FSEC
Unveils New Energy Gauge Software to Help with
Tax
Credit Compliance
Thanks to new software developed at FSEC, homebuilders around the country
will be able to easily and accurately take advantage of the new federal
tax credit of $2,000 for homes that reduce energy use for heating and
cooling by 50 percent as compared to the national model code.
The building community is excited about the new credits contained in
the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that went into effect on January
1, providing financial incentives for new homes that are energy efficient.
An important component of the credits, however, is that eligible homes
must demonstrate savings using software that has been approved by the
IRS in accordance with RESNET
Publication 05-001,
and builders must demonstrate compliance by the use of third-party
inspectors certified according to
IRS rules.
Rob Vieira, director of FSEC’s Buildings Research Division, explained
that standards similar to those specified in the new language already
exist in Florida and elsewhere as part of Florida's Building Energy Rating
System.
|
Brian Hanson, Software Engineer (left),
and Philip
Fairey, FSEC Deputy Director, review EnergyGauge
software.
(Photo: Nick Waters ) |
Following the announcement of the tax credits in August, Vieira put together
a team of researchers in his division to work with FSEC deputy
director Philip Fairey in creating a new version of FSEC’s EnergyGauge
USA software to help homebuilders qualify for the new credit
and to help quantify energy savings for new homes. Fairey and Brian Hanson
led the effort to develop the new software, scheduled to be released today,
that uses the 2006 HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Reference Home standards
and the 2006 NAECA (National Appliance Energy Conservation Act)
minimum hot water, air conditioner and heat pump standards to perform
the tax credit calculations based on home heating and air conditioning
energy use.
Builders, tax analysts and others involved in working with the credits
will find the software useful in complying with the requirements
and calculating energy savings. The EnergyGauge software developed
by FSEC allows detailed performance-based analysis of building energy
use and performs economic analysis of proposed energy improvements. Versions
include two for Florida use – FlaRes
for residential buildings and FlaCom for commercial, and a program
applicable nationwide (EnergyGauge USA). To use the software
to meet the requirements of the new tax credits, Florida builders will
need both FlaRes and EnergyGauge USA, and special pricing has been developed
for both products. Builders outside of Florida only need the new EnergyGauge
USA version 2.5.1.
A sample page from the new EnergyGauge
software. |
“This new software is a major step forward in our EnergyGauge series,” Vieira
noted. “The new tax credits – the first time such federal
credits have been available to builders – are a huge opportunity
for homebuilders around the country to take the next step forward in increasing
the energy efficiency of their homes. We’re very happy that the
EnergyGauge program can assist them in making energy efficiency more affordable
for home owners everywhere.”
One other feature of FSEC’s EnergyGauge USA software makes it especially
popular with builders. “Our software,” Vieira added, “is
unique because it includes detailed analysis of building-integrated photovoltaic
systems as well as detailed modeling of solar water heating systems. It’s
comprehensive, easy to use, and builders around the country have reported
their satisfaction with the program. We know it is a useful tool, and
this new version takes it even a step further than it’s been before.”
For full information on the new software, visit http://energygauge.com/.
Pricing for EnergyGauge USA software begins at $149.