Daybreak helped lead Utah’s push for energy‑efficient new homes. Today, ENERGY STAR® continues to set the bar for comfort and lower utility bills—while Utah’s residential energy code raises the floor. Here’s what’s changed since Daybreak’s early ENERGY STAR commitment and how to use these standards when you shop for a home in 2025.
From Pioneer to 2025: What’s Changed
Then (2013): Daybreak stood out in Utah for embracing ENERGY STAR and piloting an early version of the program. Now (2025): the current standard for new single‑family homes is ENERGY STAR Version 3.2, and Utah homes also follow the 2021 IECC statewide residential energy code (with Utah‑specific amendments). Together, these programs keep efficiency front and center for builders and buyers.
ENERGY STAR® v3.2 at a Glance (2025)
What it covers
- Verified air sealing and insulation to reduce drafts and heat loss.
- Right‑sized, efficient HVAC with tested duct tightness.
- Certified windows/doors that manage heat gain/loss.
- Balanced ventilation for healthier indoor air.
- Independent third‑party testing before certification.
Good to know: Version 3.2 is the active national specification for ENERGY STAR Single‑Family New Homes in 2025. Some states have specific v3.2 timelines; Utah buyers can still use v3.2 certification as a strong quality signal.
See also: ENERGY STAR Single‑Family New Homes program page.
Utah’s Energy Code: Your Efficiency Baseline
Utah adopts the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for residential construction, with statewide enforcement and local amendments. In practice, this means every new home starts with an efficiency baseline—while ENERGY STAR certification stacks above code.
Learn more: DOE/PNNL Utah code status · Utah Energy Code overview.
HERS® Scores: A Simple Way to Compare Homes
The HERS Index rates a home’s modeled energy use: lower scores = better efficiency. For context, Utah’s average HERS score in 2024 was 58. When you tour models, ask for each plan’s typical HERS score and see how it compares.
Resources: What is HERS?
What to Ask Your Builder in 2025
- Certification: Do your homes earn ENERGY STAR v3.2 certification? Which third‑party rater verifies them?
- Typical HERS: What are your average HERS® Index scores by plan—and can I see a sample rating?
- Indoor air quality: What ventilation and filtration strategies do you include?
- Future‑ready: Are homes EV‑/PV‑ready or designed for easy heat‑pump upgrades?
- Above‑code options: Can I spec programs like ENERGY STAR NextGen or DOE Zero Energy Ready Home?
Want to Go Even Further?
If you’re targeting even lower energy bills and emissions, look at above‑code pathways such as ENERGY STAR NextGen or Zero Energy Ready Home. These programs layer advanced equipment and readiness features on top of code‑minimum envelopes.
Shop Daybreak with Confidence
Ready to compare homes here? Start with the Daybreak Story to see the community vision. Then explore our homebuilders, nearby amenities, and Downtown Daybreak. Finally, visit the Info Studio for maps and model‑home directions.
See Daybreak HomebuildersWhat’s Happening
Note: ENERGY STAR® and HERS® are registered marks of the U.S. EPA and RESNET, respectively. Program specs, code adoptions, and scores may change—always confirm details with your builder.
