Tax Credits Still Available for Energy Efficient Home Features
New homes which are “green-built” to reduce energy consumption have several benefits to new home buyers. Many people don’t know that tax credits are still available for the use of energy efficient home features. First of all, because of the usage of the proper insulation, tightly sealed caulking and weather stripping, the home’s interior temperature is more comfortable. Through the control of air and vapor through the use of air/vapor retarder systems, the humidity of the home is reduced significantly making it a more dry environment. Because of
the insulation and tightly sealed yet ventilated structure of the home, there is a reduction of a significant amount of noise as well. All of these factors contribute to a peaceful and comfortable living environment for our new homeowners.
At Ron Lee Homes, we use many different energy efficient building techniques. Because he is Green Building Certified through the National Association of Home Builders, Ron Lee is an expert on applying the latest trends and technologies in building green homes. Currently, the federal government is offering tax rebates for two different types of energy efficiencies: the Residential Energy Efficient Property Tax Credit, which benefits those who have incorporated renewable energy features into their home, and the Nonbusiness Energy Property Tax Credit, which benefits those who have installed materials that meet the U.S. Department of Energy’s energy efficiency standards.
Energy Efficient Materials
In order to clarify exactly which types of materials will help you in renovating and updating your home, saving you money on your utility bills, and receiving money off of the annual taxes you pay, Ron Lee Homes has provided a description of all of the potential changes or new building techniques you can use that are considered energy 
efficient enough for the IRS.
First of all, for new home building, you will want to make sure that your thermal envelope is designed and installed to help reduce moisture and air from flowing through your home. Your thermal envelope includes the wall and roof, insulation, air / vapor retarders which reduce water vapor condensation, windows, weather stripping, and caulking.
A typical home loses more than 25% of its heat through its windows. In addition to using Energy Star® rated double or triple-paned, energy efficient windows, something as simple as roof overhangs are excellent at providing shade keeping the heat and sun glare off of the sides of the house as well as the windows especially here in Southeast Louisiana.
Amazingly, properly applied caulking and weather stripping will reduce a home’s utility costs by 50%. Sealing all of the potential places that air and moisture can escape or come into your home can enormously change your home’s environment – creating a less humid place to live with more stable temperatures.
Choosing the properly-sized heating and cooling system and then creating ventilation and air re-usage opportunities throughout the home will let the home “breathe,” which helps with reducing hot and cold air when it is not necessary.
Energy Star® water heaters, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, lighting, and room air conditioners should be chosen to decrease entergy usage which makes it cost less to use your home appliances.
For more information about building a new home with energy efficient features or renvoting your current home with these features, Contact Ron Lee Homes at 985-626-7619 or E-mail [email protected].
