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How to qualify a New Home for the TAX
Credit?
Contact us to
learn more about the options a Builder has to build a Home that qualifies for
the 2005 Energy Tax Credit.
What is a Home Energy Rating System (HERS)?
It is a Nationally recognize
program that is an objective, standardized evaluation of the energy efficiency
of a home, compared to a simulated reference house (same size and shape as
the rated home) that meets minimum energy code requirements. This is performed
by a Certified third party Home Energy Rater.
What is a Home Energy Rater?
A Home energy
rater is an Energy Specialist that provide energy-efficiency strategies and
tests for existing and new homes. Raters input information from the plans or
from site visit data collection, into a specially designed computer
simulation program that estimate the annual energy use of both the home's
current characteristic and the IECC based reference house. With this information,
the HERS rater can determine a HERS rating and an estimated annual energy use of
the home. Then the rater can make recommendations to the homeowner or builder on
how to make the home more energy efficient, reach the ENERGY STAR threshold or
higher standards for green building programs like LEED for Homes or NAHB Green
Building Standards..
What is a HVAC System Leakage Test?
Is a pressure test
where the duct system is tested for air leaks. The Duct Testing fan (Duct
Blaster®) is first connected to the duct system at the air handler cabinet, or a
return grille. After temporarily sealing all remaining registers and grills, the
Duct Blaster fan is turned on to force air through all holes and cracks in the
ductwork. The fan speed is increased until a standard test pressure is achieved
in the duct system. A precise leakage measurement is then made using an airflow
and pressure gauge connected to the
Duct Blaster system. Estimates of efficiency losses from duct leakage can then
be made from the leakage measurements.
Why Is Duct Leakage Important?
Leaks in forced air duct systems are
now recognized as a major source of energy waste in both new and existing
houses. Studies indicate that duct leakage can account for as much as 25% of
total house energy loss, and in many cases has a greater impact on energy use
than air infiltration through the building shell. Just as important, duct
leakage can prevent heating and cooling systems from doing their job properly,
resulting in hot or cold rooms, and humidity problems. Worse yet, duct leaks can
create air quality problems by pulling pollutants and irritants directly into
the house.
What is a Air Infiltration/Blower Door Test?
The Blower Door tests are used to measure the airtightness level
of building envelopes, diagnose and demonstrate air leakage problems, estimate
natural infiltration rates, estimate efficiency losses from building air
leakage, and certify construction integrity.
The Blower Door can identify building envelope improvements that
will reduce energy use and increase comfort. Blower Door airtightness
measurements can also be used in HVAC equipment design and sizing decisions, and
to help estimate the need for mechanical ventilation.
Does an energy-efficient home
cost more?
No. An ENERGY STAR qualified new home actually costs less
because you will spend less on your new home's utility bill each month. These
energy savings can more than offset any increase in mortgage payments needed for
the improved energy features and can result in a positive monthly cash flow.
Further, ENERGY STAR financing partners offer special mortgage packages for
buyers of ENERGY STAR qualified new homes.
How will I know if a home is
labeled ENERGY STAR?
Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which should be prominently displayed on the
circuit breaker box. You can also ask your builder for the home's ENERGY STAR
certificate. This optional certificate indicates that the home has been verified
to meet EPA's ENERGY STAR qualified new homes performance guidelines.
What is a GREEN
HOME?
A green home is a home
that takes into consideration not only the Energy Efficiency aspect but also it
considers the environmental impact the home has on it environment.
The basics for a Green Homes are:
Energy Efficiency,
Water Efficiency, Site Selection, Resources and Materials and Waste Management.
Go to Green Homes... |
