EA New Homes Measures Guide - Earth Advantage

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2012 Earth Advantage Residential Measures Resource Guide 4.2.4 Heat Pump: Ground Source or Water Source, Minimum 3.0 COP Energy Health Materials Water 0 0 0 0 0 Description: High efficient heat pumps use the stable temperature of the earth (below frost line) or water in the earth as a heating or cooling resource. The heat pump needs to be Energy Star labeled and/or operate at 3.0 COP or greater. Land Benefit: Energy savings are from high efficiency equipment and a steady heating/cooling source. While the system is more expensive than other heating and cooling means, it can greatly reduce heating and cooling costs over the lifetime of the house. Verification: EA Rater will record the model number and serial number of the outdoor unit. HVAC contractor will supply documentation that the refrigerant charge meets manufacturer's specifications. 4.2.5 Heat Pump Commissioning: Documentation Required Energy Health Land Materials Prerequisite Description: Heat pump commissioning is a series of air and refrigerant tests completed on a newly installed heat pump to ensure proper installation. Heat pump commissioning is required for homes with ducted heat pumps. This includes hybrid systems that utilize heat pumps and gas furnaces for space heating. Ductless mini-split heat pumps are typically exempt from this requirement unless the line set exceeds the manufacturer's line set length limitation. Water Benefit: To achieve rated operating efficiency, central air-source heat pumps must have the proper refrigerant charge and air flow across the indoor coil. Since these elements can be affected by installation, they must be checked for each job. Only by ensuring proper installation can air-source heat pumps be reliable energy savers. Verification: HVAC contractor will supply the heat pump commissioning report from either CheckMe! or PTCS. HVAC contractors must be trained and certified to conduct the commissioning procedure. EA Rater will include the commissioning report with building's verification records. 4.2.6 Integrated Space / Water Heating System: Turbonic/Hydronic equipment Energy Materials Water 0 0 0 1 0 Description: A home uses the same heating equipment to serve space heating and domestic water heating needs. Integrated systems may be boilers, high performance water heaters, solar-assisted water heaters or variable-speed, air-source heat pumps. Boiler systems may require maintenance by specialty certified technicians. Contractors may be unfamiliar with this type of system, and installation costs may be higher than a more conventional system. These points are for the space-heating portion of the system, additional points for water heating are applied in section 6.3. Equipment efficiency must meet the same level as required in other sections for boilers, water heaters, etc. Distribution pipes for hydronic systems must be insulated when they pass through unconditioned areas. Health Land Benefit: High efficiency homes can often use a single smaller heating plant for both space and water heating. This reduces the amount of equipment needed and the floor space dedicated to mechanical systems. In many cases, combustion equipment intended for this use are highly efficient. Verification: EA Rater will record the brand and model number of the heating equipment. Page 32 of 70
2012 Earth Advantage Residential Measures Resource Guide 4.2.7 Alternate Cooling System: No capacity to use refrigerants Energy Health Materials Water 0 0 0 1 0 Description: Employ cooling methods that do not use refrigerants. This may be a ceiling fan, evaporative cooler, whole house fan, night ventilation system, or building design elements (such as shades or trellises). If a forced-air heating system is installed, it must have no accommodation for future addition of air conditioning equipment, including the installation of refrigerant lines. In other words, the HVAC system cannot be "AC ready". Land Benefit: Residential cooling is becoming common in new home construction, even though mechanical cooling may not be needed to maintain comfort. Many strategies exist to cool homes without the high energy consumption of typical refrigeration based cooling. By using a non-refrigerant system there are no ozone-depleting, greenhouse gasses (HCFCs) released into the atmosphere. Verification: EA Rater will identify the alternative cooling method and record a short description in the verification records. It may be necessary to contact the builder for details. 4.2.8 Gas Furnace and A/C Commissioning Energy Materials Water 1 1 0 0 0 Description: Follow the HVAC equipment manufacturer's installation and start up procedure. Meet manufacturer's specifications for these items: Measure static pressure of the supply and return ducting. Then calculate overall static pressure on HVAC system. Measure air temperature in both supply and return ducting. Then calculate air flow using the temperature delta or a Trueflow plate. For gas furnaces, measure gas pressure at the manifold; adjust for local gas pressure and elevation. Check combustion efficiency using a flue gas analyzer. For air conditioners, check refrigerant charge. Clean interior of furnace/air-handler to remove construction dust and debris. Health Land Benefit: HVAC systems work most efficiently when installed to manufacturer's specifications. This requires following written installation procedures and testing. Verification: HVAC professional shall provide commissioning documentation that the HVAC system meets the manufacturer's specifications. 4.3 Ductwork Page 33 of 70
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EA New Homes Measures Guide - Earth Advantage

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