August 2006

 www.energystarhomesamerica.com

Issue 8 Volume 4

Extension of Tax Credit, is it possible?

Interest in the energy efficiency tax credits for buildings is growing; currently the tax incentives are slated to expire on January 1, 2007. This is simply not enough time for builders to change their production schedules and commercial building owners to prepare to take advantage of the tax incentives. Recently Kelly Parker, P.E., President of GWS, and Steve Badon, Executive Director of Resnet, along with other representatives of RESNET, visited Washington D.C. to assist in the introduction of the Energy Efficiency Tax Incentive Extension to Congress.

 The Snowe-Feinstein Bill would allow for an extension of the new homes credit through 2010, and a performance-based tax credit to improve the efficiency of existing homes. Also included would be an extension of the credit for commercial buildings' energy efficient tax deduction through 2010.

There is only one way to determine if a home will qualify for the tax credit and that is to have an analysis completed using the approved IRS software program. Also, if this home is built in Oklahoma, builders can qualify for up to $2,000.00 more in state tax credits through the state tax incentives. GWS can assist you in your efforts to receive these tax credits. For more information visit www.gwssi.com.

Inspector’s Corner
Thermal Bypass Checklist
by Ken Lackey,
In response to significant changes in residential energy codes and standards, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new set of guidelines for ENERGY STAR qualified homes. A major new requirement to be implemented in 2006 is the Thermal Bypass Checklist.

The Thermal Bypass Checklist is a 16-point list of building details where thermal bypass or movement of heat around or through insulation, frequently occurs due to missing air barriers or gaps between the air barrier and insulation. Reducing thermal bypasses are important as they can lead to comfort and warranty issues as well as higher utility bills.
Key Point:

1. If state, local or regional energy code contradicts the Energy Star Thermal Bypass Checklist, precedence must be given to the state, local or regional energy code.  Precedence should also be given to guidelines set by regional Energy Star programs.                                                             
2. Subject to the Providers approval, builders may self-verify up to four items on the list. The remaining items must be verified by a certified home energy rater. (GWS does not allow the builder to self verify any items, at this time).
        
3. Not all details will apply to every home (e.g. some homes may not have a room above the garage or cantilevers) these items should be checked as “NA” for Not Applicable by the HERS rater.

4. Any items found to be noncompliant with the Thermal Bypass Checklist must be corrected.

Implementation Dates:
Any Energy Star home permitted after July 1, 2006, unless part of a utility program (The Thermal Bypass Checklist items will be inspected, however the items will not be turned down, unless the builder is already complying i.e. signed builder details) The official Implementation date will be January 1, 2007.
Call GWS for your builder training and a power point presentation.
Oklahoma                                                         1-888-488-0206
North Texas-                     Chris Jones             1-214-876-4417
Central & South Texas     Samantha Pearson   1-281-808-4512

Announcements:

EEBA Excellence in Building
Conference & Expo
Norfolk, VA: October 10 - 12, 2006
For more information, please visit http://www.eeba.org/conference/2006/EEBA_Invite_2006.pdf

Thermal Bypass Training
Las Vegas: October 17 - 19, 2006
For more information, contact GWS at bwelch@gwssi.com


GWS is accredited in these states; Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas.