Energy Star Program Builder Information

1. Preliminary information we need:
   • Builder Questions RESNET Home Energy Rating Form
   • Construction Plans (Engineering not required)
   • Manual J Calculations on HVAC
   • Plot Plan
   • We will provide you with a projected rating and recommendations prior to starting the project
   • Register as a Energy Star partner at www.energystar.gov 
2. Framing information (Some information is recommended)
   • Apply Thermo ply or air barrier backing on all knee walls or walls adjoining unfinished spaces
   • Install blocking at knee walls to prevent air flow above garages and attics
   • Install blocking at top of knee walls and at ceiling line to prevent air flow (allow enough space for insulation baffle for proper air flow)
   • Cap all chases (required)
   • Install blocking in between joists at all cantilevers
   • Do exterior Ts and corners in a way they can be insulated (Highly recommended not required) See attached drawing
   • Install a band for rafters to set on to allow for full depth insulation (Recommended)
   • On any wall with a shed roof tying do not have a break in the plywood to prevent air flow under plates and through insulation
3. Windows & Doors
   • Must be at least .40 U factor & .40 SHGC
4. Trade Information
   • Block and caulk around and under tub drains
   • Seal all penetrations on exterior walls with caulk or foam as well as between floors, attics/crawlspaces
   • Caulk or foam around all windows and doors
   • Caulk all exterior bottom plates, corners, Tees
   • Install Thermo-ply or Air Barrier behind any tub/shower on an exterior wall to prevent air flow
   • Spray foam behind all electrical outlets on exterior walls
   • Seal Duct work with mastic tape and mastic (UL 181 tape can be used instead of mastic tape but I have found it to dry and fail)
   • HVAC system cabinets need to be sealed as well
   • Must have a programmable thermostat
   •  All insulation must be installed to prevent thermal bypass
   • All duct work in the attic must be R-8
   • Leave all paper work on equipment so I can retrieve information off of the equipment
   • All rim boards need to be insulated
5. Lighting and appliances (leave all labels on equipment for final rating inspection)
   • All ceiling fans must be Energy Star rated
   • Refrigerators shall us 775 KWh/year or less and Energy Star rated
   • Dishwasher must be Energy Star rated with a .46 or higher efficiency rating
   • Must have more that 10% pin type compact fluorescent lights in the home
   • Can lights are hard to seal so keep them to a minimum on the second floor or Smith insulation has a sealing technique if needed.
   • Caulk can lights to the sheetrock if used
6. Inspections
   • Prior to insulation 
   • After insulation prior to drywall (If not done prior to drywall I cannot give the highest grade on the insulation installation
   • Final inspection with blower door, duct blaster, and thermal imaging
   • If home does not pass re-inspection fees may apply
7. Other information
   • Conditioned crawl space required for tax credits
   • 50% or better than code required for the $2000 per home tax credit
   • 60% or more pin connector lights required for tax credit
   • Tankless hotwater heater (recommended) you will get a higher HERS score with a tankless water heater
   • R-38 ceiling insulation required after July 1, 2009
   • www.natresnet.org rating information
   • Progress Energy offers 5% reduction in payment for a Energy Star home
   • Progress Energy offers rebates for Energy Star homes with 14 Seer HVAC or greater systems
   • PSNC (Gas Company) is also offering a 5% rate reduction for any Energy Star certified home
   • Several Energy Efficiency Mortgages available which increase the customers borrowing power by using the monthly savings
   • We will be happy to meet with any sub contractor to provide training on the Energy Star program