Scope
ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes, Version 3/3.1 (Rev. 11) requires that bathroom exhaust fans used as part of a whole-house mechanical ventilation system be ENERGY STAR qualified products.
- ENERGY STAR exempts fans that have a rated flow of ≥ 500 CFM.
See the Compliance Tab for links to related codes and standards and voluntary federal energy-efficiency program requirements.
Description
To meet ASHRAE 62.2 ventilation requirements, the HVAC designer may specify that an exhaust fan should be set for continuous or intermittent, timed operation. In homes where the bathroom exhaust fan is used as part of a whole-house mechanical ventilation system, the bathroom fan to be installed should be a model that is ENERGY STAR qualified.
ENERGY STAR qualified ventilation fans must meet specifications ensuring higher energy efficiency with less noise. These models feature high-performance motors and improved blade design, providing better performance and longer life.
Fans exempted from this requirement include fans with a rated flow rate equal to or greater than 500 CFM, HVAC air handlers, and remote-mounted fans. To be considered for this exemption, a remote-mounted fan must be mounted outside the habitable spaces and bathrooms and hallways and there must be at least 4 feet of ductwork between the fan and intake grille.
For more on continuously operating exhaust fans and ASHRAE 62.2 requirements, see Intermittent Supply/Exhaust Fan Ratings and Continuous Supply/Exhaust Fan Ratings.
How to Select ENERGY STAR-Qualified Bathroom Fans
- When specifying and purchasing bathroom fans that will be part of the home’s whole house mechanical ventilation strategy, select fans that are ENERGY STAR qualifying.
- To identify ENERGY STAR qualifying exhaust fans:
- See the ENERGY STAR website for a list of qualifying products.
- And/or check the manufacturer’s literature.
- And/or check the label on the fan housing for the ENERGY STAR label.
Success
In homes where the bathroom exhaust fan is used as part of a whole-house mechanical ventilation system, the HERS rater should inspect to ensure that the fan is ENERGY STAR qualified.
To meet the requirements of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program, all bathroom exhaust fans installed in the home must be ENERGY STAR qualified.
Climate
No climate specific information applies.
Training
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The following authors and organizations contributed to the content in this Guide.