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