Technical Guidance
Explore the technical details of building ENERGY STAR homes and apartments. Fact sheets provide at-a-glance orientation. Supplemental guidance dives deep into strategies, alternatives, and exemptions referenced in the Program Requirements. And technical bulletins offer actionable tips on topical matters.
Fact Sheets
- Introduction to the ENERGY STAR New Construction Programs
- HVAC Grading Fact Sheets
- SFNH HVAC Grading for Builders (PDF, 273 KB)
- SFNH HVAC Grading for Raters (PDF, 260 KB)
- SFNH HVAC Grading for HVAC Contractors (PDF, 296 KB)
- SFNH HVAC Grading for HVAC Designers (PDF, 282 KB)
- MFNC HVAC Grading for Builders and Developers (PDF, 327 KB)
- MFNC HVAC Grading for Raters (PDF, 301 KB)
- MFNC HVAC Grading for HVAC Contractors (PDF, 302 KB)
- MFNC HVAC Grading for HVAC Designers (PDF, 289 KB)
- How ENERGY STAR Certification Can Help Demonstrate Code Compliance
- How Version 3 Certified Homes Help Meet the 2009 IECC (PDF, 421 KB)
- How Version 3.1 Certified Homes Help Meet the 2012 IECC (PDF, 430 KB)
- How Version 3.1 Certified Homes Help Meet the 2015 IECC (PDF, 456 KB)
Rater Training Videos
- Completing Section 5 of the ENERGY STR MFNC HVAC Functional Testing Checklist - This video provides a review of Section 5 of the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction HVAC Functional Testing Checklist (Rev. 04), which covers the installation and functional testing of indoor or terminal units for heating and cooling equipment.
Supplemental Guidance
- The Heat Pump Water Header (HPWH) Guide covers the basics of integrated HPWH design, installation, and maintenance.
- Guidance for Homes and Buildings Undergoing Gut Rehabilitation (PDF, 284 KB)
- MFNC HVAC Functional Testing Checklist Sampling Protocols (PDF, 166 KB) — This document describes the protocols that must be followed when sampling is used to verify items contained within the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction HVAC Functional Testing Checklist.
- Slab Edge Insulation Exemptions and Alternatives (PDF, 1.81 MB)
- Slab Edge Insulation F-Factor Guidance Document (PDF, 222 KB)
- Kitchen Exhaust Guidance (PDF, 207 KB)
- Attic Hatch Details (PDF, 80KB)
- Duct Leakage Exemptions Guide (PDF, 176 KB)
- Central Exhaust System Duct Leakage Testing Protocols (PDF, 1024)
- ERI Exceptions Guide (PDF, 120 KB) – EPA-Approved Exceptions to ANSI / RESNET / ICC Standard 301.
- Caribbean Aperture Guide (PDF, 378 KB) – This document provides guidance on operable aperture locations for the Caribbean Program Requirements.
- Design Temperature Limits for ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction
- Conditional Certification Letters – These letters must be used if ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction units are conditionally certified prior to the building’s completion, per the ENERGY STAR Certification Process.
- Conditional ENERGY STAR Certification Disclosure Letter (PDF, 115 KB)
- ENERGY STAR Certification Confirmation Letter (PDF, 111 KB)
- ENERGY STAR Checklist Technical Guides from the U.S. Department of ENERGY Building America Solutions Center. The guides are a supplemental resource to the program requirements and do not represent official ENERGY STAR policy.
Technical Bulletins
- How to Use Microwaves to Meet Kitchen Exhaust Requirements, August 20, 2024 (PDF, 507 KB)
- Pre-Drywall Inspection Always Required Technical Bulletin, May 1, 2023 (PDF, 636 KB)
- Track A - HVAC Grading by Rater Now Available for Use with ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program! Technical Bulletin, October 5, 2021 (PDF, 1.2 MB)
- Track A - HVAC Grading Now Available for Use! Technical Bulletin, October 5, 2021 (PDF, 887 KB)
- Achieving Grade-I Insulation in Fire-Rated Roofs Technical Bulletin, September 9, 2021 (PDF, 820 KB)
- A Rater's Guide to the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Program Paths Technical Bulletin, December 16, 2020 (PDF, 360 KB)
- How to Get Your ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction Project Team Ready Technical Bulletin, August 12, 2020 (PDF, 360 KB)
Questions
Please contact us with any further technical questions.