Certification Guidelines

Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes

Homes that earn the ENERGY STAR must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-savings features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than homes built to local residential construction codes.

To earn the ENERGY STAR a home must meet the following specifications:

• Achieve a HERS Index of 85 or below by using the Performance HERS Rating; or,
• Install prescriptive measures outlined in a Prescriptive-Builder Option Path (BOP).

Each home is also required to pass the Thermal Bypass Checklist (TBC). The TBC is a comprehensive visual inspection of building details where thermal bypass, or the movement of heat around or through insulation, frequently occurs due to missing air barriers or gaps between the air barrier and insulation. Each home must pass the Thermal Bypass Checklist, however precedence must be given to state, local and regional codes as well as product manufacturers’ warranty.

All ENERGY STAR qualified new homes receive the ENERGY STAR label and ENERGY STAR certificate. Below is a summary of the basic steps involved to verify homes meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines.

1. Choose One Path to Achieve ENERGY STAR Guidelines
There are two paths to qualify a home to meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines for energy efficiency. Both paths require independent verification by a qualified Home Energy Raters (HERS Rater). A HERS Rater can help determine the most
cost-effective solution for project(s).

A. Performance HERS Rating: A flexible approach that allows a HERS Rater to use energy modeling software to identify the most-cost effective upgrades for the homebuilder’s consideration. The home earns the ENERGY STAR by achieving a HERS Index of 85 or less and passing the Thermal Bypass Checklist. This path is the only way to verify eligibility for the federal tax credit.

B. Prescriptive-Builder Option Path (BOP): A prescriptive approach that specifies a set of fixed standards for the thermal envelope, insulation, windows, orientation, HVAC system and water heating efficiency that meet the ENERGY STAR standard within a certain climate zone. The home earns the ENERGY STAR when the installation of the prescriptive measures and the Thermal Bypass Checklist are verified. This path does not generate a HERS Index. Homes that are verified using approach are only eligible for the ENERGY STAR I incentive offered by the
Massachusetts New Homes with ENERGY STAR Program.

2. Select Verification Methodology
There are two verification methodologies a homebuilder can select. A HERS Rater can help homebuilders determine the most cost-effective solution for their project(s).

A. Standard Certification: Each ENERGY STAR home must be field-inspected, and in all cases, receive diagnostic testing by a third-party HERS Rating Provider. If a house passes the final performance test, the rater issues an ENERGY STAR homes certificate (see sample on next page) and label. If a house fails, the problems must be corrected and the house re-tested before certification can be issued.

B. Sampling Protocol Certification: Homebuilders who have demonstrated an ability to consistently meet the ENERGY STAR guidelines can select to use the ENERGY STAR for New Homes Sampling Protocol. The Sampling Protocol allows HERS Raters to randomly test and inspect a minimum of 15 percent of homes from a batch of homes typically located within the same subdivision. If one home fails, the entire sample or batch of homes needs to be tested.
The protocol minimizes production interruptions and verification costs for builders, while ensuring that homes meet or exceed the guidelines for qualifying homes as ENERGY STAR.

3. Schedule Home Inspections
On-site home inspections are conducted by a HERS Rater to verify that the home is built to the ENERGY STAR BOP or achieves a HERS Index of 85 or below and passes the Thermal Bypass Checklist. Homebuilders are responsible for contacting their HERS Rater to schedule testing for the home(s). Below are descriptions of the inspections.

• An optional inspection is highly recommended, but not required, for homebuilders new to ENERGY STAR. This optional inspection takes place before insulation is installed to identify and address potential problem areas such duct sealing of the HVAC system and air sealing of the building shell.
  
• The first mandatory inspection is conducted after the insulation is installed before drywall to verify the completion items on the Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist.
  
• The final mandatory inspection consists of a blower door test (to test for leakiness of the house) and a duct blaster test (to test leakiness of the ducts). At this time, completion of the Thermal Bypass Inspection will be conducted if needed.

4. Obtain ENERGY STAR Certificate and Label
Once a home achieves meets the ENERGY STAR specifications it then becomes certified as an ENERGY STAR home. At this time, the HERS Rater is responsible for providing the homebuilder with an ENERGY STAR certificate and affixing an ENERGY STAR label on the home’s utility box. Homebuilders are encouraged to provide the new homeowner with the ENERGY STAR certificate so they can use in the future when selling their home.