Energy Analysis Services Offered

Energy Star Homes Certification - The BEST value around!

Using RESNET accredited software and standards, we model, inspect, test, and certify new homes for builders that are applying for the Energy Star Homes Program. This service is free for ENERGY STAR Builders and Developers whose projects are in towns where electricity is supplied by a regional electric service provider. Thanks to these providers participation in the Energy Star Program, funds are set aside to pay for our services. We help builders adapt their construction methods to the requirements of the Energy Star for Homes program. These homes must use 15% less energy than a similar new home built to the standards of the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code.

At the planning stage, we model energy usage and heat loss from the plans.
At the insulation stage, we inspect the insulation and check for thermal bypasses.
At the completion of the construction, we test the home and any ducts systems for air leakage.
The Home receives a HERS score (comparing it's performance with the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code) and Energy star certification. Rebates for certification are available in varying amounts depending on your local utility. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs are free for certified homes.

The Energy Star Homes Certification helps you market your property and increases its value! The Energy Star program is well recognized for reducing carbon emissions and protecting us all from the threats of global warming and dependence on foreign oil. When comparing identical homes, some home appraisers have found that an Energy Star label is worth $4000 in the pricing of a new home!

The Energy Star Homes program encourages best practices in insulation and air sealing that reduce moisture problems and result in a more durable home, a happier customer, fewer call-backs and more referrals.

EPACT Tax Credit. For exceptional performance.

If your home performs exceptionally well for it's efficiency in Heating and cooling, it may also be eligible for a $2000 tax credit Through EPACT 2005. These homes use more than 50% less energy for heating and cooling than a similar home built to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code[link]. This is a different application from Energy star but uses the same software analysis and testing, SO, if you apply for Energy Star for Homes, we will also tell you if you might qualify for the tax credit! The following information is quoted from the Energy Star website:

Tax Credits for Home Builders:
Eligible contractors need to fill out IRS Form 8908 to get the tax credit. The IRS has provided the following guidance regarding the tax credits for constructing energy efficient new homes available under the Energy Policy Act of 2005:

IRS Notice 2006-27 provides guidance for the credit for building energy efficient homes other than manufactured homes.

IRS Notice 2006-28 provides guidance for the credit for building energy efficient manufactured homes.

The tax credit information provided below is based on information contained in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The IRS guidance provides specific information that home builders and housing manufacturers can rely on to take action to claim the tax credits. ENERGY STAR will study the IRS publications and provide updates as necessary.

Home builders are eligible for a $2,000 tax credit for a new energy efficient home that achieves 50 percent energy savings for heating and cooling over the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and supplements. At least 1/5 of the energy savings must come from building envelope improvements. This credit also applies to contractors of manufactured homes conforming to Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards.

There is also a $1,000 tax credit to the producer of a new manufactured home achieving 30 percent energy savings for heating and cooling over the 2004 IECC and supplements (at least 1/3 of the savings must come from building envelope improvements), or a manufactured home meeting the requirements established by EPA under the ENERGY STAR program.

Please note that, with the exception of the tax credit for an ENERGY STAR qualified manufactured home, these tax credits are not directly linked to ENERGY STAR. Therefore, a builder of an ENERGY STAR qualified home may be eligible for a tax credit but it is not guaranteed.

These tax credits apply to new homes located in the United States whose construction is substantially completed after August 8, 2005 and that are acquired from the eligible contractor for use as a residence from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008.