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pdfOMB Control No. 2060-0586
Rater Design Review Checklist
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 / 3.1 (Rev. 08)
Home Address: _________________________________
City:
____________________ State: ______ Permit Date: ________
Must
Correct
Rater 1
Verified
1.1 Rater has verified that builder is an ENERGY STAR partner using energystar.gov/partnerlocator
1.2 Rater has verified that HVAC contractor holds credential required to complete the HVAC Commissioning Checklist,
unless all equipment to be installed in home to be certified is an exempted type, in which case check “N/A” 2 N/A
3.1 Specified ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation levels comply with one of the following options:
4, 5, 6
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1. Partnership Status
HVAC Contractor Company Name: _______________________________________________________________
2. High-Performance Fenestration
2.1 Specified fenestration meets or exceeds 2009 IECC requirements 3
3. High-Performance Insulation
3.1.1 Meets or exceeds 2009 IECC levels
OR;
3.1.2 Achieves ≤ 133% of the total UA resulting from the U-factors in 2009 IECC Table 402.1.3, per guidance in
Footnote 4d, AND specified home infiltration does not exceed the following: 5, 6
3 ACH50 in CZs 1, 2
2.5 ACH50 in CZs 3, 4
4. Review of HVAC Design Report
2 ACH50 in CZs 5, 6, 7
1.5 ACH50 in CZ 8
7
4.1 HVAC Design Report collected for records, with no Items left blank
4.2 HVAC Design Report reviewed by Rater for the following parameters (HVAC Design Report Item # indicated in parenthesis):
4.2.1 Cooling season and heating season outdoor design temperatures used in loads (3.3) are within the limits
defined at energystar.gov/hvacdesigntemps for the State and County where the home will be built, or the
designer has provided an allowance from EPA to use alternative values 8
4.2.2 Number of occupants used in loads (3.4) is within ± 2 of the home to be certified 9
4.2.3 Conditioned floor area used in loads (3.5) is between zero and 300 sq. ft. larger than the home to be certified
4.2.5 Predominant window SHGC used in loads (3.7) is within 0.1 of predominant value in the home to be certified
10
4.2.6 Sensible, latent, & total heat gain are documented (3.10 - 3.12) for the orientation of the home to be certified
11
4.2.4 Window area used in loads (3.6) is between zero and 60 sq. ft. larger than the home to be certified
4.2.7 The variation in total heat gain across orientations (3.13) is ≤ 6 kBtuh 11
4.2.8 Cooling sizing % (4.13) is within the cooling sizing limit (4.15) selected by the HVAC designer
Rater Name:
___________________________________________________________________ Date of Review: __________________
Rater Signature: ______________________________________
Required for homes permitted 12 starting 07/01/2016
EPA Form 5900-429
Rater Company Name:_______________________________________
Revised 09/15/2015
Page 1 of 9
Rater Design Review Checklist
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 / 3.1 (Rev. 08)
(Intentionally Left Blank)
Required for homes permitted 12 starting 07/01/2016
Revised 09/15/2015
Page 2 of 9
OMB Control No. 2060-0586
Rater Field Checklist
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 / 3.1 (Rev. 08)
Home Address:
City:
State: ______ Permit Date: _________
Must
Builder
Rater N/A 3
Correct Verified 1 Verified 2
Thermal Enclosure System
1. High-Performance Fenestration & Insulation
1.1 Fenestration meets or exceeds levels specified in Item 2.1 of the Rater Design Review Checklist
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1.2 Insulation meets or exceeds levels specified in Item 3.1 of the Rater Design Review Checklist
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1.3 All insulation achieves RESNET-defined Grade I installation. See Footnote 4 for alternatives.
4
2. Fully-Aligned Air Barriers 5 At each insulated location below, a complete air barrier is provided that is fully aligned as follows:
Ceilings: At interior or exterior horizontal surface of ceiling insulation in Climate Zones 1-3; at interior horizontal surface of ceiling insulation in
Climate Zones 4-8. Also, at exterior vertical surface of ceiling insulation in all climate zones (e.g., using a wind baffle that extends to the full
height of the insulation in every bay or a tabbed baffle in each bay with a soffit vent that prevents wind washing in adjacent bays).6
2.1 Dropped ceilings / soffits below unconditioned attics, and all other ceilings
Walls: At exterior vertical surface of wall insulation in all climate zones; also at interior vertical surface of wall insulation in Climate Zones 4-8 7
2.2 Walls behind showers, tubs, staircases, and fireplaces
2.3 Attic knee walls and skylight shaft walls
8
2.4 Walls adjoining porch roofs or garages
2.5 Double-walls and all other exterior walls
Floors: At exterior vertical surface of floor insulation in all climate zones and, if over unconditioned space, also at interior horizontal surface
including supports to ensure alignment. See Footnotes 10 & 11 for alternatives. 9, 10, 11
2.6 Floors above garages, floors above unconditioned basements or crawlspaces, and cantilevered floors
2.7 All other floors adjoining unconditioned space (e.g., rim / band joists at exterior wall or at porch roof)
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3. Reduced Thermal Bridging
3.1 For insulated ceilings with attic space above (i.e., non-cathedralized), Grade I insulation extends to the
inside face of the exterior wall below and is ≥ R-21 in CZ 1-5; ≥ R-30 in CZ 6-8 12
3.2 For slabs on grade in CZ 4-8, 100% of slab edge insulated to ≥ R-5 at the depth specified by the 2009
IECC and aligned with the thermal boundary of the walls 13, 14
3.3 Insulation beneath attic platforms (e.g., HVAC platforms, walkways) ≥ R-21 in CZ 1-5; ≥ R-30 in CZ 6-8
3.4 At above-grade walls separating conditioned from unconditioned space, one of the following options used (rim / band joists exempted):
3.4.1 Continuous rigid insulation, insulated siding, or combination of the two is:
≥ R-3 in CZ 1-4; ≥ R-5 in CZ 5-8 16, 17, 18, OR;
3.4.2 Structural Insulated Panels OR; Insulated Concrete Forms OR; Double-wall framing OR; 16,19
15
3.4.3 Advanced framing, including all of the Items below: 20
3.4.3a Corners insulated ≥ R-6 to edge 21, AND;
3.4.3b Headers above windows & doors insulated ≥ R-3 for 2x4 framing or equivalent cavity width,
and ≥ R-5 for all other assemblies (e.g., with 2x6 framing) 22, AND;
3.4.3c Framing limited at all windows & doors to one pair of king studs, plus one pair of jack studs
per window opening to support the header and sill, AND;
3.4.3d Interior / exterior wall intersections insulated to same R-value as rest of exterior wall, 23 AND;
3.4.3e Minimum stud spacing of 16 in. o.c. for 2x4 framing in all Climate Zones and,
in CZ 6-8, 24 in. o.c. for 2x6 framing 24
4. Air Sealing (Unless otherwise noted below, “sealed” indicates the use of caulk, foam, or equivalent material)
4.1 Ducts, flues, shafts, plumbing, piping, wiring, exhaust fans, & other penetrations to unconditioned
space sealed, with blocking / flashing as needed
4.2 Recessed lighting fixtures adjacent to unconditioned space ICAT labeled and gasketed. Also, if in
insulated ceiling without attic above, exterior surface of fixture insulated to ≥ R-10 in CZ 4-8.
4.3 Above-grade sill plates adjacent to conditioned space sealed to foundation or sub-floor. Gasket also
placed beneath above-grade sill plate if resting atop concrete / masonry & adjacent to cond. space 25,26
4.4 Continuous top plate or blocking is at top of walls adjoining unconditioned space, and sealed
4.5 Drywall sealed to top plate at all unconditioned attic / wall interfaces using caulk, foam, drywall
adhesive (but not other construction adhesives), or equivalent material. Either apply sealant directly
between drywall and top plate or to the seam between the two from the attic above.
4.6 Rough opening around windows & exterior doors sealed 27
4.7 Walls that separate attached garages from occupiable space sealed and, also, an air barrier installed
and sealed at floor cavities aligned with these walls
4.8 In multifamily buildings, the gap between the common wall (e.g. the drywall shaft wall) and the
structural framing between units sealed at all exterior boundaries
4.9 Doors adjacent to unconditioned space (e.g., attics, garages, basements) or ambient conditions made
substantially air-tight with weatherstripping or equivalent gasket
4.10 Attic access panels, drop-down stairs, & whole-house fans equipped with durable ≥ R-10 cover that is
gasketed (i.e., not caulked). Fan covers either installed on house side or mechanically operated. 28
Effective for homes permitted
EPA Form 5900-428
29
starting 07/01/2016
Revised 09/15/2015
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Page 3 of 9
Rater Field Checklist
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 / 3.1 (Rev. 08)
Must
Rater N/A 3
Correct Verified 2
HVAC System 30 (HVAC Design Report Item # indicated in parenthesis)
5. Heating & Cooling Equipment
5.1 HVAC manufacturer & model number on installed equipment matches either of the following (check box): 31
HVAC Design Report (4.3, 4.4, & 4.17)
Written approval received from designer
5.2 External static pressure measured by Rater at contractor-provided test locations and documented below: 32
Return-Side External Static Pressure: ___________IWC Supply-Side External Static Pressure: __________IWC
5.3 Permitted, but not required: HVAC Commissioning Checklist collected, with no items left blank
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6. Duct Quality Installation - Applies to Heating, Cooling, Ventilation, Exhaust, & Pressure Balancing Ducts, Unless Noted in Footnote
6.1 Ductwork installed without kinks, sharp bends, compressions, or excessive coiled flexible ductwork 33
6.2 Bedrooms pressure-balanced using any combination of transfer grills, jump ducts, dedicated return ducts, and /
or undercut doors to achieve a Rater-measured pressure differential ≤ 3 Pa with respect to the main body of the
house when all bedroom doors are closed and all air handlers are operating. See Footnote 34 for alternative.34
6.3 All supply and return ducts in unconditioned space, including connections to trunk ducts, are insulated to ≥ R-6 35
6.4 Rater-measured total duct leakage meets one of the following two options. See Footnote 37 for alternative: 36, 37, 38
6.4.1 Rough-in: The greater of ≤ 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 40 CFM, with air handler & all ducts, building
cavities used as ducts, & duct boots installed. In addition, all duct boots sealed to finished surface, Raterverified at final. 39
6.4.2 Final: The greater of ≤ 8 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 80 CFM, with the air handler & all ducts, building
cavities used as ducts, duct boots, & register grilles atop the finished surface (e.g., drywall, floor) installed 40
6.5 Rater-measured duct leakage to outdoors the greater of ≤ 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 40 CFM25 36, 38, 41
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7. Whole-House Mechanical Ventilation System
7.1 Rater-measured ventilation rate is within either ± 15 CFM or ±15% of design value (2.3) 42
7.2 A readily-accessible ventilation override control installed and also labeled if its function is not obvious (e.g., a label
is required for a standalone wall switch, but not for a switch that’s on the ventilation equipment)
7.3 No outdoor air intakes connected to return side of the HVAC system, unless controls are installed to operate
intermittently & automatically based on a timer and to restrict intake when not in use (e.g., motorized damper)
7.4 System fan rated ≤ 3 sones if intermittent and ≤ 1 sone if continuous, or exempted 43
7.5 If system utilizes the HVAC fan, then the specified fan type is ECM / ICM (4.7), or the controls will reduce the
standalone ventilation run-time by accounting for hours when the HVAC system is heating or cooling
7.6 Bathroom fans are ENERGY STAR certified if used as part of the whole-house system 44
7.7 Air inlet location (Complete if ventilation air inlet location was specified (2.12, 2.13); otherwise check “N/A”): 45, 46
7.7.1 Inlet pulls ventilation air directly from outdoors and not from attic, crawlspace, garage, or adjacent dwelling unit
7.7.2 Inlet is ≥ 2 ft. above grade or roof deck; ≥ 10 ft. of stretched-string distance from known contamination sources
(e.g., stack, vent, exhaust, vehicles) not exiting the roof, and ≥ 3 ft. distance from sources exiting the roof
7.7.3 Inlet is provided with rodent / insect screen with ≤ 0.5 inch mesh
8. Local Mechanical Exhaust - In each kitchen and bathroom, a system is installed that exhausts directly to the outdoors and meets one of
the following Rater-measured airflow and manufacturer-rated sound level standards: 42, 47
Location
Continuous Rate
Intermittent Rate 48
≥ 5 ACH,
≥ 100 CFM and, if not integrated with range,
Airflow
also ≥ 5 ACH based on kitchen volume 49, 50, 51
based on kitchen volume 49, 50
8.1 Kitchen
Sound
Recommended: ≤ 1 sone
Recommended: ≤ 3 sones
Airflow
≥ 20 CFM
≥ 50 CFM
8.2 Bathroom
Sound
Required: ≤ 1 sone
Recommended: ≤ 3 sones
9. Filtration
9.1 At least one MERV 6 or higher filter installed in each ducted mechanical system in a location that facilitates access
and regular service by the owner 52
9.2 Filter access panel includes gasket or comparable sealing mechanism and fits snugly against the exposed edge of
filter when closed to prevent bypass 53
9.3 All return air and mechanically supplied outdoor air passes through filter prior to conditioning
10. Combustion Appliances
10.1 Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters located within the home’s pressure boundary are mechanically drafted or
direct-vented. See Footnote 56 for alternatives. 54, 55, 56
10.2 Fireplaces located within the home’s pressure boundary are mechanically drafted or direct-vented. See Footnote
57 for alternatives.54, 55, 57
10.3 If unvented combustion appliances other than cooking ranges or ovens are located inside the home’s pressure
boundary, the Rater has followed Section 805 of RESNET’s Standards, encompassing ANSI/ACCA 12 QH-2014,
Appendix A, Section A3 (Carbon Monoxide Test), and verified the equipment meets the limits defined within 54, 58
Rater Name: ______________________________________ Rater Pre-Drywall Inspection Date: ___________ Rater Initials: __________
Rater Name: ______________________________________ Rater Final Inspection Date: ________________ Rater Initials: __________
Builder Employee: _________________________________ Builder Inspection Date:
Effective for homes permitted 29 starting 07/01/2016
Revised 09/15/2015
Builder Initials:
Page 4 of 9
Rater Checklist Footnotes
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 / 3.1 (Rev. 08)
Rater Design Review Checklist Footnotes
1.
The term ‘Rater’ refers to the person completing the third-party inspections required for certification. This person shall: a) be a certified Home
Energy Rater, Rating Field Inspector, or an equivalent designation as determined by a Verification Oversight Organization such as RESNET;
and, b) have attended and successfully completed an EPA-recognized training class. See energystar.gov/newhomestraining.
2.
HVAC contractors must be credentialed by an EPA-recognized HVAC Quality Installation Training and Oversight Organization (H-QUITO) if
a split air conditioner, unitary air conditioner, air-source heat pump, or water-source (i.e., geothermal) heat pump up to 65 kBtuh with a
forced-air distribution system (i.e., ducts) or a furnace up to 225 kBtuh with a forced-air distribution system (i.e., ducts) will be installed in the
home to be certified. For all other permutations of equipment (e.g., boilers, mini-split / multi-split systems) and distribution systems, a
credential is not required. An explanation of this credentialing process and links to H-QUITOs, which maintain lists of credentialed contractors,
can be found at energystar.gov/newhomeshvac.
3.
All windows, doors and skylights shall meet or exceed the component U-factor and SHGC requirements specified in 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 10, respectively, in 2013 ASHRAE Fundamentals, Chapter 15. 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.
c.
d.
e.
An area-weighted average of fenestration products ≥ 50% glazed shall be permitted to satisfy the SHGC requirements;
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;
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;
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 / ft 3xoF 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 in. thick.
In Passive House (PHIUS+) certified homes, where triple-glazed window assemblies with thermal breaks / spacers between the panes are
used, such windows meet the intent of Item 2.1 and shall be excluded when assessing compliance of a) through e), above.
4.
Specified levels shall meet or exceed the component insulation levels in 2009 IECC Table 402.1.1. The following exceptions apply:
a. Steel-frame ceilings, walls, and floors shall meet the insulation levels of 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
in. 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.
d.
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 sq. 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;
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 performance of all components (i.e., ceilings, walls, floors, slabs, and fenestration) can be traded off using the UA
approach. Note that Items 3.1 through 3.3 of the Rater Field Checklist shall be met 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.
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.
Alternatively, the thermal break is permitted to be created using ≥ R-3 rigid insulation on top of an existing slab (e.g., in a home undergoing
a gut rehabilitation). In such cases, up to 10% of the slab surface is permitted to not be insulated (e.g., for sleepers, for sill plates). Insulation
installed on top of slab shall be covered by a durable floor surface (e.g., hardwood, tile, carpet).
6.
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 certification. 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: energystar.gov/slabedge.
7.
The Rater shall collect one HVAC Design Report per system design per plan. Regardless of whether the “site-specific design” or “group
design” box has been checked in Item 1.6 of the HVAC Design Report, the system design as documented on the HVAC Design Report must
fall within the tolerances in Item 4.2 for the home to be certified. The report is only required to be collected once per system design, even if
multiple homes are built using this design (e.g., in a production environment where the same plan is built multiple times, only one report is
required as long as no aspect of the system design changes between homes). The Rater is only responsible for verifying that the designer
has not left any items blank on the HVAC Design Report and for verifying the discrete objective parameters in Item 4.2 of this Checklist, not
for verifying the accuracy of every input on the HVAC Design Report.
8.
Visit energystar.gov/hvacdesigntemps for the maximum cooling season design temperature and minimum heating season design
temperature permitted for ENERGY STAR certified homes and the process for a designer to obtain an allowance from EPA. The same
Effective for homes permitted 12 starting 07/01/2016
Revised 09/15/2015
Page 5 of 9
Rater Checklist Footnotes
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 / 3.1 (Rev. 08)
design report is permitted to be used in other counties, as long as the design temperature limits in those other counties meet or exceed the
cooling and heating season temperature limits for the county selected. For example, if Fauquier County, VA, is used for the load calculations,
with a 1% cooling temperature limit of 93 F, then the same report could be used in Fairfax County (which has a higher limit of 94 F) but not
in Arlington County (which has a lower limit of 92 F).
9.
To determine the number of occupants among all HVAC systems in the home, calculate the number of bedrooms, as defined below, and
add one. The number of occupants used in loads must be within ± 2 of the home to be certified, unless Item 1.5 of the HVAC Design Report
indicates that the system is a cooling system for temporary occupant loads.
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.
10. “Predominant” is defined as the SHGC value used in the greatest amount of window area in the home.
11. Orientation represents the direction that the front door of the house is facing. The designer is only required to document the loads for the
orientation(s) that the house might be built in. For example, if a house plan will only be built one time in a specific orientation (e.g., a sitespecific design), then the designer only needs to document the loads for this one orientation.
12. This Revision of the Rater Design Review Checklist is required to certify all homes permitted after 07/01/2016, but is allowed to be used for
any home permitted or completed prior to this date. The Rater may define the ‘permit date’ as either the date that the permit was issued or
the date of the contract on the home. In cases where permit or contract dates are not available, Providers have discretion to estimate permit
dates based on other construction schedule factors. These assumptions should be both defensible and documented.
Rater Field Checklist Footnotes
1.
At the discretion of the Rater, the builder may verify up to eight items in Sections 1-4 of 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. However, if a quality
assurance review indicates that Items have not been successfully completed, the Rater will be responsible for facilitating corrective action.
2.
The term ‘Rater’ refers to the person completing the third-party inspections required for certification. This person shall: a) be a certified Home
Energy Rater, Rating Field Inspector, or an equivalent designation as determined by a Verification Oversight Organization such as RESNET;
and, b) have attended and successfully completed an EPA-recognized training class. See energystar.gov/newhomestraining.
3.
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.
4.
Two alternatives are provided: a) Grade II cavity insulation is permitted to be used for assemblies that contain a layer of continuous, air
impermeable insulation ≥ R-3 in Climate Zones 1 to 4, ≥ R-5 in Climate Zones 5 to 8; b) Grade II batts are permitted to be used in floors if
they fill the full depth of the floor cavity, even when compression occurs due to excess insulation, as long as the R-value of the batts has
been appropriately assessed based on manufacturer guidance and the only defect preventing the insulation from achieving Grade I is the
compression caused by the excess insulation.
5.
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 resis t 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 in. or 1.5 in., 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 in. diameter unless otherwise indicated by the manufacturer. Flexible air barriers shall not be made of kraft paper, paperbased products, or other materials that are easily torn. If polyethylene is used, its thickness shall be ≥ 6 mil.
6.
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.
7.
All insulated vertical surfaces are considered walls (e.g., above and below grade exterior walls, knee walls) and must meet the air barrier
requirements for walls. The following exceptions apply: air barriers recommended, but not required, in adiabatic walls in multifamily dwellings;
and, in Climate Zones 4 through 8, an air barrier at the interior vertical surface of insulation is recommended but not required in basement
walls or crawlspace walls. For the purpose of these exceptions, a basement or crawlspace is a space for which ≥ 40% of the total gross wall
area is below-grade.
8.
Exterior air barriers are not required for attic knee walls that are ≤ 24 in. in height if an interior air barrier is provided and insulation extends
in all directions from the top of this interior air barrier into unconditioned space at the following levels: CZ 1-5: ≥ R-21; CZ 6-8: ≥ R-30.
9. EPA highly recommends, but does not require, an air barrier at the interior vertical surface of floor insulation in Climate Zones 4-8.
10. Examples of supports necessary for permanent contact include staves for batt insulation or netting for blown-in insulation. Alternatively,
supports are not required if batts fill the full depth of the floor cavity, even when compression occurs due to excess insulation, as long as the
R-value of the batts has been appropriately assessed based on manufacturer guidance and the only defect preventing the insulation from
achieving the required installation grade is the compression caused by the excess insulation.
Effective for homes permitted 12 starting 07/01/2016
Revised 09/15/2015
Page 6 of 9
Rater Checklist Footnotes
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 / 3.1 (Rev. 08)
11. Alternatively, an air barrier is permitted to be installed at the exterior horizontal surface of the floor insulation if the insulation is installed in
contact with this air barrier, the exterior vertical surfaces of the floor cavity are also insulated, and air barriers are included at the exterior
vertical surfaces of this insulation.
12. The minimum designated R-values must be achieved regardless of the trade-offs determined using an equivalent U-factor or UA alternative
calculation, with the following exception:
For homes permitted through 12/31/2012: CZ 1-5: For spaces that provide less than 5.5 in. of clearance, R-15 Grade I insulation is permitted.
CZ 6-8: For spaces that provide less than 7.0 in. of clearance, R-21 Grade I insulation is permitted.
For homes permitted on or after 01/01/2013: Homes shall achieve Item 3.1 without exception.
Note that if the minimum designated values are used, then higher insulation values may be needed elsewhere to meet Item 1.2. 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.
13. 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.
Alternatively, the thermal break is permitted to be created using ≥ R-3 rigid insulation on top of an existing slab (e.g., in a home undergoing
a gut rehabilitation). In such cases, up to 10% of the slab surface is permitted to not be insulated (e.g., for sleepers, for sill plates). Insulation
installed on top of slab shall be covered by a durable floor surface (e.g., hardwood, tile, carpet).
14. Where an insulated wall separates a garage, patio, porch, or other unconditioned space from the conditioned space of the hous e, 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 certification. 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: energystar.gov/slabedge.
15. 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:
energy.gov/sites/prod/files/guide_to_passive_solar_home_design.pdf.
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
Item 3.4 or the pathway in the assembly with the least thermal resistance, as determined using a method consistent with the 2013 ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals, shall provide ≥ 50% of the applicable assembly resistance, defined as the reciprocal of the mass wall equivalent
U-factor in the 2009 IECC Table 402.1.3. Documentation identifying the pathway with the least thermal resistance and its resistance value
shall be collected by the Rater and any Builder Verified or Rater Verified box under Item 3.4 shall be checked.
16. 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, or engineer. The Rater need not evaluate the necessity of the designed detail to certify the home.
17. If used, insulated siding shall be attached directly over a water-resistive barrier and sheathing. In addition, it shall provide the required Rvalue 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, the advanced framing details listed in Item 3.4.3 shall be met for those wall sections.
18. Steel framing shall meet the reduced thermal bridging requirements by complying with Item 3.4.1 of the Checklist.
19. 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 Item 3.4.1 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.
20. All advanced framing details shall be met except where the builder, architect, or engineer provides a framing plan that encompasses the
details in question, indicating that structural members are required at these locations and including the rationale for these members (e.g.,
full-depth solid framing is required at wall corners or interior / exterior wall intersections for shear strength, a full-depth solid header is required
above a window to transfer load to jacks studs, additional jack studs are required to support transferred loads, additional cripple studs are
required to maintain on-center spacing, or stud spacing must be reduced to support multiple stories in a multifamily building). The Rater shall
retain a copy of the detail and rationale for their records, but need not evaluate the rationale to certify the home.
21. 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.
22. 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. R-value requirement refers to
manufacturer’s nominal insulation value.
23. Insulation shall run behind interior / exterior wall intersections using ladder blocking, full length 2x6 or 1x6 furring behind the first partition
stud, drywall clips, or other equivalent alternative.
24. In Climate Zones 6 - 8, a minimum stud spacing of 16 in. o.c. is permitted to be used with 2x6 framing if ≥ R-20.0 wall cavity insulation is
achieved. However, all 2x6 framing with stud spacing of 16 in. o.c. in Climate Zones 6 - 8 shall have ≥ R-20.0 wall cavity insulation installed
regardless of any framing plan or alternative equivalent total UA calculation.
25. Existing sill plates (e.g., in a home undergoing a gut rehabilitation) on the interior side of structural masonry or monolithic walls are exempt
from this Item. In addition, other existing sill plates resting atop concrete or masonry and adjacent to conditioned space are permitted, in lieu
of using a gasket, to be sealed with caulk, foam, or equivalent material at both the interior seam between the sill plate and the subfloor and
the seam between the top of the sill plate and the sheathing.
Effective for homes permitted 29 starting 07/01/2016
Revised 09/15/2015
Page 7 of 9
Rater Checklist Footnotes
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 / 3.1 (Rev. 08)
26. In Climate Zones 1 through 3, a continuous stucco cladding system adjacent to sill and bottom plates is permitted to be used in lieu of sealing
plates to foundation or sub-floor with caulk, foam, or equivalent material.
27. In Climate Zones 1 through 3, a continuous stucco cladding system sealed to windows and doors is permitted to be used in lieu of sealing
rough openings with caulk or foam.
28. 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).
29. This Revision of the Rater Field Checklist is required to certify all homes permitted after 07/01/2016, but is allowed to be used for any home
permitted or completed prior to this date. The Rater may define the ‘permit date’ as either the date that the permit was issued or the date of
the contract on the home. In cases where permit or contract dates are not available, Providers have discretion to estimate permit dates
based on other construction schedule factors. These assumptions should be both defensible and documented.
30. This Checklist is designed to meet the requirements of ASHRAE 62.2-2010 / 2013, and ANSI / ACCA’s 5 QI-2015 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, (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.
31. If installed equipment does not match the HVAC Design Report, then prior to certification the Rater shall obtain written approval from the
designer (e.g., email, updated HVAC Design Report) confirming that the installed equipment meets the requirements of the HVAC Design
Report. 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.
32. The Rater shall measure and record the external static pressure in the return-side and supply-side of the system using the contractorprovided test locations. However, at this time, the Rater need not assess whether these values are within a specific range to certify the home.
33. 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. Compression is to be avoided and occurs when flexible
ducts in unconditioned space are installed in cavities smaller than the outer duct diameter and ducts in conditioned space are installed in
cavities smaller than inner duct diameter. Ducts shall not include coils or loops except to the extent needed for acoustical control.
34. Item 6.2 does not apply to ventilation or exhaust ducts. For an HVAC system with a multi-speed fan, the highest design fan speed shall be
used when verifying this requirement. As an alternative to the 3 Pa limit, a Rater-measured pressure differential ≤ 5 Pa is permitted to be
used for bedrooms with a design airflow ≥ 150 CFM. The Rater-measured pressure shall be rounded to the nearest whole number to assess
compliance.
35. Item 6.3 does not apply to ducts that are a part of local mechanical exhaust and exhaust-only whole-house ventilation systems. EPA
recommends, but does not require, that all metal ductwork not encompassed by Section 6 (e.g., exhaust ducts, duct boots, ducts in
conditioned space) also be insulated and that insulation be sealed to duct boots to prevent condensation.
36. Items 6.4 and 6.5 only apply to heating, cooling, and balanced ventilation ducts. Duct leakage shall be determined and documented by a
Rater using a RESNET-approved testing protocol. Leakage limits shall be assessed on a per-system, rather than per-home, basis. For
balanced ventilation ducts that are not connected to space heating or cooling systems, a Rater is permitted to visually verify, in lieu of duct
leakage testing, that all seams and connections are sealed with mastic or metal tape and all duct boots are sealed to floor, wall, or ceiling
using caulk, foam, or mastic tape.
37. For a duct system with three or more returns, the total Rater-measured duct leakage is permitted to be the greater of ≤ 6CFM25 per 100 sq.
ft. of CFA or ≤ 60 CFM25 at ‘rough-in’ or the greater of ≤ 12 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 120 CFM25 at ‘final’.
38. For a home certified in the State of ID, MT, OR, or WA that is permitted before 01/01/2016, as an alternate to Rater-verified duct leakage, a
PTCS® Duct Sealing Certification Form is permitted to be collected by the Home Energy Rater.
39. Cabinets (e.g., kitchen, bath, multimedia) or ducts that connect duct boots to toe-kick registers are not required to be in place during the
‘rough-in’ test. For homes permitted through 12/31/2013: Homes are permitted to be certified if rough-in leakage is ≤ 6 CFM25 per 100 sq.
ft. of CFA or ≤ 60 CFM25, with air handler & all ducts, building cavities used as ductwork, & duct boots installed.
40. Registers atop carpets are permitted to be removed and the face of the duct boot temporarily sealed during testing. In such cases, the Rater
shall visually verify that the boot has been durably sealed to the subfloor (e.g., using duct mastic or caulk) to prevent leakage during normal
operation.
41. 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 infiltration does not exceed the following: CZ 1-2: 3 ACH50; CZ 3-4: 2.5 ACH50; CZ 5-7: 2 ACH50; CZ 8: 1.5 ACH50.
Alternatively, testing of duct leakage to the outside can be waived if total duct leakage is ≤ 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area
or 40 CFM, whichever is larger.
42. The whole-house ventilation air flow and local exhaust air flows shall be measured by the Rater using RESNET Standard 380 upon
publication and, in the interim, a flow hood, flow grid, anemometer, or substantially equivalent method.
43. Whole-house mechanical ventilation fans shall be rated for sound at no less than the airflow rate in Item 2.3 of the HVAC Design Report.
Fans exempted from this requirement include HVAC air handler fans, remote-mounted fans, and intermittent fans rated ≥ 400 CFM. 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.
44. Bathroom fans with a rated flow rate ≥ 500 CFM are exempted from the requirement to be ENERGY STAR certified.
45. Ventilation air inlets that are only visible via rooftop access are exempted from Item 7.7 and the Rater shall mark “n/a”. 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.
46. 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.
Effective for homes permitted 29 starting 07/01/2016
Revised 09/15/2015
Page 8 of 9
Rater Checklist Footnotes
ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 / 3.1 (Rev. 08)
47. Continuous bathroom local mechanical exhaust fans shall be rated for sound at no less than the airflow rate in Item 8.2. Intermittent bathroom
and both intermittent and continuous kitchen local mechanical exhaust fans are recommended, but not required, to be rated for sound at no
less than the airflow rate in Items 8.1 and 8.2. 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 (e.g., bath exhaust fans,
range hoods, clothes dryers). Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, a bathroom is any room containing a bathtub, shower, spa, or similar source of
moisture.
48. 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.
49. 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.
50. For homes permitted through 01/01/2014: Homes are permitted to be certified without enforcement of this Item to provide partners with
additional time to integrate this feature into their homes.
For homes permitted on or after 01/01/2014: Homes shall meet this Item. Alternatively, the prescriptive duct sizing requirements in Table 5.3
of ASHRAE 62.2-2010 are permitted to be used for kitchen exhaust fans based upon the rated airflow of the fan at 0.25 IWC. If the rated
airflow is unknown, ≥ 6 in. smooth duct shall be used, with a rectangular to round duct transition as needed. Guidance to assist partners with
these alternatives is available at energystar.gov/newhomesresources. As an alternative to Item 8.1, homes that are PHIUS+ certified are
permitted to use a continuous kitchen exhaust rate of 25 CFM per 2009 IRC Table M1507.3.
51. All intermittent kitchen exhaust fans must be capable of exhausting at least 100 CFM. In addition, if the fan is not part of a vented range hood
or appliance-range hood combination (i.e., if the fan is not integrated with the range), then it must also be capable of exhausting ≥ 5 ACH,
based on the kitchen volume.
52. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, ducted mechanical systems are those that supply air to an occupiable space through ductwork exceeding 10 ft. 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 requirements. 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.
53. 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 prefabricated 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.
54. The pressure boundary is the primary 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.
55. 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.
56. Naturally drafted equipment is allowed within the home’s pressure boundary in Climate Zones 1-3 if the Rater has followed Section 805 of
RESNET’s Standards, encompassing ANSI/ACCA 12 QH-2014, Appendix A, Sections A3 (Carbon Monoxide Test) and A4 (Depressurization
Test for the Combustion Appliance Zone), and verified that the equipment meets the limits defined within.
57. Naturally drafted fireplaces are allowed within the home’s pressure boundary if the Rater has verified that the 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. If the
net exhaust flow exceeds the allowable limit, it shall be reduced or compensating outdoor airflow provided. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, the term
“net rated exhaust flow” is defined as flow through an exhaust fan minus the compensating outdoor airflow through any supply fan that is
interlocked to the exhaust fan. Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010, the term “occupiable space” is defined as 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 43 for the definition of “habitable spaces”.
58. 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.
The public reporting and recordkeeping burden for the Rater Design Review Checklist is estimated to average 30 minutes per response. The public reporting and
recordkeeping burden for the Rater Field Checklist is estimated to average 1 hour per response. Send comments on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy
of the provided burden estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including through the use of automated collection techniques to the
Director, Collection Strategies Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2822T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20460. Include the OMB control
number in any correspondence. Do not send the completed form to this address.
Effective for homes permitted 29 starting 07/01/2016
Revised 09/15/2015
Page 9 of 9
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | Rater Checklists ENERGY STAR Certified Homes, Version 3 / 3.1 (Rev. 08) |
| Subject | ENERGY STAR,ENERGY STAR Certified Homes,Rater Design Review Checklist,Rater Field Checklist,ENERGY STAR Rater Design Review Chec |
| Author | EPA ENERGY STAR |
| File Modified | 2019-05-29 |
| File Created | 2015-09-15 |