Energy Star Homes

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

What makes a home ENERGY STAR qualified?
ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of "tried-and-true" energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution.
Learn more about features of ENERGY STAR qualified homes
ENERGY STAR and Green Building
Take a tour "Behind the Walls"
Buying a new house plan? Look for one that's Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR

Why are ENERGY STAR qualified homes better?
ENERGY STAR qualified homes offer homebuyers all the features they want in a new home, plus energy-efficient improvements that deliver better performance, greater comfort, and lower utility bills.

Added Confidence
Lower Ownership Costs
Better Performance
Smart Investment
Environmental Protection

Who builds ENERGY STAR qualified homes?

To find builders in the Ft Hood area who offer ENERGY STAR qualified homes please give us a call at (254) 289-3399/3589 or email us at steve@steveandnella.com

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, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, and small wind energy systems (where second homes and rentals 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. More.

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed a stimulus bill (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) that made some significant changes to the energy efficiency tax credits. Tax credits for qualified energy efficient home improvements are available in 2009 and 2010 for 30% of the cost, up to a combined $1,500.

The products that are covered by the tax credit in 2009 & 2010 include:

Insulation
Windows (including storm windows)
Skylights
Doors (including patio & sliding glass)
Roofs (metal & asphalt)
Central air conditioners
Air source heat pumps
Geo-thermal heat pumps
Gas, Oil, or Propane Furnace or Hot Water Boiler
Advanced Main Air Circulating Fans
Biomass stoves
Water Heaters (Gas, Oil or Propane, Electric Heat Pump, and Solar Water Heaters)
Photovoltaic Systems (solar panels)
Fuel Cells
Wind Generators
Products not covered by the tax credit included:
Refrigerators
Dishwashers
Clothes washers
Room air conditioners
Ceiling fans
Programmable thermostats
Electric storage tank water heaters
Electric Tankless water heaters

For more information on products covered by the tax credit, visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.