ENERGY
STAR
is a formal rating program for residential energy efficiency. It was
created in 1992 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as
a labeling program for energy-efficient products but has expanded to
include the entire building envelope.
This new Energy Star Version 3 has expanded the requirements of this
certification to include moisture management and HVAC system criteria
in addition to the previous energy components and insulation (thermal
bypass) inspection. Version 3 as grown to 4 checklists instead of 1.
Be aware that Energy Star now requires HVAC professionals, HERS raters
and builders to complete training before working on a Version 3 home .
Visit, Energy Star Partner Resources
for training information and marketing and educational resources.
For the Florida-specific transitional timeline and guidelines for versions
2.5 and 3/3.1 visit,
ENERGY STAR Homes Version 2.5 and 3 Guidelines Regional Specifications
Today ENERGY STAR qualified homes can include a variety of
energy-efficient features, such as effective insulation, high
performance windows, tight construction and ducts, cool roofing,
light colored exterior paint, efficient heating and cooling equipment,
and ENERGY STAR qualified lighting and
appliances.
According to the EPA, ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15
percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2009
International Residential Code (IRC), or to the local code, whichever
is greater. These homes usually include additional energy-saving features
that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.
Any home three stories or less can earn the ENERGY STAR label if it has been verified
to meet EPA’s guidelines for energy efficiency. This includes site-constructed homes,
attached or detached homes, single or low-rise multi-family residential buildings,
manufactured homes, systems-built (e.g., SIP or modular) and log homes, existing homes,
or retrofitted homes.
GETTING STARTED:
This certification begins with an initial consultation with the
Home Energy Rater
to select from a number of features when planning and building homes.
To make achieving Version 3 as easy as possible, consult with the HERS rater during the planning stage.
Click here for a list of
ENERGY STAR qualified home
requirements.
In order to earn an ENERGY STAR certification, the home must reach the requirements of the following tests and inspections:
Minimum HERS index of 77
(For home permitted on or before June 30, 2012). A variable HERS Index will go into effect based on individual home criteria for homes permitted on or after July 1st 2012.
Water Management Inspection (The builder is responsible for completing this checklist. However rater will be reviewing any items in the checklist as requested by the builder).
For more information visit
www.energystar.gov
Twitter
Blog
RSS Feed 
Facebook