New Mexico Gas Company is a proud sponsor of the ENERGY STAR Homes Program. Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR Star-qualified home rating must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code. These homes include a variety of energy-efficient features that help to improve the quality of the home and the comfort of homeowners, while lowering energy usage.
New Mexico Gas Company offers homebuilders a $500 rebate for each ENERGY STAR qualified home they build in the New Mexico Gas Company service area.
If you are a homebuilder interested in the ENERGY STAR Home Program, or a customer wanting to know more about ENERGY STAR Homes and a list of participating builders, please click here NMSaves.com /.
What is an ENERGY STAR®-Qualified home?
The main features of an ENERGY STAR-qualified home include:
- Effective Insulation
Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls and attics helps ensure even temperatures throughout the house, reduces energy use and increases comfort. Learn more about Properly Installed Insulation.
- High-Performance Windows
Energy-efficient windows use advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings. Learn more about Qualified Windows.
- Tight Construction and Ducts
Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while helping to reduce energy and maintenance costs. Learn more about Efficient Duct Systems.
- Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment
In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity and improve a home's overall comfort. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment won't have to work so hard to heat and cool the home. Learn more about: Qualified Heating Equipment, Qualified Cooling Equipment and Mechanical Ventilation.
- Efficient Products
ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans and appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines. Learn more about ENERGY STAR qualified products.
- Third-Party Verification
With the help of independent Home Energy Raters, ENERGY STAR builder partners help to select the most appropriate energy-saving features for their homes. Raters also conduct onsite testing and inspections to verify the energy efficiency measures, as well as insulation, air tightness and duct sealing details. Learn more about Independent Inspection and Testing.
For more information, visit energystar.gov. For a copy of ENERGY STAR’s brochure on the benefits for homeowners, click here.
How to Get a Rebate
1. Register with the EPA-administered ENERGY STAR® home builder program; receive an ENERGY STAR® Partner number
2. Register with New Mexico Gas Company as a Participating Homebuilder
3. Build a home to ENERGY STAR® standards
- The house is located in New Mexico Gas Company service area
- Has a New Mexico Gas Company residential account
4. Have home inspected by a qualified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) rater
5. HERS issues an energy rating
- Energy rating must be equal to or less than 85
- The HERS provides the builder with copies of the report and a certificate listing the ENERGY STAR® rating for the home
6. Builder submits the following documentation to the address listed on the rebate form:
- Completed New Mexico Gas Company ENERGY STAR® Homebuilder Rebate registration form
- Completed New Mexico Gas Company ENERGY STAR® Homebuilder Rebate form
- Copy of the ENERGY STAR® certificate
- HERS reports
7. Receive a rebate of $500 for each ENERGY STAR®-qualified home, mailed to you in 6 to 8 weeks.
Qualified homes must be permitted before December 31, 2011 and completed by July 1, 2012.