Energy Efficiency Certification: What it is and How to get it

With tax season in our midst and the economy down the tubes, we need every bit of help we can get.

As you may know, you can get tax credits if you have a home or business with an Energy Efficiency Certification.  And, to sweeten the pot, with the new Stimulus bill, tax credit rates have increased to 30% and the cap has been raised on credits from $500 to $1500.

Energy Efficiency Certifications can also increase the value of your home, another great incentive in a tough housing market. An Energy Efficiency Certification is typically done at the initial construction of a home or during a remodel.

The two major national certification programs are Energy Star Certifications and LEED for Homes.

In a remodel scenario these certifications are done by an energy specialist and determine the efficiency of all aspects of the home: windows, appliances, heating systems, insulation, etc.  This specialist can recommend upgrades and changes that will make your home more efficient, give cost estimates, and show you potentially how much you could save.

In a building scenario, a specialist would evaluate the house a few times during the construction phase, typically after the insulation is in place and a final evaluation.  Certified homes are typically 15% more energy efficient.

Efficient building will not usually cost much more than conventional building and the savings you will see over time, as well as the increased value of your home, are worth it.