Q: I'm having a new home built. What should my builder do to make it more efficient?
A: A consultant that partners with the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR^® Home Program can work with your builder to help him or her build you a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home. These consultants review all the ways to minimize energy costs in your new home.

Q: What is a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home?
A: Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes are homes that have been designed, built, and tested to ensure:

• Energy Efficiency - by ensuring correct framing, insulation installation, and air-sealing processes.
• Combustion Safety - by requiring combustion equipment that vents gases outdoors.
• Durability - by controlling the level of moisture, which can damage a home's structure.
• Comfort - by reducing drafts and controlling airflow.

A certified home meets construction standards established by the Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation, which administrates the Focus on Energy program for the state.

Q: What makes a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home different from other homes?
A: Buyers of these homes are assured that their builders paid close attention to details that improve the overall performance of the home. In addition, a consultant that partners with the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes Program evaluates every home in the program during the process. At the final visit, the finished home must pass stringent air-tightness and ventilation tests before it is certified.

Q: Does it cost more to build a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home?
A: In most cases, building a home to the program standards does not greatly increase the cost of construction. It depends on the changes that your builder needs to make from their current building practices and the types of energy efficiency equipment or products that you and your builder choose to put in the home. There is a consultant fee for each home that is charged to the builder and may be passed along to you. The good news is in many cases you'll actually save money year after year through reduced energy use and be much more comfortable with your Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home.

Q: Will I save money on energy bills by building a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home?
A: Yes, Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes are, on average, 25 percent more energy efficient than homes built to Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code.

Q: What should I do if I want to build a Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Home?
A: You can:

• Refer to the list of builders that partner with the Wisconsin ENERGY STAR Homes Program. See link below.
• If you have already selected a builder who is not on the list, you can join the program by committing your home to be built to these standards.
• Call us at 1.800.762.7077 for more information.

Q: Who pays the consultant?
A: The full cost of a consultant's fees vary. Some of the variables that affect the price include the size of the home, the complexity of the home and how far the consultant needs to travel. Please contact a consultant for specific pricing.