ENERGY STAR HOMES

We are committed to the deliverance of the utmost customer service and your satisfaction while maintaining a professional and personal relationship with each and every one of our customers.

ENERGY STAR HOMES

Rising energy prices and concerns about a clean environment make energy conservation more important today than ever before. As an Energy Star Partner Rich Moch Construction is trained in the latest conservation techniques.

Energy efficient homes are composed of various elements which work together to reduce the overall amount of energy consumption. One of the most basic elements of an energy efficient home is a well-insulated and sealed building envelope. ICF are ideal for creating this energy efficient envelope.

Homes built with ICF exterior walls and the proper complement of windows, doors, HVAC systems, and methods, generally accomplish at least a 50% savings in heating and cooling. In some cases, depending on the area and climate, home owners experience as much as an70% decrease in energy use and costs.

Healthy, Efficient, Disaster Resistant Construction and Home Improvement Products for Better Living.

ENERGY STAR not only saves you money, it helps protect the environment

The typical household spends $1,900 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR, you can save nearly $600 on energy bills. By choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products you can save even more.

But more than saving energy, ENERGY STAR also makes a difference for the environment. Did you know that the average house can be responsible for twice the greenhouse gas emissions as the average car? That’s because every time you flip on a light switch, run your dishwasher, or turn on your air conditioner, you use energy, which means more greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. So the more energy we can save through energy efficiency, the more we help to reduce greenhouse gases and the risks of global warming.

A G r e e n H o m e B e g i n s w i t h E N E R G Y S T A R B l u e

Homebuilders and homebuyers across the country are increasingly interested in green building. But what exactly makes a home green?

Green building means improving the way that homes and homebuilding sites use energy, water, and materials to reduce impacts on human health and the environment. Building a green home means making environmentally-preferable and sustainable decisions Did you know that a typical home throughout the building process—decisions that will can cause twice the greenhouse minimize the environmental impact of the home gas emissions of the typical car? while it is being built and over the many years it will be lived in.

There are nearly 50 regional and national green home labeling programs around the country. While each program approaches green building a little differently, each incorporates important elements such as:

Energy-efficient construction techniques and products.
Improved indoor environments through environmentally-preferable materials and building practices.
Water-efficient products and processes.
Renewable energy options, when feasible.
Waste reduction and recycling during the construction process.
Smart growth and sustainable land development practices.

What should homebuyers look for first in a green home?

Energy efficiency is the place to start. That’s because the energy used in homes often comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and risks of global climate change. So, the less energy used, the less air pollution generated. And the easy way to make sure a new home is energy efficient is to look for the blue ENERGY STAR mark, the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes save money on utility bills, provide a more comfortable living environment with better indoor air quality, and help protect the environment.

Typical features to look for in ENERGY STAR

qualified homes include:

Efficient Air Distribution, where ducts are this environmental benefit installed with minimum air leakage and lasts for many, many years. effectively insulated;

Efficient Equipment for heating, cooling, and water heating;

Efficient Lighting, including fixtures that earn the ENERGY STAR; and

Efficient Appliances, including ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers, refrigerators, and clothes washers.
These energy efficiency improvements save homeowners money—about $200 to $400 per year on utility bills. More importantly, monthly energy savings can easily exceed any additional mortgage cost for the energy efficiency improvements, resulting in a positive cash-flow from the first day of home ownership. As a result, the cost-effectiveness of ENERGY STAR improvements can help offset additional costs associated with other green home features.

What comes after energy efficiency?

Homebuyers can also look for the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package label—a new specification developed by EPA to address the indoor environment component of green building. Homes that achieve this level of excellence are first qualified as ENERGY STAR, and then also incorporate more than 60 additional home design and construction features to control moisture, chemical exposure, radon, pests, ventilation, and filtration. Together, these features help protect qualified homes and their residents from mold, chemicals, combustion gases, and other airborne pollutants.

Completing the green home picture

Through ENERGY STAR qualified homes and the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package, homebuyers can address two critical green home elements. Then, look to the wide variety of available green home programs to complete the picture with water-efficient products, renewable energy technologies, waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable land development practices.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

Frequently Asked Questions:

How has the new Stimulus bill affected the tax credits for energy efficient home improvements?

What tax credits are available in 2008 for energy efficiency home improvements?

Are installation costs covered by the tax credit?

All Tax Credit FAQs

UPDATED March 6, 2009

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency includes:

Tax Credits for Consumers

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for:

Windows and Doors

Insulation

Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)

HVAC

Water Heaters (non-solar)

Biomass Stoves

Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction) for:

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Solar Panels

Solar Water Heaters

Small Wind Energy Systems

Fuel Cells

Cars

Tax Credits for Home Builders

Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings

For More Information

**Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified homes and products qualify for a tax credit. These tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which typically cost much more than standard products. If, for whatever reason, you decide not to purchase a product covered by the tax credit, you may still consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR product. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit.

Tax Credits for Consumers:

Home Improvements

Tax credits are now available for home improvements:

must be "placed in service" from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010

must be for taxpayer's principal residence

$1,500 is the maximum total amount that can be claimed for all products placed in service in 2009 & 2010 for most home improvements, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and windmills which are not subject to this cap, and are in effect through 2016

must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement³ to qualify

for record keeping, save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement³

improvements made in 2009 will be claimed on your 2009 taxes (filed by April 15, 2010) — use IRS Tax Form 5695 (2009 version) — it will be available late 2009 or early 2010

If you are building a new home, you can qualify for the tax credit for geothermal heat pumps, photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters. More.

SUMMARY OF TAX CREDITS FOR HOMEOWNERS

Product Category	Product Type	Tax Credit Specification	Tax Credit	Notes
Windows & Doors	Exterior Windows and Skylights	U factor <= 0.30 SHGC <= 0.30	30% of cost, up to $1,500²	Not all ENERGY STAR labeled windows and skylights qualify for tax credit. More information
	Storm Windows	Meets IECC¹ in combination with the exterior window over which it is installed, for the applicable climate zone	30% of cost, up to $1,500²	Manufacturer Certification Statement³ will list classes of exterior window (single pane, clear glass, double pane, low-E coating, etc.)⁴ that a product may be combined with to be eligible in specific climate zones.
	Exterior Doors	U factor <= 0.30 SHGC <= 0.30	30% of cost, up to $1,500²	Not all ENERGY STAR doors will qualify. More information
	Storm Doors	In combination with a wood door assigned a default U-factor by the IECC¹, and does not exceed the default U-factor requirement assigned to such combination by the IECC	30% of cost, up to $1,500²
Roofing	Metal Roofs, Asphalt Roofs	ENERGY STAR qualified	30% of cost, up to $1,500²	All ENERGY STAR metal and asphalt roofs qualify for the tax credit. Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty.
Insulation	Insulation	Meets 2009 IECC & Amendments	30% of cost, up to $1,500²	For insulation to qualify, its primary purpose must be to insulate. (example: vapor retarders are covered, insulated siding does not qualify). Must be expected to last 5 years OR have a 2 year warranty
HVAC	Central A/C	Split Systems: EER >=13 SEER >= 16 Package systems: EER >= 12 SEER >= 14	30% of cost, up to $1,500²	For a list of qualified products, go to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency product directory , click on Air Conditioners, then in the “CEE Tier” enter “Residential Advanced Tier 3” for CAC Split Systems, and "Residential Tier 2" for CAC Package Systems and ASHPs. Note — not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. View ENERGY STAR criteria.
	Air Source Heat Pumps	Split Systems: HSPF >= 8.5 EER >= 12.5 SEER >= 15 Package systems: HSPF >= 8 EER >= 12 SEER >= 14	30% of cost, up to $1,500²
	Natural Gas or Propane Furnace	AFUE >= 95	30% of cost, up to $1,500²	For a list of qualifying products go to the Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association Not all ENERGY STAR products will qualify for the tax credit. View ENERGY STAR criteria.
	Oil Furnace	AFUE >= 90	30% of cost, up to $1,500²
	Gas, Propane, or Oil Hot Water Boiler	AFUE >= 90	30% of cost, up to $1,500²
	Advanced Main Air Circulating Fan	No more than 2% of furnace total energy use	30% of cost, up to $1,500²
Water Heaters	Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heater	Energy Factor >= 0.82 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%.	30% of cost, up to $1,500²	Not all ENERGY STAR gas storage and gas condensing water heaters will qualify for the tax credit. All ENERGY STAR gas tankless models will qualify. All ENERGY STAR gas tankless water heaters will qualify. View ENERGY STAR criteria. For a partial list of qualifying products go to the Air Conditioning, Heating, and refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
Water Heaters	Electric Heat Pump Water Heater	Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.0	30% of cost, up to $1,500²	All ENERGY STAR electric heat pump water heaters qualify for the tax credit.
Biomass Stove	Biomass Stove	Stove which burns biomass fuel⁵ to heat a home or heat water. Thermal efficiency rating of at least 75% as measured using a lower heating value.	30% of cost, up to $1,500²
Geo-Thermal Heat Pump	Geo-Thermal Heat Pump	Same criteria as ENERGY STAR: Closed Loop: EER >= 14.1 COP >= 3.3 Open Loop: EER >= 16.2 COP >= 3.6 Direct Expansion: EER >= 15 COP >= 3.5	30% of the cost	All ENERGY STAR geo-thermal heat pumps qualify for the tax credit. Use IRS Form 5695 Must be “placed into service” before December 31, 2016.
Solar Energy Systems	Solar Water Heating	At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household. The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs. The water must be used in the dwelling. The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).	30% of cost	All ENERGY STAR solar water heaters qualify for the tax credit. Use IRS Form 5695 Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.
Solar Energy Systems	Photovoltaic Systems	Photovoltaic systems must provide electricity for the residence, and must meet applicable fire and electrical code requirement.	30% of cost	Use IRS Form 5695 Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.
Small Wind Energy Systems	Residential Small Wind Energy Systems		30% of cost	Use IRS Form 5695 Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.
Fuel Cells	Residential Fuel Cell and microturbine system	Efficiency of at least 30% and must have a capacity of at least 0.5 kW.	30% of the cost, up to $1500 per .5 kW of power capacity	Use IRS Form 5695 Must be placed in service before December 31, 2016.
Cars	Hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles		Based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models	There is a 60,000 vehicle limit per manufacturer before a phase-out period begins. Toyota and Honda have already been phased out. Credit is still available for Ford, GM and Nissan. For more information visit: Fueleconomy.gov Use IRS Form 8910 for hybrid vehicles purchased for personal use. Use IRS Form 3800 for hybrid vehicles purchased for business purposes.
Cars	Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles		$2,500–$7,500	The first 250,000 vehicles sold get the full tax credit (then it phases out like the hybrid vehicle tax credits). Effective January 1, 2009.

WE OFFER FREE NATIONWIDE ESTIMATES
Call (201) 463-7543