Frequently Asked Questions

How is an ENERGY STAR® qualified home different from an R-2000 certified home?

  • Both are highly energy efficient and environmentally responsible homes designed to achieve the same level of energy efficiency.
  • To builders there is a difference. They now have a choice of methods to design and verify resource efficient new homes.

Will an ENERGY STAR® qualified or R-2000 certified home cost more than a conventionally built home?

  • An ENERGY STAR qualified or R-2000 certified home may cost a bit more, but energy, electrical and water savings will more than pay for the extra upfront investment.
  • You might also benefit from increased resale value on your home.

What type of saving can I expect from an ENERGY STAR® qualified home?

  • An ENERGY STAR qualified home could save the homeowner $800 to $1,000 annually in energy costs compared to a conventionally built home (Based on Natural Resources Canada’s Hot-2000 energy simulation software).
  • An ENERGY STAR qualified home offers better protection against cold, heat, drafts, moisture, pollution and noise.
  • ENERGY STAR qualified new home specifications require equipment to be installed that will result in a reduction in electrical use by 1,000 kWh per year and a savings of 100,000 litres of water per year.
  • An ENERGY STAR qualified home produces fewer greenhouse gases.

What is ENERGY STAR®?

  • ENERGY STAR is the international symbol of energy efficiency.
  • The ENERGY STAR symbol identifies products as high efficiency performers in their category.

What is ENERGY STAR® in Canada?

  • ENERGY STAR in Canada is a voluntary arrangement between Natural Resources Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency and organizations that build, manufacture, sell or promote products or new homes that meet the ENERGY STAR levels of energy performance

What is the relationship between ENERGY STAR® for New Homes and EnerGuide for New Houses?

  • An EnerGuide for New Houses label tells homeowners what the specific energy rating is for their ENERGY STAR qualified new home.
  • An ENERGY STAR qualified home will rate about 80 on the EnerGuide for Houses scale.

How do new homes qualify for the ENERGY STAR® mark?

  • In order for a new home to be ENERGY STAR qualified, it must be built to ENERGY STAR for New Homes technical specifications by a licensed ENERGY STAR for New Homes builder.
  • ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to national standards.

Why buy an ENERGY STAR® qualified house?

  • New houses that receive the ENERGY STAR label are approximately 30 percent more energy efficient than conventionally built homes and they are more environmentally responsible.

Where can I find ENERGY STAR® qualified new homes?

  • The ENERGY STAR for New Homes initiative is currently available in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Click here to find a builder in Saskatchewan.