High Performance Home Program Requirements
1. HERS Index rating of 70 or Lower
Through energy modeling, a structure that earns the High Performance Home designation must be at least 15% more efficient than a home built to the minimum state energy code requirements, thus earning a 70 HERS Index Rating or lower. This criterion offers builders the flexibility to deliver greater energy efficiency at a lower cost.
Upgrades that will help improve a home’s HERS Index:
- Radiant Barrier Roof Sheathing
- 100% High Efficacy Lighting
- ENERGY STAR Appliances – refrigerator and dishwasher
- Slab Edge Insulation
- 14 SEER (or Higher) HVAC
- RESNET Grade I insulation or better
- Hybrid Water Heaters
- Windows with 32 U-Factor and 25 SHGC
- HVAC and equipment located in conditioned space.
2. High Performance Home Framing & Insulation Inspection Checklist
Our three-phase, 41-point checklist ensures alignment of the home’s air and thermal boundaries, which will ensure comfort, durability, energy efficiency and air quality. Our certified HERS Raters or BPI Building Analyst professionals will verify compliance with the High Performance Home Framing & Inspection Checklist, as well as the state energy code.
3. Insulation Installed Properly (RESNET Grade II or Better)
Insulation must be properly installed, free of gaps, voids, compression, misalignment and wind intrusion. Grade II or better insulation is required and the insulator will need to install all insulation per manufacturer’s guidelines. Batts Fiberglass Bathing must be split around wires, plumbing and other anomalies in the building cavity.
4. Advanced Framing
Advanced framing details shall be incorporated at corners, T’s and headers to allow for insulation. We also encourage builders to also use greater spacing for walls, floors and roofing systems where possible. An architect, engineer or code official may over-ride this requirement on an as-needed basis.
5. Envelope Leakage Test Confirmed at 5 ACH or Less
A HERS Rater must confirm through a blower door test that the envelope of the home meets a 5 ACH 50 or .30 cfm per square feet of envelope. No visual inspection path option is permitted.
6. HVAC Duct Leakage Test confirmed at 6% or Less
A HERS Rater must confirm that the HVAC system and ductwork do not exceed 6% duct leakage to the outside. 7. HVAC Manual J Review A copy of the Manual J 8th Edition must be submitted to Above and Beyond Energy for review during the preliminary stage to ensure that the HVAC equipment is sized appropriately. With a High Performance Home, it is critical that the system is designed to run long enough to dehumidify the air in the home.
8. Mechanical Fresh Air
Fresh air must be introduced to the home utilizing a regionally appropriate strategy. When building a tight home, it is important to provide clean, dehumidified, filtered fresh air for the occupants.
9. Home Energy Monitoring System
Every High Performance Home must incorporate a home energy monitoring system that will allow the homeowner to view, in real-time, the energy usage of individual appliances. Smart phone apps are available with these systems.