SmartRegs - Innovative Materials/Equipment Accepted for Points

Section/CategoryItemPointsDetails
Windows/FenestrationPlexiglass Storm Windows10 energy efficiency pointsOnly available if the property is 50 years or older and if the original windows are single-pane with a wood frame. 10 points is awarded if 100% of the windows have storms installed. Incrementally fewer points are awarded if a smaller percentage of them have storms installed. Example: indowwindows.com
OtherECM Pump Motor3 energy efficiency pointsThese points have been available if a furnace blower has an ECM installed (electronically commutated motor). Newer boilers have pumps with an ECM so these will gain the same points.
Water HeatingElectric Heat Pump Water Heater6 energy efficiency pointsElectric heat pump water heaters will now be awarded points 6 points in the water heating section as this is an efficient water heating option.
Water HeatingElectric Tankless Water Heater6 energy efficiency pointsElectric tankless water heaters will now be awarded 6 points in the water heating section as this is an efficient water heating option.
Water HeatingElectric Tank Water Heater Rated 0.95 EF or Higher1 energy efficiency pointThe National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) increased the standards for residential electric water heaters manufactured after April 15, 2015 to a minimum Energy Factor of 0.95. An electric tank water heater with a confirmed 0.95 EF or higher and/or a manufacturing date after April 15, 2015 can be awarded 1 point in the water heating section.

SmartRegs - Innovative Materials/Equipment Accepted for Points, Continued

Section/CategoryItemPointsDetails
HeatingAir Source Heat Pump (including mini-split systems)19 energy efficiency pointsThis newer technology is a very efficient way to heat a home. If this is the main heat source (okay to have backup heating via boiler, furnace, electric baseboard, etc) it is awarded points equal to the most efficient furnace. Additionally, if the system is a ductless mini-split system there are additional points awarded in the duct leakage section for no ducts (17 points).
CoolingAir Source Heat Pump (including mini-split systems)6-8 energy efficiency pointsThis can be awarded based on the SEER of the heat pump system. It is standard for them to be rated with a SEER and the rating is typically much more efficient than a normal central A/C.
Solar PVPlugged-In Solar Panels44 energy efficiency points per 1kW capacityOnly available for points after the City of Boulder staff reviews the specific project for approval. These systems need electric utility approval for net-metering which requires the inverters to be permanently connected to the house wiring (see question 20: xcelenergy.com/staticfiles/xe-responsive/Programs and Rebates/Residential/CO-SR-New-Customer-FAQ.pdf). The city staff review includes confirming roof solar capacity using MapDwell mapdwell.com/en/solar/boulder, visual (photo) confirmation that the system is installed on the roof of the property, and confirmation that the system is purchased by the owner or by the property manager with owner approval (not purchased by the tenant). The property needs to achieve 70 energy efficiency points before the solar PV points can be added.
Water ConservationDual-Flush Toilet Kit2 water conservation pointsThese kits fit into the tank of a toilet and allow it to be converted into a dual flush system. The flush rate of all toilets in the house still needs to be an avg 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less to qualify for the points. Example: homedepot.com/p/NEXT-by-Danco-Water-Saving-Toilet-Total-Repair-Kit-with-Dual-Flush-Valve-HYR451T/202762847