Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/114348
Contents About the Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications.................................................................................................................. i What's New in Version 1 (Rev. 01)?............................................................................................................................................ i Eligibility and Verification Requirements .................................................................................................................................... i Terms Used in This Document................................................................................................................................................... i Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist......................................................................................................................................... ii Guidance for Completing the Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist............................................................................................. iii Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications...............................................................................................................................1 1. Moisture Control...............................................................................................................................................................1 2. Radon Control..................................................................................................................................................................3 3. Pest Barriers....................................................................................................................................................................4 4. HVAC Systems .................................................................................................................................................................5 5. Combustion Pollutant Control.............................................................................................................................................6 6. Low Emission Materials.....................................................................................................................................................7 7. Home Commissioning........................................................................................................................................................8 Abbreviations..........................................................................................................................................................................9 References..............................................................................................................................................................................9 Climate Zones Map................................................................................................................................................................11 About the Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications These specifications were developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recognize new homes equipped with a comprehensive set of indoor air quality (IAQ) features. They were developed with significant input from stakeholders, based on best available science and information about risks associated with IAQ problems, and balanced with practical issues of cost, builder production process compatibility, and verifiability. NOTE: Although these measures are designed to help improve IAQ in new homes compared with homes built to minimum code, they alone cannot prevent all IAQ problems. For example, occupant behavior, such as smoking indoors, and system maintenance are also important. What's New in Version 1 (Rev. 01)? Indoor airPLUS V1 (Rev. 01) contains the first revisions to the original Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications issued in 2009. This revision is designed to: • Improve the alignment of the Indoor airPLUS and ENERGY STAR for Homes requirements and provide a revised layout that clearly outlines the Indoor airPLUS requirements that are now satisfied by completion of the ENERGY STAR checklists and the additional Indoor airPLUS (Rev. 01) requirements that must be met to achieve Indoor airPLUS certification. • Provide a clearer, simpler version of the Verification Checklist. • Provide alternate pathways to meet program requirements that address the wide variety of construction materials and techniques currently available. Eligibility and Verification Requirements For a home to earn the Indoor airPLUS label, it must also earn the ENERGY STAR Version 3 label for Certified Homes. Requirements for both programs can be verified and homes can be reported simultaneously. Verification can be completed during the ENERGY STAR inspection process and must be conducted by a Provider accredited by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in accordance with RESNET standards and all applicable codes. Instructions for Indoor airPLUS verification are listed below in the Verification Checklist. Terms Used in This Document • EXCEPTIONS to the requirements described in these construction specifications are noted as appropriate. For climate exceptions, refer to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Climate Zone map (Figure 301.1). Climate Zone names may include a number for the temperature zone and a letter for the moisture zone (e.g., Zone 3C refers to coastal California only). • NOTES provide additional information to clarify specification requirements. • ADVISORIES provide additional guidance to be considered, but are not specification requirements. i • PERFORMANCE TEST ALTERNATIVES describe alternate compliance approaches where performance testing is practical and results are comparable to those of the prescriptive best practices required in the specification. Qualified homes earn the Indoor airPLUS label. Place it next to the ENERGY STAR label.