
Your energy efficiency questions, answered.
Ready to Energize Your Project? Let’s Connect.
HECS quotes every project on a fixed-fee basis. We do not bill time-and-materials and we do not have hidden travel surcharges. Project cost depends on building size, test complexity, the program of record, and the number of units. Energy certification depends on the program (ENERGY STAR, NGBS, 45L, EarthCraft, FORTIFIED) and is quoted per-project after the scoping call. Call (859) 983-7382 for a project-specific quote.
All four are HVAC testing and balancing certification bodies. NCI (National Comfort Institute) emphasizes residential and light commercial air balancing. NEBB (National Environmental Balancing Bureau) is broader, covering air, hydronic, sound, vibration, and building envelope. AABC (Associated Air Balance Council) is the legacy commercial standard. TABB (Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Bureau) is the union-side equivalent. HECS techs are NCI certified because NCI's training and field protocols best match the projects we serve. Reports we deliver can be formatted for any of the four standards.
Yes — affordable housing is a primary HECS market. We deliver the full audit-grade stack for LIHTC, HOME, NHTF, AHP, and other affordable housing developments: NCI TAB, blower door, energy certification (ENERGY STAR Multifamily, NGBS Green, EarthCraft), 45L tax credit, FORTIFIED, and engineered utility allowances. We have staff experience with state HFAs across KY, IN, OH, TN, IL, and MO. Reports are formatted to pass first submission with code officials, program administrators, and tax credit syndicators.
NCI (National Comfort Institute) is the leading certification body for HVAC measurement technicians. NCI certification requires classroom training, field testing with calibrated equipment, and a written exam. Recertification is required every two years. HECS holds NCI certification at the Certified Commercial Air Balancer level for all three field techs. The certification is recognized across the HVAC industry as the gold standard for residential and light commercial balancing.
FORTIFIED Home is an IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety) program that provides standards and third-party verification for residential roofing, windows, doors, and attached structures. There are three designation levels: FORTIFIED Roof (resilient to hurricanes and high winds), FORTIFIED Silver (Roof + windows + doors), and FORTIFIED Gold (Roof + Silver + attached structure). FORTIFIED certification can deliver insurance savings up to 55% through participating carriers. HECS is an IBHS-trained FORTIFIED Home Evaluator serving KY, IN, OH, TN, IL, and MO.
The Section 45L Energy Efficient Home Credit is a federal tax credit available to developers of energy-efficient homes and apartments. Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the credit is $2,500 per home for ENERGY STAR v3.0/v3.1 certification and $5,000 per home for DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) certification. The credit is available from 2023 through 2032. HECS delivers the energy modeling, field verification, and IRS Form 8908 documentation package for 45L certification.