What is an Energy Mortgage (EM)?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:07:49 -0400

A home energy rating is a standard way to measure the energy efficiency of a residential home. An energy rating considers home characteristics such as air and duct leakage, insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-window ratios, the heating and cooling system efficiency, the solar orientation of the home, and the water heating system. These factors influence the score each house receives on a standardized scale that is based on a national energy code. This score determines whether a house is an ENERGY STAR home.

Energy ratings benefit home buyers by allowing a comparison between the energy costs of new homes. A rating can benefit an existing homeowner by providing a specific analysis of cost-effective energy improvements. Builders can benefit from energy ratings by analyzing what materials and building techniques add to or detract from the energy efficiency of a newly constructed home. Builders can also apply for a tax credit on every house they build if it meets certain energy criteria.

To learn more about energy ratings and the standards that govern them, you can visit the Residential Energy Network (RESNET) web site or the ENERGY STAR Homes Program web site

What is a home energy rater and how do I become one?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:34:36 -0400

If you would like to learn more about becoming an Energy Rater, your first step should be to consult this document.

A certified home energy rater must successfully complete training by a RESNET Accredited Rater Training Provider (Learn about EEHM's Rater Training) and must be certified by a RESNET Accredited Rating Provider. Once certified, a rater must work through a RESNET Accredited Rating Provider.

Each candidate rater must perform two ratings, including software operations, in the presence of trainers.

Certified Raters must also pass examinations that demonstrate a practical, working ability to effectively use the knowledge and skills set contained in Section 5.3 of Chapter Two of the National Home Energy Rating standard to produce accurate and fair home energy ratings. This examination may either follow training or it may be taken as a challenge examination.

After successfully completing the rater training, the rater has one year to be certified by a RESNET accredited rating provider.

To learn more click here: http://www.natresnet.org/certified/default.htm

How can I find an energy rater?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:34:34 -0400

Click here to see our Rater Directory to find a rater near you.

How do I get an energy rating on an existing home?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:34:32 -0400

Any certified rater can perform an energy rating on an existing home. To find a rater in your area click here: Rater Directory.

What is RESNET?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:34:30 -0400

In April 1995, the National Association of State Energy Officials and Energy Rated Homes of America founded the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) to develop a national market for home energy rating systems and energy efficient mortgages. RESNET's activities are guided by a mortgage industry steering committee composed of the leading national mortgage executives. To learn more click here: http://www.natresnet.org/default.htm.

What tax credit can I get for improving the energy efficiency of my existing home?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:34:27 -0400

Under the Energy Bill of 2005, you may be able to receive a tax credit for retrofitting your home. For more information, visit http://www.natresnet.org/taxcredits/default.htm.

How does a builder receive the $2000 tax credit for new construction?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 01:34:25 -0400

New federal tax credits are available for residential energy efficiency under the Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Under the provision for energy efficient homes, an eligible contractor who constructs a qualified new energy efficient home may qualify for a credit of $2,000. The credit is available for all new homes.

To be eligible for the federal tax credit for new homes, every home shall be independently field tested to verify the energy performance of the home. To comply with the law, field verification of the qualifying home’s energy performance shall be conducted in accordance with the “Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards.” To learn more, click here: http://www.natresnet.org/taxcredits/default.htm

What is a home energy rating?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 00:56:21 -0400