Energy Star

Althouse works with the builder and subcontractors to make the transition to Energy Star very easy.

The Energy Star Certification Process

These are the steps required to be certified by this program

	Submit 2 sets of Plans and HERS Rating fee
	Plan review conducted by 3rd party non-profit
	Defined standards from DOE- Building America are applied
	Modification costs and payback times are listed
	Easiest and most affordable modifications selected
	Customer signs contract with Althouse
	Construction begins
	Althouse coordinates and inspects modifications
	Althouse performs Duct Blaster Testing
	Althouse insulates with Coccoon
	Althouse performs Blower Door Testing
	Comfort and Energy Use use Guaranteed
	EPA ENERGY STAR- 5-star certification
	Energy Efficiency Mortgage- Fannie Mae
	Homeowner enjoys comfort and lower cost

Energy Star Construction Standards

In order to be awarded an Energy Star rating a home must meet the following standards:

	Energy use must be 30% less than a home built to code
	Thermal bypass in framing details are blocked
	Thermal barrier and air barriers are in continuous contact
	All insulation is installed to achieve rated R-value- Zero tolerance for voids, gaps and compression
	Continuous mechanical ventilation
	Fuel burning furnace and water heater must be sealed combustion or power-vented if inside the conditioned space
	No vent-free fireplace
	CO detector for every 1,000 sq. ft.
	House tightness test @ 50 Pascals infiltration must be less than .35cfm per sq foot of envelope area
	Duct tightness test- @ 25 Pascals duct leakage in CFM must be less than 3% of the homes heated sq footage.
	R-6 duct insulation (outside conditioned space); R-4 duct insulation (inside conditioned space)
	Heating and cooling equipment installed per manufacturers specifications
	Specific peak heating and cooling load requirements
	Airflow to each room must be +/- 10% of design
	Pressure balance test between zones
	Kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are required
	Center of all rooms within + or - 3 degrees from thermostat