According to the EPA’s latest numbers, about 37% of all Texas homes are ENERGY STAR certified, leading the next six states combined. However, once the program’s new requirements become effective in 2011, those numbers could drop significantly along with participation in the associated rebate programs. In the links below, you will find a presentation outlining the new requirements, which include:
Adjusted HERS Index scores depending on home size (larger homes will be penalized significantly)
· Required room to room pressure balancing tests (may require additional returns and may increase inspection fees)
· Hot water distribution: requiring manifold (PEX Home-Run) or demand system
· Showerheads rated less than 2.0 g.p.m : outside of camping trailers or RVs there are not many products on the market that meet this requirement. Note also that the EPA’s WaterSense program has yet to issue a specification for showerheads.
· More strict Thermal Bypass requirements (zero tolerance for gaps, voids and compression in insulation). The requirement of a Grade 1 insulation installation will preclude builders from using traditional batt insulation.
· Also additional advanced framing requirements and/or other methods to reduce thermal bridging will be required.
In addition to this, the REM/rate software that determines your HERS Index is currently under development, but is likely to be based on the new 2009 IECC, which, in and of itself, is about 12-15% more stringent than the current energy codes. In other words, an E-Star home in 2011 could be roughly 30% above today’s existing codes (today’s HERS 70), plus the considerations noted above and in the presentation linked below.
None of these provisions are set in stone yet, the HBA and NAHB will be submitting comments on the program prior to the July 10, 2009 public comments deadline. HBA members are encouraged to review the proposed requirements and quality control checklists linked below and submit their comments to the HBA for inclusion in their comments and directly to the EPA.
Energy Star Public Comments Page
Energy Star: The Road Ahead Presentation
