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Energy Star Program

Home Performance Certification with Energy Star®
What is it?
The Home Performance Certification is a “whole-house” evaluation and repair program that is nationally recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. This program comprehensively looks at your entire house as a system whose parts work together, and makes the necessary adjustments so that this whole-house system can become more energy efficient, comfortable, and environmentally-conscious.
 
This program is targeted towards homes 10 years and older.
 
The Home Performance Evaluation performed by BS&S will focus on the efficiency of four main components within a home:
 

  1. Air Duct Sealing or Replacement: Air ducts distribute your conditioned air throughout the house, and in most homes, 20% of this air is lost due to poorly sealed duct connections. The majority of sealing or replacement will be directed towards ducts located in attics, crawlspaces, and garages. 
  2. Central Air Conditioning and Heating or Heat Pump: Nearly half of all energy usage in a home goes towards its HVAC system (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning), so a lot can be done to reduce this cost. The new energy efficient air conditioners alone can reduce electricity use up to 40% compared to older models, so there is much that can be done to make your HVAC system more efficient. 
  3. Solar Screens, Window Film, or Low-E Windows: A significant amount of energy is used to counteract the heat gained by sunlight through windows, so window treatments are another method to cut down the energy usage in your home.
  4. Attic Insulation and Air Seal: 
  • Adding insulation in your attic reduces the amount of hot air flowing from you attic into your AC-controlled home during summer months, and reduces cold air from flowing into your home during winter months. This will not only make your home more comfortable, but will reduce the energy required to heat and cool. 
  • Sealing the framework or “shell” of your home is also often recommended. Air will often leak through ceilings, windows, doors, and floors, and can contribute to 10-20% of your energy costs.

 
Common Air Leaks: http://www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/images/house-leaks-with-text-800.jpg  
 
How it works:
There are two programs you can choose from: The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Rebate or the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Loan.
 
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® - Rebate
If you choose to participate in the rebate program, here’s how it works:
1.     Austin Energy electric company customers will make an appointment with Building Science and Services to perform a home energy analysis. This analysis is free of charge and can be completed in approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
2.     BS&S will then provide recommendations and estimates for the home energy improvements (primarily focusing on the 4 items listed above), as well as any expected rebates and tax credits* you may be eligible for (you must qualify for $100 minimum rebates to participate in this program). 
3.     BS&S will then get the energy upgrade plan reviewed and approved by Austin Energy, as well as approved by the homeowner.
4.     BS&S will complete the work.
5.     Austin Energy will perform a final inspection of the completed work, and you will sign the final inspection report and pay for BS&S services at that time. 
6.     Austin Energy will mail a check rebate in 2-4 weeks, and you will receive your tax credit after your file your taxes for the year.
 
To be eligible for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® certification, a residence must:

  • Receive electricity from Austin Energy.
  • Be either a single-family home, condominium or town home, or duplex, triplex, or fourplex.

 
REBATES AND TAX CREDITS
The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Rebate will cover up to 20% (up to $1575) of the cost of the following improvements:

  • Air conditioner or heat pump
  • Duct repair and sealing
  • Additional attic insulation
  • Solar screens, window film, and Low-E glass
  • Caulking and weather stripping
  • Attic radiant barrier/reflective material

 
Tax Credit Information:

  • Must be “placed in service” from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010.
  • Must be for taxpayer’s principal residence, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, and small wind energy systems (where second homes qualify).
  • $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 small wind energy systems which are not subject to this cap, and are in effect through 2016.
  • Must have a Manufacturer Certification Statement to qualify.
  • For record keeping, save your receipts and the Manufacturer Certification Statement.
  • 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 energy systems and fuel cells, but not the tax credits for windows, doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC, or non-solar water heaters.

  
Home Performance with Energy Star® - Loan
Austin Energy offers low-interest loans that are unsecured, do not require a lien on the property, and can cover the following costs:

  • Installation of a new energy-efficient air conditioner or heat pump (14 SEER or greater)
  • Additional attic insulation
  • Repair of leaking AC ducts
  • Caulking around plumbing under sinks
  • Weather-stripping around doors
  • Installation of Low-E glass, solar screens, or awnings
  • Installation of attic radiant barrier reflective material

 
To be eligible for participation, residence must be one of the following:

  • Single-family home, condominium or town home
  • Duplex
  • Rental property

 
Keep in mind that you can apply for either a loan or rebate, but NOT both. Building Science and Systems can help you find low to no interest loans if you choose the Austin Energy Energy Star® Rebate Program.
 
What to expect:
After completing the Home Performance evaluation and upgrades you can expect:

  • Lower electricity bills
  • An AC system that runs more efficiently and lasts longer
  • Improved air quality in your home
  • A home that is more sellable because it is more valuable
  • An all-around more comfortable, “healthier” home

 Use our Contact Page to schedule your Energy Star® Home Performance TODAY!

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