The world seems a go-go with news about energy efficiency. From tax credits to rebates to mandates energy is in the spotlight of our collective mindsets.

As an energy rating professional, I’ve had occasion to visit many homes and advise clients on ways to improve efficiency and invest their money with prudence.

A comprehensive energy audit is always the best way to start. The certifications that separate Pros from Joes come from the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) and the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Auditors with certifications from either of these organizations have the knowledge to help you make smart choices with your upgrade plans.

Most of the tax credits for energy efficiency upgrades have expired, unfortunately. There is, however, legislation in congress that may offer up to a $5000 tax credit for performance based improvements in the near future, only time will tell. Keep an eye out for the 25E: Cut Energy Bills at Home Act.

Currently, the most popular program is the Georgia Power EarthCents Home Energy Improvement rebate program. This program includes rebates for energy audits and improvements and you could qualify for up to a $2200 mail in rebate after improvements are made. Any qualifying energy auditor with the BPI certification, who is registered with the EarthCents program can qualify you for these rebates. The rebate amount is dependent upon the level of energy efficiency improvement. The program is relatively easy to comply with and flexible enough to account for individual improvements, such as insulation and air sealing, and big enough to account for more significant 30% “whole house” efficiency improvements.

Last year, mostly because Georgia accepted stimulus funds, Georgia adopted the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (2009 IECC). This code mandates that new construction homes must be better insulated and must pass two new diagnostic tests. The Building Envelope Tightness (BET) test, also known as the Blower Door Test, checks the home for it’s air infiltration rate – or how leaky it is. The limit, from my perspective, is not too stringent and easily attainable by most builders. The second test is the Duct Tightness test – a test that measures how leaky your air conditioning ducts are. The required tightness in this test is again, from my perspective, not too stringent and easily attainable by most HVAC contractors. If you’re having any remodeling or HVAC work done, I highly recommend you make sure your builder or HVAC contractor is knowledgeable of the new code requirements to avoid any costly repairs and ultimately to ensure the quality and efficiency of your home.

So, go forth knowledgeably and efficiently, start saving money and use the programs that are available to you.

Always,
Eric Griffin
President
Dynamic Energy Consulting and Auditing, LLC