliance high efficiency or ENERGY STAR certified?

ENERGY STAR products use less energy that their standard counterparts, and they often perform better in the long run. A strict energy efficiency criteria is set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy across appliances, and the units must meet these to earn the stamp of approval. Since the high efficiency appliances use less energy, these products save you money on your electricity bill each month, as well as help protect the environment. Power plants emit harmful emissions as more energy is used, so the higher efficiency and lower energy usage associated with high efficiency appliances helps limit the negative effect on the environment. from power plants. On top of that, you don't have to compromise on the quality of life features you would expect from a new appliance.

Some examples of high efficiency differentiators and additional product specifications from ENERGY STAR:

·    Qualified refrigerators are at least 15% more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard.

·    Qualified TVs consume 3 watts or less when switched off, compared to a standard TV, which consumes almost 6 watts on average.

·    Office equipment that qualifies automatically enters a low power "sleep" mode after a period of inactivity.

·    Qualified light bulbs (CFLs) use two-thirds less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and must meet additional operating and reliability guidelines.

·    Qualified furnaces offer a rating of 90% AFUE or greater, which is about 15% more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard.

What appliances are held to rating standards In an ENERGY STAR certified home?

Several appliances and home construction elements are held to ENERGY STAR rating standards when assessing whether a home can be certified. Here is a list of what is monitored when rating your new high efficiency home:

·    Air conditioners

·    Heat pumps

·    Furnaces

·    Boilers

·    Window envelopes and insulation

·    Door envelopes and insulation

·    Water heaters

·    Ductwork

·    Lighting

·    Refrigerators

·    Dishwashers

·    Ceiling fans

How do I build a high efficiency home?

Get in touch with one of our partner builders! Since adopting the High Efficiency Homes brand, we've incentivized over 50,000 above code homes, and yours could be next! Make sure to ask about the features of your home and let your builder know that you want high-efficiency appliances and amenities.

What is a smart home?

The Smart Home Energy Management System (SHEMS) is available to high efficiency homes through CenterPoint Energy. The program allows you to take more control over your home's energy usage, so what is included?

A smart home utilizes appliances and equipment that make it easier for you to monitor and change the energy usage and efficiencies throughout your home. SHEMS homes are filled with up to $2,000 retail value of products that allow you to quickly and easily manage your home's power and lighting to make daily energy use more manageable. These products include a central smart hub for complete control, motion sensors to help control lighting and temperature based on occupancy, smart lighting and power outlets for remote control and automation, and smart thermostats to give you the most precise control over your home's heating and cooling.

Learn more about the Smart Home program ad resources available through CenterPoint Energy High Efficiency Homes.

What are some other benefits to owning an ENERGY STAR certified home?

On top of the cost savings you can expect to enjoy for years to come, owning an ENERGY STAR home gives you a sense of comfort and confidence without compromising in performance. Here are some of the top benefits to building and owning an ENERGY STAR certified home from ENERGY STAR.

1. Added Confidence

Home buying is complex enough without having to know all the details of energy-efficient construction. Looking for the government-backed ENERGY STAR label when buying a new home or working with a homebuilder makes it easier to identify homes that are certified to be energy efficient. Find or build your dream home and enjoy peace of mind knowing that it also meets the strict energy efficiency guidelines from ENERGY STAR and the EPA.

2. Lower Ownership Cost

Compared with standard homes, ENERGY STAR certified homes use substantially less energy for things like heating, cooling, and water heating. The lower energy usage throughout your home's most used appliances can deliver $200-$400 in annual savings on your energy bill. Over the average 7-8 years you may live in your home, this adds up to thousands of dollars saved on utility bills. Additional savings on maintenance can also be substantial as high efficiency appliances and homes can require less repairs or replacements.

Financing your home purchase using an ENERGY STAR Mortgage or an energy efficient mortgage can also lead to savings. Learn more about Mortgage Lending Programs through ENERGY STAR.

3. Better Performance

Properly installed energy-efficient improvements deliver better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution, and noise. An energy-efficient home helps ensure consistent temperatures between and across rooms, improved indoor air quality, and greater durability.

4. Smart Investment

To date, more than 8,500 home builders have partnered with EPA to construct more than 1 million ENERGY STAR certified homes. By choosing a home with the ENERGY STAR label, you can be confident that it will have an increasingly valued feature when the time comes to sell as future homebuyers will be looking for the increased cost savings and better environmental impact. The ENERGY STAR label also tells future buyers that the home was built to last, as well as all of the appliances and equipment inside it, increasing the confidence that the next homeowners can have.

5. Environmental Protection

Did you know that your home can be a greater source of pollution than your car? In fact, 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide. Energy used in our homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which can contribute to smog, acid rain, and global warming.

High efficiency homes and ENERGY STAR certified homes utilize less energy as the appliances and equipment included are more energy efficient and environmentally friendly, limiting the effect they have on the world outside your front door.

As a builder, why should I build a high efficiency home?

Partners builders with High Efficiency Homes are able to apply for cash incentives, helping to offset some of the cost of building a high-performance and energy-efficient home. Other benefits include technical assistance such as floor plan review, as well as building analysis to help you find how to get the most efficient building resources for the best price.

How is a high efficiency home rated?

High performance homes built through HEH and partner builders are officially rated using the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). HERS raters are contracted by builders to independently rate and test homes built, giving each project a HERS score. This information, along with project specifications and technology is used by our team to determine the energy savings of the home.

How do I become a partner builder?

To become a partner builder with High Efficiency Homes, all you need to do is apply online through our builder portal! Contact our team today with any additional questions or concerns about getting started with CenterPoint Energy's HEH program.

For any addtional questions and to find more information, please contact the High Efficiency Homes team at newhomes@centerpointenergy.com. You can also visit https://www.energystar.gov/ to learn more about ENERGY STAR® certified homes.