ENERGY STAR Home Certification FAQ
What is an ENERGY STAR certified new home?
ENERGY STAR certified homes are independently verified, by an accredited RESNET HERS Provider, to be at least 15%-35% more energy efficient than a standard home.
How do I start the process?
The ENERGY STAR certification is earned only after the home’s energy efficiency is verified by an independent third-party such as EAM. To kick off the process – we need a full set of the home’s construction drawings and specifications including windows, doors, insulation values and mechanical equipment. We will then complete an analysis to determine what upgrades are needed to meet the Program requirements.
Once you agree to construct the home to the Program standards and requirements, we then perform a prescribed set of field inspections including diagnostic testing to ensure that the home is not only designed to ENERGY STAR standards, but also performs as such.
What type of home can be certified as meeting the ENERGY STAR program?
Any single-family or multi-family residential home that is three stories or less in height can qualify to receive the ENERGY STAR certification. Over three stories would qualify for the Energy Star Homes Multi-Family High Rise Program. This includes traditional site-constructed homes as well as modular, systems-built (e.g., insulated concrete forms, structurally insulated panels), and HUD-code manufactured homes.
Energy Code Compliance Services FAQ
What is a REScheck Report and how does one benefit me?
An EAM generated REScheck Report supports a new residential dwelling unit’s compliance with the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) or appropriate regional code. State, county, city and municipal code officials find that EAM generated reports simplify their compliance process, and allow them to quickly determine if a particular residence meets the energy code.
How do I know if I can use an EAM REScheck Report where I build?
Contact EAM directly, and we can make a quick determination if your governing municipality accepts REScheck Reports as a means to determine energy code compliance in their respective jurisdiction.
What is a COMcheck Report and how does one benefit me?
An EAM generated COMcheck Report supports the new commercial building energy codes. As with our REScheck Reports, our clients have found that state, county, city and municipal code officials find that EAM generated reports simplify their compliance determinations, to quickly demonstrate if a covered commercial building meets the energy code. Officials receiving our reports can confidently view these submissions as complying with the applicable energy code. Save time and effort by contracting EAM to document your commercial building’s energy code compliance.
What commercial energy codes does an EAM COMcheck Report cover?
EAM generated COMcheck Reports can be used with most commercial energy codes based on ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1, or the IECC.
How do I know if I can use an EAM COMcheck Report where I build?
Since the code adopting jurisdiction has the final authority on documenting energy code compliance, contact EAM directly, and we can make a quick determination if your governing municipality accepts COMcheckReports as a means to determine energy code compliance in their respective jurisdiction.
HVAC Load Calculation Reports FAQ
Why do I need an HVAC Load Calculation Report?
Submission of an HVAC Load Calculation is a code requirement in many states, , and for many state and utility HVAC rebate programs, it is an application requirement. It is also used to solicit consistent bids from subcontractors. A professionally prepared HVAC Load Calculation Report provides you with the design basics to help select a properly sized heating and cooling system. A proper sized system maximizes comfort and reduces both installation and operating costs, resulting in more satisfied customers.
How does Manual J factor into this service?
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J Residential Load Calculation Procedure is the accepted industry standard for the proper sizing and selection of HVAC equipment in residential applications. Manual J outlines the accurate procedure which can be used to estimate the heat loss and heat gain for conventional residential structures. EAM’s Load Calculation Reports are based on ACCA’s Manual J 8thEdition, inclusive of all four addenda to the 8th edition.
Where does it all begin?
A quality installation begins with a professional design. A professional design begins with a quality load calculation. EAM will provide a report based on computerized analysis which indicates the heating and cooling capacities an installed system will need. This analysis is based on the specific thermal characteristics of your home with internal loads and appliances taken into consideration.
What else do I get from the Load Calculations?
Heating and cooling equipment comes in many different matched capacities, configurations, and efficiencies. It is important that you select the right equipment that is compatible with the home’s heating and cooling needs. An EAM professional and accurate load calculations provide positive inputs to selecting and installing properly sized heating and cooling systems.
HVAC Designs FAQ
Why do I need an HVAC Design Calculation Report?
Getting the proper amount of airflow to and from each room in the home is as important to the homeowners comfort, efficiency, and utility operating cost, as the equipment itself. EAM uses recognized industry standards in system sizing and duct layout, providing adequate conditioned air delivery and comfort, therefore customer satisfaction.
How does ACCA Manual D factor in?
The principals and software EAM uses to calculate and layout a forced hot air distribution system is grounded in the procedures developed by ACCA in their revised edition of Manual D over the full range of available duct construction materials.
EAM’s Technical Services Team uses the sound procedures from ACCA Manual D to size and layout the supply and return ductwork to each area of the conditioned space of the home. They take into account the length of each duct run, and balance that with the type of duct being used.