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SBRA Modular Program Guide

Procedures for Qualifying Modular Homes for the ENERGY STAR® Label

ENERGY STAR Guidelines Version 2.5

Modular Program Guide Procedures for Qualifying Modular Homes for the ENERGY STAR® Label

ENERGY STAR Guidelines Version 2.5

Effective October 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013

The protocols outlined in this guide were developed by the Systems Building Research Alliance in association with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Disclaimer

The Systems Building Research Alliance, its members, consultants, contractors and representatives make no representations, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, as to the accuracy or appropriateness of any materials or information in this manual for use in a specific home, nor assume any liability for the use of the information, methods, or materials contained herein, or for damages arising from any such use.

Copyright © January 2013 Systems Building Research Alliance. All rights reserved.

Contents

iii

Modular Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 ............................................................... v

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... v Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................................................................... vi

1 Program at a Glance ................................................................................................................ 1.1

What is ENERGY STAR? ........................................................................................................... 1.1 What is an ENERGY STAR Qualified Home? ........................................................................... 1.1 Why Participate in ENERGY STAR? ......................................................................................... 1.2 Key Features of SBRA’s Compliance Process for Modular Housing under

ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 ................................................................................................. 1.2 Participating in the Program ........................................................................................................ 1.3 Earning the ENERGY STAR Designation .................................................................................. 1.4 Access to Resources ..................................................................................................................... 1.4

2 Certifying the Plant .................................................................................................................. 2.1

Getting Started: Certifying the Plant............................................................................................ 2.1 Maintaining the Plant’s Certification Status ................................................................................ 2.6

3 Routine Production .................................................................................................................. 3.1

Routine Production of ENERGY STAR Modular Homes ........................................................... 3.1

4 Design and Construction Requirements .............................................................................. 4.1

Select the Compliance Path and Core Energy Efficiency Measures ........................................... 4.1 Compare Home Size to Benchmark Home .................................................................................. 4.1 Complete Inspection Checklists ................................................................................................... 4.2 Regional Specifications ............................................................................................................... 4.2 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes National Program Requirements ......................................... 4.3 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes National Program HERS Index Target Procedure .............. 4.9 2009 IECC Insulation & Fenestration Requirements ................................................................ 4.13

5 Inspection and Verification Documents ............................................................................... 5.1

Modular Home Completion Report ............................................................................................. 5.2 Prescriptive Path Design Requirements Checklist ....................................................................... 5.5 Performance Path Design Requirements Checklist ..................................................................... 5.8 Thermal Enclosure System Checklist ........................................................................................ 5.11 HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist ........................................................................... 5.15 HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist .......................................................................... 5.19 Water Management System Checklist ....................................................................................... 5.23 Instructions for the Modular Builder ......................................................................................... 5.25

6 Resources for Certifiers and Raters ..................................................................................... 6.1

Plant Certifier Responsibilities, Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria ...................................... 6.1 Home Energy Rater Responsibilities, Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria ............................. 6.2 Protocol for Addressing Non-Compliance at the Site .................................................................. 6.3 Modular Plant Certifier Application ............................................................................................ 6.4 Modular Plant Qualification Form ............................................................................................... 6.5 Modular Field Rater Application ................................................................................................. 6.6

Modular Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Version 2.5

Systems Building Research Alliance v Rev. 01/13

Introduction Over the past year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its energy efficiency requirements for qualifying new homes for the ENERGY STAR® label. As national and regional code requirements become more rigorous and builder practices become more efficient, EPA periodically modifies the ENERGY STAR requirements so that qualified homes represent a meaningful improvement in energy efficiency over non-labeled homes. The new requirements—referred to as Version 3 (v3)—build on the integrity and brand value of the ENERGY STAR label by ensuring that ENERGY STAR continues to deliver high quality homes that are more efficient than standard new construction.

To help the home building industry successfully transition to the new v3 requirements, EPA released transitional guidelines—referred to as Version 2.5 (v2.5)—that require homes to follow the v3 requirements, but that allow some exceptions and variances. This document has been revised to adapt the v2.5 requirements to the factory building and site installation process that characterizes modular home construction. Sections 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of these v2.5 guidelines retain the verification process that was used to qualify modular homes under v2 but contain changes to reflect the new technical requirements of v2.5 of the national program. ‘Section 4: Design and Construction Requirements’ has been replaced in its entirety to remove the v2 technical requirements and incorporate the new v2.5 technical requirements.

It is important to note that EPA and SBRA also are developing v3 guidelines for the modular housing industry. It is expected that the v3 technical requirements for modular housing will be identical to the national ENERGY STAR program requirements but that the plant certification and verification process for modular homes will be updated. In recognition of the fact that the v3 guidelines for modular homes have not yet been completed and that the verification process is likely to be modified, an extended implementation timeline is provided for the v2.5 guidelines, as illustrated in Table 1.

Table 1 Implementation Schedule and Training Requirements for v2.5 and v3 of the ENERGY STAR New Homes Program for Modular Housing

Version No. 1

Date Home Ordered 2 Version Description Training Requirements

Version 2 Before 10/01/2011

Builder Option Package (Prescriptive Path) or HERS 85 in CZs 1 through 5; HERS 80 in CZs 6 through 8 (Performance Path)

Completion of Thermal Bypass Checklist Plant certification and verification procedures

tailored to modular housing industry

N/A

Version 2.5 3 10/01/2011 to

06/30/2013

ENERGY STAR Reference Design and variable ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target

Design Requirements Checklist and ‘Air Barriers’ and ‘Air Sealing’ sections of Thermal Enclosure System Checklist enforced; all other inspection checklists of the National Program completed but not enforced

Plant certification and verification procedures tailored to modular housing industry

v2.5 orientation webinar for modular builders available in late October/early November 2011 (recommended)

Version 3 4 After 07/01/2013

ENERGY STAR Reference Design and variable ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target

Design Requirements Checklist and all checklists from v3 of the National Program completed and enforced

Potentially updated plant certification and verification procedures tailored to modular housing industry (TBD)

Modular v3 training will be available in early 2013 and must be completed before homes can be qualified under v3

In-plant inspection/plantre-certification must be completed by 06/30/2013


Systems Building Research Alliance vi Rev. 01/13

Notes for Table 1 1. All low-income projects financed through low-income housing agencies may earn the ENERGY STAR under the

current v2 modular housing guidelines until January 1, 2013 as long as the application for funding for those homes was received by the low-income housing agency before October 1, 2011 and the housing project includes at least one unit reserved for low-income tenants. If the application for funding is received between October 1, 2011 and September 30, 2012, then the homes must earn the ENERGY STAR under the v2.5 modular housing guidelines and under the v3 guidelines if application for funding is received after October 1, 2012.

2. The ‘order date’ is defined as the date the manufacturer begins construction of the home in the plant or the date the customer executes a purchase agreement with the builder or the date the builder places the order with the manufacturer, whichever is later and can be clearly documented. (Note that for modular homes the important date for determining which version of the guidelines to follow is the ‘order date’ as defined above; there is no specified completion date as there is for site-built homes.)

3. Homes can be qualified under the v2.5 guidelines in advance of the dates above at the discretion of the plant and their Certifier.

4. Homes can be qualified under the v3 guidelines, upon their release, in advance of the dates above at the discretion of the plant and their Certifier.

As an alternative to following the guidelines described in this document, a modular home may earn the ENERGY STAR label through a HERS rating process similar to the process used to qualify site-built homes. Modular homes earning the ENERGY STAR label via the HERS rating process must adhere to the v2.5 and v3 implementation schedule being applied to site-built homes rather than the schedule described in Table 1 above. For more information, visit the ENERGY STAR website: www.energystar.gov/homes.

Frequently Asked Questions 1. If a plant was certified under v2 of the guidelines, must the plant be re-certified for v2.5?

No. However, the v2.5 guidelines (design and construction specifications and inspection checklist items) and the plant’s procedures for complying with the new guidelines must be reviewed and approved by the Certifier. This review should occur during the plant’s next scheduled semi-annual in-plant inspection (see “Maintaining the Plant’s Certification Status” in ‘Section 2: Certifying the Plant’); it is recommended that this review be conducted prior to the plant producing homes under v2.5 of the guidelines.

2. Who is responsible for educating the builder and their contractors about the v2.5 guidelines? The plant and Certifier shall together develop a process for educating the builder on the added responsibilities of the builder and HVAC contractor under v2.5 of the guidelines. The plant shall clearly communicate to the builder any new items or measures required under v2.5 that have been completed and inspected in the plant, and those items that the builder and HVAC contractor are responsible for completing on site.

In addition, builders are encouraged to participate in an online ENERGY STAR v2.5 Orientation webinar that will be conducted in late October or early November 2011.

3. If a builder has already met the ‘first two homes tested’ requirement, what is the requirement for homes built under v2.5? A Rater must conduct the necessary inspections and performance testing on the first two homes a builder completes under v2.5 of the ENERGY STAR guidelines. However, these two homes count toward meeting the routine ‘1 in 7 homes’ field testing requirement.

4. I’ve heard there are new checklists under v2.5 of the guidelines. What are they and how do I comply? Version 2.5 introduces five new Inspection Checklists that must be completed for certification.

For each home qualified under v2.5, compliance with the Design Requirements Checklist and Sections 3 and 5 of the new Thermal Enclosure System Checklist is mandatory.


Systems Building Research Alliance vii Rev. 01/13

Under v2.5, the following checklists must be completed but non-compliance with items will not prevent homes from earning the ENERGY STAR label:

▪ Thermal Enclosure System Checklist (all items with the exception of sections 3 and 5) ▪ HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist ▪ HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist ▪ Water Management System Verification Checklist

For details see “Complete Inspection Checklists” in ‘Section 4: Design and Construction Requirements’ and ‘Section 5: Inspection and Verification Documents’. Note that compliance with all checklists will be mandatory under Version 3.

5. Does the ‘1 in 7 homes’ per builder field testing protocol still apply? Yes. Under the v2.5 interim modular procedures, completion of the envelope air infiltration and duct leakage tests that are part of the Thermal Enclosure System and the HVAC System Quality Verification checklists is required for ‘1 in every 7 homes.’ Furthermore, as indicated above, the first two v2.5 homes tested for each builder count toward the ‘1 in 7 homes’ tested requirement.

6. I’ve heard there are new training requirements for builders and Raters under v3 of the guidelines. What are the training requirements for the modular home program? To certify homes under Version 3 of the guidelines, plants, Certifiers, builders and Raters will be required to complete an ENERGY STAR v3 training geared toward modular homes, when that training is available. SBRA is currently working with EPA to develop training specific to the modular home building industry and anticipates making this training available in the second quarter of 2013. All builders must complete the training by June 30, 2013.

To be eligible to install HVAC equipment in homes qualified under Version 3, HVAC contractors must complete ENERGY STAR Version 3 training and be credentialed through an EPA-recognized industry organization. It is recommended, but not required, that HVAC contractors installing equipment in modular homes under these compliance protocols participate in this training prior to completing their inspection checklist under v2.5. To learn more, visit the ENERGY STAR website: www.energystar.gov/newhomeshvac.

1 Program at a Glance

Systems Building Research Alliance 1.1 Rev. 01/13

This guide is the Systems Building Research Alliance (SBRA) roadmap for designing, producing and installing energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® qualified modular homes under ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 requirements. ENERGY STAR affords the modular housing industry a unique opportunity to extend the advantages of controlled-environment factory production to include exemplary energy performance. An ENERGY STAR qualified modular home is a home built in a factory in compliance with state and/or local codes and the ENERGY STAR guidelines, and that has successfully met all technical and quality control requirements established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the modular program Quality Assurance Provider (QAP).1

EPA designates third-party organizations to serve as Quality Assurance Providers for ENERGY STAR qualified homes produced and built under guidelines developed by the QAP and approved by EPA. QAPs develop and administer an EPA-approved process to qualify new homes as ENERGY STAR. As such, QAPs are authorized to provide ENERGY STAR labels to qualified homes and are responsible for the oversight and enforcement of all quality assurance requirements related to designing, producing and installing ENERGY STAR qualified homes. QAPs also are responsible for reporting to EPA all homes qualified for the ENERGY STAR label using the QAP’s procedures as well as any issues of non-compliance.

The Systems Building Research Alliance (SBRA) has been approved by EPA as a national Quality Assurance Provider (QAP) for ENERGY STAR qualified modular homes. This authorizes SBRA to provide ENERGY STAR labels to certified modular plants and participating builders and to oversee program quality assurance. SBRA developed and now administers an EPA-approved process for modular plants and builders to qualify new homes as ENERGY STAR. This document describes this process. SBRA is responsible for reporting to EPA all modular homes qualified for the ENERGY STAR label using the procedures contained in this guide.

What is ENERGY STAR? ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. EPA in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, save money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 20,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR Partners, committed to improving energy efficiency in homes, products and businesses. EPA is responsible for establishing energy efficiency guidelines for ENERGY STAR qualified homes.

What is an ENERGY STAR Qualified Home? A home earning the ENERGY STAR label under ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 requirements is significantly more energy efficient than a comparable standard code home. This increased level of energy efficiency can be met using standard technologies and manufacturing practices. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are built with a comprehensive building science-based approach that features:

▪ A detailed package of home envelope air sealing, properly installed insulation and high-performance windows to deliver comfort, durability and lower utility bills.

▪ A high-efficiency heating, cooling and ventilation system designed and installed for optimal performance.

▪ A complete water and moisture management package to protect roofs, walls and foundations. ▪ ENERGY STAR certified lighting and appliances that help reduce monthly utility bills. ▪ Third-party, independent inspections and testing by a certified Home Energy Rater.

1 EPA has established specific qualifications and capabilities that organizations must demonstrate in order to be

a designated Quality Assurance Provider (QAP). For more information, visit the ENERGY STAR website: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.pt_builder_manufactured_qualifications.

Program at a Glance


Why Participate in ENERGY STAR? There are at least four good reasons why a plant or builder should consider making the commitment to build ENERGY STAR qualified homes.

1. Recognized brand. The ENERGY STAR label can be a powerful sales tool. ENERGY STAR is a nationally recognized brand, backed and promoted by two federal agencies. Affiliating with ENERGY STAR can differentiate a manufacturer or builder from its peers within the industry and from site-built homes in the same market. Only ENERGY STAR Partners have access to ENERGY STAR logos and labels for qualified homes.

2. Lower customer costs. ENERGY STAR qualified homes, because they are highly energy efficient, have lower operating costs, thereby reducing a homeowner’s monthly out-of-pocket expenses and potentially increasing the resale value of the home.

3. Customer satisfaction. The efficiency measures built into an ENERGY STAR qualified home have associated benefits that increase customer satisfaction. These homes are typically more comfortable, durable, quiet and environmentally friendly than non-ENERGY STAR qualified homes.

4. Show the benefits of modular construction. ENERGY STAR offers another opportunity for a modular home manufacturer or builder to demonstrate superior energy performance compared with non-ENERGY STAR qualified site-built homes.

Key Features of SBRA’s Compliance Process for Modular Housing under ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 Modular builders have a distinct advantage in achieving ENERGY STAR levels of performance. The compliance protocols outlined in this document are designed by SBRA to take advantage of the resource efficiencies inherent in modular building and the quality control practices that already exist in the factory.

Under the modular compliance process, the modular home manufacturing plant (the “plant”) completes those portions of the ENERGY STAR requirements that can be accomplished in the factory. The plant then ships the home modules, along with information needed to complete the remaining ENERGY STAR features on site, to the builder/dealer (the “builder”). The builder is responsible for installing the home and completing the remaining ENERGY STAR measures not furnished by the plant, and for obtaining third-party verification that the home qualifies for the ENERGY STAR label. The builder, in effect, purchases a partially completed home that the manufacturer represents as containing specified parts of the overall ENERGY STAR package.

Similarly, quality control is separated into two distinct parts—plant and site—with procedures and protocols appropriate to each. The work of the plant is conducted under the auspices of a plant “Certifier,” a specialist in factory building with expertise in energy efficient construction, who qualifies the modular plant to build homes that can earn the ENERGY STAR label.

Verifying ENERGY STAR compliance of the completed home, and specifically the work of the builder, is the responsibility of a third-party Home Energy Rater (a HERS Rater, hereafter referred to as the “Rater”). The Rater inspects and qualifies the home. Therefore, while the plant is certified to routinely construct homes ready to earn the ENERGY STAR label, there is no equivalent certification for the builder. Rather, homes are inspected in the field by the Rater for compliance with the ENERGY STAR provisions. Site testing follows a sampling protocol, reflecting the fact that the manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to consistently produce homes that comply with the ENERGY STAR requirements. Table 2 highlights some of the major provisions of the process.

Program at a Glance


Table 2 Major Provisions of SBRA’s Compliance Process for Modular Housing under ENERGY STAR Version 2.5

Provision Requirement

PLANT COMPLETED

Certification ▪ Third-party plant Certifier completes plant certification ▪ Certifier conducts semi-annual inspections/tests to verify on-going

compliance Inspection and testing ▪ QC staff inspects and completes all plant-related checklist items for all homes

Labeling ▪ QC staff applies Quality Assurance (QA) label in the plant

FIELD COMPLETED Certification ▪ Rater conducts field inspection

Inspection and testing

▪ Rater (with builder) completes Design Requirements Checklist for all homes ▪ Rater (with builder) completes visual inspections and diagnostic testing using

Thermal Enclosure System Checklist and HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist for a sample of homes (1 in 7 per builder)

▪ Builder completes the Water Management System Checklist for all homes ▪ HVAC contractor completes HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist for

all homes

Labeling ▪ ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label applied to home upon completion on site

Participating in the Program The following is the sequence of events for qualifying modular homes for the ENERGY STAR label.2

1. Certify the plant. To begin building ENERGY STAR modular homes, plants complete a one-time certification conducted by a third-party Certifier. The certification verifies that the plant is familiar with the program requirements. Once completed, the plant can begin producing homes that are ready to be completed on site as ENERGY STAR.

2. Routine plant production of homes that can earn the ENERGY STAR. Once certified, the plant produces modular homes per the ENERGY STAR technical requirements and quality assurance procedures approved by the Certifier during the plant certification process.

Each home is accompanied by a set of Inspection Checklists, a traveler that identifies the items required to qualify the home under the program. The plant’s quality control staff verifies completion of the items on the checklists required of the plant, signs the checklists and attaches the signed SBRA Quality Assurance (QA) label to the home.

3. Install and inspect ENERGY STAR modular homes at the site. The builder is responsible for retaining a third-party Rater. The builder, Rater and the builder’s HVAC contractor complete the items on the Inspection Checklists that were flagged for field verification. The checklists indicate which of these three parties is eligible to verify each item.

2 Some state and local programs that provide incentives for ENERGY STAR homes may have additional

construction and/or procedural requirements that exceed the National Program Requirements in this guide.

Program at a Glance


4. Complete the ENERGY STAR process. When all provisions have been met, the Inspection Checklists and a Modular Home Completion Report are completed and signed by the Rater and sent to SBRA, the national Quality Assurance Provider for the ENERGY STAR modular home program. SBRA issues the blue ENERGY STAR® Qualified New Home label to be applied to the home and provides a Homeowner Certificate.

Earning the ENERGY STAR Designation Modular homes designed and produced in the plant to meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines are only “ENERGY STAR qualified” after they are inspected and verified on site and receive the blue ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label and certificate. Homes cannot be marketed or promoted as “ENERGY STAR labeled”, “ENERGY STAR qualified”, or in any way that implies a home has met ENERGY STAR requirements, until the site verification process has been successfully completed.3 Use of the ENERGY STAR brand by a plant or builder to falsely market or promote a home as ENERGY STAR may result in suspension or expiration of the plant’s and/or builder’s participation in the ENERGY STAR program. Furthermore, it is the builder’s responsibility to initiate this site verification process by retaining a certified Rater. The Rater will work with the builder to ensure that the home has been verified by the eligible verifier (the plant, builder, Rater or HVAC contractor, depending on the checklist item) to be in compliance with the mandatory inspection checklists. The Rater will then prepare and submit the documentation to SBRA, who will in turn review the documentation and issue the label and certificate.

Please refer to the ENERGY STAR Brand Identity Guidelines (www.energystar.gov/logos) and other guidance regarding use of the ENERGY STAR brand by modular plants and builders at: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.homes_guidelns_modular.

Access to Resources Additional information about ENERGY STAR New Homes—including marketing materials, the ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement, copies of forms, ENERGY STAR logos and promotional marks, and the ENERGY STAR label—is available on the Web from the Systems Building Research Alliance (www.research-alliance.org) and ENERGY STAR (www.energystar.gov/homes).

3 Terms such as “ENERGY STAR ready,” “ENERGY STAR qualified” or “ENERGY STAR compliant”

suggest that the home has already earned the ENERGY STAR label and cannot be used in association with homes that have not met all ENERGY STAR requirements.

Sample Homeowner Certificate

2 Certifying the Plant


Getting Started: Certifying the Plant Plants participating in the ENERGY STAR Qualified Modular Home Program are required to complete a one-time certification.4 Once certified, plants can produce homes that can earn the ENERGY STAR label, monitoring conformance to program guidelines using in-house quality control staff. The certification process assures that the plant has the knowledge, skills and procedures in place to routinely produce homes that comply with the program, and staff committed to maintaining program quality and compliance.

This section provides directions to the Certifier in conducting the plant certification process and discusses the responsibilities of the plant, builder and SBRA. The certification process may be spread out over a number of weeks or months depending on the plant’s scheduled production and the builders’ scheduled installation and completion of ENERGY STAR modular homes. As shown in Table 3, completion of the certification process involves both the Certifier and various plant staff.

Table 3 Plant Certification Steps and Main Participants

Step Certifier 5 Plant Staff

Builder HVAC Mgmt Prod/QC Eng

1. Retaining a Certifier ● 2. Reviewing the ENERGY STAR

process ● ● ● ● 3. Developing Compliant Designs ● ● ● 4. Documenting the ENERGY

STAR Requirements ● ● ● 5. Building and Inspecting

Certification Homes in the Plant ● ● ● 6. Educating the Builder ● ● ● 7. Installing Certification Homes ● ● ● ● 8. Verifying Certification Homes

in the Field ● ● ● 9. Labeling Completed and

Approved Homes ● ● ● 10. Issuing the Plant Qualification

Form ● 11. Submitting an ENERGY STAR

Partnership Agreement ● ●

4 Plants that are certified to produce ENERGY STAR manufactured homes must be separately certified to

produce ENERGY STAR modular homes. Manufactured homes are defined as homes built in a factory meeting the federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, commonly referred to as the HUD Code.

5 The Certifier may designate a local certified HERS Rater to act as their field representative for the purpose of verifying the three plant certification homes.

Certifying the Plant


Step 1. Retaining a Certifier

Plants must hire a Certifier, an independent third party who is responsible for reviewing the plant’s building procedures and certifying the plant as capable of conforming to the program requirements. Certifiers must meet certain eligibility criteria and are approved and monitored by SBRA. Certifiers must submit a Modular Certifier Application (page 6.4) to SBRA. A list of approved modular plant Certifiers is provided on the SBRA website: www.research-alliance.org/pages/es_mod.htm. Plants are required to have a Certifier of Record at all times.

Step 2. Reviewing the ENERGY STAR process

The Certifier reviews and verifies that plant staff are familiar with the following four aspects of building ENERGY STAR modular homes.

1. Overall process and requirements ▪ Role of the Certifier and SBRA in providing program oversight and maintaining quality. ▪ Responsibilities of the plant, the builder/dealer and the HVAC contractor. ▪ Completing the five Inspection Checklists, hereafter referred to as the “checklists” (see

Step 4). ▪ Field testing requirements and role of the field Rater. ▪ Labeling process: SBRA Quality Assurance (QA) label applied in the plant and ENERGY

STAR Qualified New Home label applied in the field. ▪ Future changes (e.g., new home designs) that would require review by the Certifier. ▪ Semi-annual in-plant inspections to maintain certification status. ▪ Resources available on the SBRA website (www.research-alliance.org). ▪ Registering with EPA by completing an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement

(www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_join). 2. Product design and specifications

▪ ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements (for both the Prescriptive and the Performance Paths) and any applicable regional program specifications (see Step 3).

▪ Measures for complying with the selected path(s). For the performance path, this will require computer analysis approved by the Certifier.

▪ Quality control, inspection and verification procedures associated with each compliance path so that the plant has the flexibility of using either or both options.

3. Production procedure ▪ Proper techniques for ENERGY STAR construction, covering all items on the v2.5

Inspection Checklists (refer to the Thermal Enclosure System Guidebook, the HVAC System Quality Installation Guidebook and the Water Management System Guidebook on the SBRA website: www.research-alliance.org/pages/es_mod.htm).

4. Quality control (QC) process and documentation ▪ Changes in the plant’s current QC process and third-party inspection procedures. ▪ Integrating the ENERGY STAR requirements into the plant’s QC process, including:

– Incorporating the ENERGY STAR requirements with the traveler accompanying each module.

– Procedures for completing the Inspection Checklists, such as by verifying and signing off on the requirements at each station by the department supervisor, QC manager or other appropriate staff as per the plant’s third-party approved QC practices.



Step 3. Developing Compliant Designs

With guidance from the Certifier, the plant develops ENERGY STAR compliant designs and specifications based on the National Program Requirements established by EPA (see pages 4.3 to 4.8). Plants can construct homes under the Prescriptive Path per the specifications listed in the ENERGY STAR Reference Design, or work with the Certifier to develop custom packages under the Performance Path using the HERS Index Target Procedure and Expanded ENERGY STAR Reference Design Definition (see pages 4.9 to 4.12). Once certified, plants may construct homes using either the Prescriptive or Performance Path specifications.

The Prescriptive Path offers a limited range of construction features for meeting the ENERGY STAR requirements. A plant may prefer a different combination of features or use energy saving features not included in the ENERGY STAR Reference Design. The Performance Path provides this option. Developing a Performance Path design requires using one of the third-party approved software programs listed on the SBRA website: www.research-alliance.org/pages/es_mod.htm. Either the plant or the Certifier can develop performance-based designs, but these designs and the supporting software analysis must be approved by the plant’s Certifier (see page 6.1). The Performance Path analysis must be conducted for each set of unique home parameters (i.e., home design, location, equipment, etc.). The Certifier should submit a copy of the software building input/design analysis file to SBRA.

Step 4. Documenting the ENERGY STAR Requirements

The ENERGY STAR requirements are documented in two ways. First, the plant incorporates the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements specifications into the plant’s design package and production documents.

Second, a new document is created, the Inspection Checklists, listing all required ENERGY STAR measures and verification items (pages 5.5 to 5.24 contain templates for creating the checklists). The checklists are the basic document for dividing the ENERGY STAR responsibilities between the plant, the HVAC contractor and the builder.

The Certifier works with the plant to develop the plant’s customized checklists. The plant may elect to re-order the checklist items (e.g., organize them by workstation or divide them by plant and builder responsibilities) to facilitate the inspection process, and/or incorporate the checklists into the existing plant traveler. All measures prescribed by the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements (pages 4.3 to 4.8) and the v2.5 Inspection Checklists (pages 5.5 to 5.24) that must be verified must be included on the checklists and assigned to either the plant QC staff for items completed in the plant or the builder, Rater or HVAC contractor for items completed in the field. The Certifier reviews and approves the plant’s checklists, verifying that all ENERGY STAR measures will be completed at the appropriate stage of construction and have been assigned to the applicable party. The checklists must travel with the home to the field to be completed by the builder, the HVAC contractor and the Rater.

Step 5. Building and Inspecting Certification Homes in the Plant

The plant builds three (3) ENERGY STAR homes using the checklists as a guide and signs off on completed checklist items in the column designated for the plant QC staff. The Certifier visually inspects and verifies all plant-installed items on the checklists. The Certifier should pay close attention to those elements that will not be visible in the completed home and any items identified as potential problem areas during the earlier review of the plant’s production practices.

Line inspections may occur over multiple days depending on the plant production rate and schedule. All required items must be inspected at least once and representative modules from all homes must be inspected at least once. However, all items need not be inspected on all modules/homes. In addition to checking construction compliance, Certifiers must observe the implementation of the ENERGY STAR-related QC items and confirm that it is operating in accordance with the approved plan.

If inspections reveal non-compliance with ENERGY STAR requirements, the plant has the option of either correcting the problem or selecting a new home for inspection (in the latter case, the non-



compliant home would not qualify as ENERGY STAR or count toward the three initial homes). Any discrepancies must be corrected and discussed with the plant quality control staff. If, in the Certifier’s judgment, the plant is not currently able to produce homes that are ENERGY STAR compliant or to properly implement the QC system, then re-training may be required.

The Certifier completes the appropriate sections of each home’s checklists using the column designated for the Certifier/Rater. When a measure is verified, the Certifier checks the corresponding box. Field-installed measures will be verified later. When completing the checklists, indicate “N/A” for items that do not apply to the home. The checklists are shipped with the homes to the site for testing and final inspection.

Step 6. Educating the Builder

The plant staff and Certifier together agree on a process for educating builders on their responsibilities under the program. The following four items should be included in discussions with participating builders.

1. Participant roles. Discuss the roles of the plant, Certifier, builder and the builder’s third-party Rater and HVAC contractor in the ENERGY STAR modular home program. Provide a copy of this guide as background.

2. Division of plant’s and builder’s responsibilities. Review the measures that were installed in the plant and those that need to be completed in the field by the builder. Introduce the checklists and the builder’s responsibility for completing selected items on the checklists.

3. Rater’s responsibilities. Review the responsibilities of the Rater. Recommend that the builder identify a Rater prior to receiving the modules for installation and review with the Rater the field verification and testing protocol. The Rater must sign up with SBRA before qualifying homes under the modular compliance procedures outlined in this guide (see page 3.1 Step 2).

4. HVAC contractor’s responsibilities. Review the responsibilities of the HVAC contractor. Recommend that the builder select an HVAC contractor early in the process so that plant design/engineering staff can coordinate with the builder and/or the builder’s HVAC contractor regarding the items on the HVAC System Quality Installation Inspection Checklist.

Step 7. Installing Certification Homes

The plant can work with one or more builders in completing the three (3) required certification homes. For evaluation purposes, the homes can be either permanently sited or temporarily installed (i.e., set up outside the factory, at a home show or model center rather than at their final site). For temporarily installed homes, the plant or its agent is acting as the builder of record. Using a temporarily installed home(s) for certification purposes is subject to the following conditions:

▪ The Certifier must notify SBRA in advance if planning to inspect and test a temporarily installed home for plant certification purposes.

▪ All ENERGY STAR requirements are completed on the home(s) including all items on the checklists and all Prescriptive or Performance Path construction requirements, with the exception that cooling equipment does not need to be installed.6

▪ The Certifier agrees that the home as set is an accurate representation of the ENERGY STAR features as they would be if installed on the final site.

Step 8. Verifying Certification Homes in the Field

The Certifier verifies compliance in the field of a minimum of three (3) assembled and completed ENERGY STAR modular homes. These do not have to be the same three homes that were inspected in the plant. Verification can be accomplished through one or more site visits by the Certifier, through

6 If cooling equipment is installed it must comply with the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements.



delegation to a HERS Rater7, or a combination of the two. In addition, the HVAC contractor also inspects each home and completes the checklist items flagged for field verification on the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist.

The Certifier or Rater inspects each home and completes the items flagged for field verification on the applicable Design Requirements Checklist (Prescriptive or Performance Path), the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist and the HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist. At the discretion of the Certifier, the builder may verify up to six items specified in the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist. The builder completes the checklist items flagged for field verification in the Water Management System Checklist. The Certifier or Rater also collects the completed inspection checklist from the HVAC contractor and reviews it for completion.

Once the checklists have been completed, the Certifier fills in a Modular Home Completion Report (hereafter referred to as the “Completion Report”) for each home.

If any of the inspection results do not meet the program requirements, the Certifier instructs the builder or the plant (as applicable) as to the required corrective measures and re-inspects the home after corrections are made. If the deficiencies are related to plant-constructed items, the Certifier decides on the appropriate course of action and re-inspects the plant process.

Completing the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist will require the Certifier or Rater to conduct the following pressurization tests on the three homes to verify that the homes meet or exceed the required performance levels.

▪ An envelope air infiltration test; and, ▪ For homes with duct systems, a test to determine duct air leakage to the outdoors. This test is

not required if all ducts and air handling equipment are located within the conditioned space and envelope leakage has been tested to be less than or equal to half of the Prescriptive Path infiltration limit for the Climate Zone where the home is to be built.

If any of the test results do not meet requirements noted on the checklists, the Certifier instructs the builder or the plant (as applicable) as to the required corrective measures. The home is re-tested after repairs have been made. If the deficiencies are related to plant-constructed items, the Certifier determines the appropriate course of action and re-inspects the plant process.

To provide feedback to plant management regarding the results of the field inspections and tests, the Certifier provides a brief written report(s) containing the results of field tests and a description of any ENERGY STAR-related installation or construction deficiencies (observed during inspections) and an explanation of remedial actions taken.

Step 9. Labeling Completed and Approved Homes

Upon completion of the field verification process for a plant certification home, the Certifier submits the completed and signed checklists together with a Completion Report and the application fees to SBRA, the national Quality Assurance Provider for the ENERGY STAR modular home program. SBRA reviews the documentation submitted by the Certifier and issues the maroon SBRA Quality Assurance (QA) label, the blue ENERGY STAR® Qualified New Home label and the Homeowner Certificate to the Certifier.

NOTE: Once certified, the plant obtains the QA labels from SBRA and applies labels to a module in the plant. The Certifier or Rater obtains the blue ENERGY STAR label and home certificate from SBRA upon completion of the field verification process.

7 The Certifier may designate a local certified HERS Rater to act as their field representative for the purpose of

conducting on-site inspections and tests on the three plant certification homes. However, all documentation must be reviewed, approved and submitted to SBRA by the Certifier.



The Certifier signs the QA label and provides both labels to the builder to apply to the home, completing the verification process. The labels should be placed on or near the electrical panel box or other readily visible location. The certificate is provided to the homeowner(s). This may be done for each home as completed and need not wait until all three certification homes are complete.

If a temporarily installed home passes all inspections and tests, SBRA will provide the QA label only for attachment to the home. When the home is installed on its final site, the builder’s Rater must file an additional Completion Report noting that it was a re-installed home and remit the field report processing and home certificate fee. SBRA will provide the blue ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label and certificate only when the home has been installed on its final site and re-inspected (and tested if required) by the builder’s Rater.

Step 10. Issuing the Plant Qualification Form

Upon successful completion of the inspections and tests of at least three (3) homes, the Certifier qualifies the plant for routine production of ENERGY STAR homes and submits a Modular Plant Qualification form to SBRA (see page 6.5) and provides a copy to the plant.

Step 11. Submitting an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement

After certification, the plant registers with the U.S. EPA by completing an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement online at: www.energystar.gov/partners.8

Maintaining the Plant’s Certification Status Within six months of completion of the plant’s certification, and every six months thereafter, the Certifier must inspect the plant and, at the Certifier’s discretion, tests homes to ensure continuing compliance with ENERGY STAR specifications and quality control methods.9 This semi-annual checkup provides plants and Certifiers the opportunity to review any changes in the national or regional program requirements and the plant’s construction practices, quality assurance or inspection procedures, as well as address any systemic issues related to the plant’s responsibilities that have been encountered by Raters in the field.

Any changes proposed by the plant that materially affect the ENERGY STAR construction, inspection or verification process must be reviewed and approved by the Certifier in order for the plant to maintain its certification status. This includes substantive changes to ENERGY STAR designs (Prescriptive or Performance Path), the plant’s quality assurance and inspection procedures, or the plant’s checklists.

Step 1. Review Documentation and Proposed Changes

Prior to visiting the plant, the Certifier coordinates with the plant and SBRA and reviews the following:

▪ Completed checklists and Completion Reports to identify any systemic compliance discrepancies that may require changes to be implemented in the plant’s production or quality control procedures. Certifiers may request copies of documentation for completed and qualified homes from SBRA.

8 Partners must complete at least one ENERGY STAR qualified home every 12 months to maintain their

“active” ENERGY STAR Partner status. Only “active” Partners are listed on the ENERGY STAR Partner Locator on the Web and can use the ENERGY STAR logo to promote ENERGY STAR qualified homes.

9 SBRA may require additional plant inspections by the Certifier based on compliance issues encountered by the Rater or homeowners in the field.

SBRA QA Label



▪ Any proposed changes to the plant’s product designs and specifications, checklists, or production and quality control procedures.

▪ The plant’s process for educating builders on their responsibilities under the program.

Step 2. Conduct In-Plant Inspection

The Certifier observes the plant’s production practices and quality control procedures at various stages of the home production process, including completion of the checklists by plant staff.

For a minimum of one (1) ENERGY STAR home on the production line, the Certifier visually inspects and verifies all plant-installed items on the checklists, paying particular attention to any items identified as problem areas during the documentation review for completed homes. Inspections must take place in the plant and should cover all requirements prescribed by the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements (pages 4.3 to 4.8) and the v2.5 inspection checklists (pages 5.5 to 5.24).

If areas of non-compliance are discovered during the in-plant inspection, the Certifier will recommend corrective actions to the plant and inspect an additional ENERGY STAR home on the production line, ensuring compliance with all ENERGY STAR requirements. If non-compliance is found in the second home, the plant must cease all production of homes that can earn the ENERGY STAR label and the Certifier must notify SBRA. SBRA will provide recommended corrective actions, which may include requiring re-certification of the plant, and notify EPA.

Step 3. Report Findings to SBRA

Following the inspection, the Certifier provides a brief report to the plant and to SBRA summarizing the inspection results. At a minimum, the following items must be included in the report:

▪ Certifier company and inspector name ▪ Plant company name, city and state ▪ Summary of inspection process and results, including a brief description of any required

modifications to the plant’s current practices ▪ Date of in-plant inspection and signature of Certifier

The Certifier signs and dates the completed checklists for the home observed on the production line and submits copies to SBRA along with the semi-annual inspection report.

3 Routine Production


Routine Production of ENERGY STAR Modular Homes Routine compliance is a continuation of the process started with plant certification, with one important change: compliance in the field is checked by a Rater hired by the builder. The steps for routinely building ENERGY STAR homes, including the responsibilities of the plant, builder, HVAC contractor, Rater and SBRA, are described below.

Step 1. Obtaining QA Labels

Once certified, the plant orders Quality Assurance (QA) labels from SBRA. SBRA will confirm that the plant is certified and process the label order. The label order form is available on the SBRA website: www.research-alliance.org/pages/es_mod.htm.

NOTE: The QA label verifies that the home was constructed in a certified modular home plant in accordance with ENERGY STAR program and SBRA oversight requirements. The label indicates that the plant’s part of the ENERGY STAR home qualification process is complete. The home only becomes ENERGY STAR qualified when the blue EPA ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label, obtained by the Rater upon home completion, is applied to the home in the field.

Step 2. Retaining a Rater

Builders must hire a Rater, an independent third party who is responsible for checking that the home conforms to the program requirements. A national list of certified Raters can be found on the Web at: www.resnet.us/trade/find-raters-auditors. Raters are eligible to qualify ENERGY STAR modular homes once they review the requirements and procedures in this guide and complete a Modular Rater Application (see page 6.6). A list of Raters qualified to inspect and test modular homes is provided on the SBRA website: www.research-alliance.org/pages/es_mod.htm.

Step 3. Ordering Homes that can Earn the ENERGY STAR Label

The builder initiates the process of constructing an ENERGY STAR modular home by ordering a modular home from a certified plant. The home must have a QA label to earn the ENERGY STAR label. A list of plants that have been certified to produce ENERGY STAR modular homes is provided on the SBRA website: www.research-alliance.org/pages/es_mod.htm.

Step 4. Producing and Labeling Homes in the Plant

The plant builds homes per the ENERGY STAR requirements and procedures and applies the QA label inside the home, typically on or near the electrical panel or other readily visible location. The plant representative verifies that the applicable portions of the checklists are completed and signs the checklists and the QA label. When completing the checklists, indicate “N/A” for items that do not apply to the home or that conflict with local requirements.

Step 5. Delivering Homes with Checklists

The plant ships the home to the builder and provides the builder with a copy of the partially completed checklists. The checklists should be signed by the plant and ready to be completed by the builder, the HVAC contractor and the Rater. The plant should retain a copy of the checklists.10

Step 6. Completing Homes and Notifying the Rater

Prior to delivery of the home to the site, the builder informs the Rater of the pending project, providing the home address, construction documents, the checklists and expected delivery date and construction schedule. The builder and Rater establish a schedule for visiting the site to inspect and verify all

10 For a home that is to be a display model or stock unit, the builder should file the partially completed checklists

until such time as the home has been sold and delivered to the final home site. Display models/stock units that were partially completed in the plant to meet the ENERGY STAR requirements cannot be qualified for ENERGY STAR and receive the blue field label until the home is installed on the final site and the necessary inspections/tests have been conducted by the Rater and documentation has been submitted to SBRA.

Routine Production


applicable checklist items. The Rater is required to visually inspect every home at least once during construction.

Step 7. Verifying Homes

The Rater11 inspects each home and completes the checklist items flagged for field verification on the Design Requirements Checklist (Prescriptive or Performance Path). For the first two (2) homes built by the builder, and for a representative sample of one (1) in every seven (7) homes thereafter, the Rater also completes the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist and the HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist.12 For homes with duct systems, completing the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist will require conducting testing to determine duct air leakage to the outdoors. This test is not required if all ducts and air handling equipment are located within the conditioned space and envelope leakage has been tested to be less than or equal to half of the Prescriptive Path infiltration limit for the Climate Zone where the home is to be built.

At the discretion of the Rater, the builder may verify up to six items on the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist. In addition, the builder inspects each home and completes the checklist items flagged for field verification on the Design Requirements Checklist and the Water Management System Checklist.

The HVAC contractor inspects each home and completes the checklist items flagged for field verification on the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist.

The Rater, builder and HVAC contractor all sign the applicable completed checklists.

Step 8. Reporting Homes to SBRA

The Rater finalizes and signs the Modular Home Completion Report. If the home complies with the program requirements, the Rater submits the checklists and Completion Report along with the builder’s report processing fee to SBRA. The Rater also provides a copy of the completed checklists and Completion Report to the builder. Processing fees are provided on the SBRA website: www.research-alliance.org/pages/es_mod.htm.

NOTE: Some state or local programs that provide incentives for ENERGY STAR construction may have additional construction and/or procedural requirements that exceed the national program requirements outlined in this guide. If required for an incentive, Raters inspecting modular homes for the ENERGY STAR label under a state-sponsored program should report homes to their rating Provider as usual. All other modular homes produced and verified via the protocols outlined in this guide should be reported to SBRA only and not to the rating Provider.

Step 9. Applying Labels to Homes and Providing Certificate to Homeowners

SBRA reviews and approves the Completion Report and issues an ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label and Homeowner Certificate to the builder or the Rater. The Rater provides the label and certificate to the builder. The builder applies the label to the home adjacent to the SBRA QA label and provides the certificate to the homeowner(s). This completes the home verification process.

Partners must complete at least one ENERGY STAR qualified home every 12 months to maintain their “active” ENERGY STAR Partner status. Only “active” Partners are listed on the ENERGY STAR Partner Locator on the Web and can use the ENERGY STAR logo to promote ENERGY STAR qualified homes and their ENERGY STAR partnership. 11 The term “Rater” refers to the person completing the third-party on-site inspections required for qualification.

This party may be a certified Home Energy Rater, Rating Field Inspector or BOP Inspector. 12 For builders that have met the ‘first two homes tested’ requirement under the previous version (v2) of the

guidelines, the Rater or Certifier must complete the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist and the HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist, including conducting envelope air infiltration and duct leakage tests, on the first two homes that builder completes under v2.5 of the guidelines. However, in this instance, the two tested homes shall count toward the ‘1 in 7 homes’ testing requirement.

4 Design and Construction Requirements


The key features of the ENERGY STAR for New Homes National Program Guidelines v2.5 are more rigorous core energy efficiency measures, a variable HERS index threshold, Benchmark Home Size and new enhanced inspection checklists. ENERGY STAR periodically makes clarifications and revisions to its requirements based on partner feedback and posts these to the ENERGY STAR website at www.energystar.gov/homes. For the most current requirements, please check the website.

Select the Compliance Path and Core Energy Efficiency Measures There are two paths to qualify a home to earn the ENERGY STAR. Under the Prescriptive Path, a home is designed and built to a pre-defined set of specifications, called the ENERGY STAR Reference Design, for the climate where the home will be built. No trade-offs are allowed. The ENERGY STAR Reference Design provides efficiency requirements for the building envelope, HVAC and water heating equipment, lighting and appliances. Only homes the same size as or smaller than their corresponding Benchmark Home (see Table 4 below) may be qualified under the Prescriptive Path.

Under the Performance Path, the plant and builder have the flexibility to select a customized set of energy efficiency specifications that achieve a defined performance target. The Certifier or Rater models the home to establish an ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, and qualifies the home if the resulting HERS Index of the home meets or exceeds the threshold ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. The ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target is based on the ENERGY STAR Reference Design used in the Prescriptive Path and, for homes larger than their Benchmark Home Size, includes a Size Adjustment Factor.

For the Prescriptive Path, the ENERGY STAR Reference Design has replaced the Builder Option Package (BOP). For the Performance Path, there is now a variable HERS Index Target as opposed to a fixed HERS Index.

This section contains the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements13 (pages 4.3 to 4.8) for both the Prescriptive Path and the Performance Path, as well as the HERS Index Target Procedure and Expanded ENERGY STAR Reference Design Definition (pages 4.9 to 4.12). The 2009 IECC insulation and fenestration requirements are provided on page 4.13.

Compare Home Size to Benchmark Home The Benchmark Home Size (Table 4) is based on the number of bedrooms in the home to be built. Homes of all sizes can be qualified for ENERGY STAR. However, homes that are larger than their Benchmark Home Size cannot be qualified using the Prescriptive Path; they must use the Performance Path so that a Size Adjustment Factor (SAF) can be applied.

To determine if a home must use the Performance Path because of its size, compare the conditioned floor area (CFA) of the home to be built to the CFA of the Benchmark Home as specified in Table 4. For the purposes of this step, calculate the number of bedrooms and the CFA of the home to be built using RESNET standards with the following exception: floor area in basements with at least half of the gross surface area of the basement’s exterior walls below grade shall not be counted. If a home has zero bedrooms with regard to the Benchmark Home Size determination, then the Benchmark Home Size for one bedroom shall be used. If the comparison area of the home to be built is larger than the Benchmark Home Size, the home must follow the Performance Path.

13 The ENERGY STAR v2.5 requirements are established by EPA and included in this document for reference

purposes. Compliance with the ENERGY STAR requirements is not intended to imply compliance with all local code requirements that may be applicable to the home to be built. See footnote 5 of the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements for further guidance from EPA.

Design and Construction Requirements


Table 4 Benchmark Home No. of Bedrooms in Home to be Built 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Conditioned Floor Area Benchmark Home 1,000 1,600 2,200 2,800 3,400 4,000 4,600 5,200

Homes larger than the average size for a specified number of bedrooms, called the Benchmark Home Size, must apply a Size Adjustment Factor that will reduce the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. More information about the Benchmark Home Size and Size Adjustment Factor are provided in the following pages.

Complete Inspection Checklists Both the Prescriptive and Performance Paths require completion of new enhanced inspection checklists. To successfully implement the checklists, increased planning and coordination between plants, builders, contractors and third-party inspectors will be required. For this reason, the inspection checklists must be completed under v2.5, but an allowance is provided for deficiencies during this transitional period. For each home qualified under v2.5, all checklists shall be completed, but only the Design Requirements Checklist and Sections 3 and 5 of the new Thermal Enclosure System Checklist shall be enforced. Requirements for each checklist are discussed below:

▪ Design Requirements Checklist (Prescriptive Path or Performance Path) This checklist itemizes the design specifications and construction requirements of the selected compliance path. Homes shall pass all applicable requirements on this checklist.

▪ Thermal Enclosure System Checklist All items on this inspection checklist shall be completed (i.e., the applicable verifier must indicate whether each item must be corrected, whether the item has been verified, or whether the item is not applicable to the home). Homes shall pass all requirements of ‘Section 3: Fully-Aligned Air Barriers’ and ‘Section 5: Air Sealing’ to qualify (these sections are similar to the requirements in the v2 Thermal Bypass Checklist). Non-compliance with items in other sections of this checklist shall not prevent homes from earning the label.

All items on the following three new inspection checklists shall be completed. However, non-compliance with items will not prevent homes from earning the label.

▪ HVAC System Quality Installation Contractor Checklist, hereafter called the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist

▪ HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist, hereafter called the HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist

▪ Water Management System Builder Checklist, hereafter called the Water Management System Checklist (or Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist)14

Regional Specifications ENERGY STAR specifications that differ from or exceed the National Program Requirements are required in some regions, including Florida, California Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana). For more information on regional guidelines, visit the ENERGY STAR website: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_v3_regional_specs. Additionally, some state and local programs that provide incentives for ENERGY STAR homes may have construction and/or procedural requirements that exceed the national program guidelines.

14 A completed and signed Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist may be submitted in lieu of the Water

Management System Checklist. Indoor airPLUS is a complimentary EPA label recognizing new homes equipped with a comprehensive set of indoor air quality (IAQ) features. Indoor airPLUS verification can be completed during the ENERGY STAR verification process, but must be conducted by a Rater. For more information, see the EPA website: www.epa.gov/indoorairplus.

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) National Program Requirements

4.3 Rev. 01/13

Qualifying Homes The following homes are eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR:

• Single-family homes; OR • Units in any multifamily building with 4 units or fewer; OR • Units in multifamily buildings with 3 stories or fewer above-grade1,2; OR • Units in multifamily buildings with 4 or 5 stories above-grade1,2 that have their own heating, cooling, and hot water

systems3, separate from other units, and where dwelling units occupy 80% or more of the occupiable2 square footage of the building.4 When evaluating mixed-use buildings for eligibility, exclude commercial/retail space when assessing whether the 80% threshold has been met.

Units in multifamily buildings that are not eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR through the New Homes Program may be eligible through the Multifamily High Rise Program.

Homes may earn the ENERGY STAR using the following ENERGY STAR Prescriptive Path or Performance Path in all states except those with an energy code exceeding the 2009 IECC and for which EPA regional program requirements have been developed. See EPA’s Web site for the latest list. Note that compliance with these guidelines is not intended to imply compliance with all local code requirements that may be applicable to the home to be built.5

ENERGY STAR Prescriptive Path The Prescriptive Path provides a single set of measures that can be used to construct an ENERGY STAR qualified home. Modeling is not required; however, no tradeoffs are allowed. Follow these steps to use the Prescriptive Path:

1. First, assess the eligibility to follow the Prescriptive Path by comparing the conditioned floor area (CFA) of the home to be built to the CFA of the Benchmark Home as specified in Exhibit 3.6 For the purposes of this step, calculate the number of bedrooms and the CFA of the home to be built using RESNET standards with the following exception: floor area in basements with at least half of the gross surface area of the basement’s exterior walls below grade shall not be counted.7 If a home has zero bedrooms with regard to the Benchmark Home Size determination, then the Benchmark Home Size for one bedroom shall be used. If the CFA of the home to be built exceeds the CFA of the Benchmark Home, then the Performance Path shall be used.

2. If the home to be built is eligible to follow the Prescriptive Path, build the home using all requirements of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design, Exhibit 1, and the Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes, Exhibit 2.

3. Using a Rater, verify that all requirements have been met in accordance with the Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes and with RESNET’s On-Site Inspection Procedures for Minimum Rated Features.8

ENERGY STAR Performance Path The Performance Path provides flexibility to select a custom combination of measures for each home that is equivalent in performance to the minimum requirements of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home, Exhibit 1.9 Equivalent performance is assessed through energy modeling. Follow the steps below to use the Performance Path:

1. Determine the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, which is the highest numerical HERS index value that each rated home may achieve to earn the ENERGY STAR. This target shall be specifically determined for each home by following the steps outlined in the document titled, “ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target Procedure, Version 3 (Rev. 04)”, available on EPA’s Web site. This procedure defines how to configure the ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home and calculate its associated HERS index value and then how to apply the appropriate Size Adjustment Factor to determine the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. Note that this process shall be completed manually by a Rater until a version of the RESNET-accredited software program used by the Rater becomes available that automatically configures the ENERGY STAR Reference Design, calculates its associated HERS Index value, and then applies the appropriate Size Adjustment Factor to determine the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. Upon release of such a version, Raters using that software program shall have 60 days to begin all new ratings with this updated version.

2. Using the same RESNET-accredited Home Energy Rating software program, configure the preferred set of energy measures for the rated home and verify that the resulting HERS Index meets or exceeds the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, as determined in Step 1. Note that, regardless of the measures selected, Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes in Exhibit 2 are also required. Also note that items 1.2 and 2.1 of the Thermal Enclosure System checklist require that all insulation, windows, doors, and skylights meet or exceed 2009 IECC requirements.10,11,12,13 Furthermore, on-site power generation may only be used to meet the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target for homes that are larger than the Benchmark Home and only for the incremental change in ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target caused by the Size Adjustment Factor, as outlined in the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target Procedure, Version 3 (Rev. 04).

3. Construct the home using measures selected in Step 2 and the Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes, Exhibit 2.

4. Using a Rater, verify that all requirements have been met in accordance with the Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes and with RESNET’s On-Site Inspection Procedures for Minimum Rated Features.8


4.4 Rev. 01/13

Exhibit 1: ENERGY STAR Reference Design

Hot Climates (2009 IECC Climate Zones 1, 2, 3)14 Mixed & Cold Climates (2009 IECC Climate Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)14

Cooling Equipment (Where Provided)15

Cooling equipment shall meet the following applicable efficiency levels:

• ≥ 14.5 SEER / 12 EER ENERGY STAR qualified AC, OR; • Heat pump (see Heating Equipment)

• ≥ 13 SEER AC, OR; • Heat pump (see Heating Equipment)

Heating Equipment17

Heating equipment shall meet the following applicable efficiency levels:

• ≥ 80 AFUE gas furnace, OR; • ≥ 80 AFUE oil furnace, OR; • ≥ 80 AFUE boiler, OR; • ≥ 8.2 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER air-source heat pump,

ENERGY STAR qualified with electric backup, OR; • ≥ 8.2 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER air-source heat pump,

ENERGY STAR qualified with ENERGY STAR qualified dual-fuel backup heating, OR;

• Ground-source heat pump, any product type, ENERGY STAR qualified 17

• ≥ 90 AFUE gas furnace, ENERGY STAR qualified, OR; • ≥ 85 AFUE oil furnace, ENERGY STAR qualified, OR; • ≥ 85 AFUE boiler, ENERGY STAR qualified, OR; • Air-source heat pump16, ENERGY STAR qualified with efficiency as

follows: • CZ 4: ≥ 8.5 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with electric backup, OR; • CZ 5: ≥ 9.25 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with electric backup, OR;• CZ 6: ≥ 9.5 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with electric backup, OR;

• Air-source heat pump, ENERGY STAR qualified ≥ 8.2 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with ENERGY STAR qualified dual-fuel backup heating, OR;

• Ground-source heat pump, any product type, ENERGY STAR qualified17

Envelope, Windows & Doors

• If more than 10 linear feet of ductwork are located in an unconditioned attic, a radiant barrier or ENERGY STAR qualified roof product shall be installed.18

• No radiant barrier or ENERGY STAR qualified roof product required.

• Insulation levels shall meet or exceed the 2009 IECC levels and achieve Grade I installation per RESENT standards11,12,13 • Infiltration rates shall be less than or equal to the following values:19

6 ACH50 in CZs 1,2 5 ACH50 in CZs 3,4 4 ACH50 in CZs 5,6,7 3 ACH50 in CZ 8

• Windows, doors and skylights shall be ENERGY STAR qualified, as illustrated below:20 Window U-value: 0.60 in CZs 1,2 0.35 in CZ 3 0.32 in CZ 4 0.30 in CZs 4C,5,6,7,8 Window SHGC: 0.27 in CZs 1,2 0.30 in CZ 3 0.40 in CZ 4 Any in CZs 4C,5,6,7,8

Skylight U-value: 0.70 in CZs 1,2 0.57 in CZ 3 0.55 in CZ 4 0.55 in CZs 4C,5,6,7,8 Skylight SHGC: 0.30 in CZs 1,2 0.30 in CZ 3 0.40 in CZ 4 Any in CZs 4C,5,6,7,8

Doors: Opaque: 0.21 U-value, No SHGC Rating ≤½ lite: 0.27 U-value, 0.30 SHGC >½ lite: 0.32 U-value, 0.30 SHGC

• Homes with total window-to-floor area greater than 15% shall have adjusted U-values or SHGCs as outlined in Footnote 20.

Water Heater

• DHW equipment shall meet the following efficiency requirements:21 Gas: 30 Gal ≥ 0.63 EF 40 Gal ≥ 0.61 EF 50 Gal ≥ 0.59 EF 60 Gal ≥ 0.57 EF 70 Gal ≥ 0.55 EF 80 Gal ≥ 0.53 EF Electric: 30 Gal ≥ 0.94 EF 40 Gal ≥ 0.93 EF 50 Gal ≥ 0.92 EF 60 Gal ≥ 0.91 EF 70 Gal ≥ 0.90 EF 80 Gal ≥ 0.89 EF Oil: 30 Gal ≥ 0.55 EF 40 Gal ≥ 0.53 EF 50 Gal ≥ 0.51 EF 60 Gal ≥ 0.49 EF 70 Gal ≥ 0.47 EF 80 Gal ≥ 0.45 EF

Thermostat & Ductwork

• Programmable thermostat shall be installed unless thermostat controls a zone with electric radiant heat, for which a manual thermostat is allowed.22

• Supply ducts in unconditioned attics shall have insulation ≥ R-8; all other ducts in unconditioned space shall have insulation ≥ R-6. • Prescriptive Path: Duct leakage to outdoors shall be ≤ 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area.23,24,25 • Performance Path: Duct leakage to outdoors shall be ≤ 6 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area.23,24,25

Lighting & Appliances

• Where refrigerators, dishwashers, ceiling fans or exhaust fans26 are installed, products shall be ENERGY STAR qualified. • ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, LEDs or pin-based lighting in 80% of fixtures in RESNET-defined Qualifying Light Fixture Locations,

shall be installed.27


4.5 Rev. 01/13

Mandatory Requirements for All ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes As noted in the Prescriptive Path and the Performance Path, all ENERGY STAR Qualified Modular Homes must meet the requirements of the checklists in Exhibit 2.

Exhibit 2: Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes

Area of Improvement Mandatory Requirements

1. Design and Construction Specifications • Completed Design Requirements Checklist (either Prescriptive

Path or Performance Path)

2. Thermal Enclosure System • Completed Thermal Enclosure System Checklist

3. Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC) System

• Completed HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist • Completed HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist

4. Water Management System • Completed Water Management System Checklist

(or Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist) 28

Exhibit 3: Benchmark Home Size 6

No. of Bedrooms in Home to be Built 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8


Exhibit 4: 2009 IECC Figure 301.1 - Climate Zones (CZs)

Zone 1 includes: Hawaii, Guam Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. All of Alaska in Zone 7 except for the following Boroughs in Zone 8: Bethel, Dellingham, Fairbanks, N. Star, Nome North Slope, Northwest Artic, Southeast Fairbanks, Wade Hampton, and Yukon-Koyukuk


4.6 Rev. 01/13

Notes (Unless specified otherwise, notes shall apply to both Prescriptive and Performance Paths): 1. Any above-grade story with 20% or more occupiable space, including commercial space, shall be counted towards the total

number of stories for the purpose of determining eligibility to participate in the program. The definition of an ‘above-grade story’ is one for which more than half of the gross surface area of the exterior walls is above-grade. All below-grade stories, regardless of type, shall not be included when evaluating eligibility.

2. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, occupiable space is any enclosed space inside the pressure boundary and intended for human activities or continual human occupancy, including, but not limited to, areas used for living, sleeping, dining, and cooking, toilets, closets, halls, storage and utility areas, and laundry areas.

3. Central systems for domestic hot water are allowed if solar energy provides at least 50% of the domestic hot water needs for the residential units.

4. Units in multifamily buildings with 4 or 5 stories above-grade, including mixed-use buildings, that have their own heating, cooling, and hot water systems, separate from other units, but where dwelling units occupy less than 80% of the residential (i.e., excluding commercial / retail space for mixed-use buildings) occupiable square footage of the building may qualify for the ENERGY STAR through either the New Homes Program or the Multifamily High Rise Program if permitted prior to July 1, 2012. Units in buildings of this type that are permitted after this date shall only be eligible to earn the ENERGY STAR through the Multifamily High Rise (MFHR) Program.

5. Where requirements of the local codes, manufacturers’ installation instructions, engineering documents, or regional ENERGY STAR programs overlap with the requirements of these guidelines, EPA offers the following guidance:

a. In cases where the overlapping requirements exceed the ENERGY STAR guidelines, these overlapping requirements shall be met;

b. In cases where overlapping requirements conflict with a requirement of these ENERGY STAR guidelines (e.g., slab insulation is prohibited to allow visual access for termite inspections), then the conflicting requirement within these guidelines shall not be met. Qualification shall only be allowed if the Rater has determined that no equivalent option is available that could meet the intent of the conflicting requirement of these ENERGY STAR guidelines (e.g., switching from exterior to interior slab edge insulation).

6. The average-size home with a specific number of bedrooms is termed the “Benchmark Home”. The conditioned floor area of a Benchmark Home (CFA Benchmark Home) is determined by selecting the appropriate value from Exhibit 3. For homes with more than 8 bedrooms, the CFA Benchmark Home shall be determined by multiplying 600 sq. ft. times the total number of bedrooms and adding 400 sq. ft.

Example: CFA Benchmark Home for a 10 bedroom home = (600 sq. ft. x 10) + 400 sq. ft. = 6,400 sq. ft.

A bedroom is defined by RESNET as a room or space 70 sq. ft. or greater size, with egress window and closet, used or intended to be used for sleeping. A "den", "library", or "home office" with a closet, egress window, and 70 sq. ft. or greater size or other similar rooms shall count as a bedroom, but living rooms and foyers shall not.

An egress window, as defined in 2009 IRC section R310, shall refer to any operable window that provides for a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency. The egress window definition has been summarized for convenience. The egress window shall:

• have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor; AND • have a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft.; AND • have a minimum net clear opening height of 24 in.; AND • have a minimum net clear opening width of 20 in.; AND • be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge

7. To determine whether at least half of the basement wall area is below grade, use the gross surface area of the walls that are in contact with either the ground or ambient outdoor air, measured from the basement floor to the bottom of the basement ceiling framing (e.g., the bottom of the joists for the floor above). Note that the exception regarding the floor area in basements is only for the purpose of determining a home’s Benchmark Home Size, Size Adjustment Factor, and eligibility to use the Prescriptive Path. The full conditioned floor area, per RESNET’s standards, should be used when rating the home (e.g., determining compliance with duct leakage requirements).

8. The term "Rater" refers to the person completing the third-party inspections required for qualification. This party may be a certified Home Energy Rater, Rating Field Inspector, BOP Inspector, or an equivalent designation as determined by a Verification Oversight Organization such as RESNET.

9. For Performance Path: For a complete definition of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design to be used when determining the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, see the document titled “ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target Procedure, Version 3 (Rev. 04)”.

10. Insulation levels in a home shall meet or exceed the component insulation requirements in the 2009 IECC – Table 402.1.1. The following exceptions apply:


4.7 Rev. 01/13

a. Steel-frame ceilings, walls, and floors shall meet the insulation requirements of the 2009 IECC – Table 402.2.5. In CZ 1 and 2, the continuous insulation requirements in this table shall be permitted to be reduced to R-3 for steel-frame wall assemblies with studs spaced at 24” on center. This exception shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;

b. For ceilings with attic spaces, R-30 shall satisfy the requirement for R-38 and R-38 shall satisfy the requirement for R-49 wherever the full height of uncompressed insulation at the lower R-value extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. This exemption shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;

c. For ceilings without attic spaces, R-30 shall satisfy the requirement for any required value above R-30 if the design of the roof/ceiling assembly does not provide sufficient space for the required insulation value. This exemption shall be limited to 500 square ft. or 20% of the total insulated ceiling area, whichever is less. This exemption shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;

d. An alternative equivalent U-factor or total UA calculation may also be used to demonstrate compliance, as follows:

An assembly with a U-factor equal or less than specified in 2009 IECC – Table 402.1.3 complies.

A total building thermal envelope UA that is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from the U-factors in Table 402.1.3 also complies. The insulation levels of all non-fenestration components (i.e., ceilings, walls, floors, and slabs) can be traded off using the UA approach under both the Prescriptive and the Performance Path. Note that fenestration products (i.e., windows, skylights, doors) shall not be included in this calculation. Also, note that while ceiling and slab insulation can be included in trade-off calculations, the R-value must meet or exceed the minimum values listed in items 4.1 through 4.3 of the Thermal Enclosure System checklist to provide an effective thermal break, regardless of the UA tradeoffs calculated. The UA calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials. The calculation for a steel-frame envelope assembly shall use the ASHRAE zone method or a method providing equivalent results, and not a series-parallel path calculation method.

11. Consistent with the 2009 IECC, slab edge insulation is only required for slab-on-grade floors with a floor surface less than 12 inches below grade. Slab insulation shall extend to the top of the slab to provide a complete thermal break. If the top edge of the insulation is installed between the exterior wall and the edge of the interior slab, it shall be permitted to be cut at a 45-degree angle away from the exterior wall.

12. Insulation shall be verified by a Rater to achieve Grade I installation as defined in the RESNET Standards, except for ceiling, wall, floor, and floor assemblies with rigid insulation sheathing. For such homes, Grade II installation is acceptable for the cavity insulation only if the rigid insulation sheathing meets or exceeds the following levels: R-3 in CZs 1 to 4; R-5 in CZs 5 to 8.

13. For Prescriptive Path: All windows, doors, and skylights shall meet or exceed ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights – Version 5.0 as outlined at www.energystar.gov/windows. For Performance Path: All windows, doors, and skylights shall meet or exceed the component U-factor and SHGC requirements specified in the 2009 IECC – Table 402.1.1. If no NFRC rating is noted on the window or in product literature (e.g., for site-built fenestration), select the U-factor and SHGC value from tables 4 and 14, respectively, in 2005 ASHRAE Fundamentals, Chapter 31. Select the highest U-factor and SHGC value among the values listed for the known window characteristics (e.g., frame type, number of panes, glass color, and presence of low-e coating) Note that the U-factor requirement applies to all fenestration while the SHGC only applies to the glazed portion. The following exceptions apply:

a. An area-weighted average of fenestration products shall be permitted to satisfy the U-factor requirements;

b. An area-weighted average of fenestration products more than 50% glazed shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements;

c. 15 square feet of glazed fenestration per dwelling unit shall be exempt from the U-factor and SHGC requirements, and shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above;

d. One side-hinged opaque door assembly up to 24 square feet in area shall be exempt from the U-factor requirements and shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above;

e. Fenestration utilized as part of a passive solar design shall be exempt from the U-factor and SHGC requirements, and shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above. Exempt windows shall be facing within 45 degrees of true south and directly coupled to thermal storage mass that has a heat capacity > 20 btu/ft3x°F and provided in a ratio of at least 3 sq. ft per sq. ft. of south facing fenestration. Generally, thermal mass materials will be at least 2” thick.

14. The map in Exhibit 4 (see page 4.5) is shown to depict Climate Zone boundaries. It is for illustrative purposes only and is based on 2009 IECC Figure 301.1.

15. For Prescriptive Path: Where ENERGY STAR qualified heating or cooling systems are required, all installed equipment of that system type must be ENERGY STAR qualified.

16. For Prescriptive Path: The required efficiency for air source heat pumps in CZs 4, 5 and 6 exceed the ENERGY STAR minimum of 8.2 HSPF. Air source heat pumps with electric resistance backup heating cannot be used in homes qualified in CZs 7 and 8 using the Prescriptive Path.


4.8 Rev. 01/13

17. For Prescriptive Path: The following efficiency levels shall be used based on ground-source heat pump product type: • Closed Loop Water-to-Air: ≥ 3.5 COP / 16.1 EER • Open Loop Water-to-Air: ≥ 3.8 COP / 18.2 EER • Direct Geo-Exchange (DGX): ≥ 3.6 COP / 16 EER • Closed Loop Water-to-Water: ≥ 3.0 COP / 15.1 EER • Open Loop Water-to-Water: ≥ 3.4 COP / 19.1 EER

18. Any radiant barrier with a minimum initial reflectance of 0.90 and a maximum initial remittance of 0.10 meet the requirement for a radiant barrier.

19. Envelope leakage shall be determined by a Rater using RESNET-approve testing protocol.

20. For Prescriptive Path: All decorative glass and skylight window areas count toward the total window area to above-grade conditioned floor area (WFA) ratio. For homes using the Prescriptive Path that have a WFA ratio >15%, the following additional requirements apply:

a. In CZs 1, 2 and 3, an improved window SHGC is required and is determined by:

Improved SHGC = [0.15 / WFA] x [ENERGY STAR SHGC]

Where the ENERGY STAR SHGC is the minimum required SHGC in Exhibit 1, ENERGY STAR Reference Design, for the Climate Zone where the home will be built.

b. In CZs 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, an improved window U-Value is required and is determined by:

Improved U-Value = [0.15 / WFA] x [ENERGY STAR U-Value]

Where the ENERGY STAR U-Value is the maximum allowable U-Value in Exhibit 1, ENERGY STAR Reference Design, for the Climate Zone where the home will be built.

21. For Prescriptive Path: To determine domestic hot water (DHW) EF requirements for additional tank sizes, use the following equations:

Gas DHW EF ≥ 0.69 - (0.002 x Tank Gallon Capacity) Electric DHW EF ≥ 0.97 - (0.001 x Tank Gallon Capacity)

Oil DHW EF ≥0.61 - (0.002 x Tank Gallon Capacity) The minimum efficiency for instantaneous water heaters shall be determined using the above equations and assuming a 1 gallon capacity.

Water heater systems that are integrated with a space-heating boiler may be used in place of a stand-alone system. However, an integrated indirect storage system shall be used rather than an integrated tankless coil system.

22. For homes with heat pumps, the thermostat shall have “Adaptive Recovery” technology to prevent the excessive use of electric backup heating.

23. Duct leakage shall be determined and documented by a Rater using a RESNET-approved testing protocol only after all components of the system have been installed (e.g., air handler and register grilles). Leakage limits shall be assessed on a per-system, rather than per-home, basis. Testing of duct leakage to the outside can be waived if all ducts and air handling equipment are located within the home’s air and thermal barriers AND envelope leakage has been tested to be less than or equal to half of the Prescriptive Path infiltration limit for the Climate Zone where the home is to be built.

24. For all homes that have less than 1,200 sq ft of conditioned floor area (CFA), measured duct leakage to outdoors shall be ≤ 5 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA.

25. If total duct leakage is ≤ 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area, or ≤ 5 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area for homes that have less than 1,200 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area, then leakage to outdoors need not be tested.

26. For Prescriptive Path: All exhaust fans shall be ENERGY STAR qualified, except in half bathrooms. A half bathroom is any bathroom that does not contain a bathtub, shower, spa, or similar source of moisture.

27. For Prescriptive Path: The ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package (ALP), which requires a minimum of 60% ENERGY STAR qualified hard-wired fixtures and 100% ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans, where installed, may also be used to comply with the lighting requirements.

28. A completed and signed Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist may be submitted in lieu of the Water Management System Checklist. Indoor airPLUS is a complimentary EPA label recognizing new homes equipped with a comprehensive set of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) features. Indoor airPLUS verification can be completed by a Rater during the ENERGY STAR verification process. For more information, see www.epa.gov/indoorairplus.

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 3 (Rev. 04) National Program HERS Index Target Procedure

4.9 Rev. 01/13

This document provides detailed instructions for determining the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, the highest HERS Index value that a home can achieve and qualify under the Performance Path. The Performance Path provides flexibility to select a custom combination of measures through energy modeling that achieves the required ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target. Note, however, that regardless of the measures selected, the Mandatory Requirements for All Qualified Homes in Exhibit 2 of the ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) National Program Requirements shall be met.

Follow these steps using any RESNET-accredited software program to calculate the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target:

1. Determine the HERS Index of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home. To accomplish this, use Exhibit 5 below, Expanded ENERGY STAR Reference Design Definition, to model the Reference Design Home and determine its associated HERS Index value. For Raters configuring the ENERGY STAR Reference Design manually, EPA provides the following guidance:

a. The ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home is virtually identical to the home that would have been built using the minimum requirements of the Prescriptive Path. Therefore, EPA suggests that Raters complete a plan take-off of the home to be built, configure it with the minimum requirements of the Prescriptive Path, and then review Exhibit 5 for any remaining items that need to be changed.

b. Any item in Exhibit 5 that states “Same as Rated Home” means that the parameter should be identical to the rated home. Therefore, if the Rater follows the guidance in item a), these parameters don’t need to be further adjusted when calculating the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target.

c. RESNET requires that all accredited software automatically configure certain parameters when calculating a HERS index value (e.g., internal gains, thermostat set points, water heater temp.). Any item in Exhibit 5 that begins with a plus (+) and is shaded gray will be automatically configured by the software, indicating that the Rater need not do anything to comply with these items when calculating the HERS Index Target.

d. In Exhibit 5, slab insulation R-values represent nominal insulation levels; U-factors and SHGC coefficients for windows and doors apply to the entire assembly; and assembly U-factors for foundations, floors, walls, and ceilings represent the overall U-value of the assembly, inclusive of exterior sheathing materials, cavity insulation and installation quality, framing, and interior finishes. To create an assembly that meets the required U-factor, Raters may wish to start with the nominal insulation R-values indicated in the county-level Reference Design applicable to the Rated Home, and then modify the assembly details until the U-factor aligns.

Note that EPA will provide modified Mandatory Requirements and ENERGY STAR Reference Design specifications for states with energy codes significantly more rigorous than the 2009 IECC. Once published, these modified specifications shall be used after a specified transition period, typically 60 days, to determine the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target in these states.

2. For all single-family detached homes, townhomes, row homes, duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes calculate the Size Adjustment Factor (SAF) using the following equation:

SAF = [CFA Benchmark Home / CFA Home to Be Built ] 0.25, not to exceed 1.0

Where: CFA Benchmark Home = Conditioned Floor Area of the Benchmark Home, using Exhibit 3 below CFA Home to be Built = Conditioned Floor Area of the Home to be Built

For the purposes of this step, calculate the number of bedrooms and the CFA of the home to be built using RESNET standards with the following exception: floor area in basements with at least half of the gross surface area of the basement’s exterior walls below grade shall not be counted. If a home has zero bedrooms with regard to the Benchmark Home Size determination, then the Benchmark Home Size for one bedroom shall be used. If the CFA of the home to be built exceeds the CFA of the Benchmark Home, then the Performance Path shall be used. Because the SAF cannot exceed 1.0, it only modifies the HERS Index Target for homes with conditioned floor area greater than the Benchmark Home. For condos and apartments in multi-family buildings the SAF shall always equal 1.0.

3. Calculate the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, rounded to the nearest whole number:

ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target = HERS Index of ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home x SAF

4. Next, proceed with Step 2 of the Performance Path as outlined in the ENERGY STAR National Program Requirements, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04).

Exhibit 3: Benchmark Home Size 2,3




4.10 Rev. 01/13

Exhibit 5: Expanded ENERGY STAR Reference Design Definition


4.11 Rev. 01/13

Exhibit 5: Expanded ENERGY STAR Reference Design Definition (Continued)


4.12 Rev. 01/13

Notes 1. To determine whether at least half of the basement wall area is below grade, use the gross surface area of the walls that are in

contact with either the ground or ambient outdoor air, measured from the basement floor to the bottom of the basement ceiling framing (e.g., the bottom of the joists for the floor above). Note that the exception regarding the floor area in basements is only for the purpose of determining a home’s Benchmark Home Size, Size Adjustment Factor, and eligibility to use the Prescriptive Path. The full conditioned floor area, per RESNET’s standards, should be used when rating the home (e.g., determining compliance with duct leakage requirements).

2. The average-size home with a specific number of bedrooms is termed “Benchmark Home”. A bedroom is defined by RESNET as a room or space 70 sq. ft. or greater size, with egress window and closet, used or intended to be used for sleeping. A "den", "library", or "home office" with a closet, egress window, and 70 sq. ft. or greater size or other similar rooms shall count as a bedroom, but living rooms and foyers shall not.



3. The conditioned floor area of a Benchmark Home (CFA Benchmark Home) is determined by selecting the appropriate value from Exhibit 3. For homes with more than 8 bedrooms, the CFA Benchmark Home shall be determined by multiplying 600 sq. ft. times the total number of bedrooms and adding 400 sq. ft.


4. Any parameter not specified in this exhibit shall be set to “Same as Rated Home”.

5. The map in Exhibit 4 (see page 4.5) is shown to depict Climate Zone boundaries. It is for illustrative purposes only and is based on 2009 IECC Figure 301.1.

6. For informative purposes, assembly U-factors are meant to correlate to typical assemblies containing the nominal R-values as listed in 2009 IECC Table 402.1.1.

7. All Reference Design window and door U-value and SHGC requirements are based on the ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights – Version 5.0 as outlined at www.energystar.gov/windows, except that SHGC values have been assumed for CZ 4C and CZs 5 to 8. Note that the U-factor requirement applies to all fenestration while the SHGC only applies to the glazed portion.

8. When determining the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target for homes with conditioned basements and for attached homes under the Performance Path, the following formula shall be used to determine total window area of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design:

AF = 0.15 x AFL x FA x F Where:

• AF = Total fenestration area • AFL = Total floor area of directly conditioned space • FA = (Above-grade thermal boundary gross wall area) / (Above-grade boundary wall area + 0.5 x Below-grade boundary

wall area) • F = 1- 0.44 x (Common wall area) / (Above-grade thermal boundary wall area + Common wall area)

And where: • Thermal boundary wall is any wall that separates directly or indirectly conditioned space from unconditioned space or

ambient conditions; • Above-grade thermal boundary wall is any portion of a thermal boundary wall not in contact with soil; • Below-grade boundary wall is any portion of a thermal boundary wall in soil contact; and • Common wall is the total wall area of walls adjacent to another conditioned living unit, not including foundation walls.

9. RESNET’s 2006 Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Systems Standard.

10. In the ENERGY STAR Reference Design, fuel type(s) shall be same as Rated Home, including any dual-fuel equipment where applicable. For a Rated Home with multiple heating, cooling, or water heating systems using different fuel types, the applicable system capacities and fuel types shall be weighted in accordance with the loads distribution (as calculated by accepted engineering practice for that equipment and fuel type) of the multiple systems.

11. To determine domestic hot water (DHW) EF requirements for additional tank sizes, use the following equations: Gas DHW EF ≥ 0.69 - (0.002 x Tank Gallon Capacity)

Electric DHW EF ≥ 0.97 - (0.001 x Tank Gallon Capacity) Oil DHW EF ≥ 0.61 - (0.002 x Tank Gallon Capacity)

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) 2009 IECC Insulation & Fenestration Requirements

4.13 Rev. 01/13

2009 IECC – Table 402.1.1 Insulation and Fenestration Requirements by Component a

Climate Zone

Fenestration U-Factor b

Skylight b

U-Factor

Glazed Fenestration

SHGC b,e

Ceiling R-Value

Wood Frame Wall

R-Value

Mass WallR-Value i

Floor R-Value

Basement c

Wall R-Value

Slab d R-Value&

Depth

Crawl Space c

Wall R-Value

1 1.20 0.75 0.30 30 13 3/4 13 0 0 0

2 0.65 j 0.75 0.30 30 13 4/6 13 0 0 0

3 0.50 j 0.65 0.30 30 13 5/8 19 5/13 f 0 5/13

4 except Marine 0.35 0.60 NR 38 13 5/10 19 10/13 10, 2 ft. 10/13

5 and Marine 4 0.35 0.60 NR 38 20 or

13+5 h 13/17 30 g 10/13 10, 2 ft. 10/13

6 0.35 0.60 NR 49 20 or 13+5 h 15/19 30 g 15/19 10, 4 ft. 10/13

7 and 8 0.35 0.60 NR 49 21 19/21 30 g 15/19 10, 4 ft. 10/13

For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm a. R-values are minimums, U-factors and SHGC are maximums. R-19 batts compressed into a nominal 2x6 framing cavity such that the

R-value is reduced by R-1 or more shall be marked with the compressed batt R-value in addition to the full thickness R-value. b. The fenestration U-factor column excludes skylights. The SHGC column applies to all glazed fenestration. c. “15/19” means R-15 continuous insulated sheathing on the interior or exterior of the home or R-19 cavity insulation at the interior of the

basement wall. “15/19” shall be permitted to be met with R-13 cavity insulation on the interior of the basement wall plus R-5 continuous insulated sheathing on the interior or exterior of the home. “10/13” means R-10 continuous insulated sheathing on the interior or exterior of the home or R-13 cavity insulation at the interior of the basement wall.

d. R-5 shall be added to the required slab edge R-values for heated slabs. Insulation depth shall be the depth of the footing or 2 feet, whichever is less in Zones 1 through 3 for heated slabs.

e. There are no SHGC requirements in the Marine Zone. f. Basement wall insulation is not required in warm-humid locations as defined by Figure 301.1 and Table 301.1. g. Or insulation sufficient to fill the framing cavity, R-19 minimum. h. “13+5” means R-13 cavity insulation plus R-5 insulated sheathing. If structural sheathing covers 25 percent or less of the exterior, insulating

sheathing is not required where structural sheathing is used. If structural sheathing covers more than 25 percent of exterior, structural sheathing shall be supplemented with insulated sheathing of at least R-2.

i. The second R-value applies when more than half the insulation is on the interior of the mass wall. j. For impact rated fenestration complying with Section R301.2.1.2 of the International Residential Code or Section 1608.1.2 of the

International Building Code, maximum U-factor shall be 0.75 in Zone 2 and 0.65 in Zone 3.

2009 IECC – Table 402.1.3 Equivalent U-Factors a

Climate Zone

Fenestration U-Factor

Skylight U-Factor

Ceiling U-Factor

Frame Wall U-Factor

Mass Wall U-Factor

b

Floor U-Factor

Basement WallU-Factor

d

Crawl Space Wall

U-Factorc

1 1.20 0.75 0.035 0.082 0.197 0.064 0.360 0.477

2 0.65 0.75 0.035 0.082 0.165 0.064 0.360 0.477

3 0.50 0.65 0.035 0.082 0.141 0.047 0.091 0.136

4 except Marine 0.35 0.60 0.030 0.082 0.141 0.047 0.059 0.065

5 and Marine 4 0.35 0.60 0.030 0.057 0.082 0.033 0.059 0.065

6 0.35 0.60 0.026 0.057 0.060 0.033 0.050 0.065

7 and 8 0.35 0.60 0.026 0.057 0.057 0.028 0.050 0.065

a. Non-fenestration U-factors shall be obtained from measurement, calculation or an approved source. b. When more than half the insulation is on the interior, the mass wall U-factor shall be a maximum of 0.17 in Zone 1, 0.14 in Zone 2, 0.12 in

Zone 3, 0.10 in Zone 4 except Marine, and the same as the frame wall U-factor in Marine Zone 4 and in Zones 5 through 8. c. Basement wall U-factor of 0.360 in warm-humid locations as defined by Figure 301.1 and Table 301.2. d. Foundation U-factor requirements shown in Table 402.1.3 include wall construction and interior air films but exclude soil conductivity and

exterior air films. U-factors for determining code compliance in accordance with Section 402.1.4 (total UA alternative) of Section 405 (Simulated Performance Alternative) shall be modified to include soil conductivity and exterior air films.

5 Inspection and Verification Documents


Meeting the provisions of ENERGY STAR for modular homes is the joint responsibility of the plant and the builder. While many of the required features or components can be completed in the plant, several features of every home will be completed in the field by the builder and verified by a HERS Rater. Therefore, the plant and builder work together in demonstrating that the home complies with all the requirements to earn the ENERGY STAR label. The plant should take the lead in developing the documents that will be used for demonstrating compliance and then assist the builder in understanding the steps to complete the home.

This section contains the primary documents used for inspection and verification of ENERGY STAR modular homes under v2.5 of the guidelines.

The Modular Home Completion Report (pages 5.2 to 5.4) is the field verification form completed by the Rater (or the Certifier for plant certification homes) and submitted to SBRA to report qualified homes and to request the ENERGY STAR label and home certificate.

The Inspection Checklists (pages 5.5 to 5.24) are the primary documents for dividing ENERGY STAR responsibilities between the plant, the builder and the HVAC contractor. The plant is responsible for verifying all items completed in the plant on the following checklists:

▪ Design Requirements Checklist (Prescriptive Path or Performance Path) ▪ Thermal Enclosure System Checklist ▪ HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist ▪ HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist ▪ Water Management System Checklist

The Inspection Checklists serve several functions, including the following:

▪ Provide an itemization of the features required by the selected compliance path; ▪ Provide a place for the plant’s quality control staff to document compliance with the design

and construction specifications and the Thermal Enclosure System, HVAC System Quality Installation, HVAC System Quality Verification (if applicable) and Water Management System inspection items; and,

▪ Provide the builder and the Rater with a record of the items inspected in the plant and a list of the items that are to be completed and verified in the field to meet the ENERGY STAR requirements and qualify the home for the ENERGY STAR label.

During the certification process, the Certifier and plant together develop the plant’s checklists based on the templates provided in this section. The plant may elect to re-order the checklist items (e.g., organize them by workstation or divide them by plant and builder responsibilities) to facilitate the inspection process, and/or incorporate the checklists into the existing plant traveler. All items required by the compliance path and all items from the mandatory Inspection Checklists must be included on the plant’s checklists.

For each home qualified under v2.5, all inspection checklists shall be completed, but only the Design Requirements Checklist and ‘Section 3: Fully-Aligned Air Barriers’ and ‘Section 5: Air Sealing’ of the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist shall be enforced. Non-compliance with items in other sections of the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist, or any items on the HVAC System Quality and Water Management System checklists, shall not prevent homes from earning the label.

Plants should provide the Instructions for the Modular Builder (page 5.25) coversheet with the inspection checklists.

EPA Form 5900-189 OMB Control No. 2060-0586

www.research-alliance.org 5.2 Rev. 01/13

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 Modular Home Completion Report Instructions To qualify for ENERGY STAR, a home must meet the National Program Requirements and the measures listed in these checklists:

• Design Requirements Checklist (either Prescriptive Path or Performance Path) • Thermal Enclosure System Checklist • HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist • HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist • Water Management System Checklist (or Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist)1

Checklist items flagged for field verification are verified by a Rater.2 Raters are expected to use their experience and discretion to verify that the overall intent of each inspection checklist item has been met (i.e., identifying major defects that undermine the intent of the checklist item versus identifying minor defects that the Rater may deem acceptable). The column titled “N/A,” which denotes items that are “not applicable,” should be used when the checklist item is not present in the home or conflicts with local requirements.

In the event that a Rater finds an item that is inconsistent with the intent of the inspection checklists, the home cannot earn the ENERGY STAR until the item is corrected. If correction of the item is not possible, the home cannot earn the ENERGY STAR.

The Rater is required to keep electronic or hard copies of the completed and signed checklists. The signature of the HVAC technician is required if any of the HVAC equipment specified on the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist is installed in the home.

To receive the home label(s) and certificate, the Rater must send this Modular Home Completion Report, a copy of all completed and signed Inspection Checklists and a check for $50 per home* (builder’s report processing fee for home certificate and site label) to:

Systems Building Research Alliance 1776 Broadway, Suite 1250 New York, NY 10019

Please allow 5 to 7 days for FedEx Ground delivery. For 2-Day delivery, enclose an additional $20 S&H fee.

* If this is a plant certification home, the following processing fees apply (select one):

$150 plant certification home ($100 for plant QA label + $50 builder’s fee) - OR -

$100 “temporarily installed” plant certification home3 (for plant QA label only)

Send labels to (check one):

Certifier / Rater Primary Contact Contact:

Field Inspector / Tester Company:

Modular Plant Address:

Modular Builder City:

Homeowner State: Zip:

Other (specify in space at right) Phone or Email:

1 A completed and signed Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist may be completed by the Rater and submitted in lieu of the

Water Management System checklist. For more information, see the EPA website: www.epa.gov/indoorairplus. 2 The term “Rater” refers to the person completing the third-party inspections required for qualification. This party may be a

certified Home Energy Rater, Rating Field Inspector or BOP Inspector. 3 Temporarily installed homes must be re-inspected by a Rater when installed on the final home site and a new Completion

Report must be submitted along with the $50 report processing fee for the home certificate and site label.



ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5

Modular Home Completion Report

Home Address: HOME ID:

City: State: Zip:

Homeowner Name: Phone:

1. CONTACT INFORMATION

Certifier / Rater Primary Contact Field Inspector / Tester (if different from Primary Contact)

Company Contact Name Company Contact Name

Address Address

City State Zip City State Zip

Phone Fax Phone Fax

Plant and QC Staff Builder

Corporate Parent (if applicable) Company Contact Name

Plant Name QC Contact Name Address

Plant City State Zip City State Zip

Phone Fax Phone Fax

HVAC Contractor / Technician HVAC System Designer (if different from Cont. / Tech.)

Company Contact Name Company Contact Name

Address Address

City State Zip City State Zip

Phone Fax Phone Fax

2. WAS THIS HOME TESTED? Yes No If No, skip to question 5.

3. HOUSE TIGHTNESS

a) Infiltration rate ( ≤ 6.0 in CZs 1, 2 | ≤ 5.0 in CZs 3, 4 | ≤ 4.0 in CZs 5, 6, 7 | ≤ 3.0 in CZ 8). Measured: _________ ACH50 ....................

4. DUCT TIGHTNESS (fill in and check ONE) a) Duct leakage to outdoors ( ≤ 6 CFM25 Performance Path; ≤ 4 CFM25 Prescriptive Path). Measured: _________ CFM25 / 100 sq ft ...

*Homes with < 1,200 sq ft CFA: ≤ 5 CFM25 / 100 sq ft - OR -

b) All ducts and air handling equipment are located within the home’s air and thermal barriers and envelope leakage has been tested to be ≤ 3.0 ACH50 in CZs 1, 2 | ≤ 2.5 ACH50 in CZs 3, 4 | ≤ 2.0 ACH50 in CZs 5, 6, 7 | ≤ 1.5 ACH50 in CZ 8. .....................................................

5. QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) LABEL (must check ONE to pass) a) An SBRA quality assurance (QA) modular home label is affixed to home interior and signed and dated by a factory representative ...........

- OR - b) This is one of the factory’s initial three certification homes. The plant QA label will be signed and affixed with the blue ENERGY STAR®

Qualified New Home site label (see instructions) ................................................................................................................................................

6. CERTIFIER / RATER EVALUATION (check ONE) a) PASSES: No discrepancies were identified......................................................................................................................................................... b) PASSES: Minor discrepancies were identified and repaired, and the home was re-inspected ........................................................................ c) FAILS: Discrepancies are described below .........................................................................................................................................................

Signature of Certifier / Rater: Date:



Modular Home Completion Report PROBLEMS / DISCREPANCIES & REMEDIATION ACTIONS HOME ID:

Item No. Discrepancy

Remediation


Remediation


Remediation


Remediation


Remediation

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) Prescriptive Path Design Requirements Checklist

Inspection Checklists 5.5

HOME ID:

Inspection Guidelines Plant QC

Builder Rater N/A

Home Size The conditioned floor area (CFA) is less than or equal to the Benchmark Home 1 Cooling Equipment (Where Provided) 2 Hot Climates (2009 IECC CZs 1, 2, 3)

• 14.5 SEER / 12 EER ENERGY STAR qualified AC, OR; • Heat pump (see Heating Equipment)

Mixed & Cold Climates (2009 IECC CZs 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) • 13 SEER AC, OR; • Heat pump (see Heating Equipment)

Heating Equipment 2 Hot Climates (2009 IECC CZs 1, 2, 3):

• ≥ 80 AFUE gas furnace, OR; • ≥ 80 AFUE oil furnace, OR; • ≥ 80 AFUE boiler, OR; • ≥ 8.2 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER air-source heat pump, ENERGY STAR qualified with electric

backup or ENERGY STAR qualified dual-fuel backup heating, OR; • Ground source heat pump, any product type, ENERGY STAR qualified 4

Mixed & Cold Climates (2009 IECC CZs 4, 5 , 6, 7, 8): • ≥ 90 AFUE gas furnace, ENERGY STAR qualified, OR; • ≥ 85 AFUE oil furnace, ENERGY STAR qualified, OR; • ≥ 85 AFUE boiler, ENERGY STAR qualified, OR; • Air-source heat pump 3, ENERGY STAR qualified with efficiency as follows:

CZ 4: ≥ 8.5 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with electric backup, OR; CZ 5: ≥ 9.25 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with electric backup, OR; CZ 6: ≥ 9.5 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER with electric backup, OR;

• ≥ 8.2 HSPF / 14.5 SEER / 12 EER ENERGY STAR qualified air-source heat pump with ENERGY STAR qualified dual-fuel backup heating, OR;

• Ground-source heat pump, any product type, ENERGY STAR qualified 4

Envelope, Windows & Doors Hot Climates (2009 IECC CZs 1, 2, 3): If more than 10 linear feet of ductwork are located in an unconditioned attic, a radiant barrier or ENERGY STAR qualified roof product shall be installed 5

Ceiling, wall, floor and slab insulation levels meet or exceed 2009 IECC levels 6,7,8 If home has ≤ 15% window-to-floor area, all windows, doors and skylights are ENERGY STAR qualified 9 If home has > 15% window-to-floor area, all windows, doors and skylights meet the adjusted U-Values or SHGCs outlined in note 10 For homes subject to testing, infiltration rates shall be less than or equal to the following values 11: Circle one: 6 ACH50 in CZs 1,2 5 ACH50 in CZs 3,4 4 ACH50 in CZs 5,6,7 3 ACH50 in CZ 8

Water Heater 12 Circle one: 30 Gal 40 Gal 50 Gal 60 Gal 70 Gal 80 Gal

• Gas 0.63 EF 0.61 EF 0.59 EF 0.57 EF 0.55 EF 0.53 EF • Electric 0.94 EF 0.93 EF 0.92 EF 0.91 EF 0.90 EF 0.89 EF • Oil 0.55 EF 0.53 EF 0.51 EF 0.49 EF 0.47 EF 0.45 EF

Thermostat & Ductwork Programmable thermostat installed (unless thermostat controls a zone with electric radiant heat, for which a manual thermostat is allowed) 13 Supply ducts in unconditioned attics have insulation ≥ R-8; all other ducts in unconditioned space have insulation ≥ R-6

Duct leakage to outdoors is ≤ 4CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area 14,15 Lighting & Appliances ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, LEDs or pin-based lighting installed in 80% of fixtures in Qualifying Light Fixture Locations 16,17,18 Where installed (check all that apply), products shall be ENERGY STAR qualified 16 Refrigerator Dishwasher Ceiling Fans Exhaust Fans 19

Plant QC Signature: Inspection Date:

Builder Signature: Inspection Date:

Rater Signature: Inspection Date:


Inspection Checklists 5.6 01/13

Notes



Exhibit 3: Benchmark Home Size






Calculate the number of bedrooms and the CFA of the home to be built using RESNET standards with the following exceptions: floor area in basements with at least half of the gross surface area of the basement’s exterior walls below grade shall not be counted. To determine whether at least half of the basement wall area is below grade, use the gross surface area of the walls that are in contact with either the ground or ambient outdoor air, measured from the basement floor to the bottom of the basement ceiling framing (e.g., the bottom of the joists for the floor above). Note that the exception regarding the floor area in basements is only for the purpose of determining a home’s Benchmark Home Size, Size Adjustment Factor, and eligibility to use the Prescriptive Path. The full conditioned floor area, per RESNET’s standards, should be used when rating the home (e.g., determining compliance with duct leakage requirements).

2. Where ENERGY STAR qualified heating or cooling systems are required, all installed equipment of that system type must be ENERGY STAR qualified. For ENERGY STAR Qualified Product Criteria, see www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_find_es_products.

3. The required efficiency for air source heat pumps in CZs 4, 5 and 6 exceed the ENERGY STAR minimum of 8.2 HSPF. Air source heat pumps with electric resistance backup heating cannot be used in homes qualified in CZs 7 and 8 using the Prescriptive Path.

4. The following efficiency levels shall be used based on ground-source heat pump product type: • Closed Loop Water-to-Air: ≥ 3.5 COP / 16.1 EER • Open Loop Water-to-Air: ≥ 3.8 COP / 18.2 EER • Direct Geo-Exchange (DGX): ≥ 3.6 COP / 16 EER • Closed Loop Water-to-Water: ≥ 3.0 COP / 15.1 EER • Open Loop Water-to-Water: ≥ 3.4 COP / 19.1 EER

5. Any radiant barrier with a minimum initial reflectance of 0.90 and a maximum initial remittance of 0.10 meet the requirement for a radiant barrier. For ENERGY STAR Qualified Roof Product Criteria, see www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=roof_prods.pr_crit_roof_products

6. Insulation levels in a home shall meet or exceed the component insulation requirements in the 2009 IECC – Table 402.1.1 (see page 4.13). The following exceptions apply:

a. Steel-frame ceilings, walls, and floors shall meet the insulation requirements of the 2009 IECC – Table 402.2.5. In CZ 1 and 2, the continuous insulation requirements in this table shall be allowed to be reduced to R-3 for steel-frame walls with studs spaced at 24” on center. This exception shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;




An assembly with a U-factor equal or less than specified in 2009 IECC – Table 402.1.3 complies (see page 4.13).



A total building thermal envelope UA that is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from the U-factors in Table 402.1.3 also complies. The insulation levels of all non-fenestration components (i.e., ceilings, walls, floors, and slabs) can be traded off using the UA approach. Note that fenestration products (i.e., windows, skylights, doors) shall not be included in this calculation. Also, note that while ceiling and slab insulation can be included in trade-off calculations, the R-value must meet or exceed the minimum values listed in items 4.1 through 4.3 of the Thermal Enclosure System checklist to provide an effective thermal break, regardless of the UA tradeoffs calculated. The UA calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials. The calculation for a steel-frame envelope assembly shall use the ASHRAE zone method or a method providing equivalent results, and not a series-parallel path calculation method.


8. Insulation shall be verified by a Rater to achieve Grade I installation as defined in the RESNET Standards, except for ceiling, wall, and floor assemblies with continuous rigid insulation sheathing. For such homes, Grade II installation is acceptable for the cavity insulation only if the rigid insulation sheathing meets or exceeds the following levels: R-3 in CZs 1 to 4; R-5 in CZs 5 to 8.

9. All windows, doors, and skylights shall meet or exceed ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights – Version 5.0 as outlined at www.energystar.gov/windows.

10. All decorative glass and skylight window areas count toward the total window area to above-grade conditioned floor area (WFA) ratio. For homes that have a WFA ratio >15%, the following additional requirements apply:

a. In CZs 1, 2 and 3, an improved window SHGC is required and is determined by: Improved SHGC = [0.15 / WFA] x [ENERGY STAR SHGC]

Where the ENERGY STAR SHGC is the minimum required SHGC in Exhibit 1, ENERGY STAR Reference Design, for the Climate Zone where the home will be built.

b. In CZs 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, an improved window U-Value is required and is determined by: Improved U-Value = [0.15 / WFA] x [ENERGY STAR U-Value]

Where the ENERGY STAR U-Value is the maximum allowable U-Value in Exhibit 1, ENERGY STAR Reference Design, for the Climate Zone where the home will be built.

11. This test is subject to the one (1) in every seven (7) sampling protocol, but must be completed for the first two (2) homes built by the builder and the three (3) required certification homes for a plant. Envelope leakage shall be determined by a Rater using a RESNET-approved testing protocol.

12. To determine domestic hot water (DHW) EF requirements for additional tank sizes, use the following equations: Gas DHW EF ≥ 0.69 - (0.002 x Tank Gallon Capacity)

Electric DHW EF ≥ 0.97 - (0.001 x Tank Gallon Capacity) Oil DHW EF ≥0.61 - (0.002 x Tank Gallon Capacity)

The minimum efficiency for instantaneous water heaters shall be determined using the above equations and assuming a 1 gallon capacity.

Water heater systems that are integrated with a space-heating boiler may be used in place of a stand-alone system. However, an integrated indirect storage system shall be used rather than an integrated tankless coil system.



15. For all homes that have less than 1,200 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area (CFA), measured duct leakage to outdoors shall be ≤ 5 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA.

16. For ENERGY STAR Qualified Product Criteria, see www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_find_es_products.

17. The ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package (ALP), which requires a minimum of 60% ENERGY STAR qualified hard-wired fixtures and 100% ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans, where installed, may also be used to comply with the lighting requirements. For more information, see www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.ALP_Builder.

18. Qualifying Light Fixture Locations are those light fixtures located in kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms, family rooms/dens, bathrooms, hallways, stairways, entrances, bedrooms, garage, utility rooms, home offices and all outdoor fixtures mounted on a building or pole. This excludes plug-in lamps, closets, unfinished basements and landscape lighting.

19. All exhaust fans shall be ENERGY STAR qualified, except in half bathrooms. A half bathroom is any bathroom that does not contain a bathtub, shower, spa, or similar source of moisture.

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) Performance Path Design Requirements Checklist


HOME ID:

Inspection Guidelines Plant QC

Builder Rater N/A

HERS Index

HERS Index _________ is less than or equal to the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target 1 _________ The conditioned floor area (CFA) is less than or equal to the Benchmark Home 2 OR; The following Size Adjustment Factor (SAF) 3 has been applied: ____________

Envelope, Windows & Doors Hot Climates (2009 IECC CZs 1, 2, 3): If more than 10 linear feet of ductwork are located in an unconditioned attic, a radiant barrier or ENERGY STAR qualified roof product shall be installed 4 Ceiling, wall, floor and slab insulation levels meet or exceed 2009 IECC levels and achieve RESNET-defined Grade I installation or, alternatively, Grade II for surfaces with insulated sheathing (see Thermal Enclosure System Checklist item 4.4.1 for required insulation levels) 5,6,7

All windows, doors and skylights meet or exceed 2009 IECC requirements 8 Thermostat & Ductwork Programmable thermostat installed (unless thermostat controls a zone with electric radiant heat, for which a manual thermostat is allowed) 9

Supply ducts in unconditioned attics and other unconditioned spaces have insulation ≥ R-6

Duct leakage to outdoors shall be ≤ 6 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area 10,11

Plant QC Signature: Inspection Date:

Builder Signature: Inspection Date:

Rater Signature: Inspection Date:



Notes

1. For a complete definition of the ENERGY STAR Reference Design to be used when determining the ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target, see the document titled “ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target Procedure, Version 3 (Rev. 04)”.

ENERGY STAR HERS Index Target = HERS Index of ENERGY STAR Reference Design Home x SAF



Exhibit 3: Benchmark Home Size






Calculate the number of bedrooms and the CFA of the home to be built using RESNET standards with the following exceptions: floor area in basements with at least half of the gross surface area of the basement’s exterior walls below grade shall not be counted. To determine whether at least half of the basement wall area is below grade, use the gross surface area of the walls that are in contact with either the ground or ambient outdoor air, measured from the basement floor to the bottom of the basement ceiling framing (e.g., the bottom of the joists for the floor above). Note that the exception regarding the floor area in basements is only for the purpose of determining a home’s Benchmark Home Size, Size Adjustment Factor, and eligibility to use the Prescriptive Path. The full conditioned floor area, per RESNET’s standards, should be used when rating the home (e.g., determining compliance with duct leakage requirements).

3. For all single-family detached homes, townhomes, rowhomes, duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes calculate the Size Adjustment Factor (SAF) using the following equation:

SAF = [CFA Benchmark Home / CFA Home to Be Built ] 0.25, not to exceed 1.0

Where: CFA Benchmark Home = Conditioned Floor Area of the Benchmark Home, using Exhibit 3 above CFA Home to be Built = Conditioned Floor Area of the Home to be Built

For the purposes of this step, calculate the number of bedrooms and the CFA of the home to be built using RESNET standards with the following exceptions: bedrooms and floor area in basements with at least half of gross surface area of the basement’s exterior walls below grade shall not be counted. If a home has zero bedrooms with regard to the Benchmark Home Size determination, then the Benchmark Home Size for one bedroom shall be used. If the CFA of the home to be built exceeds the CFA of the Benchmark Home, then the Performance Path shall be used. Because the SAF cannot exceed 1.0, it only modifies the HERS Index for homes with conditioned floor area greater than the Benchmark Home. For condos and apartments in multi-family buildings the SAF shall always equal 1.0.

4. Any radiant barrier with a minimum initial reflectance of 0.90 and a maximum initial remittance of 0.10 meet the requirement for a radiant barrier. For ENERGY STAR Qualified Roof Product Criteria, see www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=roof_prods.pr_crit_roof_products.


a. Steel-frame ceilings, walls, and floors shall meet the insulation requirements of the 2009 IECC – Table 402.2.5. In CZ 1 and 2, the continuous insulation requirements in this table shall be permitted to be reduced to R-3 for steel-frame wall assemblies with studs spaced at 24” on center. This exception shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;






An assembly with a U-factor equal or less than specified in 2009 IECC – Table 402.1.3 complies (see page 4.13).

A total building thermal envelope UA that is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from the U-factors in Table 402.1.3 also complies. The insulation levels of all non-fenestration components (i.e., ceilings, walls, floors, and slabs) can be traded off using the UA approach. Note that fenestration products (i.e., windows, skylights, doors) shall not be included in this calculation. Also, note that while ceiling and slab insulation can be included in trade-off calculations, the R-value must meet or exceed the minimum values listed in items 4.1 through 4.3 of the Thermal Enclosure System checklist to provide an effective thermal break, regardless of the UA tradeoffs calculated. The UA calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials. The calculation for a steel-frame envelope assembly shall use the ASHRAE zone method or a method providing equivalent results, and not a series-parallel path calculation method.


7. Insulation shall be verified by a Rater to achieve Grade I installation as defined in the RESNET Standards, except for ceiling, wall, and floor assemblies with continuous rigid insulation sheathing. For such homes, Grade II installation is acceptable for the cavity insulation only if the rigid insulation sheathing meets or exceeds the following levels: R-3 in CZs 1 to 4; R-5 in CZs 5 to 8.

8. All windows, doors, and skylights shall meet or exceed the component U-factor and SHGC requirements specified in the 2009 IECC – Table 402.1.1 (see page 4.13). If no NFRC rating is noted on the window or in product literature (e.g., for site-built fenestration), select the U-factor and SHGC value from tables 4 and 14, respectively, in 2005 ASHRAE Fundamentals, Chapter 31. Select the highest U-factor and SHGC value among the values listed for the known window characteristics (e.g., frame type, number of panes, glass color, and presence of low-e coating) Note that the U-factor requirement applies to all fenestration while the SHGC only applies to the glazed portion. The following exceptions apply:

a. An area-weighted average of fenestration products shall be permitted to satisfy the U-factor requirements;

b. An area-weighted average of fenestration products more than 50% glazed shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements;

c. 15 square feet of glazed fenestration per dwelling unit shall be exempt from the U-factor and SHGC requirements, and shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above;

d. One side-hinged opaque door assembly up to 24 square feet in area shall be exempt from the U-factor requirements and shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above;

e. Fenestration utilized as part of a passive solar design shall be exempt from the U-factor and SHGC requirements, and shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above. Exempt windows shall be facing within 45 degrees of true south and directly coupled to thermal storage mass that has a heat capacity > 20 btu/ft3x°F and provided in a ratio of at least 3 sq. ft. per sq. ft. of south facing fenestration. Generally, thermal mass materials will be at least 2” thick.



11. For all homes that have less than 1,200 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area (CFA), measured duct leakage to outdoors shall be ≤ 5 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA.

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) Thermal Enclosure System Checklist


HOME ID:

Inspection Guidelines Must

CorrectPlant QC

Builder1 Rater N/A

1. High-Performance Fenestration 1.1 Prescriptive Path: Fenestration shall meet or exceed ENERGY STAR requirements 2 1.2 Performance Path: Fenestration shall meet or exceed 2009 IECC requirements 2 2. Quality-Installed Insulation 2.1 Ceiling, wall, floor and slab insulation levels shall meet or exceed 2009 IECC levels 3,4,5 2.2 All ceiling, wall, floor and slab insulation shall achieve RESNET-defined Grade I

installation or, alternatively, Grade II for surfaces with insulated sheathing (see checklist item 4.4.1 for required insulation levels)

3. Fully-Aligned Air Barriers 6 At each insulated location noted below, a complete air barrier shall be provided that is fully aligned with the insulation as follows:

• At interior or exterior surface of ceilings in Climate Zones 1 to 3; at interior surface of ceilings in Climate Zones 4 to 8. Also, include barrier at interior edge of attic eave in all climate zones using a wind baffle that extends to the full height of the insulation. Include a baffle in every bay or a tabbed baffle in each bay with a soffit vent that will also prevent wind washing of insulation in adjacent bays

• At exterior surface of walls in all CZs; and also at interior surface of walls for CZs 4 to 8 7 • At interior surface of floors in all CZs, including supports to ensure permanent contact and blocking at exposed edges 8,9

3.1 Walls 3.1.1 Walls behind showers and tubs 3.1.2 Walls behind fireplaces 3.1.3 Attic knee walls 3.1.4 Skylight shaft walls 3.1.5 Wall adjoining porch roof 3.1.6 Staircase walls 3.1.7 Double walls 3.1.8 Garage rim / band joist adjoining conditioned space 3.1.9 All other exterior walls

3.2 Floors 3.2.1 Floor above garage 3.2.2 Cantilevered floor 3.2.3 Floor above unconditioned basement or unconditioned crawlspace

3.3 Ceilings10 3.3.1 Dropped ceiling/soffit below unconditioned attic 3.3.2 All other ceilings

4. Reduced Thermal Bridging 4.1 For insulated ceilings with attic space above (i.e., non-cathedralized ceilings),

uncompressed insulation extends to the inside face of the exterior wall below at the following levels: CZs 1 to 5: ≥ R-21; CZs 6 to 8: ≥ R-30 11

4.2 For slabs on grade in CZ 4 and higher, 75% of slab edge insulated to ≥ R-5 at the depth specified by the 2009 IECC and aligned with thermal boundary of the walls 4,5

4.3 Insulation beneath attic platforms (e.g., HVAC platforms, walkways) ≥ R-21 in CZs 1 to 5; ≥ R-30 in CZs 6 to 8

4.4 Reduced thermal bridging at above-grade walls separating conditioned from unconditioned space (rim / band joists are exempted) using one of the following options: 12,13 4.4.1 Continuous rigid insulation, insulated siding, or combination of the two;

≥ R-3 in CZs 1 to 4, ≥ R-5 in CZs 5 to 8 14,15 OR; 4.4.2 Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), OR; 4.4.3 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs), OR; 4.4.4 Double-wall framing 16, OR; 4.4.5 Advanced framing, including all of the items below:

4.4.5a All corners insulated ≥ R-6 to edge 17, AND; 4.4.5b All headers above windows & doors insulated 18, AND; 4.4.5c Framing limited at all windows & doors 19, AND; 4.4.5d All interior / exterior wall intersections insulated to the same R-value as the rest

of the exterior wall 20, AND;



HOME ID:


CorrectPlant QC

Builder1 Rater N/A

4.4.5e Minimum stud spacing of 16” o.c. for 2 x 4 framing in all CZs and, in CZs 5 to 8, 24” o.c. for 2 x 6 framing unless construction documents specify other spacing is structurally required 21

5. Air Sealing 5.1 Penetrations to unconditioned space fully sealed with solid blocking or flashing as needed and gaps sealed with caulk or foam

5.1.1 Duct / flue shaft 5.1.2 Plumbing / piping 5.1.3 Electrical wiring 5.1.4 Bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans 5.1.5 Recessed lighting fixtures adjacent to unconditioned space ICAT labeled and fully

gasketed. Also, if in insulated ceiling without attic above, exterior surface of fixture insulated to ≥ R-10 in CZ 4 and higher to minimize condensation potential

5.1.6 Light tubes adjacent to unconditioned space include lens separating unconditioned and conditioned space and are fully gasketed 22

5.2 Cracks in the building envelope fully sealed 5.2.1 All sill plates adjacent to conditioned space sealed to foundation or sub-floor with

caulk. Foam gasket also placed beneath sill plate if resting atop concrete or masonry and adjacent to conditioned space

5.2.2 At top of walls adjoining unconditioned spaces, continuous top plates or sealed blocking using caulk, foam, or equivalent material

5.2.3 Sheetrock sealed to top plate at all attic/wall interfaces using caulk, foam, or equivalent material. Either apply sealant directly between sheetrock and top plate or to the seam between the two from the attic above. Construction adhesive shall not be used

5.2.4 Rough opening around windows & exterior doors sealed with caulk or foam 23 5.2.5 Marriage joints between modular home modules at all exterior boundary conditions

fully sealed with gasket and foam 5.2.6 All seams between Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) foamed and/or taped per

manufacturer's instructions 5.2.7 In multi-family buildings, the gap between the drywall shaft wall (i.e. common wall)

and the structural framing between units fully sealed at all exterior boundaries 5.3 Other Openings

5.3.1 Doors adjacent to unconditioned space (e.g., attics, garages, basements) or ambient conditions gasketed or made substantially air-tight

5.3.2 Attic access panels and drop-down stairs equipped with a durable ≥ R-10 insulated cover that is gasketed (i.e., not caulked) to produce continuous air seal when occupant is not accessing the attic 24

5.3.3 Whole-house fans equipped with a durable ≥ R-10 insulated cover that is gasketed and either installed on the house side or mechanically operated 24

Plant QC Signature: Pre-Drywall Inspection Date:

Rater Signature: Rater Final Inspection Date:

Builder Signature: Builder Inspection Date:



Notes 1. At the discretion of the Rater, the builder may verify up to six (6) items specified in this checklist. When exercised, the builder’s

responsibility will be formally acknowledged by the builder signing off on the checklist for the item(s) that they verified. 2. For Prescriptive Path: All windows, doors, and skylights shall meet or exceed ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for

Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights – Version 5.0 as outlined at www.energystar.gov/windows. For Performance Path: All windows, doors and skylights shall meet or exceed the component U-factor and SHGC requirements specified in the 2009 IECC – Table 402.1.1 (see page 4.13). If no NFRC rating is noted on the window or in product literature (e.g., for site-built fenestration), select the U-factor and SHGC value from tables 4 and 14, respectively, in 2005 ASHRAE Fundamentals, Chapter 31. Select the highest U-factor and SHGC value among the values listed for the known window characteristics (e.g., frame type, number of panes, glass color, and presence of low-e coating). Note that the U-factor requirement applies to all fenestration while the SHGC only applies to the glazed portion. The following exceptions apply:

a. An area-weighted average of fenestration products shall be permitted to satisfy the U-factor requirements; b. An area-weighted average of fenestration products more than 50% glazed shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC

requirements; c. 15 square feet of glazed fenestration per dwelling unit shall be exempt from the U-factor and SHGC requirements, and

shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above; d. One side-hinged opaque door assembly up to 24 square feet in area shall be exempt from the U-factor requirements and

shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above; e. Fenestration utilized as part of a passive solar design shall be exempt from the U-factor and SHGC requirements, and

shall be excluded from area-weighted averages calculated using a) and b), above. Exempt windows shall be facing within 45 degrees of true south and directly coupled to thermal storage mass that has a heat capacity > 20 btu/ft3x°F and provided in a ratio of at least 3 sq. ft. per sq. ft. of south facing fenestration. Generally, thermal mass materials will be at least 2” thick.


a. Steel-frame ceilings, walls, and floors shall meet the insulation requirements of the 2009 IECC – Table 402.2.5. In CZs 1 and 2, the continuous insulation requirements in this table shall be permitted to be reduced to R-3 for steel-frame wall assemblies with studs spaced at 24” on center. This exception shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;

b. For ceilings with attic spaces, R-30 shall satisfy the requirement for R-38 and R-38 shall satisfy the requirement for R- 49 wherever the full height of uncompressed insulation at the lower R-value extends over the wall top plate at the eaves. This exemption shall not apply if the alternative calculations in d) are used;


d. An alternative equivalent U-factor or total UA calculation may also be used to demonstrate compliance, as follows: An assembly with a U-factor equal or less than specified in 2009 IECC – Table 402.1.3 complies (see page 4.13). A total building thermal envelope UA that is less than or equal to the total UA resulting from the U-factors in Table 402.1.3 also complies. The insulation levels of all non-fenestration components (i.e., ceilings, walls, floors, and slabs) can be traded off using the UA approach under both the Prescriptive and the Performance Path. Note that fenestration products (i.e., windows, skylights, doors) shall not be included in this calculation. Also, note that while ceiling and slab insulation can be included in trade-off calculations, the R-value must meet or exceed the minimum values listed in items 4.1 through 4.3 of the checklist to provide an effective thermal break, regardless of the UA tradeoffs calculated. The UA calculation shall be done using a method consistent with the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals and shall include the thermal bridging effects of framing materials. The calculation for a steel-frame envelope assembly shall use the ASHRAE zone method or a method providing equivalent results, and not a series-parallel path calculation method.


5. Where an insulated wall separates a garage, patio, porch, or other unconditioned space from the conditioned space of the house, slab insulation shall also be installed at this interface to provide a thermal break between the conditioned and unconditioned slab. Where specific details cannot meet this requirement, partners shall provide the detail to EPA to request an exemption prior to the home’s qualification. EPA will compile exempted details and work with industry to develop feasible details for use in future revisions to the program. A list of currently exempted details is available at: www.enegystar.gov/slabedge.

6. For purposes of this checklist, an air barrier is defined as any durable solid material that blocks air flow between conditioned space and unconditioned space, including necessary sealing to block excessive air flow at edges and seams and adequate support to resist positive and negative pressures without displacement or damage. EPA recommends, but does not require, rigid air barriers. Open-cell or closed-cell foam shall have a finished thickness ≥ 5.5” or 1.5”, respectively, to qualify as an air barrier unless the manufacturer indicates otherwise. If flexible air barriers such as house wrap are used, they shall be fully sealed at all seams and edges and supported using fasteners with caps or heads ≥ 1” diameter unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Flexible air barriers shall not be made of Kraft paper, paper-based products, or other materials that are easily torn. If polyethylene is used, its thickness shall be ≥ 6 mil.

7. Band joists are currently exempt from interior air barrier requirement in CZs 4 through 8, but highly encouraged as a best practice.



8. Examples of supports necessary for permanent contact include staves for batt insulation or netting for blown-in insulation. Batts that completely fill a cavity enclosed on all six sides may be used to meet this requirement without the need for supports, even though some compression will occur due to the excess insulation, as long as the compressed value meets or exceeds the required insulation level. Specifically, the following batts may be used in six-sided floor cavities: R-19 batts in 2x6 cavities, R-30 batts in 2x8 cavities, R-38 batts in 2x10 cavities, and R-49 batts in 2x12 cavities. For example, in a home that requires R-19 floor insulation, an R-30 batt may be used in a six-sided 2x8 floor cavity.

9. Fully-aligned air barriers may be installed at the exterior surface of the floor cavity in all Climate Zones if the insulation is installed in contact with this exterior air barrier and the perimeter rim and band joists of the floor cavity are also sealed and insulated to comply with the fully-aligned air barrier requirements for walls.

10. All insulated vertical surfaces are considered walls (e.g., exterior walls, knee walls) and must meet the air barrier requirements for walls. All insulated ceiling surfaces, regardless of slope (e.g., cathedral ceilings, tray ceilings, conditioned attic roof decks, flat ceilings, sloped ceilings), must meet the requirements for ceilings.

11. The minimum designated R-values must be achieved regardless of the trade-offs determined using an equivalent U-factor or UA alternative calculation. Note that if the minimum designated values are used, they must be compensated with higher values elsewhere using an equivalent U-factor or UA alternative calculation in order to meet the overall insulation requirements of the 2009 IECC. Also, note that these requirements can be met by using any available strategy, such as a raised-heel truss, alternate framing that provides adequate space, and/or high-density insulation. In climate zones one through three, one option that will work for most homes is to use 2x6 framing, an R-21 high-density batt, and a wind baffle that only requires 0.5” of clearance.

12. Up to 10% of the total exterior wall surface area is exempted from the reduced thermal bridging requirements to accommodate intentional designed details (e.g., architectural details such as thermal fins, wing walls, or masonry fireplaces; structural details, such as steel columns). It shall be apparent to the Rater that the exempted areas are intentional designed details or the exempted area shall be documented in a plan provided by the builder, architect, designer, or engineer. The Rater need not evaluate the necessity of the designed detail to qualify the home.

13. Mass walls utilized as the thermal mass component of a passive solar design (e.g., a Trombe wall) are exempt from this item. To be eligible for this exemption, the passive solar design shall be comprised of the following five components: an aperture or collector, an absorber, thermal mass, a distribution system, and a control system. For more information, see: www.energysavers.gov/your_home/designing_remodeling/index.cfm/mytopic=10270. Mass walls that are not part of a passive solar design (e.g., CMU block or log home enclosure) shall either utilize the strategies outlined in Section 4.4 or the pathway in the assembly with the least thermal resistance shall provide > 50% of the applicable component insulation requirement in the 2009 IECC – Table 402.1.1.

14. If used, insulated siding shall be attached directly over a water-resistive barrier and sheathing. In addition, it shall provide the required R-value as demonstrated through either testing in accordance with ASTM C 1363 or by attaining the required R-value at its minimum thickness. Insulated sheathing rated for water protection can be used as a water resistant barrier if all seams are taped and sealed. If non-insulated structural sheathing is used at corners, advanced framing details listed under Item 4.4.5 shall be met for those wall sections.

15. Steel framing shall meet the reduced thermal bridging requirements by complying with item 4.4.1 of the checklist. 16. Double-wall framing is defined as any framing method that ensures a continuous layer of insulation covering the studs to at least

the R-value required in Section 4.4.1 of the checklist, such as offset double-stud walls, aligned double-stud walls with continuous insulation between the adjacent stud faces, or single-stud walls with 2x2 or 2x3 cross-framing. In all cases, insulation shall fill the entire wall cavity from the interior to exterior sheathing except at windows, doors and other penetrations.

17. All exterior corners shall be constructed to allow access for the installation of ≥ R-6 insulation that extends to the exterior wall sheathing. Examples of compliance options include standard-density insulation with alternative framing techniques, such as using three studs per corner, or high-density insulation (e.g., spray foam) with standard framing techniques.

18. Header insulation shall be ≥ R-3 for wall assemblies with 2x4 framing, or equivalent cavity width, and ≥ R-5 for all other assemblies (e.g., with 2x6 framing). Compliance options include continuous rigid insulation sheathing, SIP headers, other prefabricated insulated headers, single-member or two-member headers with insulation either in between or on one side, or an equivalent assembly, except where a framing plan provided by the builder, architect, designer, or engineer indicates that full-depth solid headers are the only acceptable option. The Rater need not evaluate the structural necessity of the details in the framing plan to qualify the home. Also, the framing plan need only encompass the details in question and not necessarily the entire home. R-value requirement refers to manufacturer’s nominal insulation value.

19. Framing at windows shall be limited to a maximum of one pair of king studs and one pair jack studs per window opening to support the header and window sill. Additional jack studs shall be used only as needed for structural support and cripple studs only as needed to maintain on-center spacing of studs.

20. Insulation shall run behind interior/exterior wall intersections using ladder blocking, full length 2”x6” or 1”x6” furring behind the first partition stud, drywall clips, or other equivalent alternative.

21. Vertical framing members shall either be on-center or have an alternative structural purpose (e.g., framing members at the edge of pre-fabricated panels) that is apparent to the Rater or documented in a framing plan provided by the builder, architect, designer, or engineer. The Rater need not evaluate the structural necessity of the details in the framing plan to qualify the home. Also, the framing plan need only encompass the details in question and not necessarily the entire home. No more than 5% of studs may lack an apparent or documented structural purpose, which is equivalent to one vertical stud for every 30 linear feet of wall, assuming 16” o.c. stud spacing.

22. Light tubes that do not include a gasketed lens are required to be sealed and insulated ≥ R-6 for the length of the tube. 23. In CZs 1 through 3, stucco over rigid insulation tightly sealed to windows and doors shall be considered equivalent to sealing

rough openings with caulk or foam. 24. Examples of durable covers include, but are not limited to, pre-fabricated covers with integral insulation, rigid foam adhered to

cover with adhesive, or batt insulation mechanically fastened to the cover (e.g., using bolts, metal wire, or metal strapping).

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist

1


Description 2: For temporary occupant load? 3 Yes No HOME ID:

1. Whole-Building Mechanical Ventilation Design 4 Plant QC

Cont./Tech.5

Rater N/A

1.1 Ventilation system installed that has been designed to meet ASHRAE 62.2-2010 requirements including, but not limited to, requirements in Items 1.2 to 1.5 6 –

1.2 Ventilation system does not utilize an intake duct to the return side of the HVAC system unless the system is designed to operate intermittently and automatically based on a timer and to restrict outdoor air intake when not in use (e.g., motorized damper)

–

1.3 Documentation is attached with ventilation system type, location, design rate, and frequency and duration of each ventilation cycle –

1.4 If present, continuously-operating vent. and exhaust fans designed to operate during all occupiable hours 1.5 If present, intermittently-operating whole-house ventilation system designed to automatically operate at

least once per day and at least 10% of every 24 hours

2. Heating & Cooling System Design 4, 7 Parameters used in the design calculations shall reflect home to be built, specifically, outdoor design

temperatures, home orientation, number of bedrooms, conditioned floor area, window area, predominant window performance and insulation levels, infiltration rate, mechanical ventilation rate, presence of MERV6 or better filter, and indoor temperature set points = 70°F for heating; 75°F for cooling

2.1 Heat Loss / Gain Method: Manual J v8 ASHRAE 2009 Other: – 2.2 Duct Design Method: Manual D Other: 2.3 Equipment Selection Method: Manual S OEM Rec. Other: –2.4 Outdoor Design Temperatures: 8 Location:_______ 1%:______°F 99%:________°F –2.5 Orientation of Rated Home (e.g., North, South): _________________________ –2.6 Number of Occupants Served by System: 9 _________________________ –2.7 Conditioned Floor Area (CFA) in Rated Home: _________________________ Sq. Ft. –2.8 Window Area in Rated Home: _________________________ Sq. Ft. –2.9 Predominant Window SHGC in Rated Home: 10 _________________________ SHGC –2.10 Infiltration Rate in Rated Home: 11 Summer: ________ Winter: ________ –2.11 Mechanical Ventilation Rate in Rated Home: _________________________ CFM –2.12 Design Latent Heat Gain: _________________________ BTUh –2.13 Design Sensible Heat Gain: _________________________ BTUh –2.14 Design Total Heat Gain: _________________________ BTUh –2.15 Design Total Heat Loss: _________________________ BTUh –2.16 Design Airflow: 12 _________________________ CFM –2.17 Design Duct Static Pressure: 13 _______ Inches Water Column (IWC) 2.18 Full Load Calculations Report Attached – 3. Selected Cooling Equipment, If Cooling Equipment to be Installed 3.1 Condenser Manufacturer & Model: _____________________________ 3.2 Condenser Serial No.: _____________________________ 3.3 Evaporator / Fan Coil Manufacturer & Model: _____________________________ 3.4 Evaporator / Fan Coil Serial No.: _____________________________ 3.5 AHRI Reference No.: 14 _____________________________ 3.6 Listed Efficiency: _________ EER _________ SEER 3.7 Metering Device Type: TXV Fixed orifice Other: ______ 3.8 Refrigerant Type: R-410a Other: _____ 3.9 Fan Speed Type: 15 Fixed Variable (ECM/ICM) Other: ______ 3.10 Listed Sys. Latent Capacity at Design Cond. 16 ________________________ BTUh 3.11 Listed Sys. Sensible Capacity at Design Cond. 16 ________________________ BTUh 3.12 Listed Sys. Total Capacity at Design Cond. 16 ________________________ BTUh 3.13 If Listed Sys. Latent Capacity (Value 3.10) ≤ Design Latent Heat Gain (Value 2.12), ENERGY STAR

qualified dehumidifier installed

3.14 Listed Total Cap. (Value 3.12) is 95-115% of Design Total Heat Gain (Value 2.14) or next nom. size 7,17 3.15 AHRI Certificate Attached 14 4. Selected Heat Pump Equipment, If Heat Pump to be Installed 4.1 AHRI Listed Efficiency: _______ HSPF 4.2 Performance at 17°F: Capacity: _______ BTUh Efficiency: _______ COP 4.3 Performance at 47°F: Capacity: _______ BTUh Efficiency: _______ COP


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5. Selected Furnace, If Furnace to be Installed Plant QC

Cont./Tech.5

Rater N/A

5.1 Furnace Manufacturer & Model: _____________________________ 5.2 Furnace Serial No.: _____________________________ 5.3 Listed Efficiency: _______________________ AFUE 5.4 Listed Output Heating Capacity: _______________________ BTUh 5.5 Listed Output Heat. Cap. (Value 5.4) is 100-140% of Design Total Heat Loss (Value 2.15) or next nom. size 7,18 6. Refrigerant Tests – Run system for 15 minutes before testing Note: If outdoor ambient temperature at the condenser is < 55°F or, if known, below the manufacturer-recommended minimum operating temperature for the cooling cycle, then the system shall include a TXV, and the contractor shall mark “N/A” on the Checklist for Section 6 & 7. 19,20

6.1 Outdoor ambient temperature at condenser: _________°F DB 6.2 Return-side air temperature inside duct near evaporator, during cooling mode: _________°F WB 6.3 Liquid line pressure: _________ psig 6.4 Liquid line temperature: _________°F DB 6.5 Suction line pressure: _________ psig 6.6 Suction line temperature: _________°F DB 7. Refrigerant Calculations

For System with Thermal Expansion Valve (TXV):

7.1 Condenser saturation temperature: _______°F DB (Using Value 6.3) 7.2 Subcooling value: _______°F DB (Value 7.1 – Value 6.4) 7.3 OEM subcooling goal: _______°F DB 7.4 Subcooling deviation: _______°F DB (Value 7.2 – Value 7.3) For System with Fixed Orifice: 7.5 Evaporator saturation temperature: _______°F DB (Using Value 6.5) 7.6 Superheat value: _______°F DB (Value 6.6 – Value 7.5) 7.7 OEM superheat goal: _______°F DB (Using superheat tables and Values 6.1 & 6.2) 7.8 Superheat deviation: _______°F DB (Value 7.6 – Value 7.7) 7.9 Value 7.4 is ± 3°F or Value 7.8 is ± 5°F 7.10 An OEM test procedure has been used in place of sub-cooling or super-heat process and documentation

has been attached that defines this procedure

8. Electrical Measurements – Taken at electrical disconnect while component is in operation

8.1 Evaporator/air handler fan: _______ amperage _______ line voltage 8.2 Condenser fan: _______ amperage _______ line voltage 8.3 Electrical measurements within OEM specified tolerance of nameplate value 9. Air Flow Tests

9.1 Air volume at evaporator: ______ CFM 9.2 Test performed in which mode? Heating Cooling 9.3 Return duct static pressure: ______ IWC Test Hole Location 20 9.4 Supply duct static pressure: ______ IWC Test Hole Location 2 9.5 Test hole locations are well-marked and accessible 20 9.6 Measurement method used: Anemometer Pressure matching 21 Flow grid Fan curve Other:

9.7 Airflow volume at evaporator (Value 9.1), at fan design speed and full operating load, ± 15% of the airflow required per system design (Value 2.16) or within range recommended by OEM

10. Air Balance

10.1 Individual room airflows within the greater of ± 20% or 25 CFM of the design / application requirements for the supply and return ducts 22

10.2 Balancing report indicating, for each supply and return register: room name, design airflow, and final measured airflow

11. System Controls

11.1 Operating and safety controls meet OEM requirements 12. Drain Pan

12.1 Corrosion-resistant drain pan, properly sloped to drainage system, included with each HVAC component that produces condensate 23

Plant QC Signature: Plant Installation Date:

Technician Signature: 24 Equipment Installation Date:

Designer Signature: 24 System Design Date:


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Notes

1. The HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist is designed to align with the requirements of ASHRAE 62.2-2010 and published addenda and ANSI / ACCA’s 5 QI-2007 protocol, thereby improving the performance of HVAC equipment in new homes when compared to homes built to minimum code. However, these features alone cannot prevent all ventilation, indoor air quality, or HVAC problems (e.g., those caused by a lack of maintenance by occupants). Therefore, this checklist is not a guarantee of proper ventilation, indoor air quality, or HVAC performance.

This checklist applies to ventilation systems, split air conditioners, unitary air conditioners, air-source/water-source (i.e., geothermal) heat pumps up to 65,000 Btu/h and furnaces up to 225,000 Btu/h. All other equipment, including boilers, is exempt.

This checklist shall be partially completed by the plant and then provided to the Rater. The Rater shall provide the checklist to the HVAC contractor who shall complete one checklist for each system. Upon completion, the HVAC contractor shall return the checklist(s) to the Rater. Alternatively, at the discretion of the contractor and Rater, the Rater may verify any item on this checklist in place of the contractor. When this occurs, the Rater shall check the box of the verified items in the “Rater” column. The Rater is only responsible for ensuring that the plant and the contractor have completed the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist in its entirety and for the items that are checked in the “Rater” column (if any). The Rater is not responsible for assessing the accuracy of the items in this checklist that are not checked in the “Rater” column. Instead, it is the plant and the contractor’s exclusive responsibility to ensure the design and installation comply with the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist.

This checklist with supporting documents may also be used to demonstrate compliance with Indoor airPLUS specifications 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 4.6 and 7.1.

2. Description of HVAC system location or area served (e.g., “whole-house”, “upper level”, “lower-level”).

3. Cooling system for temporary occupant loads. Check “Yes” if this system is to handle temporary occupant loads. Such a system may be required to accommodate a significant number of guests on a regular or sporadic basis and shall be handled by a supplemental cooling system (e.g., a small, single-package unit or split-coil unit) or by a system that can shift capacity from zone to zone (e.g., a variable volume system).

4. The person responsible for the heating, cooling, and ventilation design, whether it be the HVAC technician or other qualified HVAC design professional, shall be responsible for completing sections 1 and 2 of this checklist.

5. The “Cont. / Tech.” column shall be used to indicate items verified by the HVAC Contractor or Technician. The “Plant QC” column shall only be used to indicate items verified by the plant. The “Rater” column shall only be used to indicate items verified by the Rater, for homes in which the Rater has agreed to verify and accept responsibility for one or more requirements.

6. For proper procedures, exceptions, and selection methods see ASHRAE 62.2-2010 and published addenda. All components shall be designed and installed per local codes, manufacturers’ installation instructions, engineering documents, and regional ENERGY STAR program requirements.

The system shall have at least one supply or exhaust fan with associated ducts and controls. Local exhaust fans are allowed to be part of an exhaust ventilation system. Outdoor air ducts connected to the return side of an air handler are allowed to be part of a supply ventilation system if manufacturers” requirements for return air temperature are met.

7. Heating and cooling loads shall be calculated, equipment shall be selected, and duct systems shall be sized according to the latest editions of ACCA Manuals J, S, & D, respectively, ASHRAE 2009 Handbook of Fundamentals, or a substantively equivalent procedure. The HVAC system design shall be completed for the specific configuration (e.g., plan, elevation, option and orientation) of the home to be built except as permitted herein.

For homes with a date of final inspection through 12/31/2012: For each house plan with multiple configurations (e.g., orientations, elevations, options), the loads shall be permitted to be calculated for the configuration that will result in the largest load. The largest load shall be permitted to be used for equipment selection for all configurations, subject to the over-sizing limits of ACCA Manual S. For each house plan with multiple configurations, the room-level design airflows shall be permitted to be calculated using the configuration that resulted in the largest load.

For homes with a date of final inspection on or after 01/01/2013: For each house plan with multiple configurations (e.g., orientations, elevations, options), the loads shall be calculated for each potential configuration. If the loads across all configurations vary by ≤ 25%, then the largest load shall be permitted to be used for equipment selection for all configurations, subject to the over-sizing limits of ACCA Manual S. Otherwise, the contractor shall group the load for each configuration into a set with ≤ 25% variation and equipment selection shall be completed for each set of loads. For each house plan with multiple configurations, the room-level design airflows shall be calculated for each potential configuration. If the design airflows for each room vary across all configurations by ≤ 25% or 25 CFM, then the average room-level design airflow shall be permitted to be used when designing the duct system. Otherwise, the contractor shall group the room-level design airflow for each configuration into a set with ≤ 25% or 25 CFM variation and the duct design shall be completed for the average airflow of that set.

8. If the design conditions are dictated by a code or regulation, then the requirements of the lawful or controlling authority supersedes the Manual J or ASHRAE default design values. Otherwise, the default values shall be used. The values for the geographically closest location shall be selected or a justification provided for the selected location.

9. The number of occupants among all HVAC systems in the home must be equal to the number of bedrooms, as defined below, plus one. Occupants listed for systems that are indicated in the header as a cooling system for temporary occupant loads, as described in footnote 3, shall be permitted to exceed this limit.


1





10. “Predominant” is defined as the SHGC value used in the greatest amount of window area in the home.

11. Infiltration rate shall reflect value used in confirmed or projected HERS rating for rated home. Alternatively, use “Average” or “Semi-loose” values for the cooling season infiltration rates and “Semi-tight” or “Average” values for the heating season infiltration rates, as defined by ACCA Manual J, Eighth Edition, Version Two.

12. Design airflow is the design value(s) for the blower in CFM, as determined by using the manufacturer’s expanded performance data to select equipment, per ACCA Manual S procedures.

13. Design duct static pressure shall account for the installation of a MERV6 or higher filter.

14. All evaporators and condensing units shall be properly matched as demonstrated by an attached AHRI certificate. If an AHRI certificate is not available, a copy of OEM-provided catalog data indicating acceptable combination selection and performance data shall be attached.

15. If whole-house ventilation system utilizes the HVAC air handler, then the fan speed type shall be ECM/ICM, variable speed, and run at a reduced speed during ventilation, or include a controller (e.g., smart cycler) that reduces the ventilation run time by accounting for hours when HVAC system is heating or cooling the home.

16. Listed system capacity at design conditions is to be obtained from the OEM expanded performance data.

17. For cooling systems, the next largest nominal piece of equipment may be used that is available to satisfy the latent and sensible requirements. Single-speed systems generally have OEM nominal size increments of ½ ton. Multi-speed or multi-stage equipment may have OEM nominal size increments of one ton. Therefore, the use of these advanced system types can provide extra flexibility to meet the equipment sizing requirements. 18. For warm air heating systems, the output capacity must be between 100% and 140% of calculated system load unless a larger size is dictated by the cooling equipment selection.

18. For warm heat systems, the output capacity must be between 100% and 140% of calculated system load unless a larger size is indicated by the cooling equipment.

19. Either factory-installed or field-installed TXVs may be used. For field-installed TXVs, ensure that sensing bulbs are insulated and tightly clamped to the vapor line with good linear thermal contact at the recommended orientation, usually 4 or 8 o’clock.

20. Examples of return or supply duct static pressure measurement locations are: plenum, cabinet, trunk duct, as well as front, back, left or right side. Test hole locations shall be well marked and accessible.

21. The pressure matching method uses a calibrated fan to match the supply plenum pressure produced when the HVAC air handler fan is in operation. The airflow through the calibrated fan that produces the same pressure is assumed to match the HVAC air handler fan airflow.

22. Ducts shall not include coiled or looped ductwork except to the extent needed for acoustical control. Balancing dampers or proper duct sizing shall be used instead of loops to limit flow to diffusers. When balancing dampers are used, they shall be located at the trunk to limit noise unless the trunk will not be accessible when the balancing process is conducted. In such cases, Opposable Blade Dampers (OBD) or dampers located in the duct boot are permitted.

23. Condensate pan shall be made of corrosion-resistant materials, to include galvanized steel and plastic. Drain pan shall drain condensate to a conspicuous point of disposal to alert occupants in the event of a stoppage of the primary drainage system; and shall be equipped with a backflow prevention valve when drained to a shared drainage system, such as a storm water management system.

24. HVAC technician signature required prior to submittal to Rater. If the HVAC system design (Sec. 1 & 2) was not completed by the HVAC technician, then the designer shall sign in addition to HVAC technician.

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist

1


HOME ID:


Correct Plant QC

Rater N/A

1. Review of HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist 2 1.1 HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist completed in its entirety and collected for records, along

with documentation on ventilation system (1.3), full load calculations (2.18), AHRI certificate (3.15), and balancing report (10.2)

1.2 Review the following parameters related to system cooling design, selection, and installation from the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist (item no. indicated in parenthesis): 3 1.2.1 Outdoor design temperatures (2.4) are equal to the 1% and 99% ACCA Manual J design

temperatures for contractor-designated design location 4 1.2.2 Home orientation (2.5) matches orientation of rated home 1.2.3 Number of occupants (2.6) equals number of occupants in rated home 5 1.2.4 Conditioned floor area (2.7) is within ± 10% of conditioned floor area of rated home 1.2.5 Window area (2.8) is within ± 10% of calculated window area of rated home 1.2.6 Predominant window SHGC (2.9) is within 0.1 of predominant value in rated home 6 1.2.7 Listed latent cooling capacity (3.10) exceeds design latent heat gain (2.12) 1.2.8 Listed sensible cooling capacity (3.11) exceeds design sensible heat gain (2.13) 1.2.9 Listed total cooling capacity (3.12) is 95-115% (or 95-125% for Heat Pumps in CZs 4 to 8) of

design total heat gain (2.14), or next nominal size 7 1.2.10 HVAC manufacturer and model numbers on installed equipment, contractor checklist (3.1,

3.3, 5.1), and AHRI certificate or OEM catalog data all match 8 1.2.11 Using reported liquid line (6.3) or suction line (6.5) pressure, corresponding temp. (as

determined using pressure/temperature chart for refrigerant type) matches reported condenser (7.1) or evaporator (7.5) saturation temperature (± 3 degrees) 9

1.2.12 Calculated subcooling (7.1 minus 6.4) or superheat (6.6 minus 7.5) value equals reported target subcooling (7.3) or superheat (7.7) temperature 9

1.3 Rater-verified supply & return duct static pressure <110% of contractor values (9.3, 9.4) 2. Duct Quality Installation – Applies to all heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust and pressure balancing ducts 2.1 Connections and routing of ductwork completed without kinks or sharp bends 10 2.2 No excessive coiled or looped flexible ductwork 11 2.3 Flexible ducts in unconditioned space not installed in cavities smaller than outer duct diameter; in

conditioned space not installed in cavities smaller than inner duct diameter 2.4 Flexible ducts supported at intervals as recommended by manufacturer but at a distance ≤ 5 ft. 2.5 Building cavities not used as supply or return ducts unless they meet items 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, and 4.2 of

this checklist 2.6 HVAC ducts, cavities used as ducts, and combustion inlets and outlets may pass perpendicularly

through exterior walls but shall not be run within exterior walls unless at least R-6 continuous insulation is provided on exterior side of the cavity, along with an interior and exterior air barrier where required by the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist

2.7 Quantity & location of supply and return duct terminals match contractor balancing report 2.8 Bedrooms pressure-balanced using any combination of transfer grills, jump ducts, dedicated return

ducts, and/or undercut doors to either: (a) provide 1 sq. in. of free area opening per 1 CFM of supply air, as reported on the contractor-provided balancing report; or (b) achieve a Rater-measured pressure differential ≤ 3 Pa (0.012 in. w.c.) with respect to the main body of the house when bedroom doors are closed and the air handler is operating 12,13

3. Duct Insulation – Applies to all heating, cooling, supply ventilation and pressure balancing ducts 12

3.1 All connections to trunk ducts in unconditioned space are insulated 3.2 Prescriptive Path: Supply ducts in unconditioned attic have insulation ≥ R-8

Performance Path: Supply ducts in unconditioned attic have insulation ≥ R-6 3.3 All other supply ducts and all return ducts in unconditioned space have insulation ≥ R-6 4. Duct Leakage – Applies to all heating, cooling and balanced ventilation ducts

4.1 Total Rater-measured duct leakage ≤ 6 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area 15,16 4.2 Rater-measured duct leakage to outdoors ≤ 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area 15,16,17 4.3 Duct boots sealed to floor, wall, or ceiling using caulk, foam, mastic tape or mastic paste 5. Whole-Building Delivered Ventilation

5.1 Rater-measured ventilation rate is within 100-120% of HVAC contractor design value (2.11) 18 6. Controls

6.1 Air flow is produced when central HVAC fan is energized (set thermostat to “fan”) 6.2 Cool air flow is produced when the cooling cycle is energized (set thermostat to “cool”) 19,20


1


HOME ID:


Correct Plant QC

Rater N/A

6.3 Heated air flow is produced when the heating cycle is energized (set thermostat to “heat”) 19 6.4 Continuously-operating ventilation & exhaust fans include readily accessible override controls 6.5 Function of ventilation controls is obvious (e.g., bathroom exhaust fan) or, if not, controls have been

labeled 7. Ventilation Air Inlets & Ventilation Source

7.1 All ventilation air inlets located ≥10 ft. of stretched-string distance from known contamination sources such as stack, vent, exhaust hood, or vehicle exhaust. Exception: ventilation air inlets in the wall ≥ 3 ft. from dryer exhausts and contamination sources exiting through the roof 21

7.2 Ventilation air inlets ≥ 2 ft. above grade or roof deck in CZs 1 to 3 or ≥ 4 ft. above grade or roof deck in CZs 4 to 8 and not obstructed by snow, plantings, condensing units or other material at time of inspection 22

7.3 Ventilation air inlets provided with rodent / insect screen with ≤ 0.5 inch mesh 23 7.4 Ventilation air comes directly from outdoors and not from adjacent dwelling units, garages,

crawlspaces or attics 8. Local Mechanical Exhaust

In each kitchen and bathroom, a system shall be installed that exhausts directly to the outdoors and meets one of the following Rater-measured airflow standards: 18,24,25 Location Continuous Rate Intermittent Rate 26 8.1 Kitchen ≥ 5 ACH, based on kitchen volume 27 ≥ 100 CFM 28 8.2 Bathroom ≥ 20 CFM ≥ 50 CFM 8.3 If fans share common exhaust duct, back-draft dampers installed 8.4 Common exhaust duct not shared by fans in separate dwellings 29 8.5 Clothes dryers vented directly to outdoors, except for ventless dryers equipped with a condensate

drain 9. Ventilation & Exhaust Fan Ratings (Exemptions for HVAC and Remote-Mounted Fans) 30

9.1 Intermittent supply & exhaust fans rated at ≤ 3 sones by manufacturer, unless rated flow ≥ 400 CFM 9.2 Continuous supply & exhaust fans rated at ≤ 1 sone by manufacturer 9.3 Bathroom fans used as part of a whole-house mechanical ventilation system shall be ENERGY

STAR qualified; unless rated flow rate ≥ 500 CFM 10. Combustion Appliances 10.1 Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters located within the home’s pressure boundary are

mechanically drafted or direct-vented. As an exception, naturally drafted equipment is allowed in CZs 1 to 3. For naturally drafted furnaces, boilers, and water heaters, the Rater has followed RESNET or BPI combustion safety test procedures and met the selected standard’s limits for depressurization, spillage, draft pressure, and CO concentration in ambient air, as well as a CO concentration in the flue of ≤ 25 ppm 31,32,33

10.2 For fireplaces that are not mechanically drafted or direct-vented to outdoors, total net rated exhaust flow of the two largest exhaust fans (excluding summer cooling fans) is < 15 CFM per 100 sq. ft. of occupiable space when at full capacity or the Rater has verified that the pressure differential is ≤ −5 Pa using BPI’s or RESNET’s worst-case depressurization test procedure 24,32,33,34,35

10.3 If unvented combustion appliances other than cooking ranges are located inside the home’s pressure boundary, the Rater has operated the appliance for at least 10 minutes and verified that the ambient CO level does not exceed 35 ppm 36

11. Filtration

11.1 At least one MERV 6 or higher filter installed in each ducted mechanical system 37 11.2 All return air and mechanically supplied outdoor air pass through filter prior to conditioning 11.3 Filter located and installed so as to facilitate access and regular service by the owner 38 11.4 Filter access panel includes gasket or comparable sealing mechanism and fits snugly against the

exposed edge of filter when closed to prevent bypass 39

Plant QC Signature: In-Plant Inspection Date:

Rater Signature: Date Checklist Inspected:


1


Notes

1. The HVAC System Quality Verification Checklist is designed to align with the requirements of ASHRAE 62.2-2010 and published addenda and ANSI / ACCA’s 5 QI-2007 protocol, thereby improving the performance of HVAC equipment in new homes when compared to homes built to minimum code. However, these features alone cannot prevent all ventilation, indoor air quality, and HVAC problems, for instance those caused by a lack of occupant maintenance. Therefore, this checklist is not a guarantee of proper ventilation, indoor air quality, or HVAC performance. This checklist with supporting documents may also be used to demonstrate compliance with Indoor airPLUS specifications 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 4.6 and 7.1.

2. The Rater is only responsible for ensuring that the plant and contractor have completed the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist in its entirety and verifying the discrete objective parameters referenced in Section 1 of this checklist, not for assessing the accuracy of the load calculations or field verifications included or to verify the accuracy of every input on the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist.

3. For homes with a date of final inspection through 12/31/2012: Item 1.2.1 is permitted to be within +/- 5 degrees of the 1% and 99% ACCA Manual J design temperatures for the contractor-designated design location. In addition, for each house plan with multiple configurations (e.g., orientations, elevations, options), the Rater shall confirm that the parameters listed in Items 1.2.2 to 1.2.6 are aligned with either: the rated home or with the plans for the configuration used to calculate the loads, as provided by the contractor. For homes with a date of final inspection on or after 01/01/2013: Item 1.2.1 shall match the 1% and 99% ACCA Manual J design temperatures for the contractor-designated design location. In addition, for each house plan with multiple configurations (e.g., orientations, elevations, options), the Rater shall confirm that the parameters listed in Items 1.2.2 to 1.2.6 are aligned with the rated home.

4. The Rater shall either confirm that the plant or contractor selected the geographically closest available location or collect from the plant and/or contractor a justification for the selected location. The Rater need not evaluate the legitimacy of the justification to qualify the home.

5. The number of occupants among all HVAC systems in the home shall be equal to the number of RESNET-defined bedrooms plus one. Occupants listed for systems for which the header of the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist indicates that it is designed to handle temporary occupant loads, as defined in footnote 3 of the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist, shall be permitted to exceed this limit.

6. “Predominant” is defined as the SHGC value used in the greatest amount of window area in the home. 7. For cooling systems, the next largest nominal piece of equipment may be used that is available to satisfy the latent and sensible

requirements. Single-speed systems generally have OEM nominal size increments of ½ ton. Multi-speed or multi-stage equipment may have OEM nominal size increments of one ton. Therefore, the use of these advanced system types can provide extra flexibility to meet the equipment sizing requirements.

8. In cases where the condenser unit is installed after the time of inspection by the Rater, the HVAC manufacturer and model numbers on installed equipment can be documented through the use of photographs provided by the HVAC contractor after installation is complete.

9. If contractor has indicated that an OEM test procedure has been used in place of a sub-cooling or super-heat process and documentation has been attached that defines this procedure, then the box for “N/A” shall be checked for this item.

10. Kinks are to be avoided and are caused when ducts are bent across sharp corners such as framing members. Sharp bends are to be avoided and occur when the radius of the turn in the duct is less than one duct diameter.

11. Ducts shall not include coiled or looped ductwork except to the extent needed for acoustical control. Balancing dampers or proper duct sizing shall be used instead of loops to limit flow to diffusers. When balancing dampers are used, they shall be located at the trunk to limit noise unless the trunk will not be accessible when the balancing process is conducted. In such cases, Opposable Blade Dampers (OBD) or dampers that are located in the duct boot are permitted.

12. For homes with a date of final inspection through 12/31/2012: Homes are permitted to be qualified without enforcement of this item to provide architects and designers with additional time to integrate these features into their homes. For homes with a date of final inspection on or after 01/01/2013: Homes shall meet this item to be qualified.

13. For HVAC system with multi-speed fans, the highest design fan speed shall be used when verifying this requirement. 14. EPA recommends, but does not require, that all metal ductwork not encompassed by Section 3 (e.g., exhaust ducts, duct boots,

ducts in conditioned space) also be insulated and that insulation be sealed to duct boots to prevent condensation. 15. Duct leakage shall be determined and documented by a Rater using a RESNET-approved testing protocol only after all

components of the system have been installed (e.g., air handler and register grilles). Leakage limits shall be assessed on a per-system, rather than per-home, basis. Testing of duct leakage to the outside can be waived if all ducts & air handling equipment are located within the home’s air and thermal barriers AND envelope leakage has been tested to be less than or equal to half of the Prescriptive Path infiltration limit for the Climate Zone where the home is to be built.

16. For all homes that have less than 1,200 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area (CFA), total measured duct leakage shall be ≤ 8 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA and measured duct leakage to outdoors shall be ≤ 5 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA.

17. If total duct leakage is ≤ 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area, or ≤ 5 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area for homes that have less than 1,200 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area, then leakage to outdoors need not be tested.

18. The whole-house ventilation air flow and local exhaust air flows shall be measured by the Rater using a flow hood, flow grid, anemometer (in accordance with AABC, NEBB or ASHRAE procedures), or substantially equivalent method.

19. In cases where the condenser unit is installed after the time of inspection by the Rater, the Rater is exempt from verifying item 6.2 when the condenser is for an AC unit and also item 6.3 when the condenser is for a heat pump unit.


1


20. To prevent potential equipment damage, the Rater shall not conduct this test if the outdoor temperature is < 55°F or, if known, below the manufacturer-recommended minimum operating temperature for the cooling cycle. When this occurs, the Rater shall mark “N/A” on the Checklist for this item.

21. The outlet and inlet of balanced ventilation systems shall meet these spacing requirements unless manufacturer instructions indicate that a smaller distance may be used. However, if this occurs, the manufacturer’s instructions shall be collected for documentation purposes.

22. EPA will permit the use of reduced ventilation air inlet heights in North Carolina. The minimum required height in North Carolina for Climate Zone 4 will be reduced from 4 feet to 2 feet and in Climate Zone 5 from 4 feet to 2.5 feet based on historical snowfall data for this state. Note that EPA is evaluating the potential to reduce inlet heights in other regions based upon historical snowfall data.

23. Without proper maintenance, ventilation air inlet screens often become filled with debris. Therefore, EPA recommends, but does not require, that these ventilation air inlets be located so as to facilitate access and regular service by the owner.

24. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, an exhaust system is one or more fans that remove air from the building, causing outdoor air to enter by ventilation inlets or normal leakage paths through the building envelope. Examples include bath exhaust fans, range hoods, and clothes dryers.

25. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, a bathroom is any room containing a bathtub, shower, spa, or similar source of moisture. 26. An intermittent mechanical exhaust system, where provided, shall be designed to operate as needed by the occupant. Control

devices shall not impede occupant control in intermittent systems. 27. Kitchen volume shall be determined by drawing the smallest possible rectangle on the floor plan that encompasses all cabinets,

pantries, islands, and peninsulas and multiplying by the average ceiling height for this area. Cabinet volume shall be included in the kitchen volume calculation.

28. If the flow rate of the selected exhaust fan is less than 5 ACH, based on kitchen volume, then a vented range hood or appliance-range hood combination is required rather than a remote fan that is not integral to the range. Also, for intermittent kitchen exhaust fans that are integrated with microwaves, a rated air flow rate that is ≥ 200 CFM may be used in lieu of measuring the actual air flow rate.

29. Exhaust outlets from more than one dwelling unit may be served by a single exhaust fan if the fan runs continuously or if each outlet has a back-draft damper to prevent cross-contamination when the fan is not running.

30. Fans exempted from this requirement include HVAC air handlers and remote-mounted fans. To be considered for this exemption, a remote-mounted fan must be mounted outside the habitable spaces, bathrooms, toilets, and hallways and there shall be > 4 ft. ductwork between the fan and intake grill. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, habitable spaces are intended for continual human occupancy; such space generally includes areas used for living, sleeping, dining, and cooking but does not generally include bathrooms, toilets, hallways, storage areas, closets, or utility rooms.

31. Per the 2009 International Mechanical Code, a direct-vent appliance is one that is constructed and installed so that all air for combustion is derived from the outdoor atmosphere and all flue gases are discharged to the outside atmosphere; a mechanical draft system is a venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases by mechanical means consisting of an induced draft portion under non-positive static pressure or a forced draft portion under positive static pressure; and a natural draft system is a venting system designed to remove flue or vent gases under nonpositive static vent pressure entirely by natural draft.

32. The pressure boundary is the primary air enclosure boundary separating indoor and outdoor air. For example, a volume that has more leakage to outside than to conditioned space would be outside the pressure boundary.

33. Raters shall use either the Building Performance Institute’s (BPI’s) Combustion Safety Test Procedure for Vented Appliances or RESNET’s Interim Guidelines for Combustion Appliance Testing & Writing Work Scope and be BPI-certified or RESNET-certified to follow the protocol. If using RESNET’s worst-case depressurization protocol to evaluate fireplaces, per Item 10.2, the blower door shall not be set to exhaust 300 CFM to simulate the fireplace in operation, but the remainder of the protocol shall be followed.

34. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010 and pub. addenda, the term “net-exhaust flow” is defined as flow through an exhaust system minus the compensating outdoor airflow through any supply system that is interlocked to the exhaust system. “Net supply flow” is intended to represent the inverse. If net exhaust flow exceeds allowable limit, it shall be reduced or compensating outdoor airflow provided.

35. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, occupiable space is any enclosed space inside the pressure boundary and intended for human activities, including, but not limited to, all habitable spaces, toilets, closets, halls, storage and utility areas, and laundry areas. See footnote 30 for definition of “habitable spaces”.

36. The minimum volume of combustion air required for safe operation by the manufacturer and/or code shall be met or exceeded. Also, in accordance with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.l/NFPA54, unvented room heaters shall not be installed in bathrooms or bedrooms.

37. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, ducted mechanical systems are those that supply air to an occupiable space through ductwork exceeding 10 feet in length and through a thermal conditioning component, except for evaporative coolers. Systems that do not meet this definition are exempt from this requirement. Also, mini-split systems typically do not have MERV-rated filters available for use and are, therefore, also exempted under this version of the guidelines.

38. HVAC filters located in the attic shall be considered accessible to the owner if drop-down stairs provide access to attic and a permanently installed walkway has been provided between the attic access location and the filter.

39. The filter media box (i.e., the component in the HVAC system that houses the filter) may be either site-fabricated by the installer or pre-fabricated by the manufacturer to meet this requirement. These requirements only apply when the filter is installed in a filter media box located in the HVAC system, not when the filter is installed flush with the return grill.

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) Water Management System Checklist

1,2,3


HOME ID:


CorrectPlant QC

Builder Rater N/A

1. Water-Managed Site and Foundation 1.1 Patio slabs, porch slabs, walks, and driveways sloped ≥ 0.25 in. per ft. away from home to

edge of surface or 10 ft., whichever is less 4 1.2 Back-fill has been tamped and final grade sloped > 0.5 in. per ft. away from home for > 10

ft. See footnote for alternatives 4 1.3 Capillary break beneath all slabs (e.g., slab on grade, basement slab) except crawlspace

slabs using either: ≥ 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, lapped 6-12 in., or ≥ 1” extruded polystyrene insulation with taped joints 5

1.4 Capillary break at all crawlspace floors using > 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, lapped 6-12 in., and installed using one of the following three options: 5 1.4.1 Placed beneath a concrete slab; OR, 1.4.2 Lapped up each wall or pier and fastened with furring strips or equivalent; OR, 1.4.3 Secured in the ground at the perimeter using stakes

1.5 Exterior surface of below-grade walls finished as follows: • For poured concrete, concrete masonry and insulated concrete forms, finish with damp

proofing coating • For wood framed walls, finish with polyethylene and adhesive or other equivalent

waterproofing

1.6 Class 1 vapor retarders not installed on the interior side of air permeable insulation in exterior below-grade walls 6

1.7 Sump pump covers mechanically attached with full gasket seal or equivalent 1.8 Drain tile surrounded with clean gravel and fabric filter 7 2. Water-Managed Wall Assembly 2.1 Flashing at bottom of exterior walls with weep holes included for masonry veneer and

weep screed for stucco cladding systems or equivalent drainage system 2.2 Fully sealed continuous drainage plane behind exterior cladding that laps over flashing in

Section 2.1. Additional bond-break drainage plane layer provided behind all stucco and nonstructural masonry cladding wall assemblies 8

2.3 Window and door openings fully flashed 9 3. Water-Managed Roof Assembly

3.1 Step and kick-out flashing at all roof-wall intersections, extending ≥ 4” on wall surface above roof deck and integrated with drainage plane above 10

3.2 For homes that don’t have a slab-on-grade foundation and do have expansive or collapsible soils, gutters and downspouts provided that empty to lateral piping that deposits water on sloping final grade ≥ 5 ft. from foundation or to underground catchment system ≥ 10 ft. from foundation 11

3.3 Self-sealing bituminous membrane or equivalent at all valleys & roof deck penetrations 12 3.4 In 2009 IECC CZs 5 and higher, self-sealing bituminous membrane or equivalent over

sheathing at eaves from the edge of the roof line to > 2 ft. up roof deck from the interior plane of the exterior wall 12

4. Water-Managed Building Materials 4.1 Wall-to-wall carpet not installed within 2.5 feet of toilets, tubs and showers 4.2 Cement board or equivalent moisture-resistant backing material installed on all walls

behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Paper-faced backerboard shall not be used 13

4.3 In Warm-Humid climates, Class 1 vapor retarders not installed on the interior side of air permeable insulation in above-grade walls, except at shower and tub walls 6

4.4 Building materials with visible signs of water damage or mold not installed 14 4.5 Interior walls not enclosed (e.g., with drywall) if either the framing members or insulation

products have high moisture content 15

Plant QC Signature: Date:

Builder Signature: Date:

Plant and Builder have completed checklist in its entirety, except for the items that are checked in the Rater column (if any) 2

Rater Signature: Date:

ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 (Rev. 04) Water Management System Checklist

1,2,3


Notes

1. The specifications in this checklist are designed to help improve moisture control in new homes compared with homes built to minimum code. However, these features alone cannot prevent all moisture problems. For example, leaky pipes or overflowing sinks or baths can lead to moisture issues and negatively impact the performance of this checklist’s specified features.

2. This checklist shall be partially completed by the plant and then provided to the Rater. The Rater shall provide this checklist to the builder who shall complete the checklist. Upon completion, the builder shall return the checklist to the Rater for review. If desired by the builder, the Rater may verify any item on this checklist. When this occurs, the Rater shall check the box of the verified items in the “Rater” column. The Rater is only responsible for ensuring that the plant and builder have completed the checklist in its entirety and for the items that are checked in the “Rater” column (if any). The Rater is not responsible for assessing the accuracy of the field verifications for items in this checklist that are not checked in the “Rater” column. Instead, it is the plant’s and builder’s exclusive responsibility to ensure the design and installation comply with the checklist.

3. A completed and signed Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist may be completed by the Rater and submitted in lieu of the Water Management System checklist. For more information, see www.epa.gov/indoorairplus.

4. Where setbacks limit space to less than 10 ft., swales or drains designed to carry water from foundation shall be provided. Also, tamping of back-fill is not required if either: proper drainage can be achieved using non-settling compact soils, as determined by a certified hydrologist, soil scientist, or engineer; OR, the builder has scheduled a site visit to provide in-fill and final grading after settling has occurred (e.g., after the first rainy season).

5. Polyethylene sheeting is not required in Dry (B) climates as shown in 2009 IECC Figure 301.1 and Table 301.1. Polyethylene sheeting is also not required for raised pier foundations with no walls. To earn the ENERGY STAR, EPA recommends, but does not require, that radon-resistant features be included in homes built in EPA Radon Zones 1, 2 and 3. For more information, see www.epa.gov/indoorairplus.

6. The 2009 IRC defines Class I vapor retarders as a material or assembly with a rating of ≤ 0.1 perm, as defined using the desiccant method with Procedure A of ASTM E 96. The following materials are typically rated at ≤ 0.1 perm and therefore shall not be used on the interior side of air permeable insulation in above-grade exterior walls in warm-humid climates or below-grade exterior walls in any climate: rubber membranes, polyethylene film, glass, aluminum foil, sheet metal, foil-faced insulating sheathings, and foil-faced non-insulating sheathings. These materials can be used on the interior side of walls if air permeable insulation is not present (e.g., foil-faced rigid foam board adjacent to a below-grade concrete foundation wall is permitted).

Note that this list is not comprehensive and other materials with a perm rating ≤ 0.1 also shall not be used. Also, if manufacturer specifications for a specific product indicate a perm rating above 0.1, then the material may be used, even if it is in this list. Also note that open-cell and closed-cell foam generally have perm ratings above this limit and may be used unless manufacturer specifications indicate a perm rating ≤ 0.1.

Several exemptions to these requirements apply: • Class I vapor retarders, such as ceramic tile, may be used at shower and tub walls; • Class I vapor retarders, such as mirrors, may be used if they are mounted with clips or other spacers that allow air to

circulate behind them.

7. Protected drain tile shall be installed at the footings of basement and crawlspace walls, level or sloped to discharge to outside grade (daylight) or to a sump pump. The top of each drain tile pipe shall always be below the bottom of the concrete slab or crawlspace floor. Each pipe shall be surrounded with at least 6 inches of ½ to ¾ inch washed or clean gravel. The gravel layer shall be fully wrapped with fabric cloth or drain tile pre-wrapped with a fabric filter to prevent clogging of the drain tile with sediment.

8. Any of the following systems may be used: a monolithic weather-resistant barrier (i.e., house wrap) sealed or taped at all joints; weather resistant sheathings (e.g., faced rigid insulation) fully taped at all “butt” joints; lapped shingle-style building paper or felts; or other water-resistive barrier recognized by ICC-ES or other accredited agency.

9. Apply pan flashing over the rough sill framing, inclusive of the corners of the sill framing; side flashing that extends over pan flashing; and top flashing that extends over side flashing.10. Intersecting wall siding shall terminate 1 in. above the roof or higher, per manufacturer's recommendations. Continuous flashing shall be installed in place of step flashing for metal and rubber membrane roofs.

11. The assessment of whether the soil is expansive or collapsible shall be completed by a certified hydrologist, soil scientist, or engineer. Gutters shall be not required in dry climates as shown in 2009 IECC Figure 301.1 and Table 301.1. A roof design without gutters is also acceptable if it deposits rainwater to a grade-level rock bed with a waterproof liner and a drain pipe that deposits water on a sloping finish grade ≥ 5 ft. from foundation. Rainwater harvesting systems may also be used to meet this requirement when designed to properly drain overflow, meeting the discharge-distance requirements above.

12. Not required in dry climates as shown in 2009 IECC Figure 301.1 and Table 301.1.

13. Monolithic tub and shower enclosures (e.g., fiberglass with no seams) are exempt from this backing material requirement unless required by the manufacturer. Paper-faced backer board may only be used behind monolithic enclosures and only if it meets ASTM mold-resistant standards ASTM D3273 or ASTM D6329.

14. If mold is present, effort should be made to remove all visible signs of mold using detergent or other method. If removal methods are not effective, then the material shall be replaced.

15. For wet-applied insulation products, follow manufacturer’s drying recommendations. As guidance, EPA recommends that lumber not exceed 18% moisture content.


ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 Instructions for the Modular Builder

To the Plant: Attach this sheet to the front of the Inspection Checklists provided to the builder.

To the Builder: This page outlines the steps for completing an ENERGY STAR modular home. This home has been designed and constructed in the plant in compliance with ENERGY STAR guidelines v2.5 and SBRA’s compliance procedures for modular homes. The home should have a maroon SBRA Quality Assurance (QA) label provided by the plant,* and will earn the blue ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label once the home passes a site inspection conducted by a qualified Home Energy Rater (Rater). The builder is responsible for hiring a Rater to complete the required site inspection checklists.

Step 1 Complete Partnership Agreement If not already done, complete an ENERGY STAR Partnership Agreement online at www.energystar.gov/partners to gain access to ENERGY STAR marketing materials and logos and be listed in the ENERGY STAR Partner Locator on the Web.

Step 2 Retain Modular Rater Retain a HERS Rater qualified to inspect and test homes. A national list of certified Raters can be found on the Web at: www.resnet.us/trade/find-raters-auditors. Raters that have enrolled in the Modular ENERGY STAR program and are approved to inspect and test modular homes are listed on the SBRA website: www.research-alliance.org/pages/es_mod.htm.

Step 3 Review the Inspection Checklists Review and complete the Inspection Checklists provided by the plant. Speak with the plant if you have any questions about completing the forms.

Step 4 Coordinate with the HVAC Contractor The HVAC contractor is responsible for completing the checklist items flagged for field verification in the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist.

Step 5 Install Home per Checklists Coordinate inspections and any required tests with your Rater. Working with the Rater, complete all remaining items on the checklists and sign the checklists. The Rater must submit the completed Inspection Checklists and a Modular Home Completion Report to SBRA to obtain the ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label and Home Certificate.

Step 6 Apply ENERGY STAR Label Apply the blue ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label next to the SBRA QA label, and provide the Home Certificate to the homeowner(s).

All documents and forms are available the SBRA website: www.research-alliance.org/pages/es_mod.htm

Questions?

Contact Gwynne Koch, Program Manager, Systems Building Research Alliance (SBRA)

212-496-0900 x120 or [email protected]

* If a plant is undergoing the certification process, the home may not yet have the QA label applied, but will receive one after inspection and testing in the field.

6 Resources for Certifiers and Raters


Plant Certifier

Responsibilities

The plant Certifier is responsible for reviewing the procedures and methods that the plant plans to employ in building ENERGY STAR modular homes, educating plant personnel on the program, and certifying the plant as conforming to the requirements of the national ENERGY STAR program and SBRA’s compliance verification process for modular homes. Although plant certification is a one-time process, the Certifier is responsible for periodically re-inspecting plant procedures and resolving production-related problems if and as they arise. Therefore, the plant is required to have a Certifier of Record at all times. Major responsibilities of the Certifier include the following:

1. Plant certification. During plant certification, the Certifier assists the plant in developing compliant designs and construction practices;15 verifies that an acceptable quality assurance system is in place in the plant; verifies that workers are properly trained in ENERGY STAR requirements; reviews and approves the plant’s Inspection Checklists (see pages 5.5 to 5.24 for templates); and, inspects and tests certification homes to establish the plant’s ability to routinely build compliant homes under the program. The plant certification process is discussed in ‘Section 2: Certifying the Plant’. See page 6.5 for the Modular Plant Qualification Form.

2. Periodic re-inspections of the plant. At no greater than six month intervals, the Certifier inspects the plant and, at the Certifier’s discretion, tests homes to ensure continuing compliance with ENERGY STAR requirements.

3. Problem resolution. When issues are identified by Raters in the field that may have originated in the plant, the Certifier works with the Rater and the plant to resolve the problem and take corrective actions if necessary.

Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria

Certifiers must have proven experience with plant building methods and expertise in energy efficient building, be familiar with the requirements and procedures contained in this guide and be qualified to conduct testing and diagnostics related to ENERGY STAR compliance. SBRA reviews and approves Certifier credentials. SBRA reserves the right to revoke Certifier credentials at any time and for any reason.

Credentials for Certifiers include all of the following: Certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater or Provider -or- Licensed Engineer or

Architect, Working knowledge of residential building codes, of the plant production processes, and of the

modular home design approval and inspection process, Knowledge of modular home design, construction, installation, material use and fabrication, Hands-on experience conducting duct and whole-house air leakage measurements, Experience and training in the principles of building science and in energy efficiency

construction practices, Capability to maintain computer records and communicate via email.

Certifiers must complete and submit to SBRA a Modular Certifier Application (see page 6.4).

15 Performance Path analysis must be conducted by a certifier HERS Rater or Provider and a copy of the

documentation submitted to SBRA.

Resources for Certifiers and Raters


Home Energy Rater (HERS Rater)

Responsibilities

The Rater is hired by the builder to inspect, test and certify individual factory built ENERGY STAR homes installed and completed by the builder on site. Major responsibilities of the Rater include the following:

1. Visual inspections. The Rater coordinates with the builder on the inspection schedule, visits the site to inspect every home at least once during construction and completes the Inspection Checklists. The builder, the HVAC contractor and the Rater all sign the checklists.

2. Performance testing. The Rater conducts performance testing on 1 in every 7 homes completed by a builder within each 12-month period, and for a minimum of one (1) home in each 12-month period in which the builder completes an ENERGY STAR qualified modular home, to ensure that the home meets or exceeds the target performance level indicated on the checklists. If any test results do not meet the enforceable requirements on the checklists or Modular Home Completion Report, the Rater follows the non-compliance procedures described below.

Additionally, the Rater tests the first two (2) homes constructed by a builder under these modular protocols. These two homes are not counted as part of the routine testing of ‘1 in 7 homes’ per builder, but may include those homes that were part of the plant’s qualification process. If a builder completes an ENERGY STAR qualified home after their partnership status has become “inactive” (i.e., the builder does not complete at least one ENERGY STAR qualified home in a 12-month period), the Rater must conduct the pressurization tests on the builder’s next home to reinstate the builder’s “active” status. This home may be counted toward the ‘1 in 7 homes tested’ requirement.

3. Coordinating with HVAC contractor. The HVAC contractor is responsible for completing the items flagged for field verification on the HVAC System Quality Installation Checklist.

4. Reporting qualified homes.16 The Rater submits the completed and signed checklists and Completion Report to SBRA along with the builder’s report processing and home certificate fee. SBRA reviews the documentation and issues the blue ENERGY STAR Qualified New Home label and the homeowner’s certificate to the Rater or to the builder. The builder applies the label to the home and presents the certificate to the homeowner.

Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria

Raters must be familiar with the requirements and procedures contained in this guide and have proven skills in reviewing energy efficient building practices, building diagnostics and conducting testing associated with ENERGY STAR compliance. SBRA reviews and approves Rater credentials. SBRA reserves the right to revoke Rater credentials at any time and for any reason.

Credentials for Raters include all of the following: Working knowledge of the residential building codes, Knowledge of modular home design, construction, installation, material use and fabrication, Certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater.

Raters must complete and submit to SBRA a Modular Rater Application (see page 6.6).

16 Some state or local programs that provide incentives for ENERGY STAR homes may have additional

construction and/or procedural requirements that exceed the national program requirements outlined in this guide. If required for an incentive, Raters inspecting modular homes for the ENERGY STAR label under a state-sponsored program should report homes to their rating Provider as usual. All other modular homes produced and verified via the protocols outlined in this guide should be reported to SBRA only and not to the rating Provider.

Resources for Certifiers and Raters


Protocol for Addressing Non-Compliance at the Site If and when a Rater identifies an item of non-compliance during a site inspection or test, and if the item of non-compliance is deemed by the Rater to be systemic (relating to routine methods in either site construction or plant production), the Rater is required to take the following actions:

1. After documenting one or more such non-compliance items, the Rater files a Completion Report with SBRA describing the non-compliance and informs the builder as to any corrective actions required. The home is then repaired and re-tested.

2. The Rater inspects and tests the next two homes built by the same builder. These homes shall not count toward the ‘1 in 7 homes’ test rate. At the discretion of the Rater, the inspection and testing may be limited to the item(s) found deficient on the failed home, but must include the deficient items. If both homes pass, the standard quality control testing regimen resumes.

3. If one of the additional homes fails, the Rater ceases testing and notifies SBRA immediately for instructions on how to proceed.

4. If, in the Rater’s judgment, continued non-conformance is the result of work by the builder and is not related to measures implemented by the plant, ENERGY STAR verification can only resume after repeating the two (2) home initial evaluation successfully and the Rater is fully satisfied that all systemic problems have been addressed and the builder is ready to consistently meet ENERGY STAR requirements.

5. If continued non-conformance is the responsibility of the plant, construction of ENERGY STAR homes can only resume after the plant certification process, including inspection and testing of all relevant items on three (3) homes, has been successfully repeated and demonstrated to the plant Certifier’s full satisfaction that all systemic problems have been addressed and the plant is ready to consistently meet ENERGY STAR requirements.

If non-compliance by either the builder or the plant continues after attempts to address the problems have been made, the builder must stop building ENERGY STAR modular homes and the plant must cease production of homes that can earn the ENERGY STAR under the requirements contained in this guide and SBRA must be notified for further corrective action. SBRA will notify EPA.

If an item of non-compliance is identified by a homeowner, the non-compliance must be verified by a Rater who must then follow the actions described above.

In addition, if a home is marketed or sold as an ENERGY STAR qualified home, by either the plant or builder, and that home did not earn the ENERGY STAR label or was labeled without having met all ENERGY STAR requirements, SBRA and EPA will investigate the matter and determine what, if any, action is necessary by the plant and/or builder, including making corrections to marketing materials and/or taking action so the home meets all ENERGY STAR requirements and earns the ENERGY STAR label. Plants and builders participating in promoting and building ENERGY STAR modular homes under SBRA’s compliance program must make a good faith effort in taking any actions necessary, as determined by SBRA and EPA, to address and resolve problems with any ENERGY STAR-related requirements and to address and resolve any issues related to the plant’s or builder’s use of the ENERGY STAR brand. Failure to do so may result in suspension or expiration of the plant’s and/or builder’s participation in the ENERGY STAR program.

Please note that, according to ENERGY STAR’s Brand Identity Guidelines (www.energystar.gov/logos), no home may be promoted or sold as an ENERGY STAR qualified home unless it has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Also, no entity may promote themselves as directly building, constructing or otherwise providing an ENERGY STAR qualified home to consumers unless they are directly responsible for final construction of the home. Information regarding use of the ENERGY STAR brand by plants and builders is available at www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.homes_guidelns_modular.

Questions about use of the ENERGY STAR brand can be sent to [email protected].

OMB Control No. 2060-0586

EPA Form 5900-193 The government estimates the average time needed to fill out this form is 0.17 hours and welcomes suggestions for reducing this effort. Send comments (referencing OMB Control Number) to the Director, Collection Strategies Division, U.S. EPA (2822T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20460.


ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 Modular Plant Certifier Application

I, (Name of Certifier) hereby assert that I meet or exceed all required capabilities and qualifications, as contained in the SBRA Modular Program Guide, to provide modular plant certification services. In addition, I hereby state that I do not have financial interests in any factory home producer or builder, nor do I provide services that might affect my capacity to evaluate compliance with the ENERGY STAR program and render reports of findings objectively and without bias. Other persons performing services related to ENERGY STAR under my authority also meet these requirements.

Signature of Authorized Company Representative: Date:

Company:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Fax:

E-Mail:

Modular housing design, construction and installation methods (Must check all boxes below) Working knowledge of the residential building codes Working knowledge of the plant production processes Working knowledge of modular home design approval and inspection process Knowledge of modular home design, construction, installation, material use and fabrication

Building science and energy efficiency experience (Must check at least one box below and provide copy of HERS certificate, if applicable) Certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater or Provider, Accreditation No. Licensed Engineer or Architect

(Must check all boxes below) Hands-on experience conducting duct and whole-house air infiltration measurements Experience and training in the principles of building science Experience and training in energy efficiency construction practices

Document preparation and record keeping (Must check) Capability to maintain computer records and communicate via email

Submit this form to SBRA: Fax number: 212-496-5389, or Mailing address: 1776 Broadway, Suite 1250, New York, NY 10019, or Email: [email protected]

If approved, SBRA will return a countersigned copy of this application to the Certifier. The Certifier shall provide a copy of the approved application to the plant.

Do not write in this space.

SBRA Approval: Date:




ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 Modular Plant Qualification Form

I, (Name of Certifier) hereby certify that

(Manufacturer Name) , located at

(Address, City, State) has

demonstrated the ability consistently to produce ENERGY STAR qualified modular homes and is therefore authorized to apply the SBRA ENERGY STAR quality assurance label to new modular homes manufactured under the terms and conditions of the ENERGY STAR New Homes program.

Signature: Date:

Company:

Plant Contact: Title:

Phone: Fax:

E-Mail:

ENERGY STAR design method (Must check one below) Prescriptive Path (ENERGY STAR Reference Design) Computer analysis to comply under the Performance Path (attached)

ENERGY STAR features incorporated into factory quality assurance procedures (Must check all applicable boxes below) Information included in third-party-approved design package Information included in plant Quality Control Manual Information included in builder installation instructions

ENERGY STAR modular home checklists (Must check below) Inspection Checklists developed identifying items that must be verified in plant and at the building site

Homes inspected and tested in the field (Must check below) Three (3) homes meet ENERGY STAR requirements

ENERGY STAR included into routine factory operations (Must check all boxes below) Corrective actions identified during tests implemented and documented Key plant personnel trained on critical processes and procedures Unique features in ENERGY STAR third-party-approved packages reviewed with plant’s third-party

design approval agencies Process in place for collecting, tracking and archiving documentation on ENERGY STAR





ENERGY STAR® Qualified Homes, Version 2.5 Modular Field Rater Application

I, (Name of Rater) hereby assert that I meet or exceed all required capabilities and qualifications, as contained in the SBRA Modular Program Guide, to provide inspection and testing services for ENERGY STAR modular homes. Also, I hereby state that I do not have financial interests in or maintain any affiliation with the construction, sale or completion of a home, nor do I provide services that might affect my capacity to evaluate compliance with the ENERGY STAR program and render reports of findings objectively and without bias. Other persons performing services related to ENERGY STAR under my authority also meet these requirements.

Signature of Rater: Date:

Company:

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Fax:

E-Mail:

Modular housing design, construction and installation methods (Must check all boxes below) Working knowledge of the residential building codes Knowledge of modular home design, construction, installation, material use and fabrication

Building science and energy efficiency experience (Must check box below and provide copy of HERS certificate) Certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater or Provider, Accreditation No.


If approved, SBRA will return a countersigned copy of this application to the Rater. The Rater shall provide a copy of the approved application to the builder.

Do not write in this space.

SBRA Approval: Date: