Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Track A - HVAC Grading by Rater Now Available for Use with ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program! Technical Bulletin, October 5, 2021

Track A - HVAC Grading by Rater is a collection of requirements built upon ANSI / RESNET / ACCA / ICC Standard 310 that can be used to satisfy many of the HVAC design and functional testing components of the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (MFNC) program. This technical bulletin highlights its key benefits, outlines how to use it, and compares it to the original set of requirements, now named Track B - HVAC Testing by Functional Testing Agent.

Track A - HVAC Grading Now Available for Use! Technical Bulletin, October 5, 2021

Track A - HVAC Grading is a collection of requirements built upon ANSI / RESNET / ACCA / ICC Standard 310 that can be used to satisfy many of the HVAC design and commissioning components of the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes program. This technical bulletin highlights its key benefits, outlines how to use it, and compares it to the original set of requirements, now named Track B - HVAC Credential.

A New Day for Building ENERGY STAR

With the advent of HVAC grading, ENERGY STAR offers unprecedented value for builders and owners alike. Listen to this session, presented on September 30, 2021, to get a fresh perspective on the seven essential features that certification adds above and beyond a good energy rating and learn about new resources for convincing builders to join or rejoin the program. 

HVAC Grading for HVAC Designers Fact Sheet – ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction

This three-page fact sheet provides HVAC designers with a brief overview of Track A – HVAC Grading by Rater for ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction and answers to frequently asked questions. “Track A - HVAC Grading by Rater” is a new option for meeting many of the program’s HVAC design and commissioning requirements, which leverages ANSI / RESNET / ACCA / ICC Standard 310 and offers many benefits.

HVAC Grading for HVAC Contractors Fact Sheet – ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction

This three-page fact sheet provides HVAC contractors with a brief overview of Track A – HVAC Grading by Rater for ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction and answers to frequently asked questions. “Track A - HVAC Grading by Rater” is a new option for meeting many of the program’s HVAC design and commissioning requirements, which leverages ANSI / RESNET / ACCA / ICC Standard 310 and offers many benefits.

Whole-House Ventilation Rate Responsibilities for Designers, Contractors, and Raters Technical Bulletin, March 14, 2019

Whole-house mechanical ventilation plays a critical role in the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes program. It helps ensure that efficiency is not achieved by sacrificing indoor air quality. Delivering an effective system is a three-step process that involves the HVAC designer, the HVAC contractor or electrician, and the Rater. This technical bulletin is designed to reinforce the responsibilities of each party with regards to the whole-house ventilation airflow rate.

HERS Points for HVAC Design and Installation

Watch this webinar, presented on December 5, 2018, to learn about efforts from EPA and RESNET to reward proper design and installation of HVAC systems with HERS points. This will include an overview of where EPA and RESNET are in the process of developing a new standard, tests that may be required, and potential HERS impact. Contact the ENERGY STAR team to receive a recorded copy of the webinar.

ENERGY STAR + HVAC Grading

Ever since the launch of Version 3 in 2010, the HVAC design and commissioning requirements have been the biggest hurdle between a standard HERS rating and an ENERGY STAR certified home. Taking all the lessons learned, EPA, RESNET, and ACCA are finishing work on a new HVAC grading standard that will integrate many of these requirements into the HERS rating process.

HVAC Grading + Standard 310

HVAC grading is here! Watch this webinar, presented on November 5, 2020, to learn how the new ACCA/RESNET standard for grading HVAC design and installation integrates with ENERGY STAR, offers new opportunities for ERI points, streamlines the certification process, and provides an opportunity to bring builders back to the program. Contact the ENERGY STAR team to receive a recorded copy of the webinar.

ENERGY STAR Homes Requirements and Resources for HVAC Contractors

For a home to be ENERGY STAR certified, several key commissioning tasks must be completed by a credentialed HVAC contractor. These requirements are contained in the HVAC Commissioning Checklist, and include checking the refrigerant charge, measuring the HVAC fan airflow, and a recommendation to test and balance the room-by-room airflows. Visit our HVAC Resources web page to watch short "how to" videos to help you complete these tasks.

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