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Home Energy Ratings - ENERGY STAR Certification
There are a lot of builders today that are currently building energy-efficient homes and don't realize they could already qualify for the ENERGY STAR Homes program. Federal incentives to build energy-efficient certified homes include a $2,000 tax credit to the builder, and may apply to certian homeowners acting as their own general contractor. Consult your CPA for tax advice. The Commonwealth of Kentucky also offers an $800 tax-credit to builders of ENERGY STAR certified homes. Many utility companies and electric co-ops also provide rebates and other incentives to build energy-efficient homes. Visit the DSIRE website for a state-by-state listing of every tax credit, rebate, and incentive available in your area. In addition to these state and federal tax-credits, LG&E/KU is offering rebates to builders and homeowners who build ENERGY STAR Certified homes. These rebates are based on ENERGY STAR V2.5 and V3 standards, but there are also rebates available for non-ENERGY STAR homes under LG&E/KU's Energy Saving Home program. We provide the orientation for this program and facilitate the ENERGY STAR Certification to our clients on a regular basis. To learn more about the LG&E/KU program, go to their website here. A certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater takes blueprints and specs for a new home and enters the surface area details into a software program called Rem/Rate. Rem/Rate is a nationally approved and most-used home energy rating software chosen by RESNET. This initial step is called the Projected Rating. Secondly, the HERS Rater does a Thermal Bypass (Enclosure) Check of the framing, insulation, air-sealing, and ductwork, before the drywall is installed. The insulation must be installed completely, with no gaps, voids, or compressions anywhere in the thermal envelope. All six sides of the insulation must be in full contact with an air-barrier. All penetrations through floors and ceilings and any exterior walls must be air-sealed properly with foam and/or caulk to prevent unneeded heat loss. Click here for an official copy of the Thermal Bypass Checklist. Watch a video explaining the Thermal Bypass Checklist. Lastly, the HERS rater conducts a series of diagnostic tests using a blower-door and a duct-blaster. The air leakage in the house must be minimal - less than 40% natural air-changes per hour (ACHn), as well as the duct leakage throughout the HVAC system - as designed in the Rem/Rate report. The duct leakage is limited to 6 CFM/100 SF of living space. Watch a video explaining the Final ENERGY STAR Inspection After the house has been confirmed to perform as intended, the Rem/Rate report with diagnostic figures, projections for potential energy consumption, and savings over "code built" homes, is sent to the ENERGY STAR Homes Provider, and is checked to ensure complete accuracy. For more, please visit the official ENERGY STAR website, or call Eric at 502-509-5535 to schedule an appointment. You can also email us at BuildingPerformanceGroup@gmail.com to receive a free PDF that walks you step by step through the HERS rating process.
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