Earlier this year, new performance requirements went into effect on all ENERGY STAR windows, doors and skylights.  Knowing how to identify these labels when purchasing your new energy efficient products is vital to making good investments and ensuring eligibility for tax credits.

Red and Black Labels

ENERGY STAR Red Label

There are two new ENERGY STAR labels to watch for.  The label shown at right was rolled out in October of 2009.  Appearing in either red or black, this label identifies window, skylight and door products which will no longer meet the high-efficiency ENERGY STAR standards effective April 1, 2010.

Blue Label

ENERGY STAR Blue Label

The new, blue label will help you identify ENERGY STAR products that are eligible for tax credits up to $1,500 when installed in 2010.

To ensure the highest level of energy efficiency and tax credit eligibility in your ENERGY STAR purchases, it is always important to consult your green home builder.

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Tax Credits for Solar Hot Water Heaters

Long, hot baths don’t have to be a waste of energy.  Solar hot water systems can heat the water for your kitchen or bath without running up your electric or gas bill.

In fact, many homeowners are now replacing traditional hot water heaters with solar powered systems, proving to be a revolution in green building.  Solar water heaters use collection plates and highly insulated storage tanks to harness the power of the sun, thereby reducing carbon footprints and saving money on energy bills.

Systems are categorized as either active or passive.  Active systems circulate the water within the tank using pumps or coils.  While passive systems rely on gravity and the water’s natural temperature based circulation.  An experienced green builder can advise you as to which system fits with your solar water heating needs.  Some factors to be considered include your home site, local building codes, and the size of your family.

Whichever system you choose, the benefits can be astounding.  According to some statistics, solar water heating systems can reduce your monthly utility bill, essentially paying for itself in less than five years.  Your home builder can also help you to comply with federal tax credit regulations regarding a new solar hot water heating system to further help in covering the costs of the unit and installation.  Federal tax credits will pay for up to 30% of the cost of installation of an energy star solar water heating system, but only if the system is installed before the deadline of December 31, 2016.

It’s important to contact your green building specialist as soon as possible to discuss the solar heating options for your home to start saving money and energy.  Whether you’re building a new construction or updating the system in your existing homes, it’s a win-win situation for all homeowners.

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