Say Hello to Energy Performance Score
The smart, easy way to assess new home performance
Energy use and carbon footprint are important factors to consider when buying or building a new home. They affect a home’s operating costs and performance over time as well as how it will impact the environment.
Energy Performance Score, brought to you by
Energy Trust of Oregon, takes these factors into consideration, making it easy to compare how an efficient newly built home is expected to perform compared to similar-sized homes in Oregon. The lower the score, the better—a low EPS identifies a home as energy-efficient with a smaller carbon footprint and lower energy costs. A home’s EPS can range from zero to 200+—zero being the most efficient, 200+ being the least.
Energy Trust offers resources to help you shop for a new home that has earned an EPS or find a local builder that constructs high-performance homes with EPS.
How does EPS work?
EPS is a calculation—based on a range of factors—that makes it easy to compare newly built homes based on energy efficiency and expected energy costs. It helps homebuyers evaluate behind-the-walls features that affect a home’s performance.
Check out an example of an EPS sheet so you know what to look for.
Look for these common features in homes with low scores
Builders use a range of strategies to boost energy efficiency, minimize energy costs and reduce environmental impacts. The following features can be found in homes boasting low energy scores:
Improved insulation
Properly installed insulation can help keep heat inside during winter and outside during summer. Insulation is given a rating that reflects its resistance to heat flow; the greater the number, the better the insulating quality. Look for the R-Value on the home’s EPS sheet to see how efficient the insulation is.
Efficient windows
The rate of heat loss in windows is indicated in terms of the U-Value. The lower the U-Value, the greater a window's resistance to heat flow and the better its insulating properties. This results in a more comfortable home and greater energy efficiency. EPS homes require windows with a value of at least U-0.30.
Properly sealed house and ducts
A tightly built home matched with an approved ventilation system reduces unwanted air exchanges between the house, crawl space, attic and the outdoors, which keeps the air in the home cleaner—eliminating allergens and potential mold. This allows for a safer, healthier and more comfortable indoor environment. An EPS home is reviewed by a third party verifier to ensure it’s well-sealed with improved ventilation and moisture control to help keep allergens and molds out of the home.
Efficient appliances and lighting
ENERGY STAR® certified appliances use up to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. Compact fluorescent lighting uses up to 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent lighting. For a newly built home to earn an EPS, an ENERGY STAR dishwasher is required and 80 percent of the lighting must be ENERGY STAR bulbs or fixtures.
Efficient heating, cooling and ventilation
Energy-efficient furnaces, air conditioners and other equipment provide superior heating, cooling and ventilation and can lower energy bills, enhance comfort and improve indoor air quality. ENERGY STAR certified water heaters are also encouraged for installation as they can save up to 35 percent on a home’s water heating costs while still ensuring comfort.
Solar electric
Solar panels use the sun to heat your water or convert its rays into electricity to help meet your energy needs, reducing the amount of energy you need to buy. Learn more about solar electric.
Solar water heating
Solar water heating systems use energy from the sun to pre-heat water. They require minimal roof space and are ideal for installation on new construction. Learn more about solar water heating.
Advanced framing
The amount of lumber used in framing can be cut by up to 19 percent, creating more room for insulation to make the home more efficient and comfortable.
How does a home receive an EPS?
To determine a home’s EPS, a third-party verifier analyzes the home's features and construction techniques and tests performance for factors such as air leakage. EPS is a voluntary rating that builders request before construction. Homebuyers can also request a newly built home that has an EPS.
EPS works with home certifications
Many homes that have earned an EPS also have certifications such as Earth Advantage®, ENERGY STAR® or LEED for Homes®. Learn about the different certifications to make shopping easier.
Still have questions? Call us at 1.866.368.7878.