Homebuilders Learn to Meet Requirements of Florida's Energy Code

This is a summary of an article that appeared in the online version of The Orlando Sentinel today:

Homebuilders at the Southeast Builders' Conference in Orlando learned about meeting Florida's new energy code requirements. The energy code was set into action this month and requires homes to be more energy efficient.

The law initially requires a 15 percent increase in energy efficiency. This is the first step towards achieving a 50 percent increase. The Sentinel reports thermal windows, programmable thermostats, radiant-barrier insulation, and sealed ductwork can help builders achieve this goal.

You can read the full article on The Orlando Sentinel Website.

Article in Online Edition of Philadelphia Inquirer Discusses Tax Credit for Fenestration Products

The following provides a synopsis of an article that appeared in the Friday, July, 31 online edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The stimulus package allows for a federal energy tax credit to homeowners, up to 30 percent of the cost of home improvements, including window and door replacement. The maximum creidt one may recieve is $1,500 for taxable years 2009 and 2010.

The tax credit doesn not include installation costs. It only covers the cost of the product. Windows must have U-factor and a Solar Heat-Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.30 or less.

The U-factor measures how well a product prevents heat from escapting a home or building. The lower the U-factor, the better a product is at keeping in heat. The SHGC measures how well a product blocks heat from the sun. The lower the SHGCt, the less solar heat the door, window, or skylight transmits. This equates to greater shading

Read the full article on The Philadelphia Inquirer Website.