The purpose of this tool is to provide technical guidance related to implementing the requirements of the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction program. This tool is structured to mirror the ENERGY STAR program checklists. Navigate to a specific requirement to find guidance related to that requirement (not all requirements within a checklist have associated guidance).
Please visit the ENERGY STAR Multifamily program website to access the full program checklists, learn more about the program, become a partner, find partner resources, or to find participating builders.
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- Dwelling unit insulation levels meet the 2021 IECC levels (Residential, wood-frame) and Grade I installation per ANSI / RESNET / ICC 301. For common spaces, refer to Item 3.2 of the National Rater Design Review Checklist for insulation levels.
- Infiltration rate: 0.30 CFM50/ft2 of enclosure
- Dwelling unit ENERGY STAR windows and door requirements, unless Class AW
- Class AW fenestration and common spaces meet the 2021 IgCC levels (Commercial fenestration U-Factor requirements)
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- ENERGY STAR refrigerators and dishwashers
- ENERGY STAR light bulbs or fixtures with Tier II efficiency in 100% of Qualifying Light Fixture Locations, as defined by ANSI / RESNET / ICC 301. For all other spaces, refer to the Common Space Applicability Notes on page 4.
- WaterSense bathroom faucets, bathroom aerators, and showerheads
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- 1.1 Fenestration meets or exceeds specification in Items 2.1 & 2.2 of the Natl Rater Design Review Checklist.
- 1.2 Insulation meets or exceeds specification in Items 3.1 & 3.2 of the Natl Rater Design Review Checklist.
- 1.3 All insulation achieves Grade I install, per ANSI / RESNET / ICC 301. Alternatives in Footnote 6.
- 1.4 Prescriptive Path: Window-to-wall ratio ≤ 30%.
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1.5 Heated plenums in unconditioned space or ambient conditions must meet the following requirements:
- 1.5.1 Sides of heated plenum are an air barrier and insulated to ≥ R-3ci in CZ 1-4; ≥ R-5ci in CZ 5-6; ≥ R7.5ci in CZ 7; ≥ R-9.5ci in CZ 8, AND;
- 1.5.2 Insulation at top of heated plenum meets Item 3.6 where applicable. Otherwise, meets or exceeds the R-value for mass floors from the “All Other” column of Table 502.2(1) of 2009 IECC, AND;
- 1.5.3 Bottom of heated plenum must have at least R-13 insulation.
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1.6 Garages with space heating must meet the following requirements:
- 1.6.1 Insulation on above-grade walls and walls on the first story below grade ≥ R-5ci in CZ 5-6; ≥ R-7.5ci in CZ 7; ≥ R-9.5ci in CZ 8, AND;
- 1.6.2 Ceiling insulation meets Item 3.6 where applicable. Otherwise, meets or exceeds the R-value for mass floors from the “All Other” column of Table 502.2(1) of 2009 IECC.
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- 2.1 Dropped ceilings / soffits below unconditioned attics, chase / dead space, and all other ceilings.
- 2.2 Walls behind showers, tubs, staircases, and fireplaces.
- 2.3 Architectural bump-outs, dead space, and all other exterior walls.
- 2.4 Floors above garages, floors above unconditioned spaces, and cantilevered floors.
- 2.5 All other floors adjoining unconditioned space (e.g., rim / band joists at exterior wall or at porch roof).
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- 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.
- 3.2 For insulated ceilings with attic space above, attic access panels and drop-down stairs insulated ≥ R-10 or equipped with durable ≥ R-10 cover.
- 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 For slabs on grade or at grade without ground contact in CZ 4-8, 100% of slab edge insulated to ≥ R-5 at the depth specified by 2009 IECC Table 502.2(1) & aligned with the thermal boundary of the walls.
- 3.5 For above-grade concrete slab edges (e.g., podiums, balconies) in CZ 4-8, 100% of slab edge insulated to ≥ R-5 & aligned with the thermal boundary of the walls.
- Note that at this boundary, for slabs resting on mass walls, insulation must extend ≥8 ft. below the bottom of the slab edge & for slabs resting on columns, the insulation must surround the column, at a depth of 4ft. Alternatives in Footnote 24.
- 3.6 For concrete slab floors in CZ 4-8 above ambient conditions, garages, or unconditioned spaces outside the thermal boundary:
- Ensure floor insulation meets the U-factor specified in Table 502.1.2 of the 2009 IECC for Group R when dwelling units are above the slab, & ‘All Other’ when common space is above the slab.
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3.7 At above-grade walls and rim / band joists separating conditioned space from the exterior, one of the following options used:
- 3.7.1 Continuous rigid insulation, insulated siding, or combination of the two is: ≥ R-3 in CZ 1-4; ≥ R-5 in CZ 5-8, OR;
- 3.7.2 Structural Insulated Panels OR; Insulated Concrete Forms OR; Double-wall framing OR;
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3.7.3 For wood-framed walls in CZ 1-5 (all stories) & in CZ 6-8 (≤3 stories) only: ‘advanced framing’ details including all Items below.
- 3.7.3a Corners insulated ≥ R-6 to edge, AND;
- 3.7.3b 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) AND;
- 3.7.3c Interior / exterior wall intersections insulated to same R-value as rest of exterior wall.
- 3.7.3d In CZ 4C and 5, for > 3 stories, ≥ 5.5” framing depth used with wall cavity insulated ≥R-20.0.
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- 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 Continuous top plate or blocking is at top of walls adjoining unconditioned space including at balloon-framed parapets, and sealed.
- 4.4 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.
- 4.5 Rough opening around windows & exterior doors sealed.
- 4.6 Assemblies that separate attached garages from occupiable space sealed and, also, an air barrier installed, sealed, and aligned with these assemblies.
- 4.7 Doors adjacent to unconditioned space (e.g., attics, garages, basements) or ambient conditions made substantially air-tight with doorsweep and weatherstripping or equivalent gasket.
- 4.8 Attic access panels, roof hatches and drop-down stairs are gasketed (i.e., not caulked) or equipped with durable covers that are gasketed.
- 4.9 Doors serving as a unit entrance from a corridor/stairwell made substantially air-tight with doorsweep and weatherstripping or equivalent gasket.
- 4.10 Rater-measured compartmentalization is no greater than 0.30 CFM50 per square feet of dwelling unit enclosure area, following procedures in ANSI / RESNET / ICC 380.
- 4.10.1 For dwelling units with forced air distribution systems without ducted returns and located in a closet adjacent to unconditioned space:
- The Rater-measured pressure difference between the space containing the air handler and the conditioned space during the compartmentalization test is no greater than 5 Pa.
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Track A
- 5a.1 Blower fan volumetric airflow is Grade I or II per ANSI / RESNET / ACCA 310
- 5a.2 Blower fan watt draw is Grade I or II per ANSI / RESNET / ACCA 310
- 5a.3 Refrigerant charge is Grade I per ANSI / RESNET / ACCA 310. See Footnote 43 for exemptions.
- 5a.4 HVAC manufacturer & model number on installed equipment matches the HVAC Design Report in compliance with ANSI / RESNET / ACCA 310 or the HVAC Design Supplement to Std. 310 for Common Spaces and Central Systems.
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Track B
- 5b.1 HVAC manufacturer & model number on installed equipment matches either of the following (check box):
- 5b.2 External static pressure measured by Rater at contractor-provided test locations and documented below:
- 5.5 Prescriptive Path: Heating and cooling equipment serving dwelling units, common spaces, and garages meet the efficiency levels specified in the Exhibit X. Electric resistance space heating is not installed in dwelling units.
- 5.6 ERI Path: Heating and cooling equipment serving common spaces and garages, but not serving dwelling units, meet the efficiency levels specified in the Exhibit X. See Exhibit X for restrictions on electric resistance space heating.
- 5.7 National HVAC Functional Testing Checklist(s) collected prior to certification, with all HVAC systems in the building fully documented.
- Exception: Where credentialed HVAC Contractor(s) are completing the National HVAC Functional Testing Checklist, the checklist is not required to be collected for the systems they verify.
- 5.8 Rater has verified and documented that Functional Testing Agent(s) (“FT Agent(s)”) completing the National HVAC Functional Testing Checklist(s) hold one of the required credentials and completed orientation, if applicable.
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Equipment Controls
- 5.9 All heating and cooling systems serving a dwelling unit have thermostatic controls within the dwelling unit.
- 5.10 Where present, stair and elevator shaft vents are equipped with motorized dampers that are capable of being automatically closed during normal building operation
- AND are interlocked to open as required by fire and smoke detection systems. Dampers are verified to be closed at the time of inspection.
- 5.11 Freeze protection systems include automatic controls that are verified to shut off the systems when pipe wall or garage / plenum temperatures are above 40°F.
- Note: Freeze protection systems include: heat tracing of piping and heat exchangers, self-regulating heat tracing, and garage / plenum heaters.
- 5.12 Snow- and ice-melting systems include automatic controls that are verified to shut off the systems when the pavement temperature is above 50°F and no precipitation is falling,
- AND an automatic or manual control is installed that is verified to shut off system when the outdoor temperature is above 40°F, so that the potential for snow or ice accumulation is negligible.
- 5.13 For hydronic distribution systems, all terminal heating and cooling distribution equipment are separated from the riser or distribution loop by a control valve or terminal distribution pump,
- so that heated or cooled fluid is not delivered to the dwelling unit distribution equipment when there is no call from the thermostat.
- 5.14 Terminal units in hydronic distribution systems are equipped with pressure independent balancing valves or pressure independent control valves.
- 5.15 Piping of a heating or cooling system is insulated in accordance with Item 4.42 on the National HVAC Design Report, including where passing through planks or any other penetrations.
- 5.16 For circulating pumps serving hydronic heating or cooling systems with three-phase motors 1 horsepower or more, motors meet or exceed efficiency standards for NEMA Premium™ motors. If 5 horsepower or more, also install with variable frequency drives.
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Track A
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- 6.1 Ductwork installed without kinks, sharp bends, compressions, or excessive coiled flexible ductwork.
- 6.2 All bedrooms provided with transfer grilles, jump ducts, dedicated return ducts, and/or undercut doors.
- Bedrooms with a design supply airflow ≥ 150 CFM (per Item 5.2 on the National HVAC Design Report) achieve a Rater-measured pressure differential ≥ -5 Pa and ≤ +5 Pa with respect to the main body of the dwelling unit when all air handlers are operating.
- Townhouses only: In addition, bedrooms with a design supply airflow < 150 CFM achieve a Rater-measured pressure differential ≥ - 3 Pa and ≤ +3 Pa. See Footnote 51 for test configuration.
- 6.3 All supply and return ducts in unconditioned space, including connections to trunk ducts, are insulated to ≥ R-6.
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6.4 Rater-measured total duct leakage in dwelling units (and common spaces using ANSI / RESNET / ACCA 310) meets one of the following.
- 6.4.1 Rough-in: Tested per allowances below, with air handler & all ducts, building cavities used as ducts, & duct boots installed. In addition, all duct boots sealed to finished surface, Rater-verified at final.
- • No ducted returns: The greater of ≤ 3 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 30 CFM.
- Additionally, the Rater-measured pressure difference between the space containing the air handler and the conditioned space, with the air handler running at high speed, is ≤ 5 Pa. For systems > 1 ton, increase by 1 Pa per half ton.
- • One or two ducted returns: The greater of ≤ 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 40 CFM.
- • Three or more ducted returns: The greater of ≤ 6 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 60 CFM.
- 6.4.2 Final: Tested per allowances below, with the air handler & all ducts, building cavities used as ducts, duct boots, & register grilles atop the finished surface (e.g., drywall, floor) installed.
- • No ducted returns: The greater of ≤ 6 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 60 CFM.
- Additionally, the Rater-measured pressure difference between the space containing the air handler and the conditioned space, with air handler running at high speed, is ≤ 5 Pa. For systems > 1 ton, increase by 1 Pa per half ton.
- • One or two ducted returns: The greater of ≤ 8 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 80 CFM.
- • Three or more ducted returns: The greater of ≤ 12 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 120 CFM.
- 6.5 Townhouses only: Rater-measured duct leakage to the outside the greater of ≤ 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or ≤ 40 CFM25.
- 6.6 Common Space: Supply, return, and exhaust ductwork and all plenums serving common spaces are sealed at all transverse joints, longitudinal seams, and duct wall penetrations with mastic, mastic tape, or internal aerosol-based sealant.
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6.7 Duct leakage of central exhaust systems that serve four or more dwelling units, meets one of the following two options:
- 6.7.1 Rough-in: Tested including horizontal run outs, trunks, branches, and take-offs up to, but not including, the grilles, the leakage does not exceed 25% of exhaust fan flow.
- 6.7.2 Final: Tested inclusive of all ductwork between the fan and the grilles, the leakage does not exceed 30% of exhaust fan flow.
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- Dwelling-Unit & Common Space Mechanical Ventilation Systems
- 7.1 Ventilation manufacturer & model number on installed equipment matches either of the following (check box): National HVAC Design Report Written approval received from designer
- 7.2 Rater-measured ventilation rate is within either ± 15 CFM or ±15% of dwelling unit design values (2.7), and meets or exceeds rates required by ASHRAE 62.2-2010.
- 7.3 Measured ventilation rate is within either ± 15 CFM or ±15% of common space design values (2.9), and meets or exceeds rates required by ASHRAE 62.1-2010 (2.8).
- 7.4 A ventilation override control installed and also labeled if its function is not obvious (e.g., a label is required for a toggle wall switch, but not for a switch that’s on the ventilation equipment).
- Townhouses only: In addition, the ventilation override control installed must be readily-accessible to the occupant.
- 7.5 For any outdoor air inlet connected to a ducted return of the dwelling unit HVAC system (Complete if present; otherwise check “N/A.”)
- 7.6 If located in the dwelling unit, system fan rated ≤ 3 sones if intermittent, ≤ 2 sones if continuous, or exempted.
- 7.7 If dwelling-unit Vent System controller operates the dwelling unit HVAC fan, then HVAC fan operation is intermittent and either fan type is ECM / ICM (4.12), or controls will reduce the run-time by accounting for HVAC system heating or cooling hours.
- 7.8 In-unit bathroom fans or in-line fans are ENERGY STAR certified if used as part of the dwelling-unit mechanical ventilation system.
- 7.9 If central exhaust fans, ≤ 1 HP, are installed as part of the dwelling-unit mechanical ventilation system, then they are direct-drive, ECM, with variable speed controllers.
- If > 1 HP, their motors meet or exceed efficiency standards for NEMA Premium TM motors.
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7.10 Air inlet locations (Complete if ventilation air inlet locations were installed (2.23, 2.24); otherwise check “N/A”):
- 7.10.1 Inlet(s) pull ventilation air directly from outdoors and not from attic, crawlspace, garage, or adjacent dwelling unit.
- 7.10.2 Inlet(s) are ≥ 2 ft. above grade or roof deck; ≥ 10 ft. of stretched-string distance from known contamination sources not exiting the roof, and ≥ 3 ft. distance from dryer exhausts and sources exiting the roof.
- 7.10.3 Inlet(s) are provided with rodent / insect screen with ≤ 0.5 inch mesh.
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- Local Mechanical Exhaust
- 8.1 Kitchen system exhaust directly outdoors and has a continuous rate ≥ 5 ACH based on kitchen volume (Recommended ≤ 1 sone) or an intermittent rate ≥ 100 CFM and if not integrated with range, also ≥ 5 ACH based on kitchen volume (Recommended ≤ 3 sones)
- 8.2 Bathroom system exhausts directly outdoors and has a continuouse rate ≥ 20 CFM (Recommended ≤ 1 sone) or an intermittent rate ≥ 50 CFM (recommended ≤ 3 sones) <see table in spec>
- Mechanical Exhaust for Common Spaces and Shared Garages
- 8.3 Measured exhaust rates are ≥ ASHRAE 62.1-2010 rates (2c).
- 8.4 Where an exhaust system is installed in a shared garage, it is equipped with controls that sense CO and NO2.
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- 9.1 MERV 6+ filter(s) installed in each ducted mechanical system serving an individual dwelling unit, design so all return and mechanically supplied outdoor air passes through filter(s) prior to conditioning, locate to facilitate access & regular service.
- 9.1.1 Filter access panel includes gasket and fits snugly against the exposed edge of filter when closed to prevent bypass.
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- 10.1 Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters located within the building’s pressure boundary are mechanically drafted or direct-vented. Alternatives in Footnote 81.
- 10.2 Fireplaces located within the building’s pressure boundary are direct-vented.
- 10.3 No unvented combustion appliances other than cooking ranges or ovens are located inside the building’s pressure boundary.
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11.1 Prescriptive Path: Hot Water Equipment Minimum Efficiency Levels (must meet one of the following):
- 11.1.1 Where rated in EF or UEF, meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR Multifamily Reference Design.
- 11.1.2 Where rated in Et or COP:
- 11.2 ERI Path: Hot Water Equipment Min. Efficiency Levels for equipment serving common spaces but not dwelling units nor shared laundry
- 11.3 For in-unit storage water heaters, confirm presence of heat trap by visual inspection or on AHRI cert.
- 11.4 Rater-measured delivery temperatures at faucets do not exceed 125°F.
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11.1 Prescriptive Path: Hot Water Equipment Minimum Efficiency Levels (must meet one of the following):
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12.1 Common Space Lighting Controls:
- 12.1.1 ERI and Prescriptive Path: All common spaces (including shared garages), except the building lobby, mechanical equipment rooms, and where automatic shutoff would endanger occupants, have occupancy sensors or
- automatic bi-level lighting controls installed and operation has been verified.
- 12.1.2 ASHRAE Path only: All common spaces (including shared garages), except the building lobby, mechanical equipment rooms, and where automatic shutoff would endanger the safety of occupants, have occupancy sensors or
- automatic bi-level lighting controls installed and operation has been verified.
- 12.2 Exterior lighting controls: Fixtures, including parking lot fixtures, must include automatic switching on timers or photocell controls.
- Exceptions include fixtures intended for 24-hour operation, required for security, or associated with the electric meter for an individual dwelling unit.
- 12.3 Common Spaces and Garages: 90% of installed lighting fixtures are integrated LED fixtures or contain LED lamps. See Footnote 85 for alternate options.
- 12.4 ERI Path: All exterior and common space lighting fixtures meet the efficiency requirements in the ENERGY STAR Multifamily Reference Design, except fixtures located on dwelling unit balconies.
- 12.5 Prescriptive Path: All lighting fixtures (i.e., dwelling units, common spaces, and exterior) meet the efficiency requirements in the ENERGY STAR Multifamily Reference Design.
- 12.6 Prescriptive Path: Dwelling unit overall in-unit lighting power density ≤ 0.75 W/ft2. When calculating overall lighting power density, use 1.1 W/ft2 where lighting is not installed.
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12.1 Common Space Lighting Controls:
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- 13.1 Prescriptive Path: Installed appliances are ENERGY STAR certified. Installed bathroom faucets, bathroom aerators, and showerheads are WaterSense labeled.
- 13.2 ERI Path: Where installed in common spaces, refrigerators and dishwashers are ENERGY STAR certified and showerheads are WaterSense labeled.
- 13.3 Prescriptive Path: Shower compartments with multiple fixtures cannot be operated simultaneously OR the total flow rate per shower compartment must not exceed 1.75 gallons per minute, as rated at 80 psi.
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- 14.1 For buildings 50,000 ft2 and larger, a strategy that enables the collection of monthly or annual building-level energy consumption data (electricity, natural gas, chilled water, steam, fuel oil, propane, etc.) has been confirmed.
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1. Partnership Status
- 1.1 Rater has verified and documented that builder or developer has an ENERGY STAR partnership agreement using http://www.energystar.gov/ResPartnerDirectory.
- 1.2 ASHRAE Only: Rater has verified modeler is listed in the online directory: www.energystar.gov/ASHRAEdirectory.
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2. High-Performance Fenestration
- 2.1 Dwelling units:
- 2.2 Common space:
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3. High-Performance Insulation
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3.1 Dwelling units:
- 3.1.1 Prescriptive: ENERGY STAR MF Reference Design requirements.
- 3.1.2 ERI & ASHRAE only: Either the Residential chapter or the “Group R” column in the Commercial chapter of the 2009 IECC or, for National v1.2, the 2021 IECC. See exceptions in Footnote 9.
- 3.2 Common space: Either the Residential chapter or the “All Other” column in the Commercial chapter of the 2009 IECC, or for National v1.2 the 2021 IECC. See exceptions in Footnote 9.
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3.1 Dwelling units:
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4a. Review of ANSI/RESNET/ACCA 310 HVAC Design Report with ENERGY STAR Supplements
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4a.1 The following documentation collected for records, with no applicable Items left blank.
- 4a.1.1 For all dwelling units, HVAC design report(s) compliant with ANSI / RESNET / ACCA 310 and the National HVAC Design Supplement(s) to Std. 310 for Dwellings & Units.
- 4a.1.2 For common spaces using ANSI / RESNET / ACCA 310, HVAC design report(s) compliant with ANSI / RESNET / ACCA 310.
- 4a.1.3 National HVAC Design Supplement to Std. 310 for Common Spaces & Central Systems.
- 4a.2 For systems meeting Item 4a.1.1 or 4a.1.2, ANSI / RESNET / ACCA 310 design review criteria have been met for applicable housing type.
- 4a.3 Prescriptive Path: Dwelling Unit Mechanical Ventilation is <150% of ASHRAE 62.2-2013 requirements.
- 4a.4 Dwelling Units: Total occupant gains do not exceed 645 Btuh per occupant.
- 4a.5 Dwelling Units: Non-occupant internal gains are less than 3,600 Btuh.
- 4a.6 Dwelling Units: Cooling sizing % is within the cooling sizing limit selected by the HVAC designer.
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4a.1 The following documentation collected for records, with no applicable Items left blank.
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1. Partnership Status
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1. Partnership Status
- 1.1 Rater has verified and documented that builder or developer has an ENERGY STAR partnership agreement using www.energystar.gov/partnerlocator.
- 1.2 ASHRAE Only: Rater has verified modeler is listed in the online directory: www.energystar.gov/ASHRAEdirectory.
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2. High-Performance Fenestration
- 2.1 Dwelling units:
- 2.2 Common space:
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3. High-Performance Insulation
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3.1 Dwelling unit:
- 3.1.1: Prescriptive: ENERGY STAR MF Reference Design requirements.
- 3.1.2: ERI and ASHRAE only: Either the Residential chapter or the “Group R” column in the Commercial chapter of the 2009 IECC or, for National v1.2, the 2021 IECC. See exceptions in Footnote 9.
- 3.2 Common space: Either the Residential chapter or the “All Other” column in the Commercial chapter of the 2009 IECC, or for National v1.2 the 2021 IECC. See exceptions in Footnote 9.
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3.1 Dwelling unit:
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4b. Review of ENERGY STAR MFNC National HVAC Design Report
- 4b.1 National HVAC Design Report(s) collected for records, with no applicable Items left blank.
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4b.2 National HVAC Design Report(s) reviewed by Rater for the following parameters (Nat’l MFNC HVAC Design Report Item # in parenthesis):
- 4b.2.1 Prescriptive Path: Dwelling Unit Mechanical Ventilation (2.7) is <150% of ASHRAE 62.2-2013 requirements.
- 4b.2.2 Cooling and heating season outdoor design temperatures used in loads (3.4) are within limits defined for the State & County, or US Territory, where the building will be built, or designer has shown an allowance from EPA to use alternative values.
- Note: All limits are published at www.energystar.gov/hvacdesigntemps. Note that revised (i.e., 2019 Edition) limits are required to be used for all HVAC Design Reports generated after 07/01/2020.
- 4b.2.3 Number of occupants used in loads (3.6) is within ± 2 of each dwelling unit to be certified and total occupant gains (3.7) do not exceed 645 Btuh per occupant.
- 4b.2.4 Conditioned floor area used in loads (3.8) is between 100 sq. ft. smaller and 300 sq. ft. larger than each dwelling unit to be certified.
- 4b.2.5 Window area used in loads (3.9) is between 15 sq. ft. smaller and 60 sq. ft. larger than each dwelling unit to be certified, or for dwelling units to be certified with > 500 sq. ft. of window area, between 3% smaller and 12% larger.
- 4b.2.6 Predominant window SHGC used in loads (3.10) is within 0.1 of predominant value in each dwelling unit to be certified.
- 4b.2.7 Mechanical ventilation used in loads (3.12) is the same as the ventilation design (2.7) for the given unit plan.
- 4b.2.8 Non-occupant internal gains (3.13) are less than 3,600 Btuh.
- 4b.2.9 Sensible & total heat gain are documented (3.15, 3.17) for the configuration of each dwelling unit to be certified.
- 4b.2.10 Cooling sizing % (4.18) is within the cooling sizing limit (4.19) selected by the HVAC designer.
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1. Partnership Status
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5. Additional Construction Document Review
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5.1 Air Sealing: Review construction documents to verify that air-sealing details at assemblies adjacent to exterior and unconditioned spaces at a minimum, demonstrate compliance with checklist items in Section 4 of the National Rater Field Checklist.
- 5.1.1 Ducts, flues, shafts, plumbing, piping, wiring, exhaust fans, & other penetrations to unconditioned space sealed, with blocking / flashing as needed*.
- 5.1.2 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*.
- 5.1.3 Continuous top plate or blocking is at top of walls adjoining unconditioned space including at balloon-framed parapets, and sealed*.
- 5.1.4 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*.
- 5.1.5 Rough opening around windows & exterior doors sealed*.
- 5.1.6 Assemblies that separate attached garages from occupiable space sealed and, also, an air barrier installed, sealed, and aligned with these assemblies*.
- 5.1.7 Attic access panels, roof hatches and drop-down stairs are gasketed (i.e., not caulked) or equipped with durable covers that are gasketed*.
- 5.1.8 Doors adjacent to unconditioned space (e.g., attics, garages, basements), ambient conditions, or a unit entrance to a corridor / stairwell, made substantially air-tight with doorsweep and weatherstripping or equivalent gasket*.
- 5.1.9 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 conditioned space.
- 5.1.10 The gap between the common wall (e.g., the drywall shaft wall) and the structural framing between units sealed at all exterior boundaries.
- Note that checklist items in Section 4 of the National Rater Field Checklist are noted with an asterisk. Items 5.1.9 and 5.1.10 are not verified by the Rater in the field, but are recommended.
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5.2 Dwelling Unit Compartmentalization
- 5.2.1 Review construction documents to verify that air-sealing details are represented such that air exchange between the dwelling unit and outside as well as the dwelling unit and other adjacent spaces is minimized AND,
- designed to achieve compartmentalization less than or equal to 0.30 CFM50 per square feet of dwelling unit enclosure area, following procedures in ANSI / RESNET / ICC 380.
- 5.2.2 Seal all spaces 5.1.1-5.1.10 on adiabatic unit enclosure assemblies.
- 5.3 Prescriptive Path: Verify that Window-to-wall ratio ≤ 30%.
- 5.4 Verify that fully-aligned air barrier details are in compliance with checklist items in Section 2 of the National Rater Field Checklist.
- 5.5 Verify that thermal bridging details are in compliance with checklist items in Section 3 of the National Rater Field Checklist.
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5.6 Verify that HVAC details are in compliance with checklist items in Sections 5 - 10 of the National Rater Field Checklist.
- 5.6.1 Verify that HVAC design includes access and means to measure the dwelling-unit mechanical ventilation airflow rate.
- 5.6.2 Verify that bedrooms with design airflow ≥ 150 CFM are specified with the following to achieve a Rater-measured pressure differential ≥ -5 Pa and ≤ +5 Pa with respect to the main body of the dwelling unit when all air handlers are operating:
- A combination of transfer grilles, jump ducts dedicated return ducts, and/or undercut doors
- 5.6.3 Verify that Functional Testing Agent(s) hold(s) credential required to complete the applicable sections of the National HVAC Functional Testing Checklist for all HVAC equipment in the building.
- Note: For Track A, a Functional Testing Agent is not needed to complete Sections 2 and 3 for HVAC systems that will be verified and graded by the Rater.
- 5.7 Verify that Domestic Hot Water, Lighting, Appliances, Plumbing Fixtures, and Whole Building Utility Data Acquisition Strategy details are in compliance with checklist items in Sections 11 – 14 of the National Rater Field Checklist.
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5.1 Air Sealing: Review construction documents to verify that air-sealing details at assemblies adjacent to exterior and unconditioned spaces at a minimum, demonstrate compliance with checklist items in Section 4 of the National Rater Field Checklist.
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5. Additional Construction Document Review
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- 1.1 Impermeable surfaces, such as patio, porch, or plaza slabs, sidewalks, ramps and driveways, sloped ≥ 0.25 in. per ft. away from building to edge of surface or 10 ft., whichever is less.
- 1.2 Back-fill has been tamped, and permeable surfaces sloped ≥ 0.5 in. per ft. away from building for ≥ 10 ft. Alternatives in Footnote 3.
- 1.3 Capillary break beneath all slabs (e.g., slab on grade, basement slab) except crawlspace slabs using: ≥ 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, lapped 6-12 in., or ≥ 1 in. extruded polystyrene insulation with taped joints. Exemptions for garage floors in Fn.4.
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1.4 Capillary break at all crawlspace floors using one of the following options
- 1.4.1 Concrete slab over one of the following materials:
- 1.4.2 ≥ 6 mil polyethylene sheeting, lapped 6-12 in., & installed using one of the following:
- 1.5 Exterior surface of below-grade walls of basements & unvented crawlspaces finished as follows:
- 1.6 Class 1 vapor retarder not installed on interior side of vapor permeable insulation in exterior below-grade walls.
- 1.7 Sump pit cover mechanically attached with full gasket seal or equivalent.
- 1.8 Drain tile installed at basement & crawlspace walls, with top of the drain tile pipe below the bottom of the concrete slab or crawlspace floor.
- Drain tile surrounded with ≥ 6 in. of ½ to ¾ in. washed or clean gravel, with gravel layer fully wrapped with fabric cloth.
- Drain tile level or sloped to discharge to outside grade (daylight) or to a sump pit with a pump. If drain tile is on interior side of footing, then channel provided through footing to exterior side.
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- 2.1 Flashing at bottom of exterior walls with weep holes included for anchored stone / masonry veneer and weep screed for adhered stone / masonry veneer or stucco cladding, or equivalent drainage system.
- 2.2 Fully sealed continuous drainage plane behind exterior cladding that laps over flashing in Item 2.1 and fully sealed at all penetrations. Additional bond-break drainage plane layer provided behind all adhered stone / masonry veneer or stucco cladding.
- 2.3 Window and door openings fully flashed.
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- 3.1 Step and kick-out flashing at all roof-wall intersections, extending ≥ 4” on wall surface above roof deck and integrated shingle-style with drainage plane above; boot / collar flashing at all roof penetrations.
- 3.2 For buildings that don’t have a slab-on-grade foundation and do have expansive or collapsible soils, gutters & downspouts provided that empty to lateral piping that discharges water on sloping final grade ≥ 5 ft. from foundation,
- OR to underground catchment system not connected to the foundation drain system that discharges water ≥ 10 ft. from foundation.
- 3.3 Self-adhering polymer-modified bituminous membrane at all valleys & roof deck penetrations.
- 3.4 In 2009 IECC Climate Zones 5 & higher, self-adhering polymer-modified bituminous membrane 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.
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- 4.1 Wall-to-wall carpet not installed within 2.5 ft. 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.
- 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.
- 4.4 Building materials with visible signs of water damage or mold not installed or allowed to remain.
- 4.5 Framing members & insulation products having high moisture content not enclosed (e.g., with drywall).
- 4.6 For each condensate-producing HVAC component, corrosion-resistant drain pan (e.g., galvanized steel, plastic) included that drains to a conspicuous point of disposal in case of blockage.
- Backflow prevention valve included if connected to a shared drainage system.
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