Part of the rating system includes a blower door test to determine air leakage. The blower door depressurizes a house, allowing the home energy rater to pinpoint areas of air leakage and measure the amount. The homeowner can actually feel where heat loss is occurring through leaks and cracks in the home's structure. Each home is given a rating from one to five stars, with five being the most energy efficient. Rising home prices can make it difficult for many Iowans to purchase a new home.
Energy use is the highest operating cost of owning a home.
The energy efficient mortgage is based on the principle that paying less for energy costs means the homebuyer will have more money available for a higher home mortgage. This enables the homebuyer to take advantage of a larger mortgage than would otherwise be allowed, based on family income, and other loan determination factors. To qualify, the home must have a rating of at least four stars.