Energy-Efficient, Energy Star® Certified Homes in Oklahoma City
Smarter Design | Lower Utility Bills | Healthier Living
At Two Structures Homes, we build high-performance, Energy Star® Certified homes throughout the Oklahoma City metro. Our homes are designed as complete systems—focused on long-term comfort, verified energy performance, and healthier indoor environments.
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.
What Energy-Efficient Living Really Means
“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, even high-efficiency equipment can underperform. 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
At Two Structures Homes, energy efficiency is not an add-on. It is integrated into the design, construction, and verification of every home we build.
Why Choose an Energy-Efficient Home?
Homeowners who choose energy-efficient construction experience benefits that go far beyond monthly utility savings.
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.
Smart Ventilation & 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.
What Is the HERS Index?
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is the national standard for measuring a home’s energy efficiency.
- A lower HERS score indicates better energy performance
- A typical new construction home scores around 80–100
- Two Structures Homes typically scores between 40–50, significantly outperforming most new construction homes in Oklahoma
Why Third-Party Testing Matters
All performance claims are verified through independent testing, which may include:
- Blower door testing to measure air leakage
- Duct leakage testing
- Thermal imaging and insulation inspections
- Combustion safety and moisture evaluations
Third-party verification ensures results are objective, repeatable, and meaningful.
Why HERS Scores in the 30s Are Rare Without Solar
In recent years, some builders have advertised extremely low HERS scores without clearly explaining how those numbers are achieved.
In most cases, HERS scores below 40 require renewable energy systems, such as solar, or very specialized construction strategies. Without these components, achieving consistent sub-40 scores becomes increasingly difficult and expensive due to diminishing returns.
Our typical HERS range of 40–50 reflects a balance between:
- Measurable energy savings
- Construction practicality
- Long-term reliability
- Cost effectiveness for homeowners
We believe performance claims should be realistic, transparent, and verifiable.
Why Energy-Efficient Homes Can Cost More Upfront
Building a high-performance home often requires a greater upfront investment. This includes:
- Higher-quality materials and assemblies
- More detailed design and coordination
- Additional testing and verification
- Tighter construction tolerances
However, these investments typically result in:
- 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?
Energy-efficient homes are especially valuable for:
- 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
For many families, energy efficiency improves daily living quality just as much as it reduces monthly expenses.
Why Two Structures Homes Builds This Way
At Two Structures Homes, we believe energy efficiency should be measured, not assumed.
Every home we build is:
- 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
We build fewer homes than large production builders, which allows us to focus on quality, consistency, and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Energy-Efficient Homes
Do Energy-Efficient Homes Cost More to Build?
Energy-efficient homes often require a higher upfront investment due to better materials, tighter construction tolerances, and third-party testing. However, these costs are typically offset over time through lower utility bills, improved comfort, reduced maintenance, and long-term durability.
What Is a Good HERS Score for a New Home?
A typical new construction home scores around 80–100 on the HERS Index. Homes built by Two Structures Homes typically score between 40–50, which represents approximately 40–60% better energy performance compared to a standard new home built to code minimum standards in Oklahoma.
Are Energy-Efficient Homes More Comfortable?
Yes. Energy-efficient homes are designed to maintain more consistent indoor temperatures, reduce drafts, and control humidity. Proper air sealing, insulation, and balanced HVAC systems result in fewer hot and cold spots and improved year-round comfort.
Are Energy-Efficient Homes Healthier to Live In?
When properly designed, energy-efficient homes often provide better indoor air quality. Controlled ventilation, reduced air leakage, and moisture management help limit allergens, dust, and outdoor pollutants while improving overall indoor comfort.
What’s the Difference Between Energy Star® and HERS?
Energy Star® is a certification that verifies a home meets specific performance standards.
The HERS Index is a numerical score that measures how energy-efficient a home is compared to a reference home. Together, they provide both certification and measurable performance data.
Does Adding Energy-Efficient Appliances Make a Home Energy-Efficient?
Energy-efficient appliances and lighting can reduce energy use, but they do not make a home truly energy-efficient on their own. True energy efficiency requires a whole-home approach that includes the building envelope, air sealing, insulation, HVAC design, ventilation, and verified performance testing.
Are Energy-Efficient Homes Worth It in Oklahoma’s Climate?
Yes. Oklahoma’s hot summers, cold winters, and humidity swings make energy-efficient construction especially valuable. Properly designed homes perform better in extreme temperatures and help stabilize utility costs year-round.
Learn More About Building Better
You may also find these resources helpful:
- What a HERS Score Really Means
- Why Square-Foot Pricing Fails in High-Performance Homes
- Why Sub-45 HERS Scores are Exceptionally Difficult to Acheive
- 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.