How to Obtain an Energy Star Certified Modular Home 

Various factors continue driving the housing market’s rising costs, from low inventory and high demand to supply chain issues and rising construction pricing. In the face of New York State’s affordable housing shortage, one viable solution has begun to shine: modular homes.

These homes are built from the inside out, with building components constructed in plants rather than onsite. Once the home is about 80 percent completed, the units are inspected for quality before transport to the home site. Once onsite, the units are installed and completed for a cost-effective, lasting home that is every bit as beautiful and durable as a traditional home.

Not only do these home options offer increased affordability, but they can also be incredibly energy efficient. This helps homeowners enjoy significant savings on energy costs. Many new modular homes can be Energy Star certified in the plant, but how do you ensure your existing home meets Energy Star standards? 

Standard can help with everything from home energy audits designed to assess potential problem areas to connecting homeowners with free and low-cost energy upgrades. The Standard team is here to enhance home energy efficiency and comfort every step of the way. 

Energy Star Certified Mobile Homes 

Energy Star certification ensures the performance of a modular home meets stringent standards. The benefits include more consistent temperatures and improved comfort. Perhaps even more importantly, it verifies the home’s efficient energy use for heating and cooling, which can help save thousands of dollars in energy costs over the life of the home. 

Regional Program Requirements 

To qualify for Energy Star certification, modular homes in New York State must meet specific requirements. They must feature Energy Star doors, windows, appliances, and lighting. Other primary category requirements include: 

• Cooling: Using an air conditioner with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 14 or higher or installing a heat pump 
• Heating: Using heating equipment like gas furnaces or boilers with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95 or using an Energy Star air source heat pump with a Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) of 9.2 and a 16 SEER 
• Insulation: Installing or upgrading insulation to meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards or the 2021 International Conservation Code (IECC) levels 
• Air Sealing: When tested, infiltration should be modeled at 3 ACH50, which is no more than three air changes per hour 
• Water Heating: Using a gas or electric water heater with Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) ratings of 0.90 or 2.20, respectively 

Free and Reduced Cost Modular Home Energy Upgrade 

Although many of today’s modular homes leave the plant with Energy Star certification, how can a homeowner verify that it remains efficient? Additionally, how can existing modular homeowners achieve Energy Star certification?

It requires a combination of assessments to identify the home’s energy use and its potential challenges and necessary upgrades. In other words, it could mean making an investment in the assessment process. However, thousands of homeowners throughout the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region qualify for free and low-cost improvements through various partner programs connected with Standard.

EmPower New York 

EmPower New York is one of the leading programs that makes energy upgrades affordable for Upstate New Yorkers. It begins with an energy audit and efficiency testing to determine how the home is currently using energy and to pinpoint areas in need of improvement. For income-qualified homeowners and renters in buildings with four or fewer units, necessary improvements could be completely free or available at a significantly reduced cost.

Make an Old Modular Home Energy Efficient 

How can you enhance an older modular home? No two homes are the same, which is why beginning with an energy audit is critical.

With Standard, our Building Performance Institute (BPI)-certified auditors complete a visual inspection and specialized testing. Blower door tests, infrared scanning, and other methods help technicians determine how airtight the home is and locate potential issues and challenges. The results can also reveal possible safety issues like excess moisture and inadequate ventilation. From there, technicians make the appropriate recommendations, which could include: 

• Upgrading insulation 
• Air sealing and ventilation improvements 
• HVAC replacement
• Heat pump installation 
• Hot water heater replacement 

Evaluate and Manage Energy Use 

Another critical way to ensure optimal energy efficiency is with routine HVAC inspections and regular heating and air conditioning maintenance. Regularly changing the air filter and getting a yearly tune-up can keep everything running smoothly and help you catch issues that require heating and AC repairs quickly. Other helpful tips include installing a smart thermostat and sealing heating and cooling ducts. 

Begin Your Modular Home’s Energy Star Certification with Standard 

The road to Energy Star certification could be simpler (and less expensive) than you may think when working with industry leaders like Standard, a company renowned for its commitment to saving homeowners money. If you’re ready to begin the journey toward Energy Star certification, call to determine your home’s eligibility or to schedule a free energy audit.