NH Home Energy Audits - New Construction & Existing Homes

phone: 603-369-4833
fax: 603-369-4835

EPA ENERGY STAR ® Homes Certifications -

A few simple steps now, will help you maximize your new home's energy performance and comfort at little or no extra cost.

Ask us about:
- PSNH - ENERGY STAR® Home Rebate Program
- PSNH - Geothermal Rebate Program
- UNITIL- ENERGY STAR® Home Rebate Program

How does the EPA ENERGY STAR® Homes labeling process work?

The Pre-Construction Certification Process
EPA ENERGY STAR® Homes Qualification for a "to be built" home is generally a three part process.

- Part One is a building plans evaluation using the nationally approved REM/Rate HERS software.
- Part Two is a mid-construction site-visit.
- Part Three is the Completed Dwelling Inspection and Blower Door Testing.

NOTE - If your new home is in the PSNH or UNITIL service areas - you MAY be eligible to have the utility pay for the three part ENERGY STAR® certification.
- Plus up to $2,500 in cash rebates.

Contact Us at 603-369-4833 or Linda@horizon-res.com for details.

PART ONE - Pre-Construction Plans Evaluation.

Part One - Pre-construction plans evaluation fee includes a written report estimating how the completed dwelling units will perform based on the information supplied, and will provide suggestions as to what features might be included in the completed project for it to meet the ENERGY STAR ® Homes standards. Once a floor plan is modeled in REM/Rate, there is no extra charge to do several “What If” scenario's to help you find the best balance of energy features that meets your needs.

(Pricing is based on the square footage of the conditioned living space of your home or multi-unit project. Call for pricing.)

Payment for Part One is due when the Plans are submitted for Review.

Please Note: The plans evaluation process is for guidance purposes only and does not guarantee that the completed dwelling will be certified as an ENERGY STAR ® labeled home. It is not until the structure is completed and a final Rater inspection and Blower Door test have been performed that the actual Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index can be determined for that dwelling.

PART TWO - Mid-Construction Site-Visit.

All homes and multi-unit projects - Call for pricing.

Payment for Part Two is due at the time of this site visit.

PART THREE - Completed Dwelling Inspection/Blower Door Test.

Single family homes and multi-unit projects - Call for pricing.

This fee includes a written report and frame-able certificate for the home - documenting that the completed dwelling indexed 80 points or lower on the HERS scale and meets the EPA ENERGY STAR® Home labeling standards. It also includes a EPA ENERGY STAR® Homes sticker to be attached to the electrical box.

NOTE: PSNH - Geothermal Rebate Program Homes must index 65 or lower to qualify for the PSNH Rebate.

Payment for Part Three is due at the time of the Final Site Visit.

Additionally Horizon Residential Energy Services NH, LLC can certify completion of other Department of Energy – ENERGY STAR® initiatives such as the DOE Indoor Air Package and Lighting Package.

Builders Challenge recognition can also be applied to ENERGY STAR® homes that meet additional criteria and index lower than 70.

See our Green Building page.

ENERGY STAR® certification can be awarded to brand new construction and completed gut rehab construction. The homeowner will have to pay the fees up front. No guarantee of certification.

W

hat is an ENERGY STAR® Qualified Home?

A US Department of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star® Labeled Home is a single or multi-family unit built to be 20% more energy efficient than the same dwellings built to the IECC 2004. To meet this standard, the home must be evaluated by a third party nationally accredited Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) energy professional, and the dwelling must score 80 points or lower on the HERS Index. Only after the energy performance of each completed dwelling unit has been verified as meeting this higher standard may the builder label it as an ENERGY STAR® Home.

Upon receiving this written third party verification, EPA will allow the ENERGY STAR® label to be affixed to the home's breaker box to acknowledge the home has attained ENERGY STAR® standards.

Some Benefits of the EPA ENERGY STAR® Homes Program are:

ENERGY STAR ® helps Homebuyers, Lenders, Builders/GC's, Developers and Architects balance existing building techniques and components for maximum energy performance at minimal (or no) added costs.

ENERGY STAR® provides independent confirmation to consumers that the home is built to meet an established, nationally recognized level of energy performance.

ENERGY STAR® provides an excellent match for financing through the HUD/FHA, VA, or Fannie Mae Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) products.

ENERGY STAR® encourages SOLAR options as part of the building package.

ENERGY STAR® is identified as one of the standards to be used in a number of proposed state and federal energy efficiency and energy tax credit programs.

HORIZON RESIDENTIAL ENERGY SERVICES NH, LLC is a registered EPA ENERGY STAR® Homes Partner and can work as the third party verifier with you, your Builder, and your Lender to put together an ENERGY STAR® Home building package that will save you money every month you live in your home. As the price of energy rises, so will your savings.