AJ Manfull Builds a Better Home with CFU
February 25, 2026
From the earliest design decisions to the final construction details, the home was built with efficiency in mind. The home achieved ENERGY STAR® certification and qualifies for CFU’s Better Home program, meaning key elements like heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows and appliances were carefully selected to use energy more efficiently and help lower long-term utility costs for the future homeowner.
“We wanted to take this home a step further than just building a great house,” says Manfull. “We want the person buying this to have the most energy-efficient home possible and see that reflected in their utility bill.”
ENERGY STAR Certification
To earn ENERGY STAR certification, Manfull partnered with a professional energy rating group that helped guide the home’s efficiency design and completed all required testing to ensure performance standards were met. Through CFU’s Better Home program, builders can receive a cost-share rebate to help offset the cost of working with an energy rater.
“Our rater handled the design guidance and testing; it was pretty seamless,” Manfull adds.
AJ and his wife build homes together alongside their children, using each project as an opportunity to teach skilled trades and craftsmanship. Their goal is to continue building ENERGY STAR-certified homes with the same care and attention they would put into their own.
“We plan to replicate this process across the other lots we have,” says Manfull. “We try to build a home the way we’d want to live.”
CFU's Better Home Program
CFU’s Better Home program also offers cost-share rebates for builders who construct homes that meet standards for DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes or Phius Passive House programs.
If you’re interested in building a Better Home with CFU, your first step is to contact our Energy Services department. Our team can connect you with a local, certified energy rater who will work with you and your builder to meet program requirements and make informed, energy-efficient choices throughout the process.
Learn more at cfu.net/better-home.
Subcontractors
Achieving ENERGY STAR® certification takes a coordinated team. The following subcontractors partnered with AJ Manfull to deliver the energy-efficient details that made this home a success.