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.

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

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.

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
And 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
And 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
And 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 not marketing language—it is third-party verification.

A lower HERS score indicates lower energy use compared to a standard code home. But more importantly, it confirms:

Proper air sealing
Correct insulation installation
Duct performance
And overall system efficiency

We do not publish theoretical numbers. We build, test, and verify every home.

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, 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?

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.

Why This Approach Matters Long-Term

Anyone can claim “energy efficient.” Very few builders are willing to:

Build tighter when it is harder
Spend more time on details that are hidden
Test and verify performance
And stand behind the results

We do, because long-term performance reduces:

Comfort complaints
High utility bills
Moisture problems
And warranty issues

Energy efficiency is not a feature. It is part of how we build.

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.

Are energy-efficient homes more expensive to build?

Not necessarily. High-performance construction is about priorities and execution, not just upgrades. We focus on structural efficiency first, which delivers long-term value without relying on expensive add-ons.

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.

Will an energy-efficient home feel different to live in?

Yes. Most homeowners notice more consistent temperatures, fewer drafts, better humidity control, and lower utility bills.

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.

Do you build Energy Star or above code?

Yes. Our homes are designed and verified beyond minimum code requirements and tested by third-party raters.

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:

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.

Energy-Efficient, Energy Star® Certified Homes in Oklahoma City