HVAC Designers and Contractors
HVAC Design and Commissioning for ENERGY STAR Certified Homes and Apartments
HVAC performance is critical to delivering efficiency, comfort, and durability. That's why HVAC systems in homes and apartments certified through the ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes and ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction programs are designed and installed according to industry standard best practices.
ENERGY STAR Single-Family New Homes
For homes certified through the Single-Family New Homes program, the design and installation requirements are defined in two tracks:
- Track A - HVAC Grading
- Track B - HVAC Credential
A home may be certified under either track. Under both options, a third-party verifier called a Rater collects standardized design documentation from the HVAC designer prior to construction. They then review the design to ensure that it is representative of the actual home being certified.
After installation of the HVAC system, the installed performance is assessed relative to the design. Under Track A, the Rater completes this assessment; and under Track B, the contractor completes this assessment and must hold an EPA-recognized credential for HVAC contractors prior to completing this task.
ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction
For multifamily buildings certified through the Multifamily New Construction program, the design and installation requirements are defined in two tracks:
- Track A – HVAC Grading by Rater
- Track B – HVAC Testing by Functional Testing (FT) Agent
A multifamily building may be certified under either track. Under both options, a third-party verifier called a Rater collects standardized design documentation from the HVAC designer prior to construction. They then review the design to ensure that it is representative of the actual building being certified.
After installation of the HVAC systems, the installed performance is assessed relative to the design. Under Track A, the Rater completes this assessment for unitary HVAC systems, including air conditioners or heat pumps up to 65 kBtuh, or furnaces up to 125 kBtuh, that are located in the dwelling units. Where these systems are serving common spaces, they can be assessed by the Rater or by the HVAC professional. Under Track B, the HVAC professional completes this assessment.
In addition, for both tracks, the HVAC professional completes the assessment for other equipment types, if present (e.g., boilers, chillers).
To complete these assessments, the HVAC professional must hold an EPA-recognized credential for Functional Testing Agents prior to completing this task.
Looking for HVAC Resources to Get Started with ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Programs?
Visit one of the links below for more information about the EPA-recognized credentials for HVAC contractors and Functional Testing Agents, as well as resources for HVAC designers and HVAC contractors working on ENERGY STAR certified homes and apartments.
