Hvac System Quality

ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes
HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY

INSTALLATION RATER CHECKLIST
ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES
HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY INSTALLATION RATER

CHECKLIST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1
Review of HVAC System Quality Installation

Contractor Checklist
Section 2
Duct quality installation
Section 3
Duct insulation
Section 4
Duct leakage
Section 5
Whole-building delivered ventilation

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

CHECKLIST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 6
Ventilation controls
Section 7
Air inlets & ventilation source
Section 8
Local mechanical exhaust
Section 9
Ventilation & exhaust fan ratings (exemptions

for HVAC and remote-mounted fans)
Section 10
Combustion appliances

CHECKLIST
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 11
Filtration

CHECKLIST
SECTION 1. REVIEW OF HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY
INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR CHECKLIST
1.1
HVAC system quality installation contractor checklist

completed in its entirety

CHECKLIST
1.2
Review the following parameters related to system cooling

design, selection, and installation from the HVAC
Contractor checklist.

CHECKLIST
1.3
Rater-verified supply & return duct static pressure <110%

of contractor values (9.3, 9.4)

CHECKLIST
SECTION 2. DUCT QUALITY INSTALLATION
2.1
Connections and routing of ductwork

completed without kinks or sharp bends
DUCT KINKS Verify ducts are installed without kinks.
2.1

DUCT SHARP BENDS Verify ducts are installed without sharp

bends.
2.1

VENTILATION DUCTS For ease of duct installation, recommend

coordination between the framer, plumber, electrician and HVAC
contractor.
2.2
No excessive coiled or looped flexible

ductwork
EXCESSIVE COILED OR LOOPED DUCTS Verify ducts are

installed without excessive coiled or looped flexible duct work unless
needed for acoustical control.
2.2
No excessive coiled or looped flexible

ductwork
BALANCING DAMPERS Verify balancing dampers are installed to

limit flow to diffusers instead of excess duct work.
2.3
Flexible ducts in unconditioned space not be

installed in cavities smaller than outer duct
diameter in conditioned space not installed in
cavities smaller than inner duct diameter
DUCT INSTALLATION Verify ducts are installed in locations where

there is no compression of the duct or duct insulation.
2.3


2.3


2.4
Flexible ducts supported at intervals as

recommended by manufacturer but at a
distance 5 ft
DUCT SUPPORT LOCATION Verify duct supports are installed at a

minimum of every 5 ft. to prevent sagging.
CODE=4 ft.???
2.4
Flexible ducts supported at intervals as

recommended by manufacturer but at a
distance 5 ft
DUCT SUPPORT INSTALLATION Verify supports are installed

without compressing the duct insulation.
2.5
Building cavities shall not be used as

supply or return ducts unless they meet
items 3.2, 3.3, 4.1 and 4.2 of this checklist
BUILDING CAVITY DUCT INSULATION Verify insulation is

installed in all band joist cavities and without misalignments,
compressions, gaps or voids and in full contact with the exterior.
2.5
Building cavities shall not be used as supply

or return ducts unless they meet items 3.2,
3.3, 4.1 and 4.2 of this checklist
BUILDING CAVITY DUCT AIR SEALING Verify all holes, gaps and
seams of the air barrier are properly air sealed.
2.6
HVAC ducts, cavities used as ducts, and combustion inlets and outlets
may pass perpendicularly through exterior walls but shall not be run
within exterior walls unless at least R-6 continuous insulation is
provided on exterior side of the cavity, along with an interior and
exterior air barrier where required by the Thermal Enclosure Checklist
BUILDING CAVITY DUCT INSULATION Verify insulation is

installed in all band joist cavities and without misalignments,
compressions, gaps or voids and in full contact with the exterior.

CHECKLIST
2.7
Quantity and location of supply and return duct terminals

match contractor-provided balancing report
Sections 10.1 + 10.2 on the

Contractor Checklist

CHECKLIST
2.8
Bedrooms pressure-balanced by one of the following

methods:
A. Providing 1 sq. in. of free area opening per 1 CFM of
measured supply air using transfer grills and/or jump ducts
2.8a
Bedrooms pressure-balanced by providing 1 sq. in.

of free area opening per 1 CFM of measured supply
air using transfer grills and/or jump ducts
AIR FLOW AND SIZING Verify the transfer grilles and/or jumper
ducts are properly sized according to the measured bedroom air flows
in each room.
2.8a

TRANSFER GRILLES Verify transfer grilles are installed in all

bedrooms and all seams, gaps and holes are sealed with mastic, caulk
or foam.
2.8a

JUMPER DUCTS Verify jumper ducts are installed in all bedrooms

and all seams, gaps and holes of the jumper duct system are sealed
with mastic.
2.8a

DOOR UNDERCUT EPA recommends undercutting the door by 3/4

in. above the finished floor (e.g., carpet).
2.8b/c
Bedrooms pressure-balanced by
using dedicated return ducts
RETURN BOX SEALING Verify the return box is sealed to the floor,
wall or ceiling with mastic, caulk and/or foam.
3.1
All connections to trunk ducts in

unconditioned space insulated
DUCT INSULATION Verify insulation is installed without

misalignment, compression, gaps and voids around all connections
and exposed duct work.
3.1
All connections to trunk ducts in

unconditioned space insulated
DUCT INSULATION Verify all duct insulation is sealed in place,

preferably with Mastic.
3.2-3
Prescriptive Path: Supply ducts in unconditioned attic

have insulation R-8
Performance Path: Supply ducts in unconditioned attic
have insulation R-6
DUCT INSULATION Verify all supply and return ducts, boxes, boots
and connections in unconditioned spaces have at least R-6 insulation.
Code 2009 IECC is R-8 for attic

CHECKLIST
SECTION 4. DUCT LEAKAGE
4.1
Total measured duct leakage < 8 CFM 25 per 100 sq.

ft. of conditioned floor area
4.2
Measured duct leakage to outdoors < 4 cfm25 per 100 sq.

ft. of conditioned floor area
4.1-2
Total measured duct leakage 8 CFM25

per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area
DUCT CONNECTIONS Verify all seams, gaps and holes of all

ducts are sealed with mastic prior to installing duct insulation.
4.1-2
Duct boots sealed to floor, wall, or ceiling

using caulk, foam, mastic tape, or mastic
paste
DUCT BOOT SEALING Verify all seams, gaps and holes of all duct
boots are sealed to the floor, wall or ceiling, preferably with mastic.
4.1-2
Duct boots sealed to floor, wall, or ceiling

using caulk, foam, mastic tape, or mastic
paste
DUCT BOOT SEALING Verify all seams, gaps and holes of all duct
boots are sealed to the floor, wall or ceiling, preferably with mastic.

CHECKLIST
SECTION 5. WHOLE-BUILDING DELIVERED
VENTILATION
5.1
Measured ventilation rate is within 100-120% of HVAC

contractor design values
This is where ASHRAE comes in 7.5 CFM per Occupant + 1% of the

floor area.
(Section 1 Of Contractor Checklist)
6.4
Continuously-operating ventilation &

exhaust fans include override controls
PROPER CONTROL LOCATION Verify override controls for all

fans are installed in an easily accessible location. (i.e. close to the
thermostat)
6.5
Ventilation controls labeled, unless function is

obvious (e.g. bathroom exhaust fan)
MANUFACTURER LABELED CONTROLS Verify controls that are

differentiated or labeled by the manufacturer are installed.
6.5
Ventilation controls labeled, unless function is

obvious (e.g. bathroom exhaust fan)
PERMANENTLY LABELED CONTROLS If manufacturer labeled

controls do not exist, verify permanent labels are installed to indicate
the function of the control.
7.2
Air inlets 2 ft. above grade or roof deck in climate

zones 1-3 or 4 ft. above grade or roof deck in
climate zones 4-8 and not obstructed by snow,
plantings, or other material at time of inspection
AIR INLET HEIGHT Verify any ducts located in the wall cavity are
sealed and that there is sealing around any holes or gaps created in
bottom or top plates from installation.
7.3
Air inlets provided with mesh rodent /

insect screen with mesh 0.5 in.
RODENT/INSECT SCREEN Verify rodent/insect screen with mesh

is installed on all air inlets.

CHECKLIST
SECTION 7. AIR INLETS & VENTILATION SOURCE
7.4
Ventilation air comes directly from outdoors and not from

adjacent dwelling units, garages, unconditioned
crawlspaces, or attics.
7.4
Ventilation air comes directly from outdoors

and not from adjacent dwelling units, garages,
unconditioned crawl spaces, or attics
VENTILATION DUCT TERMINATION Verify all ventilation ducts

terminate at the exterior.

CHECKLIST
SECTION 8. LOCAL MECHANICAL EXHAUST
8.3
8.1
Kitchen continuous rate: > 5 ACH, based on kitchen

volume
Kitchen intermittent rate: > 100 CFM
8.2
Bathroom continuous rate: > 20 CFM

Bathroom intermittent rate: > 50 CFM
If fans share common exhaust duct, back-draft dampers
installed.

CHECKLIST
SECTION 8. LOCAL MECHANICAL EXHAUST
8.4
Common exhaust duct not shared by fans in separate

dwelling.
8.5
Clothes dryers, except electric condensing dryers equipped

with condensate drain, vented directly to outdoors.

CHECKLIST
SECTION 9. VENTILATION & EXHAUST FAN RATINGS
(EXEMPTIONS FOR HVAC AND REMOTE-MOUNTED FANS)
9.1
Intermittent supply & exhaust fans rated at < 3 sones

by manufacturer, unless rated flow > 400 CFM.
9.2
Continuous supply & exhaust fans rated at < 1 sone by

manufacturer.
9.3
Bathroom fans used as part of a whole-house

mechanical ventilation system shall be energy star
qualified; unless rated flow rate > 500 CFM.

CHECKLIST
SECTION 10. COMBUSTION APPLIANCES
10.1
Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters located within the

homes pressure boundary are mechanically drafted or
direct-vented to outdoors. As an exception,
atmospherically vented equipment is allowed in
Climate Zone 1-3. For atmospherically vented
furnaces, boilers, and water heaters, the rater has
conducted BPIs combustion safety test procedure and
determined that the CO test results are less than 25
ppm and the combustion appliance zone
depressurization limit is not exceeded.
10.1
Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters located within

the homes pressure boundary are mechanically
drafted or direct-vented to outdoors
APPROPRIATE APPLIANCES Verify mechanically drafted or directvented appliances to outdoors are installed.
10.1
Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters located within

the homes pressure boundary are mechanically
drafted or direct-vented to outdoors
APPROPRIATE APPLIANCES Verify mechanically drafted or directvented appliances to outdoors are installed.
What does this mean for oil?

Footnote: 31
Packaged Natural Draft

Oil Fired Boilers-Water
Only. 129,,000 BTU

CHECKLIST
SECTION 10. COMBUSTION APPLIANCES
10.2
If atmospherically vented fireplaces are located inside

the homes pressure boundary, total net rated exhaust
flow of the two largest exhaust fans (excluding summer
cooling fans) is 15 CFM per 100 sq. ft. of occupiable
space when at full capacity.

CHECKLIST
SECTION 10.3 COMBUSTION APPLIANCES
10.3
If Unvented Combustion Appliances other than cooking ranges are located
inside the homes Pressure Boundary, the Rater has operated the appliance for
at least 10 minutes and verified that the ambient CO level does not exceed 35
ppm.

CHECKLIST
SECTION 11. FILTRATION
11.1
MERV 6 or better filter installed in ducted

mechanical systems.
11.2
All return air and mechanically supplied outdoor air

pass through Filter.
11.3
Filter located and installed so as to facilitate

access and regular service by the owner.
11.4
Filter access panel includes gasket or comparable

sealing mechanism.
11.1-4
MERV 6 or better filter installed in

ducted mechanical systems
PROPER FILTER SPECIFICATIONS Verify all filters installed have

at least a MERV 6 rating.
11.1-4
Filter located and installed so as to facilitate

access and regular service by the owner
PROPER FILTER LOCATION If the HVAC equipment is located in

an inaccessible location, such as a crawlspace, verify filters are
installed in an accessible location, such as a return box.
11.1-4
Filter access panel includes gasket or comparable

sealing mechanism and fits snugly against the
exposed edge of filter when closed to prevent
bypass
PROPER FILTER INSTALLATION Verify all filters are properly

installed and do not allow air bypass.

CHECKLIST
Any mention of trade names, commercial products and
organizations in this document does not imply endorsement
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or the
U.S. Government. The EPA and its collaborators make no
warranties, whether expressed or implied, nor assume any
legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or usefulness of the contents of this
publication, or any portion thereof, nor represent that its
use would not infringe privately owned rights. Further, the
EPA cannot be held liable for construction defects or
deficiencies resulting from the proper or improper
application of the content of this guidebook.

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ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes

HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY

ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES

HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY INSTALLATION RATER

Review of HVAC System Quality Installation

Duct quality installation

Whole-building delivered ventilation

ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES

HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY INSTALLATION RATER

Air inlets & ventilation source

Local mechanical exhaust

Ventilation & exhaust fan ratings (exemptions

ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES

HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY INSTALLATION RATER

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES

HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY INSTALLATION RATER

HVAC system quality installation contractor checklist

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES

HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY INSTALLATION RATER

Review the following parameters related to system cooling

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES

HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY INSTALLATION RATER

Rater-verified supply & return duct static pressure <110%

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED HOMES

HVAC SYSTEM QUALITY INSTALLATION RATER

Connections and routing of ductwork

DUCT KINKS Verify ducts are installed without kinks.

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

Connections and routing of ductwork

DUCT SHARP BENDS Verify ducts are installed without sharp

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

Connections and routing of ductwork

VENTILATION DUCTS For ease of duct installation, recommend

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

No excessive coiled or looped flexible

EXCESSIVE COILED OR LOOPED DUCTS Verify ducts are

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

No excessive coiled or looped flexible

BALANCING DAMPERS Verify balancing dampers are installed to

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

Flexible ducts in unconditioned space not be

DUCT INSTALLATION Verify ducts are installed in locations where

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

Flexible ducts in unconditioned space not be

DUCT INSTALLATION Verify ducts are installed in locations where

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

Flexible ducts in unconditioned space not be

DUCT INSTALLATION Verify ducts are installed in locations where

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

Flexible ducts supported at intervals as

DUCT SUPPORT LOCATION Verify duct supports are installed at a

Flexible ducts supported at intervals as

DUCT SUPPORT INSTALLATION Verify supports are installed

HVAC System Quality Installation Rater Checklist

Building cavities shall not be used as