The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Home is a program conducted by DOE to recognize homes that achieve exceptional levels of energy savings, comfort, health, and durability. The checklists below provide links to technical guides providing installation instructions for each measure included in the requirements.
For more on eligibility, prescriptive and performance path options, and modeling of a target home to qualify via the performance path, please see the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program Requirements.
- Version 1, Revision 08 is in effect for homes permitted on or after January 1, 2023.
- Version 2 of the ZERH program requirements has been released and is required for homes permitted on or after January 1, 2024.
- 45L Tax Credit. Beginning January 1, 2023, the 45L tax credit for ZERH certification is based on the date the home is acquired. For more information on the 45L tax credit and eligibility, please see the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program Requirements page.
Visit the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program website to learn more about training and marketing tools, to find a builder, or to become a partner. The Building America Solution Center is an ever expanding and improving technical resource for builders and installers. Visit often to see the latest guides, resources, and additional content.