Energy+Rating

Ø These would be typically taken from the ‘Objectives To Next Reporting Period’ and ‘Planned But Not Accomplished This Period’ section of the previous status report. Ø It would also include other key items that were accomplished but not planned. || = Habitat for Humanity Report  = ** Introduction: ** With today’s economy finding ways to cut down on expenses is an ongoing task. A significant expense in most households are the utilities, and the maintenance that goes with it. In most instances it would take an extreme amount of work (time, materials and inconvenience) to improve the efficiency of a house after it has been built. The less costly way to insure that efficient homes are being built is to build them and certify them according to the ENERGY STAR standard. That is why, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, it is important start to strive for this standard so that home owner’s, especially Habitat’s homeowners, are living in the most efficiently built houses, to minimize utility bills as much as possible.
 * **TASK STATUS REPORT** ||
 * **Project Description:** |||||||| Research what is needed to build a house to the ENERGY STAR standard  ||
 * **Project Sponsor:** ||||  || Habitat for Humanity ||   ||
 * **Program Manager:** ||||  || **Scott LeBlanc** ||   ||
 * Period covered by the report: |||||| 12-13-10 to 12-17-10 ||
 * **Accomplished This Period:** ||
 * Ø Identify the key deliverables and/or tasks that were completed within the reporting period.
 * **Planned But Not Accomplished This Period:** ||
 * Ø Start to look at the cost in materials to start implimenting the an ENERGY STAR build. ||
 * **Risks/Outstanding Issues/Problems:** ||
 * * Identify each Risk or Issue
 * Increasing the cost for homeowner due to trying to comply to the ENERGY STAR standard.
 * Increase the cost for Habitat in obtaining ENERGY STAR compliant appliances, fixtures or windows. ||

** Task Purpose: ** To begin, the focus needs to be on what it will take so that a home can be certified as ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR rated homes are checked and certified on six different areas of construction1, which are detailed in the following.

// I. //// Insulation efficiency // Properly installed and inspected insulation in floors, walls, and attics ensures even temperatures throughout the house, reduced energy use, and increased comfort.

// II. //// High-Performance Windows // Energy-efficient windows employ advanced technologies, such as protective coatings and improved frames, to help keep heat in during winter and out during summer. These windows also block damaging ultraviolet sunlight that can discolor carpets and furnishings

// III. //// Properly sealed duct work // Sealing holes and cracks in the home's "envelope" and in heating and cooling duct systems helps reduce drafts, moisture, dust, pollen, and noise. A tightly sealed home improves comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility and maintenance.

// IV. //// Efficient heat and cooling system // In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment won't have to work so hard to heat and cool the home.

// V. //// Efficient installed appliances and fixtures // ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines.

// VI. //// Certification // ENERGY STAR qualified homes may also be equipped with ENERGY STAR qualified products — lighting fixtures, compact fluorescent bulbs, ventilation fans, and appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines.

** Task Accomplishments: ** There are two paths2 to qualify a home to meet ENERGY STAR’s guidelines for energy efficiency. Both paths require independent verification by a qualified Home Energy Rater:

[|The National Performance Path]: A home energy rating (or HERS rating), where software is used to model the home’s energy use to verify that it meets a target score. [|The National Prescriptive Path]: A Builder Option Package (BOP), where a builder constructs the home using a prescribed set of construction specifications that meet program requirements.

Notice that both these requirements have a checklist that needs to passed to be certified. According to EPA regulations for version 3 guidelines these checklists have been expanded to include three major systems within the home to insure efficiency, these are as following:

Thermal enclosure system · Air leakage · Insulation R-Value · Insulation Installation · Air Barriers · Thermal Bridging · High-Performance Windows

HVAC Quality Installation System · Efficient Equipment · Right-Sizing · Air Distribution · Duct Installation · Pressure Balancing · Ventilation · Filtration

Water Management System · Roof Membranes · Flashing · WRB’s · Fabric Filters · Capillary Breaks · Drainage layer

The full checklist that will need to be adhered can be found at the following link:

[]

** Future Work: ** As lofty a goal as getting all houses ENERGY STAR compliant there needs to be further analysis done to insure that the homeowner will see the benefit. There needs to be further analysis on pricing on appliances and fixtures as well as the increased materials needed to pass certification. All of theses expenses have to be a benefit to the Habitat homeowner since these expenses will directly effect cost of ownership to the home. Also as of now there are general guidelines on what the HER’s rating for ENERGY STAR compliance is but for each climate zone it varies slightly. For future work there should be a system for Habitat to enter the data of the zone of where the home is being built and get the exact HER’s rating needed to achieve the ENERGY STAR rating.

** Conclusion: ** There is a huge potential for Habitat and the homeowners of the house in achieving ENERGY STAR compliance. This is due because not only can this save money for the homeowner but it seems that there can even be potential in aspects as resale value and longevity, since the house will have been made with higher standards and will be of higher quality.

[1] //Features & Benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes.// Web site: []

﻿ [2]// Technical Resources: Guidelines for ENERGY STAR Qualified New Homes .// Web site: []

Here is the final report given [|EnergyStar Rating Final Report.pdf]