Every energy-efficient home Cristo Homes builds across Cincinnati and Dayton is engineered for performance from day one, with tight construction, high-performance materials, and independent third-party verification through the RESNET program.

Our recently rated homes have a projected HERS Index Score of 60, meaning they are designed to use roughly 40% less energy than a new home built to today’s energy code and 54% less than a typical existing home.*

Energy efficiency isn’t an upgrade at Cristo Homes. It’s standard in every home we build across Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Southwest Ohio, and Northern Kentucky.

Independently Verified Through RESNET

We don’t just claim our homes are efficient. Every Cristo home is evaluated by a licensed, RESNET-certified third-party energy rater. The HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index is the nationally recognized standard for measuring residential energy performance, and the rating follows the home through resale. The lower the score, the more efficient the home.

Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat

Every Cristo home includes a Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat, allowing you to manage heating and cooling from your phone through the Ring app, by voice through Amazon Alexa, or with a customized schedule. That means consistent comfort with less wasted energy when no one is home. ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats can save homeowners about 8% annually on heating and cooling costs.

Water-Conserving Plumbing Fixtures

Faucets, showerheads, and toilets are selected to conserve water without sacrificing performance. Modern low-flow fixtures meeting EPA WaterSense standards provide the pressure homeowners expect while using significantly less water than older fixtures, helping reduce water bills and demand on local utilities.

ENERGY STAR Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances included in every Cristo home are ENERGY STAR certified, meeting strict EPA standards for energy and water efficiency. ENERGY STAR refrigerators, dishwashers, and ranges use less electricity and water than standard models, creating meaningful savings over the life of the home.

Building Practices That Make the Difference

Cristo Homes uses tight construction practices designed to reduce air leakage and improve insulation performance. These include carefully sealed air barriers, properly sized high-efficiency HVAC systems, modern window glazing, and insulation packages that meet or exceed current International Energy Conservation Code requirements. Air tightness is verified through blower-door testing as part of the RESNET rating process.

What This Means for You

Choosing a new Cristo home over an existing home can mean:

• Lower monthly utility bills from day one

• More consistent indoor temperatures with fewer hot and cold spots

• Better indoor air quality through properly sealed and ventilated construction

• A documented HERS rating that supports resale value

• Fewer retrofit expenses for insulation, windows, HVAC, and appliances

Ready to see the difference an energy-efficient new home can make? Browse our available homes, explore our communities, or contact our team to learn more.

95% AFUE High-Efficiency Gas Furnace

A 95 AFUE-rated furnace converts 95% of its fuel into usable heat, compared with 80% or less in many older systems. Multi-speed operation adjusts to heating and cooling demand for steadier comfort and lower operating costs.

14 SEER Air Conditioner with Eco-Friendly Refrigerant

Higher SEER ratings provide greater energy efficiency than lower-rated systems. Cristo Homes installs air conditioners using eco-friendly refrigerants that comply with current EPA refrigerant standards.

Argon-Filled Windows with Low-E Insulated Glass

Low-E coatings reduce heat transfer through glass, helping lower energy costs and maintain year-round comfort. Argon gas between the panes adds insulating value, while Low-E coatings also help block ultraviolet rays that can fade carpet, photos, and furniture.

Upgraded Attic Insulation

Cristo Homes upgrades attic insulation from an R-30 baseline to R-49, providing additional thermal protection that helps keep conditioned air inside and reduces heating and cooling loads.

Water-Resistive Exterior Sheathing

Approved water-resistive and air-barrier sheathing provides greater moisture protection than standard OSB and reduces susceptibility to mold and other moisture-related problems, consistent with DOE Building America moisture-control practices.

How the HERS Index Works

The HERS Index is the nationally recognized energy-performance rating for homes, similar in concept to an MPG rating for a vehicle. The lower the score, the more efficient the home.

HERS 130: Typical existing home

HERS 100: New home built to today’s energy code

HERS 60: Cristo Homes projected rating

HERS 0: Net-zero-energy home

A HERS 60 home uses roughly 40% less energy than a new code-built home and 54% less than a typical existing home. The HERS Index is developed and maintained by RESNET, the national standards organization for residential energy-efficiency ratings.

Continuous Ventilation System

A continuous-run ventilation fan helps remove indoor pollutants and introduce fresh air, improving indoor air quality without sacrificing efficiency and supporting ASHRAE 62.2 residential ventilation standards.

Low-VOC Interior Finishes

Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, are airborne pollutants emitted by many household materials. Cristo Homes uses low-VOC or zero-VOC paint, carpet, and interior finishes to help support healthier indoor air.

Based on a projected HERS rating issued by Think Green Midwest, a RESNET-accredited provider, for the Mayfair plan at Timber Glen in Wilmington, Ohio, on 1/29/26. Savings are relative to an average U.S. home. HERS scores and savings for other homes and locations may vary.