Energy-Efficient Homes in Oklahoma: Built for Performance, Not Just Code
Engineered for Comfort. Built for Durability. Verified for Performance.
Oklahoma’s climate is hard on homes. Extreme heat, humidity swings, wind, and expansive clay soil demand more than minimum standards. At Two Structures Homes, energy efficiency is engineered into the structure, the systems, and the details—then verified by independent testing.
This is not a checklist. It is a performance strategy.
Every home we build is independently tested and certified through OG&E’s Positive Energy Program and verified using national performance standards, including the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and Energy Star® Certification. This ensures our energy-efficiency claims are measured, documented, and proven—not just marketed.
On This Page
- What Energy Efficient Really Means
- What "Energy Efficient" Means in Oklahoma
- Designed for Oklahoma’s Climate and Soil
- Why Choose an Energy-Efficient Home?
- Built-In Energy-Saving Features
- Energy Star, HERS, and Third-Party Verification
- Why HERS Scores in the 30s Are Rare Without Solar
- Why Energy-Efficient Homes Can Cost More Upfront
- Who Benefits Most?
- Why Two Structures Homes Builds This Way
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Learn More
- Ready to Learn More?
What Energy Efficient Really Means (And What It Doesn’t)
“Energy-efficient” is one of the most commonly used—and misunderstood—terms in homebuilding.
Many builders advertise homes as “energy-efficient” because they include upgraded appliances, LED lighting, or higher-efficiency HVAC equipment. While these components can reduce energy use, individual upgrades alone do not make a home truly energy efficient.
True energy efficiency requires a whole-home approach, where all systems are designed to work together. This includes the building envelope, air sealing, insulation, duct design, ventilation, equipment sizing, and third-party performance verification.
Without this integrated approach, high-efficiency equipment is often compensating for construction deficiencies. A home may include energy-efficient appliances and lighting yet still experience uneven temperatures, higher utility bills, or comfort issues if air leakage, insulation continuity, or system balance are not properly addressed.
At Two Structures Homes, energy efficiency is not defined by a checklist of upgrades. It is achieved through intentional design, coordinated construction, and verified performance, ensuring that each component contributes meaningfully to how the home actually operates.
A genuinely energy-efficient home is designed around:
- A tight and well-sealed building envelope
- Properly sized and balanced HVAC systems
- Controlled airflow and ventilation
- Verified performance through third-party testing
Quick tip for comparing builders: Ask whether the home is tested (blower door + duct testing) and whether results are documented (HERS + Energy Star).
Talk with Two Structures Homes about building a verified high-performance home →
What "Energy Efficient" Actually Means in Oklahoma
When most builders talk about energy efficiency, they point to appliances, windows, or HVAC equipment. Those components matter—but they do not determine how a home performs over time.
In Oklahoma, true energy efficiency starts with:
- A tight, continuous building envelope
- Proper moisture and air control
- Insulation installed for performance, not speed
- Mechanical systems designed for the house—not the other way around
- Independent third-party verification
Without those fundamentals, high-efficiency equipment is simply compensating for a poorly performing structure.
We build the structure first. The equipment supports it.
Designed for Oklahoma’s Climate and Soil—Not Generic Specs
Oklahoma is not an easy place to build high-performance homes. Our climate combines:
- Extreme summer heat
- High humidity
- Rapid seasonal temperature swings
- Heavy rainfall events
- Expansive clay soils that move with moisture
Homes that perform well here are not accidental. They are intentionally designed and built for these conditions. That intent shows up in the details most buyers never see.
That is why our construction approach focuses on:
- Advanced framing and air-sealing strategies
- Proper vapor management
- Post-tension foundations to control movement
- Ventilation strategies that actually work in humid climates
- Assemblies designed to manage heat, moisture, and pressure long-term
Energy efficiency in Oklahoma is about control, not just insulation.
Why Choose an Energy-Efficient Home?
Energy efficiency is not just about saving money. It is about how the home lives.
Key advantages include:
- Lower utility bills—often up to 20% annually
- More consistent indoor temperatures year-round
- Improved indoor air quality and comfort
- Reduced strain on HVAC systems and longer equipment life
- Less moisture intrusion and fewer maintenance issues
- Increased resale appeal and long-term value
An energy-efficient home is quieter, more comfortable, and better suited for Oklahoma’s wide temperature swings and humidity levels.
Built-In Energy-Saving Features
Our energy-efficient homes are built using proven construction practices and materials that work together as a system.
Thermal Enclosure System
Advanced framing techniques, continuous air sealing, and high-performance insulation reduce energy loss and improve indoor comfort.
High-Efficiency HVAC Design
Properly sized, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems paired with balanced airflow deliver consistent comfort while reducing energy consumption.
Low-E Windows & Tight Ductwork
Energy-efficient windows and sealed duct systems reduce drafts, limit heat transfer, and prevent wasted energy.
Water-Saving Fixtures & Appliances
ENERGY STAR® appliances, tankless water heaters, and efficient plumbing fixtures reduce both water and energy usage.
Controlled Ventilation & Balanced Airflow
Fresh air ventilation systems improve indoor air quality while maintaining energy efficiency—especially important for modern, tightly sealed homes.
Advanced Water Management
Thoughtful exterior water management, flashing details, and drainage strategies protect the home’s structure and indoor environment.
Energy Star®, HERS Scores, and Third-Party Verification Explained
What Is Energy Star® Certification?
Energy Star® certification verifies that a home meets strict performance standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Certification requires verified construction practices, proper system design, and independent inspections.
HERS Scores: What They Measure and Why They Matter
Every Two Structures home is independently tested and HERS rated. This is third-party verification—not marketing language.
A lower HERS score indicates lower energy use compared to a standard code home. More importantly, it confirms:
- Proper air sealing
- Correct insulation installation
- Duct performance
- Overall system efficiency
Why HERS Scores in the 30s Are Rare Without Solar
In most cases, HERS scores below 40 require renewable energy systems, such as solar, or very specialized construction strategies.
Our typical HERS range of 40–50 reflects a balance between measurable energy savings, construction practicality, long-term reliability, and cost effectiveness for homeowners.
Why Energy-Efficient Homes Can Cost More Upfront
Building a high-performance home often requires a greater upfront investment due to better assemblies, tighter construction tolerances, and third-party testing.
In return, homeowners typically gain:
- Lower operating costs
- Fewer comfort and moisture issues
- Reduced warranty and maintenance concerns
- Greater long-term value and durability
Energy efficiency should be evaluated as a cost-of-ownership decision, not just a line-item upgrade.
Who Benefits Most From an Energy-Efficient Home?
- Families with allergies or respiratory sensitivities
- Work-from-home households
- Long-term homeowners
- Buyers focused on comfort and predictability
- Homeowners concerned about rising energy costs
Why Two Structures Homes Builds This Way
At Two Structures Homes, we believe energy efficiency should be measured, not assumed.
- Energy Star® Certified
- Independently HERS rated
- Third-party tested and verified
- Certified through OG&E and ONG energy programs
- Designed for long-term performance, not short-term marketing
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Energy-Efficient Homes Cost More to Build?
Often, yes—because of tighter construction tolerances, better assemblies, and third-party testing. Over time, many homeowners offset that investment through lower utility bills and fewer comfort and moisture issues.
What Is a Good HERS Score for a New Home?
A typical new construction home scores around 80–100. Two Structures Homes typically scores between 40–50, representing substantially better energy performance than code-minimum construction.
Are Energy-Efficient Homes More Comfortable?
Yes. Proper air sealing, insulation, and balanced HVAC design typically result in fewer drafts, fewer hot/cold spots, and better humidity control.
What’s the Difference Between Energy Star® and HERS?
Energy Star® is a certification verifying performance standards. HERS is a numerical score measuring energy performance versus a reference home. Together, they provide both certification and measurable proof.
Learn More About Building Better
- What a HERS Score Really Means
- Why Square-Foot Pricing Fails in High-Performance Homes
- Why Sub-45 HERS Scores Are Exceptionally Difficult to Achieve
- Building for Oklahoma’s Climate: Why Performance and Durability Matter
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re considering an energy-efficient home in the Oklahoma City area and want clear, honest guidance, we’re happy to help.
Call or text: (405) 509-9435
Email: sales@twostructureshomes.com or contact us
Let’s build a home that performs as well as it looks.