Energy efficiency backed by third party testing
Every Allen Edwin Homes home is built to RESNET Energy Smart standards and third party tested. A Home Energy Rater evaluates the home's design and construction, performs onsite testing, and generates a HERS Index score that documents the home's energy performance.
That means energy efficiency is not simply a feature list. It is measured performance you can ask about before you buy.
What does RESNET Energy Smart mean?
RESNET Energy Smart means energy performance is evaluated using an established rating system instead of relying only on a builder's marketing claim.
Short answer: A HERS rating combines an analysis of the home's construction plans with onsite inspections and testing. RESNET states that testing typically includes a blower door test for air leakage and duct testing for duct leakage. The results are used to generate the home's HERS Index score. See all Energy Smart Builder.
Plan review
The home's construction plans are analyzed using energy modeling software.
Onsite inspection
The Home Energy Rater evaluates energy related components during construction.
Blower door test
Testing measures how much air can leak through the building envelope.
Duct testing
Testing can measure leakage in the home's heating and cooling distribution system.
HERS score
The testing and analysis are combined to generate the home's HERS Index score.
Built for comfort. Designed for efficiency.
A smarter home can mean greater comfort, better efficiency, and lower modeled energy use over time.
At Allen Edwin Homes, energy efficiency is not treated as an upgrade. It is part of how we build. Energy-efficient features work together to help reduce energy consumption, maintain more consistent indoor temperatures, and support more efficient everyday living.
Energy efficiency you can measure: Allen Edwin homes undergo independent energy performance testing by Energy Diagnostics. That testing provides measurable information about how each evaluated home is designed to perform.
What does this mean for you?
It means a home designed to use energy more efficiently while supporting everyday comfort. Better building performance can help manage heating and cooling demand while providing a measurable way to understand how the home is designed to perform.
New Homes Live Better. And Smarter.
Energy performance figures are based on January 2026 data for evaluated Allen Edwin Homes models. Actual energy performance, utility costs, and savings vary by home design, location, weather, utility rates, thermostat settings, and individual energy use. HERS 100 refers to the HERS Index reference home and should not be interpreted as a comparison with current building code requirements.
Energy Smart Home Comparison
Compare Allen Edwin Home Energy Performance
Choose an Allen Edwin home plan to compare its modeled annual energy cost, estimated savings, and HERS Index score with a HERS Index reference home.
Selected home plan
Integrity 1250
HERS Index Score
The lower the score, the lower the modeled energy use.
What makes an energy efficient home perform better?
Energy performance comes from how multiple parts of the home work together. Insulation, air sealing, windows, HVAC equipment, and duct design all affect how efficiently a home can maintain indoor comfort.
Insulation
Proper insulation helps reduce unwanted heat transfer between conditioned spaces and the outdoors.
Air sealing
Reducing uncontrolled air leakage can help the home maintain more consistent indoor conditions.
Efficient windows
Window performance affects heat gain, heat loss, comfort, and overall building envelope efficiency.
HVAC design
Heating and cooling equipment works best when the system is appropriately designed for the home it serves.
Duct design
Properly designed and installed ductwork helps conditioned air move efficiently throughout the home.
Performance testing
Testing provides evidence of how the completed home performs instead of relying only on material specifications.
Why is flexible ductwork used in some homes?
Flexible ductwork can be an appropriate part of a residential HVAC system when it is correctly sized, routed, supported, sealed, and installed.
U.S. Department of Energy residential building guidance addresses proper flexible duct installation. Important installation practices include keeping duct runs straight when possible, providing adequate support, and avoiding sharp bends, compression, and kinks that can restrict airflow.
The important distinction: duct material by itself does not determine HVAC performance. System design, sizing, sealing, routing, and installation all matter.
What do residential electricity costs look like in our states?
Utility costs depend on rates, weather, home size, equipment, thermostat settings, occupancy, and individual energy use. Statewide electricity data provides useful context, but it should not be confused with the expected cost for a specific home.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2024 Average Monthly Bill, Residential. These figures are statewide averages across all residential customers and are not Allen Edwin Homes utility estimates or savings projections.
What should you ask when comparing energy efficient homes?
Broad claims like "energy efficient" tell you very little on their own. A stronger comparison looks for measurable information and independent verification.
Where can you verify energy efficiency information?
You should not have to take our word for it. These independent resources explain the standards, testing methods, energy data, and building practices referenced on this page.
Common questions about HERS ratings and Energy Smart homes
What is a HERS score?
A HERS Index score is a home energy rating developed by RESNET. A HERS Reference Home scores 100, while a net zero energy home scores 0. Lower scores indicate lower modeled energy use relative to the reference home.
Do Allen Edwin homes receive HERS ratings?
Yes. Every Allen Edwin home is built to RESNET Energy Smart standards with third party energy performance testing and a HERS Index rating.
Who independently tests Allen Edwin homes?
January 2026 energy performance data identifies Energy Diagnostics as the independent testing provider for the evaluated Allen Edwin home models.
How is a HERS rating determined?
A HERS rating combines energy analysis of the home's construction plans with onsite inspections and testing. RESNET states that testing typically includes a blower door test and duct leakage testing.
What HERS scores did Allen Edwin homes achieve in January 2026?
Evaluated Allen Edwin home models in the January 2026 performance data had HERS Index scores ranging from 55 to 66.
What does 34% to 45% lower modeled energy consumption mean?
It means the evaluated models were estimated to use 34% to 45% less energy than the HERS 100 reference home. HERS 100 is a rating system reference point and should not be interpreted as a comparison with current building code requirements.
Does a lower HERS score guarantee a lower utility bill?
No. A lower HERS score indicates lower modeled energy use compared with the HERS Reference Home. Actual utility bills also depend on weather, utility rates, thermostat settings, home size, occupancy, appliances, and individual energy use.
What is a blower door test?
A blower door test measures air leakage through the home's building envelope. It helps a Home Energy Rater evaluate how tightly the completed home performs.
Why does Allen Edwin Homes use flexible ductwork?
Flexible ductwork can be used as part of a residential HVAC design when appropriately sized and installed. U.S. Department of Energy guidance emphasizes proper support, straight runs where possible, and avoiding compression, sharp bends, and kinks. The performance of the complete system matters more than the duct material alone.
How can I find the HERS rating for a specific Allen Edwin home?
Ask the Allen Edwin Homes team about the Energy Smart and HERS information available for the specific home you are considering. Because HERS ratings are home specific, reviewing the individual home's information provides the most relevant comparison.
Compare Energy Smart new homes
Explore available Allen Edwin Homes in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, then compare floorplans, construction stages, and home specific energy information.