News and Articles
Stay updated with the latest happenings, innovations, and updates in the BUILT TO SAVE® program
Superior High-Performance Home Builders
A guide to the Rio Grande Valley’s Energy-Efficient Builders
Energy-Efficient New Homes in the Rio Grande Valley
If you’re buying a new home in the Rio Grande Valley, start with builders who build to verified standards — not just marketing claims.
Energy-Efficient New Homes in McAllen
Buying a new home in McAllen? Built to Save® certified homes offer verified energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and better comfort — built for South Texas heat. Learn more.
Energy-Efficient New Homes in Mission, TX
Looking for a new home in Mission, TX? Built to Save® certified homes deliver verified energy savings, better air quality, and lasting comfort — made for South Texas families.
Energy-Efficient New Homes in Brownsville, Texas
Discover energy-efficient new homes in Brownsville, TX. Learn how certified high-performance homes improve comfort, humidity control, and lower energy bills.
Energy-Efficient New Homes in Edinburg, TX
Shopping for a new home in Edinburg? Built to Save® certified homes are independently verified for energy efficiency — lower bills, better comfort, built for South Texas. See how.
Energy-Efficient New Homes in Harlingen & San Benito, TX
Looking for energy-efficient new homes in Harlingen or San Benito, TX? Learn how certified homes reduce energy bills and improve comfort in South Texas.
Energy-Efficient New Homes in Weslaco & the Mid-Valley
Explore energy-efficient new homes in Weslaco and the Mid-Valley. Learn how certified homes reduce cooling costs and improve comfort in South Texas.
Energy-Efficient Home Certification in Texas
This guide explains energy-efficient home certification and how to choose a program that delivers real comfort and long-term savings in South Texas.
45L Tax Credit Explained
If you’re building or buying a new energy-efficient home in Texas, you may hear people mention the 45L tax credit – often described as a major incentive tied to certified construction.
Blower Door & Duct Testing Explained
Blower door and duct testing turn energy efficiency from a claim into a measured result. In the Rio Grande Valley, where heat and humidity magnify small construction flaws, these tests are often the difference between a home that feels comfortable – and one that constantly struggles.
BUILT TO SAVE® vs ENERGY STAR® vs DOE Efficient New Homes
Compare BUILT TO SAVE®, ENERGY STAR®, and DOE Efficient New Homes. Learn which energy-efficient home certification works best in South Texas.
What Is a HERS Score?
If you’re shopping for a new home in the Rio Grande Valley and trying to make sense of terms like energy-efficient, high-performance, or certified, one number can cut through the noise faster than anything else: The HERS score.
Trained to Verify High-Performance Superior Homes
A HERS Rater (Home Energy Rating System Rater) is a third-party inspector certified by an accredited Rating provider and licensed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) 0r the Building Science Institute (BSI).
Built to Save® Builder Rebates and Incentives in Texas — What Is Available in 2026
Built to Save® certified builders in Texas can stack MVEC rebates, AEP Texas incentives, and the 45L federal tax credit. Here is what is available and how to claim it.
Tips for Smart Home Buying
This guide is intended to assist prospective homeowners in determining whether the house they are considering is, or will be constructed as, a high-performance energy-efficient home.
AEP Texas High-Performance Homes Incentives
Energy efficiency in Texas isn't driven by federal programs alone. In many cases, local utility incentives play an equally important role - especially for builders deciding whether to invest in higher-performance construction.
4 Steps to Achieve BUILT TO SAVE® Certification
A Builders’ Guide to Building Superior Energy-Efficient Homes
Energy-Efficient New Homes in Pharr, TX — Built to Save® Certified
Pharr is one of the RGV's fastest-growing cities. Make sure your new home is Built to Save® certified — independently verified for lower bills and South Texas performance.
How to Get Your Homes Built to Save® Certified — A Builder's Guide
Ready to build Built to Save® certified homes in the Rio Grande Valley? Here is the step-by-step process — from registration to final inspection — explained clearly for builders.
Become a BUILT TO SAVE® Builder
BUILT TO SAVE® program doesn’t require the builder to jump through hoops to meet extensive construction requirements or focus on non-energy saving items that would be more appropriate for building “green.” The program also provides generous incentives from Magic Valley Electric Coop (MVEC) to the builders for homes in MVEC territory that can be used to offset the cost of inspections.
GET STARTEDLook for a home that's verified as
BUILT TO SAVE®
The BUILT TO SAVE® energy efficiency program identifies new homes built to superior standards and outperform similar homes built only to minimum code.
See our list of BUILT TO SAVE® Certified Homes