Zero Energy Ready Home February 2023

ZERH: Frequently Asked Questions

The Department of Energy ‘s Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Program has seen a lot of activity in the past six months. The Inflation Reduction Act, which passed in the summer of 2022, provides a $5,000 tax credit beginning January 1, 2023, for homes meeting the ZERH program requirements (45L Tax Credit). Moreover, DOE launched a Single- Family Version 2, is piloting a manufactured home requirement and is developing multifamily program requirements. All of these developments have triggered a number of different questions from partners and industry alike.  To help answer some of these, the ZERH team has developed a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that are now live on our website and will grow over time.  These questions will focus primarily on program operations, such as how to register and how to certify homes, as well as common questions on program requirements. For information related to the 45L tax credit and version applicability, please see our 45L for ZERH page.

Below is just one example of the FAQs you can find on our web site:

I am a builder and I want to build and certify a zero energy ready home. What should I do first?

Most ZERH builders initially build and certify homes under the ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction program. Because ENERGY STAR certification is a prerequisite for ZERH certification, this is a good place to start.

Next, builders should review the ZERH program requirements, which include the mandatory requirements of ENERGY STAR and Indoor airPLUS from the EPA along with other requirements established by DOE. Once you understand these components, you can become a program partner by registering here. Next, find a rater to work with you throughout your design and construction process. DOE has a public list of program partners, including raters (called verifiers on the listing) here. Your rater will walk you through the process of building and certifying a Zero Energy Ready Home! 

Finally, builders new to the ZERH can review program training resources on the program website.

See More FAQs

Have a questions about the program? Email us at zerh@doe.gov

Home of the Month

Cooper Street Residence by Zero Net Now - Esopus, NY

2022 Housing Innovation Awards Grand Winner- Custom Homes > 2500 SF

See more of this home and other award winning homes on the DOE Tour of Zero

Upcoming Webinars

The U.S. DOE Zero Energy Design Designation recognizes post-secondary academic programs that prepare students for 21st century building careers.

2023 Zero Energy Design Designation: Preparing the Next Generation Clean Energy Building Professionals- Informational webinar

March 7, 2023- 1pm ET

Join this session to learn how collegiate programs can earn the new U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Design Designation (ZEDD). Schools interested in being recognized by DOE demonstrate a commitment to preparing students for a zero-carbon future by offering a building science education curriculum within their programs of study that showcases best practices in zero energy design, and requiring a zero energy design practicum. Hear from participating faculty and learn how college or university programs can earn this three-year designation, what the timeline and process for applying is, and get answers to questions. Whether you are affiliated with a collegiate program through instruction or are considering recruitment strategies for your business this is a designation you will want to know about!

Register Here