Where to Find Net-Zero Energy Home Building Tax Credits?

It is becoming increasingly important as the years go by to invest in energy efficient technology. Considering that 40 percent of all energy consumption in the US is found in residential and commercial properties, you really must take a step back to think about the ways to incorporate more green practices into your life. One of the best ways is through net-zero energy homes, which will not just reduce your carbon footprint but also save you big money in the form of Net-Zero energy home building tax credits.

To take advantage of these net-zero tax credits, you will want to check a variety of sources and ask plenty of questions, and the team at your local builders is a good place to start. Your Scottsdale AZ Net-Zero home building contractors know exactly where to look to find green building tax credits, and should be more than happy to share the information with you.

Ask Your Original Home Builder

You should try asking your original home builder if you are interested in obtaining tax credits. Depending on how they constructed the home and the materials and appliances used and installed, you could qualify for some incentives. If you live in an older home, however, the odds are that you might not be eligible for a whole lot. More traditional home building methods have not historically been the most energy efficient practices.

If an energy efficient home builder handled your home, they will no doubt have plenty of information available to you on potential tax credits.

Check the Federal Level

Once you start looking into government tax credits, you will quickly encounter the Department of Energy’s Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), which is where you will want to look for any tax credits, both federal and state.

The best federal tax credit out there for energy efficient homes is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a 30 percent tax credit for residential homes and commercial properties that rely on solar systems. For more information on federal tax credits, you should try checking the DSIRE Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit and DSIRE Federal Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credits pages.

Check the State Level

State tax credits will obviously vary from state to state, though DSIRE’s State Map for Renewables and Efficiency should provide you all the information you need on tax credits specific to your state and region. In Arizona, alone there are close to 100 different tax incentives and programs to help you cut costs.

Contact Local Builders More Information

As you can see, there are many benefits, both physical and financial, to investing in a Net-Zero home, and constructing one is not nearly as difficult as it might seem from the outset. Reach out to your local professionals today to learn more about tax credits and your Net-Zero energy home.

________________________________________

Contact the Net-Zero Energy home building experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating a custom cutting-edge green home. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

 

Read related articles:

• Choosing the Best and Highest R-Value Wall Insulation for AZ


• How to Build the Most Energy Efficient Home in Arizona


• How to Prevent Thermal Bridging in Net-Zero Energy Homes

Where to Find Net-Zero Energy Home Building Tax Credits?

Best Net-Zero Energy Home Lighting Installation Options

As the world’s population continues to grow exponentially, it is becoming more and more necessary that we all start taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint on this planet. Especially in America at least, as our effect on the environment is getting out of hand. Fortunately, there are a number of options you can take to help make your home more eco-friendly, and it could start with a brand new Net-Zero energy home lighting installation.

The average family’s light bill can sometimes be quite high, and if you can reign in these costs a little, you could end up saving yourself a small bundle. Energy efficient lighting will also help make your home more net-zero energy efficient.

What are Net-Zero Energy Homes?

If you are serious about investing in a new environmentally friendly home, you should consider a net-zero energy green home construction that can produce its own source of renewable energy. This allows your home to essentially sustain itself, and these relatively recent models are starting to gain some popularity throughout the country for their obvious benefits. However, these kinds of houses typically require a full installation process.

For a more subdued approach by introducing green elements to the home over time, you can look to your available lighting options as a place to start. You specifically should look to incorporating two things in your lighting scheme: LEDs and sunlight.

Use LED Lighting

LEDs are a great way to keep your space lit without burning through cash on your monthly bills. That being said, while LEDs are starting to redefine energy efficient lighting, not all LEDs are necessarily a great idea for your space. You should specifically look for LED lights that are rated Energy Star by the US Department of Energy. These certified lights can dramatically cut your energy consumption costs without sacrificing any of the quality of normal fluorescent or incandescent lighting.

Incorporate Natural Light

Especially if you are thinking about building a net-zero energy home, incorporating more natural sunlight in your lighting design will go a long way. The sun is after all just about the brightest thing you can find on this planet, and if you invest in a home design with big windows and décor that accentuates and makes use of this natural lighting, you often will not even have to turn on the lights, saving you a lot of money come the end of the month.

Learn More About Net-Zero Energy Home Building

Installing new energy efficient lighting will definitely help in making your home eco-friendlier, but why stop there? There are many things you can do with your space to better conform it to our changing world. Of course, not just anyone should be in charge of your net-zero home construction. Instead, you need Scottsdale AZ Net-Zero home building specialists to get you into the perfect home for you and your family.

_________________________________________

Contact the Net-Zero Energy home building experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating a custom cutting-edge green home. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

 

Read related articles:

• Guide to Green Home Energy Efficient Door Installation


• PV Solar Panel Systems for Net-Zero Homes [3 Benefits]


• Net-Zero Home Builders in Scottsdale AZ [Hiring Checklist]

Best Net-Zero Energy Home Lighting Installation Options

Guide to Green Home Energy Efficient Door Installation

It is important today more than ever to invest in energy efficient homes, especially considering that residential electricity use accounts for quite a bit of the greenhouse gas emissions in the world. There are also so many different ways to reduce your carbon footprint that taking steps yourself is pretty easy. A particularly good way to make your home more eco-friendly is by looking into a green home energy efficient door installation.

Energy efficient doors can go a long way in curbing your electricity usage, and they are not as difficult to install as you might think. You can use this simple guide to help learn more.

Find a Suitable R-Value Door

You will ultimately want a door that can best keep your space insulated. The r-value of the door is the specific measurement of how well it insulates and refers to the door’s level of thermal resistance. The higher the r-value of your door, the more energy efficient that door will be. For example, many simple wood doors might have an r-value between two to four while a reinforced or fiberglass door will have an r-value of about ten or twelve.

When you are deciding on a new door in your home, you should keep its r-value in mind and only invest in a door with a high one. You should specifically look for a door with an Energy Star rating from the US Department of Energy.

Choose the Best Placement for Your Door

Where you decide to place the door will have an effect on how energy efficient it is. For example, an exterior door will require a different level of insulation due to outside influences such as wind and rain. On the other hand, you will need a specialty door to handle interior air pressures, including from HVAC systems.

Seal Properly Around the Door

Having selected a door with a high r-value rating and Energy Star label, and having carefully selected where your new door will be placed, you then have to deal with the actual installation process. This is when it becomes critically important to have a Phoenix Arizona Net-Zero home building specialists on your side, because if the door and its materials are not sealed properly, the r-value and placement will not matter.

Learn More About Net-Zero Energy Homes

Installing an energy efficient door is only a part of a larger plan to make your home eco-friendlier. The fight, however, does not end there. You can look to invest in energy efficient windows as well as potential solar power systems. The ultimate goal is to eliminate your negative impacts on the environment while making your home self-sustaining.

A local professional will be able to help you achieve the energy efficiency you are looking for with your home. With years of knowledge and experience, they will guide you towards purchasing the perfect doors for your house.

________________________________________________

Contact the Net-Zero Energy home building experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating a custom cutting-edge green home. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

 

Read related articles:

• PV Solar Panel Systems for Net-Zero Homes [3 Benefits]


• Net-Zero Home Builders in Scottsdale AZ [Hiring Checklist]


• ERV vs HRV: Which Is Better for Net-Zero Energy Homes?

Guide to Green Home Energy Efficient Door Installation

PV Solar Panel Systems for Net-Zero Homes [3 Benefits]

It is becoming increasingly important in today’s age to take advantage of environmentally friendly options whenever possible. From hybrid cars to better recycling, there are many things we can start doing to lessen the negative impact we have on the planet, and investing in net-zero homes might just be the next step. Typically the best way to power a net-zero energy home is through the sun, and so for anyone interested in making an eco-friendly change in their lives, consider looking into PV solar panel systems for net-zero homes.

The following are three of the major benefits to more energy efficient home building.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

There is no denying that we are a heavy burden for this planet to bare. With populations continuing to skyrocket across the globe, we are beginning to see now more than ever just what kind of impact we are having, and the answer is not altogether good. It is therefore so important to do what we can to reduce our carbon footprint, and this includes investing in more energy efficient constructions.

Solar power, in particular, is a fantastic natural renewable resource that can be easily incorporated into most home designs. The end goal is a residence that can sustain itself without damaging the environment any further.

Take Yourself Off the Grid

By leaning on solar power as opposed to more conventional electricity, you are doing yourself a huge favor by removing yourself from the power grid. A good solar system will do the work for you, and instead of paying big bills each month to the local utility company, you can save money without missing a beat in comfort and performance.

After an initial installation, PV solar systems will typically last quite a while with regular maintenance, and over the years, you will be sure to make back your investment many times over.

Make Your Home Net Positive

One of the biggest benefits of installing a solar system is the inherent potential to turn your residence into a true net-zero home. To be clear, what this means is that the total amount of energy your home consumes is roughly equal to the renewable energy produced onsite. In other words, a net-zero energy home uses only as much power as it makes. As such, there are obviously many benefits associated with going net-zero, some of which (including reducing your carbon footprint and removing your home from the power grid) have been discussed above.

Net-zero energy homes have also definitely started to catch on in recent years, meaning it might just be time for you and your family to get in on the action.

Learn More About Installing a Solar System

If you are looking into potentially installing a PV solar system in your home, you should only allow trained professionals to handle the job. Otherwise, you might end up with more bad than good. Seek the assistance of Phoenix AZ net-zero home building specialists who will help you get the net-zero solar system you need. With professionals who have years of experience in eco-friendly housing solutions, you can easily learn more about the process, or what else they can do for you, when you want to install a PV solar panel system for your net-zero home.

_________________________________________

Contact the Net-Zero Energy home building experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating a custom cutting-edge green home. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

Read related articles:

• Net-Zero Home Builders in Scottsdale AZ [Hiring Checklist]


• ERV vs HRV: Which Is Better for Net-Zero Energy Homes?


• Do I Need Special Net-Zero Energy Home Building Permits?

PV Solar Panel Systems for Net-Zero Homes [3 Benefits]

Do I Need Special Net-Zero Energy Home Building Permits?

Homeowners across the country are putting an increased emphasis on making their homes as energy efficient as possible. Not only does energy efficiency save a good deal of money, but it is also environmentally friendly. Net-Zero energy homes provide the most energy efficiency possible by using renewable energy to almost completely make up for annual energy consumption. If you’re considering building a Net-Zero energy home, then you might be interested in the regulations involved in the construction process. Read on to learn about Net-Zero energy home building permits, and how to get one for your Net-Zero home.

Learn the Purpose of Building Permits

When you apply for a building permit, you are asking for permission from your local government to build a home. Before the home construction process can begin, you must comply with all the regulations that your local government has instituted to be approved for a building permit. Because the construction process is different from building normal homes, green home building permits comprise various regulations that are meant to reduce environmental impacts as much as possible. If you want to reduce your environmental and energy impact by building an energy efficient home, then it is integral to comply with all of your local building codes so you will be granted a permit.

Acquiring Net-Zero Certification

Building these energy homes is a very intricate process and since it can be very difficult to make sure that your energy consumption is offset with renewable energy sources, Net-Zero certification can be very hard to attain without the proper guidance. In addition to complying with regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency in order for your home to qualify as a Net-Zero home, you may also be required to acquire a building permit by adhering to your state’s rules for building a green home. Every state has their own requirements for building energy efficient homes, so it is best to consult your state’s regulatory board before beginning construction.

Consult Your Home Builder to Comply with Regulations

There’s no such thing as a stupid question, so if you’re still confused as to whether or not you need a building permit before you start construction on your Net-Zero energy home, then you should make sure to ask your home builder to help you out. Most home builders have intricate knowledge of how to acquire building permits for every type of home you could build, including Net-Zero energy homes. Receiving guidance from your home builder ensures that you will get the permits that you need to build your energy efficient home in the quickest manner possible.

Hire a Certified Builder for Your Home

Deciding to build a Net-Zero energy homes prove your commitment to both conservation and saving as much money as possible. Because Net-Zero homes entail a different building process than a traditional home, it is important that you only consider certified Scottsdale Net-Zero builders to handle your construction job. The right home builder makes the process of acquiring permits and building your energy efficient home as easy and affordable as possible. With a Net-Zero home built by a great home builder, you’ll save more money than you could have ever possibly imagined.

_________________________________________

Contact the Net-Zero Energy home building experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating a custom cutting-edge green home. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

 

Read related articles:

• What Is the Cost of Building a Net-Zero Home in Arizona?


• How Long Does It Take to Build a Net-Zero Energy Home?


• 3 Benefits of Installing Home Energy Monitoring Systems

Do I Need Special Net-Zero Energy Home Building Permits?

Net-Zero Home Builders in Scottsdale, AZ

Every experienced homeowner knows how important it is to do your research before selecting a home builder. This process is doubly important when you are thinking about building a Net-Zero energy home. Constructing a Net-Zero energy home is a much different process than building a traditional home, which is why you need a hiring checklist to consult before you decide on the right builder for you. Keep reading to learn the qualifications that you should look for when you’re trying to find the best Net-Zero Home Builders in Scottsdale AZ.

Experience Great Savings with Net-Zero Homes

Building Net-Zero homes come with many benefits that you may not be aware of if you’ve never experienced one for yourself. Primarily, people choose Net-Zero homes for their extreme efficiency. In fact, Net-Zero homes are so energy efficient, it is likely that you will see the end of energy bills once you move into your new home. Additionally, Net-Zero houses are extremely environmentally friendly because they function through the use of renewable resources in order to offset energy consumption. As you can see, these types of homes are great for those who are concerned with saving money and practicing conservation.

Hire a Builder That is Certified

Just like with traditional homes, you want to make sure you find the right builder for your Net-Zero house. You should be certain that whoever you hire is a certified Net-Zero builder. Certified builders will have the knowledge needed to construct your Net-Zero home in a way that complies with the standards set out by the Environmental Protection Agency. If you don’t make sure your builder is certified, then you are risking your home being improperly built, which could prevent it earning the Net-Zero designation. Always ask to see proof of certification before making any hiring decisions.

Make Sure Your Builder Understands the Net-Zero Building Process

Experience is the most important attribute that a home builder should possess. You don’t want to hire someone that does not know their profession inside and out. The process of building a Net-Zero home is so intricate, you want to know that the person you hire has experience building this type of home. The best way to ensure that your home builder understands the process of constructing a Net-Zero home is by having them explain the whole thing to you from start to finish. If they can clearly describe the process, then they should be able to handle your construction job.

Ask for Referrals Before Hiring

Almost every type of job in the world requires that it’s employees undergo a background check. You can employ a similar tactic to make sure you’re hiring the right home builder by asking for referrals. A home builder that can provide home building referrals from past customers proves that they are trustworthy and experienced enough to handle your construction job. Without referrals, it’s impossible to know if a home builder is qualified enough to work for you.

Choose a Company with a Long Reputation of Service

Everyone has heard nightmare stories about someone hiring a fly by night home builder. While hiring a new home builder can be enticing, it is better to make sure that whoever you hire has been in the business of home building for a long time. Home building companies that have an expansive history and resulting reputation are more likely to build your Net-Zero home quickly, professionally and at the price that you want.

Check Off Every Mark on Your List

Employing a hiring checklist makes sure that you are always getting the perfect company to build your home. Certified Arizona Net-Zero home builders will possess the experience, knowledge and professionalism needed to build your home in the way that you want. Once you find the company that hits every mark, hire them right away so that you can experience the huge savings of living in a Net-Zero home.

____________________________________________

Contact the Net-Zero Energy home building experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating a custom cutting-edge green home. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

 

Read related articles:

• ERV vs HRV: Which Is Better for Net-Zero Energy Homes?


• Do I Need Special Net-Zero Energy Home Building Permits?


• What Is the Cost of Building a Net-Zero Home in Arizona?

Net-Zero Home Builders in Scottsdale, AZ

ERV vs HRV: Which is Better for Net-Zero Energy Homes?

When building a net-zero energy home, there are so many factors to take into consideration that it can be confusing to know where to start. Each detail has to be meticulously planned to ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible. This process can be highly stressful, but the savings in the long run, are worth it.

One decision that homebuilders have to make is choosing ERV vs HRV systems to provide your home with fresh, filtered air. They are balanced ventilation systems that, though more expensive to install than other mechanical ventilation systems, save homeowners in Arizona a lot on operating costs, which is why they are commonly used in net-zero homes. Both are highly energy efficient, but what are the differences? 

ERV Filtration System

An energy-recovery ventilator (ERV) operates essentially the same as an HRV while also dealing with the home’s humidity. It will take some of the moisture from the more humid air stream and transfer it to the dryer air stream, which in most cases does not cause cross-contamination of air streams.

HRV Filtration System

A heat-recovery ventilator (HRV) exhausts stale air from the home while at the same time pulling in fresh air. Stale air is generally removed from rooms with the most moisture—bathrooms and laundry rooms—while fresh air is pumped into the most-used rooms, like the living room and bedrooms. Since both these air streams pass through the same ventilator, heat from whichever stream is warmer (fresh air in summer, stale air in winter) is “recovered” and transferred to the other airstream without the two airflows mixing.

Air Ventilation in Hot Climates 

Both HRVs and ERVs need air conditioning in order to properly ventilate homes during the summer. This is because a heat exchange must occur in order for ventilation to happen. The incoming air from the outside must be warmer than the outgoing exhaust air from the inside, which won’t be the case if the indoor air isn’t being cooled by an air conditioner. Thankfully, home air conditioning in Phoenix isn’t generally a problem, as families depend on it for both comfort and safety during hot summer months.

Which System is Right for My Home?

Net-Zero energy home ventilation systems have different operating costs depending mainly on the climate and airflow. If you are building a net zero home from the ground up, airflow should be tight and well maintained—you’ll have much more control over your home’s energy leaking than if you were to refurbish an old Victorian house. Based on the dry climates that most Arizona homeowners are used to, it’s likely that either an ERV or an HRV will be a good choice.

Both ERV and HRV systems are good—your contractor will be able to make the best recommendation based on your home building specifics. For custom zero energy home building in Scottsdale, Peak One Builders provides expertise on all aspects of the home building process, right down to which ventilation system is right for your home.

______________________________________________

Contact the Net-Zero Energy home building experts at Peak One Builders & Restoration to learn more about creating a custom cutting-edge green home. Request a free estimate or call 480-378-0611 now!

 

Read related articles:

• What Is the Cost of Building a Net-Zero Home in Arizona?


• How Long Does It Take to Build a Net-Zero Energy Home?


• 3 Benefits of Installing Home Energy Monitoring Systems

ERV vs HRV: Which is Better for Net-Zero Energy Homes?