Background
A new home certification enables new construction to be certified as an Energy STAR home and can qualify the builder for a Federal tax credit. Naturally, the Energy STAR certification is a useful marketing tool that appeals to home buyers (who are becoming ever more energy-conscious). Likewise, the Federal tax credit is a useful tool that can help offset the extra costs associated with boosting energy efficiency.
ENERGY STAR®
We are proud to provide rating services to qualify new homes for the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR qualified new homes are substantially more energy efficient than homes built to the minimum code requirements. Even in states with more rigorous energy codes, the U.S. EPA ensures that ENERGY STAR remains the symbol for truly energy-efficient performance. These homes are good for businesses, consumers, and the environment.
Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified new homes at http://www.energystar.gov/.
The Green Home Advantage, LLC (TGHA) begins each New Home CERTIFICATION with an analysis of the house plans, blueprints, etc. in order to determine a HERS index number (using computer modeling). If the home fails to qualify for either Energy STAR or the tax credit based on its initial projected HERS number, TGHA manipulates the model to find the most cost-effective ways for the home to qualify. Once the home is built, TGHA conducts the required on-site inspection with diagnostic testing to verify that the construction meets the criteria. If problems are discovered, TGHA works with the builder to get them resolved.
Federal Tax Credit
Builders can claim a $2,000 personal tax credit for each new energy efficient home that they build. Each home must be certified by a RESNET-accredited energy rater (or equivalent) to save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy of a comparable house that meets the standards of the 2004 Supplement to the 2003 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
New Home CERTIFICATION Fees
TGHA charges $0.30 per ft2 for a New Home CERTIFICATION. Exception: If the house has already received a Home Plans AUDIT, some of the energy modeling work has already been completed so TGHA charges $0.20 per ft2 for these New Home CERTIFICATIONS.
Request a New Home CERTIFICATION