Incorporate energy efficiency features in home building plans to receive future tax credits

Jan. 10, 2012 - PRLog -- Tax season is beginning again and many new homeowners are taking advantage of first-time home buyer’s tax credits and home repair rebates.  For those who are interested in moving into a new home in 2012, planning ahead for your next federal tax return might make the difference when deciding which is more affordable—buying or building.  

The first step is finding a builder who can work with you to design and build a new home that follows Energy Star guidelines or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.  

The South Dakota construction company Custom Homes by J. Scull specializes in building homes that are designed for the future, utilizing green and energy efficient building techniques and striving for minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

One of their most recent projects, the Ridge Home in the Black Hills, was designated the first LEED Certified Home in the state.  The home was ranked for its performance in the following areas:  energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, material selection, and site development.  

“We incorporated a solar photovoltaic power system, tankless hot water heaters, and a gray water harvesting system when designing this home,” explains Andy Scull.  In addition, Energy Star Rated light fixtures were used in 95% of the home as well as low-flow water fixtures.

While many of the Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency are only applicable for upgrades made to existing homes, there are several credits available for new construction through Dec. 31, 2016.  

Among the products that qualify for Energy Star tax credits are Geothermal Heat Pumps, Small Wind Turbines (Residential), and Solar Energy Systems.  

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Unlike ordinary heat pumps which use the outside air, geothermal heat pumps use the earth’s natural ground heat to provide heating, air conditioning, and hot water for homes.  They are considered one of the most efficient and comfortable heating and cooling technologies available.

Small Wind Turbines (Residential)

Small wind turbines collect kinetic energy from the wind which is converted to electricity that is compatible with a home’s electrical system.

Solar Energy Systems

Solar panels capture light energy from the sun in solar cells and convert it directly into electricity.  Solar water heaters use the sun’s thermal energy to heat water and generally are designed with a collector, storage tank, and circulation system.  

To learn more about the different energy efficiency features Custom Homes by J. Scull has integrated in their recent building projects, browse their complete portfolio at http://www.customhomesbyjscull.com/customhomes.php.

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About Custom Homes by J Scull
The Rapid City custom home builders produce unique luxury homes that are tailored to the specific requests of each client, using high quality materials and taking the home’s natural surroundings into consideration. As a sister company of J. Scull Construction, the experts at Custom Homes by J. Scull have decades of experience in designing and constructing custom structures, with a continued focus on green building. View their portfolio online at http://www.customhomesbyjscull.com.