CONTRACTOR PARTICIPANT GUIDE
Platte River Power Authority
Fort Collins Utilities
Loveland Water and Power
Longmont Power and Communications
Estes Park Light and Power
Revised 7/1/2015
PROVIDER
PARTICIPATION GUIDE
This Provider Participation Guide outlines the standards and expectations for providers that wish to
participate in Platte River Power Authority’s Efficiency Works provider pool.
The intention of the provider pool is to gather the providers who are interested in continuing to grow the
residential energy efficiency market in northern Colorado, and have a demonstrated record of commitment to
that endeavor.
A high level of cooperation and communication is expected of participating provider. Benefits of participation
may include workforce development opportunities, trainings, and leads generated through the programs.
Please note: Efficiency Works also provides services for local businesses. Business efficiency services are
not managed by CLEAResult and have different policies regarding provider involvement and eligibility.
Please consult the program websites for more information.
Last Revision:7/1/15
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Contact Information:
Program Administrator
CLEAResult
Address: 1722 14th St. Suite 210 Boulder, CO 80302
Phone: 303-325-7650 / Fax: 303-747-5806
Website: http://www.clearesult.com/contact-us/boulder
Scott Suddreth, Provider Services
Direct: 970-691-9673
Scott.suddreth@clearesult.com
Program Sponsor
Platte River Power Authority
Adam Perry, CEEPM, LEED® AP, Senior Energy Services Specialist
DSM Program Manager
Platte River Power Authority
2000 East Horsetooth Road
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525-5721
(970) 226-4000 Main
(970) 229-5356 Direct
(970) 229-5244 FAX
Program Contact Information
Efficiency Works
1-877-981-1888
http://efficiencyworks.prpa.org/
Table of contents
About Efficiency Works Residential Services ....................................................................................................... 5 Provider Application and Agreement .................................................................................................................. 5 Program Installation Standards ........................................................................................................................... 6 Rebate Application and Program Documentation Requirements ......................................................................... 6 File Naming Convention ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Provider Certification & Quality Control Process ................................................................................................. 7 Suspension From the Program…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………7 Provider Referral Process & Response Time Requirements .................................................................................. 8 Professionalism Guidelines & Contact with Customers ........................................................................................ 9 Minimum Work Requirement ............................................................................................................................ 9 Provider Bidding ............................................................................................................................................... 10 Simultaneous Bidding ........................................................................................................................................ 10 2015 Efficiency Works Contractor Update July, 2015 Appendix A -­‐ Efficiency Works for Homes Program Installation Standards Appendix B -­‐ Combustion Safety Testing Process Appendix C -­‐ Documentation Requirements for Rebates Appendix D -­‐ Combustion Furnace Commissioning Form Appendix E -­‐ Commissioning form – Residential Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps Appendix F -­‐ Post-­‐Improvement Carbon Monoxide and Ventilation Disclosure Appendix G -­‐ Mentoring Requirements Appendix H -­‐ Rebates for Improvements Appendix I -­‐ Fort Collins Code Requirements Appendix K -­‐ Rebate Apploication Procedure 4
About Efficiency Works Residential Services
Efficiency Works (or the “Program”) is a new approach to support efficiency in Northern Colorado. Developed as
a partnership between Platte River Power Authority and the utilities of its owner municipalities—Estes Park, Fort
Collins, Longmont and Loveland—Efficiency Works unites all of the five utilities’ efficiency offerings under one
program.
The Efficiency Works program is intended to achieve the following goals:
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Provide utility customers with a simple, timely and effective process for making home improvements
that save energy and water, improve comfort, health and safety.
Maintain a high commitment to installation standards based on quality, best practices and building
science.
Provide the customer with accurate, unbiased information to help them select energy and water
improvement measures and assist the customer in choosing providers that will best meet their needs
and Efficiency Works program standards, and achieves a high rate of project implementation.
Provide utilities with cost effective electricity savings.
Ensure that utility rebate funding is effectively utilized by confirming that provider work meets
Program standards.
Offer or inform the customer of financing options available from the utility or local financial institutions,
in addition to rebates.
Residential Efficiency Works participants receive a home efficiency assessment from a residential energy
auditor and are eligible to receive no-cost assistance from an efficiency advisor. While the energy auditor
provides the homeowner with a home efficiency assessment and report, the role of the efficiency advisor is to
assist participants with:
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Understanding and prioritizing energy efficiency upgrades;
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Facilitating provider bidding and providing assistance with scheduling providers to complete energy
upgrades;
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Partnering with providers to drive conversions to upgrades; and
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Promoting and applying for available rebates, financing and other incentives.
Provider Application and Agreement
The first step in the process is to fill out the application and receive approval to participate in the program.
Once approved, the provider will receive an agreement to sign, which includes the requirement for insurance
certificate. Platte River Power Authority and CLEAResult are to be included as an Additional Insured
Organization on the provider insurance policy. Instructions with exact name and address to be listed will be
sent with the agreement.
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Program Installation Standards
Providers who wish to participate in Efficiency Works are expected to complete all upgrades using Program
Standards outlined in this guide. Efficiency Works has adopted the Fort Collins Utilities and Loveland Water
& Power’s joint Home Efficiency Program Installation standards (the “Program Standards”). The Program
Standards are attached as Appendix A, Efficiency Works for Homes Program Installation Standards.
In addition, all work must be done to meet all applicable Building Codes. It is the provider’s responsibility to
know which Version of the IECC applies to the home they are working on. All required permits for work done in
the program must be pulled prior to the work being done.
Where Program Standards require combustion safety testing, such tests should be performed in compliance
with the process outlined in Appendix B, Combustion Safety Testing Process.
Rebate Application and Program Documentation Requirements
The Program uses an online rebate application process that leverages Docusign as a tool for
obtaining signatures, submitting required documentation and confirming installation details. When
applying for a rebate, the tool specifies the documentation that needs to be submitted based on the
rebates for which you are applying, and you cannot complete the process without submitting all of the
required information. A detailed procedure for using this tool to apply for rebates can be found in
Appendix K: E Works Rebate Application Procedure, which includes screen shots of the online process. We
also have videos that walk through the steps of the rebate application procedure. Follow these links to those
videos:
• Excel Rebate Calculator Tutorial Video:
o https://vimeo.com/127505351
(Password is: ewrebates)
• Rebate Application Submission tutorial video:
o https://vimeo.com/127516985
(Password is: ewpowerform)
It is the provider’s responsibility to complete the rebate application process within 2 weeks of the completion of
the job.
Program Standards require the commissioning of all combustion furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps.
Commissioning forms must accompany all rebate applications.
Appendix D, Furnace Commissioning Form
Appendix E, Residential Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps Commissioning Form
The Post-Improvement Carbon Monoxide and Ventilation Disclosure can be found attached as Appendix
F. This disclosure is required for every job in the program regardless of whether or not a CAZ test was required.
The paper document is provided for your use with collecting data in the field. Appendix F has been integrated
into the electronic Docusign process, so there’s no need to scan the field sheet unless the actual technician will
not be participating with Docusign.
Ex: If an office manager is applying for the rebate and the testing technician cannot participate in the Docusign
process due to a heavy schedule – The office manager may sign the testing technician’s name for them on
Appendix F as long as the original sheet is scanned and sent in for record keeping
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File Naming Convention
When sending in rebate applications and related forms via Docusign, please make sure to include the address
in the file name. In addition, please include the type of document that you are attaching. For example, if the
document is a Furnace Commissioning form, and the customer is at 123 First Street, City then please use:
• 123 First Street City – Furnace Commissioning.PDF
Send all files to:
• The Docusign process outlined above is where you will be submitting most of the files that you need to
send to the program, however if you find you need to submit documentation to the program outside of
that normal Docusign process, please send all files to: efficiencyworks@clearesult.com or to Nick Karas
to nick.karas@clearesult.com
Provider Certification & Quality Control Process
Efficiency Works requires that all providers complete required Program trainings and provider mentoring
sessions. An overview of Program mentoring requirements is attached as Appendix G.
Efficiency Works performs M e n t o r i n g I m p r o v e m e n t V e r i f i c a t i o n s ( M I V s ) a n d Post
Improvement Verification (PIVs) inspections on a sampling of all work performed where a rebate
application has been submitted. Providers are expected to perform work compliant with municipal building
code and the Efficiency Works standards. Each Provider will have a minimum of one MIV session to assess the
Providers command of the Program’s Installation Standards. The program will offer multiple MIVs where
contractors need additional direction and assistance. For PIVs, the Provider will be invited to the inspection.
The contractor is not required to attend that inspection, but we feel like it is the best approach and gives the
contractor the opportunity to give context to any issues that might arise. This also facilitates connecting the
contractor to the homeowner to schedule any corrections that are needed. When corrections are identified, a
Corrections Notice will be sent to the contractor. Contractor has 5 business days (or at the Homeowner’s
convenience) to remedy any issues that were identified.
Inspection checklists are also provided in Appendix C so that you have a list of the things the Program looking
for when we do MIVs and PIVs, as well as Rebate Authorization.
Suspension from the Program
The Efficiency Works Program mentors and trains providers to promote high quality work and an excellent
customer experience. To protect the reputation of the Program, suspension from the participating provider
list can result from 2 strikes resulting from any of the following:
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Repeated failure to meet Program Standards.
One or more field inspection failures in especially egregious circumstances or if a serious health/safety
issue is created.
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Repeated customer complaints related to customer service and professionalism.
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Failure to Address Homeowner Complaints.
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Failure to respond in a timely manner to requests for information from Homeowners (3 business
days) and Efficiency Works program personnel ( 2 b u s i n e s s d a y s ) .
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Each Provider should designate a primary contact for CLEAResult to reach regarding homeowner
complaints, QC results, and time-sensitive program information. Someone must be reachable every
day at your company.
o Must have a secondary emergency contact in the event that the primary contact is unreachable
o In the event of a health/safety issue, providers MUST be reachable.
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Repeated failure to submit paperwork within the timeframes outlined in this guide.
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Repeated failure to meet the bid request response times outlined in this guide.
Provider Referral Process & Response Time Requirements
The most common method that efficiency advisors use to communicate a request for provider bidding will be
email referrals containing the customer’s contact information and information about the home.
When an advisor provides an email customer referral to a provider, the following timeline will be strictly
enforced:
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Provider must contact the customer to schedule an estimate meeting within two business days (48
hours) of receiving the customer referral email
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Decision not to bid: If a provider receives a customer referral email and the provider does not
wish to bid the project, the provider must notify the advisor within one business day (24
hours) of receiving the customer referral email o
Following an on-site estimate meeting, providers must provide a written estimate to the
customer within five business days of the visit to the customer’s house o
Decision not to bid after visit: If a provider visits a home for an estimate meeting and
determines that they do not wish to bid the project, the provider must notify the advisor within
one business day (24 hours) of the visit to the customer’s house
Some customers prefer to contact contracting companies directly without their advisor sending a referral.
When a Homeowner informs their Advisor of their decision to contact providers directly, the Advisors will ask
the Homeowner to notify providers that they are in the Efficiency Works program. However, Advisors cannot
guarantee that Homeowners will follow-through. To ensure that rebate program requirements are met for all
Efficiency Works projects, it is the responsibility of the Provider to determine whether the customer is
participating in the Efficiency Works program.
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Professionalism Guidelines & Contact with Customers
High standards of professionalism are necessary to maintain your good reputation in the community, and we
encourage you to strive for the best in customer service. Efficiency Works and its partner utilities rely heavily
upon positive word of mouth for marketing. Our goal is to ensure that clients are completely satisfied with their
Efficiency Works experience, including their interactions with participating providers. It is expected that
providers will handle all interactions with Efficiency Works clients with the utmost respect and
professionalism. Efficiency Works reserve the right to remove a provider from the participating provider pool
based upon repeated customer complaints related to customer service or professionalism.
The Program has established the following general guidelines for providers:
• Respect the customer’s time and be prompt for all appointments. If you expect to be more than a few
minutes late, call the customer before the appointment time and let them know that you’re running
late and when you expect to be there.
• Follow through on your commitments to customers, including providing estimates in a timely manner.
Do what you say you are going to do.
• Educate all company customer service representatives to provide accurate information to customers
about Efficiency Works. The person answering the phone needs to know about the program for which
you are providing service.
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Keep in mind that you are being allowed into someone’s home; act as you would want a stranger to act
in your own home. Respect the customer’s home and follow all rules of the house (i.e. taking off shoes,
not parking in the driveway).
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If you make a mess of any kind, clean it up immediately.
In addition, to promote the professionalism of Efficiency Works, providers should refrain from making
disparaging remarks regarding other Efficiency Works participating providers as well as the Efficiency Works
program.
Minimum Work Requirement
To ensure that providers are staying up-to-date with new program standards, program benefits, and
requirements, active participation in the program is a requirement. All providers must complete at least 1 job
every 12 months in order to maintain enrollment in the program. Those providers who have not done 1 job
in the previous 12 months will be notified and given the opportunity to discuss what might be preventing them
from being active in the program. They will then be given 1 month the secure a job for a resident in the
Efficiency Works program. This 1 job could include a resident that the provider brought to the program, or a
lead accepted from the program. If you are still not able to comply with this requirement, you will be removed
from the pool.
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Provider Bidding
Efficiency Works advisors will be assisting customers as they choose providers to bid their projects. In some
cases, the advisor may contact the provider directly to schedule an estimate meeting at the customer’s
house and in other cases the customer may prefer to have the provider contact them directly to schedule the
estimate meeting.
To promote an efficient process and out of fairness for other providers, contracting companies are expected to
have reasonable scheduling availability for Efficiency Works customers. To be eligible to receive referrals
and be on “active status”, a contracting company must have no greater than a two (2) week lead time for
scheduling initial customer estimate meetings. If your company is experiencing high work volumes and is not
able to schedule new estimate meetings within two weeks, you must notify CLEAResult to temporarily put
your company on “Inactive” status until you notify them that you are ready for additional referrals. There
is no penalty for choosing to be placed on temporary inactive status, and it may help maintain positive
customer experiences.
Simultaneous Bidding
Some customers have requested that we schedule provider visits simultaneously. Usually, we have found
that this option is appealing to busy customers who don’t have several hours to visit with multiple providers or to
customers who own multiple properties and want to consolidate bidding for all properties. In these cases, the
Efficiency Works advisor will coordinate scheduling with the providers and the customer.
2015 Efficiency Works Contractor Update Updates and Clarifications to the Efficiency Works Program July, 2015 About a year after launching the Efficiency Works Homes Program, it became clear that the rebate application process could benefit from some streamlining. In July of 2015 Efficiency Works Homes implemented those changes, and this document outlines those changes as well as a few minor updates to the program standards and other program clarifications for which there seemed to be a need. • General Issues o It is important for contractors to use the Audit Report, Audit Data Sheet and Program Standards Checklist (Appendix C) as a guide for writing scopes of work. o An audit is required for a home to be eligible for Efficiency Works rebates. Windows and HVAC are the only upgrades that can be completed before the audit. o Make sure you are familiar with the insulation levels outlined in the IECC. (We have added a table to the DocuSign rebate application). o A Blower door test is NOT required if you are changing <15% of the shell. o Appendix F must be filled out on all jobs – electric or gas. This is now part of the online rebate application process, so you do not have to scan and submit that document. o There seems to be a general misunderstanding of why this program offers rebates, and we hope to better align the Contractors’ narrative to the Homeowner with that of the program. § One of the benefits of this program to homeowners is that we ensure that upgrades are done to a high standard. These high standards ensure that the upgrade results in energy savings. Rebates are offered to help cover the cost of ensuring the upgrade is done to high standards. § We have had a lot of situations where the homeowner doesn’t seem to have enough money to do the job to standards. We need to identify those people long before we are applying for rebates. o Ft. Collins is offering on-­‐bill financing. Refer to the Ft Collins website for details: http://www.fcgov.com/utilities/residential/conserve/financing o While not required, we encourage contractors to take pictures to confirm difficult details. This helps reduce the need for follow-­‐up from the program. o Exceptions to Standards: We understand that there are situations in homes, which make it difficult to meet program standards, and we will take any of those conditions into consideration when granting exceptions to standards. Here’s an example of one of those exceptions: § If the roof is tile or slate, we will allow a bath fan to terminate directly below a roof vent that is already installed instead of having to cut a new dedicated roof jack. o The phrase dense-­‐pack refers to a specific process where the insulation is blown into the cavity and then dense-­‐packed – which pushes the air in the cavity out. This is why dense-­‐packing is considered an air sealing measure. We do no rebate a garage floor or wall that has simply been filled with insulation. It must be dense-­‐packed to 3.5lbs/cubic foot (cellulose) – ~2.5lbs/cubic foot (fiberglass). 1 o
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We test for this during PIVs using the blower door and pressure diagnostics in the dense-­‐packed cavities. New OSHA ruling on confined spaces: OSHA announced on May 1, 2015 that effective August 3, 2015, crawlspaces and attics will be considered “Confined Spaces” Minimum Work Requirement: We are working on changing the minimum work requirement. We are looking at an effective date of 1/1/16 New Rebate Review Process and Application o This new process is in place should eliminate all of the back-­‐and-­‐forth of confirming installation details and documentation. o The new process is outlined in Appendix K of the Efficiency Works Participant guide. There are also links to videos that walk through the process step-­‐by-­‐step. o HVAC contractors do need to input model numbers from old equipment into the Rebate Calculator. MIVs and PIVs (Mentoring Installation Verification and Post Improvement Verification) o We need to do at least 1 MIV with all contractors. We will do multiple MIVs where contractors need additional direction or assistance. If you have not had an MIV with Scott Suddreth, you need to request one. Contact Scott directly. o We invite and encourage contractors to attend the PIV inspections. The contractor is not required to attend that inspection, but we feel like it is the best approach and gives the contractor the opportunity to give context to any issues that might arise. This also facilitates connecting the contractor to the homeowner to schedule any corrections that are needed. o Corrections Notice and Time Frames: § When corrections are identified, a Corrections Notice will be sent to the contractor. Contractor has 5 business days (or at the Homeowner’s convenience) to remedy any issues that were identified. o From the Contractor Agreement: § “EESPs shall be responsible for taking any and all corrective action, at its sole expense, to remedy work that is determined to be non-­‐
compliant with the program standards outlined in the Contractor Participation Guide. Any failure of the EESP resulting in a serious health or safety issue must be remedied immediately by the EESP at the EESP’s expense. Any other failure to comply with other program requirements must be remedied within five (5) business days of notification to the EESP, or at the homeowner’s convenience.” 2 •
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Contractor Rules Review o Communication and required timeframes § To be eligible to receive referrals and be on “Enrolled Status”, a contracting company must have no greater than a two (2) week lead time for scheduling initial customer estimate meetings. § Provider must contact the customer to schedule an estimate meeting within two business days (48 hours) of receiving the customer referral email. • Decision not to bid: If a provider receives a customer referral email and the provider does not wish to bid the project, the provider must notify the advisor within one business day (24 hours) of receiving the customer referral email • Following an on-­‐site estimate meeting, providers must provide a written estimate to the customer within five business days of the visit to the customer’s house • Decision not to bid after visit: If a provider visits a home for an estimate meeting and determines that they do not wish to bid the project, the provider must notify the advisor within one business day (24 hours) of the visit to the customer’s house § Contractors must respond to requests for information from the Program Administrators within two (2) business days. § Contractors must respond to requests for information from Homeowners within three (3) business days. § The Rebate Application and all supporting documentation are due within two (2) weeks of completing the upgrade project. § The CAZ and Blower Door test out should be completed on the last day of the project so that a home is not left in a potentially dangerous condition. o Review – Rules for Suspension § Temporary suspension (for 1 year) from the participating provider list can result from two (2) strikes resulting from any of the following: • Repeated failure to meet Program Standards. • One or more field inspection failures in especially egregious circumstances or if a serious health/safety issue is created. • Repeated customer complaints related to customer service and professionalism. • Failure to address homeowner complaints. • Failure to respond in a timely manner to requests for information from Efficiency Works program personnel (two (2) business days) • Failure to respond in a timely manner to requests for information from Homeowners (three (3) business days) • Repeated Failure to submit paperwork within the outlined timeframes • Repeated failure to meet the bid request response times 3 Combustion Safety Testing (CST) o We have a cheat sheet that outlines the CAZ requirements in general as well as different configurations that might have exceptions. (Appendix B in the Guide). o If spillage fails under natural conditions on any appliance, Efficiency Works will not pay rebates until that situation has been corrected or a new appliance has been installed. The homeowner is warned about this in the Statement of Understanding that they sign at enrollment. Changes to and Clarifications of EW Standards. Most of these are just clarifications. The only changes to the standards are the Cold Crawlspace and the Garage/House connection. o Attic insulation § If there are ducts in the attic, they require R8. If they are fully buried in insulation, this is acceptable, but there must be at least 2.5" on top. Return plenum boxes often have to be wrapped with duct insulation. § Duct issues that are called out in the audit must be repaired (e.g. disconnected ducts). While duct sealing is not required, you do have to reconnect any disconnected attic ducts as identified in audit report. § If an attic has a classic Whole House Fan (without insulated and sealing dampers, it must have a sealed, insulated cover in order for an attic insulation upgrade to be eligible for an attic insulation rebate. Interior-­‐
applied magnetic and Velcro covers are acceptable. www.batticdoor.com § If blowing cellulose over fiberglass, an additional 2” of insulation must be added to account for compression of the fiberglass underneath. § We will approve rebates for only a portion of an attic if some areas are up to R49, but others are not. However, the entire attic must be air sealed to be eligible for attic insulation rebates. § Insulation dams are required at all ceiling level transitions (including tops of kneewalls) & around whole house fans o Attic Kneewalls § To be rebate-­‐eligible, kneewalls and skylight shafts must have the cavity filled and then a minimum of R11 on the outside of the framing to provide a thermal break. (IECC standard for exterior walls is R19). o Foundation Walls § Foundation wall and rim insulation must be R15 minimum. § Field stone foundations require spray foam. 4 •
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Crawlspaces § Conditioned Crawl • All 3 elements of crawl must be complete to get rebate (Rim Joist, Foundation Wall, and Sealed Vapor Barrier). It’s ok if one or more elements are already in place, but those elements have to be up to program standards to be eligible for rebates. • Cannot house an atmospherically vented appliance in a closed crawl assembly without providing sufficient combustion air per 2009 IRC section G2407. § Cold Crawl • This approach is reserved for homes that have ongoing moisture issues that cannot be mitigated or house is located where there is a high water table. • Finished floor must be the air barrier and all floor penetrations sealed. • Floor must be filled with insulation without voids/gaps/compressions. (RESNET Grade 1) • Water pipes must have full floor depth insulation below. • Mechanical equipment ducting insulated to R8. • Rim joist must be air sealed and insulated to IECC (R15). Ignition barrier not required on rim (This is an addition to the original Standards) Garage Ceilings and Cantilevers § Inside ends of joist space must be blocked and air sealed. If possible, please submit photos of this detail. This should be done with a rigid block or a burlap bag filled with insulation. • This is a change from the original standards. To properly dense-­‐
pack this location you need a proper stop. § Make sure to check for supplies and returns over garage to avoid filling them with insulation – “Floor cavities used as a return air duct must have the header block or pan sealed prior to insulation installation.” § Drywall must be removed if water pipes are located in the bottom ½ of the floor cavity. It must be replaced with 5/8” Type X gypsum (this is a firewall). § Underside of pipes must be netted so that the pipes are not isolated from the warm house. Insulation is only blown under the net. • Please take a picture of this detail § The phrase dense-­‐pack refers to a specific process where the insulation is blown into the cavity and then dense-­‐packed – which pushes the air in the cavity out. This is why dense-­‐packing is considered an air sealing measure. We do no rebate a garage floor or wall that has simply been filled with insulation. It must be dense-­‐packed to 3.5lbs/cubic foot (cellulose) – ~2.5lbs/cubic foot for (fiberglass) 5 o
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Whole House Fan § Whole house fans require adequate attic ventilation per the manufacturer’s specifications. You are confirming that you have provided adequate ventilation in the DocuSign when you apply for rebates. Estimating the existing attic ventilation can be challenging so we wanted to offer resource to help with that. • The website for AirScape fans has a very easy-­‐to-­‐use calculator where you input the number and sizes of different vents, and it calculates the total Net Free Area(NFA). http://www.airscapefans.com/system-­‐builder/attic-­‐vent.php Garage Connection Air Sealing – no longer mandatory – but a new rebate $100 (This is an addition to the original Standards) § Any leakage areas called out by auditor must be addressed. § Around outlets, switches and electrical panel boards. Including installing gaskets and caulking where the box meets the drywall. § Around the door trim. § Around any penetrations made by garage door rail support systems § Along the bottom of the drywall on walls adjacent to conditioned space. § Along the accessible top plates of the walls adjacent to conditioned space. § Around the bottom of any duct or vent chases that protrude into the garage, adjacent to conditioned space. Duct Sealing § In order to qualify for a duct-­‐sealing rebate, some portion of the duct system must be outside the conditioned envelope. Ducts in the garage ceiling and the wall between the garage and the main body of the house are considered outside the conditioned envelope. HVAC § HVAC contractors installing furnaces have to complete both Appendix F (CO and Ventilation Disclosure) and Appendix D (Furnace Commissioning Form), however the contractor is not required to fill in the Combustion Safety Test data on the Commissioning Form since that same information is captured in Appendix F. § Efficiency Works will not approve rebates for new Air Conditioners for homes that are less than 1 year old which were not built with AC. 6 Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
General notes
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Efficiency Works Home Energy Audit required as prerequisite for all measures.
To participate in the Efficiency Works for Homes Program (EW-H), installation contractors must apply for inclusion, and pass the applicable
training certification course.
Do-It-Yourself installation will not qualify for incentives.
The information in this matrix is subject to change. Platte River Power Authority (PRPA) will provide thirty (30) days notice of any changes
in installation standards.
Field Guide standards for building shell improvements generally follow the 2009 Saturn Building Shell Field Guide, with addendums adding
clarity or different standards.
Field Guide standards for HVAC and Hydronic system installations generally follow the 2009 Saturn Mechanical Systems Field Guide, with
addendums adding clarity or different standards.
All HVAC equipment must be installed per the manufacturer’s installation instructions, industry standards, and all applicable federal, state,
and local codes and regulations.
Where possible, all insulation measures must meet the R-value requirements prescribed by the IECC version adopted in each Authority
Having Jurisdiction.
Refer to the EW-H Home Efficiency Program Rebate Matrix for incentive details.
Homes participating in the Efficiency Works Program are evaluated for tightness and whole-house controlled mechanical ventilation rates
using ASHRAE 62.2-2010. The initial tightness is reported in the Audit Report and the Homeowner is required to sign a post-improvement
disclosure acknowledging the potential need for controlled mechanical ventilation.
Where any building envelope improvement measures (attic insulation, frame wall insulation, window replacement, etc.) are undertaken, the
corresponding building component(s) must be durably air sealed. In addition, for buildings with an air leakage rate greater than 3.0 ACH50
1
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
as determined at the time of the Efficiency Works Home Energy Audit, the envelope air leakage rate must be reduced. This is
applicable to all homes where building envelope improvements are made – not just for homes where air-sealing rebates are sought.
Where required, combustion safety testing must be performed the day of the completion of improvements.
Note special conditions that exist as follows
o Loveland rebates are only available for Tier 2 gas furnaces; rebates are not available for gas boilers or water
heaters.
o Loveland rebates for air sealing and insulation must have operational mechanical cooling or primary electric
heating to qualify for building envelope improvements.
o Estes Park rebates are only applicable for homes with electric heat.
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Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
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Air Sealing
Initial blower
door test:
ACH50 = 3.0
or greater
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
Attic to living space mandatory air sealing:
1. In order to qualify for rebates, efforts must be taken to air seal significant
leaks and bypasses that allow connection between the attic and living space.
Areas to air seal may include: bypasses around chimneys, drop soffits,
shower inserts or other large penetrations; interior and exterior wall topplates; and plumbing and wiring penetrations.
2. Use approved high temp sealant around heat sources like B-vents, fireplaces
and chimneys, and make sure they maintain the required clearance to
combustibles.
•
Minimum shell leakage (CFM50) reduction of: 25% to be eligible for Tier 1
rebate; 33% reduction to qualify for Tier 2 rebate; 50% reduction to qualify for
Tier 3 rebate.
•
•
Combustion Safety Test
required record results
on Appendix F
Blower door test
required prior to air
sealing and after
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
Field Manual, Notes
•
Need to fully educate customer on
front end so they understand about
house as a system, ventilation and
combustion safety.
•
Options to mitigate a failed
Combustion Safety Test may
include:
1. Replace natural draft gas
burning appliances with
sealed combustion, direct
vented, or power vented
equipment.
2
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
o
o
-
Garage-toHouse
Connection
Reduction
Air Leakage
pathways
exist between
the attached
garage and
the main
house
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
If the Combustion Safety Test fails under Worst Case
Conditions, the contractor is required to have the homeowner sign
the Post-Improvement Carbon Monoxide Disclosure form and
counsel about possible solutions.
If the Combustion Safety Tests fail under Natural Conditions,
the contractor is required to have them sign the Post-Improvement
Carbon Monoxide Disclosure form and refer them to the list of
Participating HVAC Contractors for further diagnostics and
solutions.
All accessible air leakage pathways from attached garage to main house
must be durably air sealed to prevent air movement between the garage and
the house.
•
These areas may include, but are not limited to the following
Around outlets and switches
Around the door trim
Around any penetrations made by the garage door rail support
systems
Along the bottom of the drywall on walls adjacent to conditioned
space
Along the accessible top plates of walls adjacent to conditioned
space
Around the bottom of any duct or vent chases that protrude into the garage,
adjacent to the conditioned space
•
Field Manual, Notes
2.
Seal return air duct and filter
slot in CAZ.
3. Re-line the old common Bvent.
4. Add combustion air ducts
5. Obtain further diagnostics and
solutions from an EW-H
Participating HVAC contractor.
Contractor to educate homeowner
about these options.
-
Combustion Safety
Test required. Record
results on Appendix F
3
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
•
Conditioned
Crawl Space
Insulation
•
Contractor must
inspect for
proper grading,
downspout
leaders,
moisture
evidence on
foundation
walls, cracks in
the foundation,
and damp
ground. All
moisture
problems
must be
mitigated.
If any evidence
of moisture
intrusion having
occurred at any
time is present,
(efflorescence
on the
foundation wall,
cracked soil,
mold, staining)
the crawl space
must be treated
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
•
•
•
•
All three elements (rim joist, foundation wall, and moisture/soil gas barrier)
of a conditioned crawl space must be completed in order to qualify for a
rebate. If any one of the elements already exists, it must meet EW-H
Installation Standards AND the other elements must be completed to EW-H
Installation Standards for a conditioned crawl space rebate.
Moisture/ soil gas barrier installation requirements:
1. Barrier must meet ASTM specs listed in Field Manual Notes
2. Remove all debris and major ground surface irregularities
3. Cross laminated polyethylene barrier is required; the barrier must be
sealed and mechanically fastened at least 6” up crawl space foundation
wall or, in cases involving moisture, to the foundation plate (urethane
caulk meets sealing and mechanical fastening requirements). Seams
must be overlapped 6” minimum and be sealed w/ approved tape or
sealant.
4. If the foundation or soil in the crawl space is damp or shows
evidence of moisture intrusion, the soil gas barrier must be
extended up to and be sealed to the foundation plate to keep
moisture out of wall insulation. Provision must then be made for
moisture under the barrier or in the foundation wall to be removed so
covered areas can dry to the outside.
Field stone foundation wall will need to be air sealed. (see Field
Manual)
Insulate and air seal rim joists and foundation plate to R-value
prescribed by the IECC as adopted by the AHJ:
1. XPS foam board cut to fit, foamed-in place.
2. Closed or open cell 2-part spray foam
° Foam insulation does not require ignition barrier on rim joist (per
IRC)
•
•
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record
results on Appendix F
Blower door test
required prior to air
sealing and after
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
Field Manual, Notes
•
•
Moisture/ soil gas barrier
specifications:
1. Cross laminated poly sheeting
used as a moisture and soil gas
barrier in crawl spaces must be
performance tested to ASTM E1745 and installed per ASTM
E-1643 with a minimum of
Class C rated. It must resist
deterioration from contact with
the soil and maintain a perm of
0.3 or less (per ASTM E-154
section 13). The moisture and
soil gas barrier must have a
minimum strength of 13.6 lbs/in
(ASTM E-154 section 9) and
puncture resistance of 475
grams (ASTM D-1709 method
B).
2. Field stone and brick
foundation details: moisture
barrier must run up to
foundation plate, and be
fastened and caulked; or apply
spray foam with an ignition
barrier covering all fieldstone or
brick foundation walls.
Crawl spaces that contain
4
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
•
as having
moisture
present.
Un-insulated or
poorly installed
insulation being
removed.
Installation Standards
•
•
•
Insulate Interior of Foundation walls to R-value prescribed by the IECC
as adopted by the AHJ:
1. Perforated vinyl faced fiberglass blanket
° Vinyl faced insulation blanket is NOT allowed if foundation or
ground shows evidence of past or present moisture- Unless the
moisture barrier extends up to and is sealed to the foundation plate.
° Insulation blanket must be full height and be in substantial contact
with the foundation wall along its entire width and not be pulled out
by the footing.
° Seal vinyl facing to top of wall and soil barrier so conditioned inside
air cannot reach foundation wall and condense
2. Foam board: polyisocyanurate, XPS or EPS
° Ignition barrier required, unless no “utilities” are present and/or
material is listed and approved for use without a thermal or ignition
barrier in this application by the ICC ES (see Field Manual notes)
3. 2-part closed or open cell spray foam
° Ignition barrier required, unless no “utilities” are present and/or
material is listed and approved for use without a thermal or ignition
barrier in this application by the ICC ES (see Field Manual notes)
° Open cell spray foam is only allowed on the interior of foundation
walls if there is no indication of moisture, unless the soil moisture
barrier extends to the foundation plate with mechanical ventilation
underneath
Exterior foundation wall insulation, XPS
° Foam board insulation must extend down to top of footing, and be
protected above grade by a non-organic exterior finish. Provide
flashing from under existing exterior finish, over top of foam exterior
finish.
Crawl space must be provided with conditioned air in accordance with
IRC as adopted by the AHJ.
Post-installation Tests
Field Manual, Notes
•
•
•
•
atmospherically vented
combustion appliances must
have adequate volume for
combustion air and/ or provide
outside combustion air per 2009
IRC Section G2407.
No spot ventilation exhaust vents
may terminate in the crawl space.
No insulation needed on wall
between crawl space and
basement.
All foam must meet ASTM E-84
Class 1 standards for Flame
Spread and Smoke Development.
Ignition barriers are required
over spray foam or foam board
installed on the inside of crawl
space foundation walls wherever
there are “utilities” present in
the crawl space:
1. “Utilities” are defined as any
mechanical, plumbing, or wiring
components.
2. Ignition barriers include:
intumescent coatings listed for
this use, 1½” mineral fiber
(includes fiberglass), and other
materials listed in the 2012
IRC, Section 316.5.4.
3. Spray foam insulation that has
been approved by the ICC ES
5
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Efficiency
Measure
Existing
Conditions
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
Field Manual, Notes
for use in these locations
without the addition of an
ignition barrier can be used.
The ICC ES Report for such
material must be provided to
the program administrator for
reference prior to the issuance
of rebates.
Cold Crawl
Space
• Evidence of
persistent
moisture or bulk
water issues are
present that
cannot be
• Finished floor must be the air barrier.
• Air seal floor penetrations.
• Fill floor cavity with insulation installed per RESNET Grade 1
• Insulate and air seal rim joists and foundation plate to R-value prescribed by
the IECC as adopted by the AHJ
1. XPS foam board cut to fit, foamed in place
•
•
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
Blower door test
required prior to air
sealing and after
•
Rim joist and sill plate can have
up to 3.5” of spray foam applied
without a thermal barrier being
required (2012 IRC Section
R316.5.11).
•
Best practice is to allow
foundation walls to dry to the
interior, unless there is evidence
of a persistent moisture issue, in
which case the moisture issue
should be resolved to
performing work.
•
Cold crawl space can be an
alternative where the ground in
the crawl space is wet due to high
ground water, where the best
mitigation is to install a sealed
moisture/soil gas barrier.
6
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
otherwise
mitigated or
house is known
to be located in
an area with
high water table
2.
No existing
insulation
• Exterior grade
must drain
away from
foundation, or
be mitigated as
part of the job
scope.
• Foundation
cracks shall be
completely
sealed.
• If evidence of
moisture
exists, it must
be or have
Basement
Wall
Insulation
Closed or open cell 2-part spray foam
Foam insulation does not require ignition barrier on rim joist (per
IRC)
Install continuous, vapor permeable air barrier on cold side of insulation.
Do not install vapor barrier on cold side of insulation.
Ventilate crawl space per IRC as adopted by the AHJ.
Sealed moisture barrier required on ground in crawl space.
Water pipes in cold crawl space must have full floor depth insulation below
(build floor down to install same depth of floor insulation below plumbing as
is present in the typical floor area).
Mechanical equipment ducting must be insulated to R-8.
No spot ventilation exhaust venting may terminate in any crawl space.
°
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
•
•
•
•
•
Insulate basement walls to the R-value prescribed by the IECC as adopted
by the AHJ.
Old brick or field stone foundations must have closed cell spray foam
installed over entire interior foundation wall and rim joist.
All insulation must be installed to Field Manual specifications. Exterior
foundation wall: XPS foam board
1. Exterior foam board insulation must be closed cell and extend down 48”
below grade or to top of footer - whichever is less. Insulation must be
protected above grade w/ non-organic exterior finish. Provide flashing
from under existing exterior finish, over top of foam exterior finish,
flashed from under finish on walls.
Interior foundation wall insulation: 1” XPS or EPS foam board + R-13 Batt:
1. R-13 un-faced batt is installed in the finished frame wall so foundation
can dry to the inside. (See Field Manual).
Interior foundation wall insulation: XPS or EPS foam board or spray foam.
1. Basement walls with foam insulation must be finished with drywall or
equivalent thermal barrier, except where material is listed and
•
•
•
Field Manual, Notes
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
•
Cold crawl space detail should be
used where there is a shallow
footing (< than 30” below grade),
and a conditioned crawl space
could create frost lenses under
the footing, possibly heaving the
foundation.
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
Blower door test
required prior to air
sealing and after
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
For basement finishes,
contractor must
coordinate postimprovement
verification at time of
insulation inspection by
local Building
Department.
•
Building code requires basement
insulation be covered with a finish
material like drywall, even if
basement will not be finished at
time of insulating.
“Best practice” recommendation is
for basement foundations to dry to
the interior. Perm rating of
insulation ideally should be > 2.
1. Foam board insulation can be
open cell or closed cell
2. Best practice is installing 1”
foam board on interior of
concrete foundation wall, with
un-faced R-13 batt in framed
wall adjacent on the interior
3. See Field Guide for details on
•
7
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
been mitigated
prior to
insulating
Field Manual, Notes
approved for use in this application by the ICC ES.
Open cell spray foam is approved only if there is no indication of
moisture on the foundation walls
Insulate and air-seal rim joist (see conditioned crawl space for rim options).
1. Spray foam or foam board on the rim can be left exposed without a
thermal barrier (per IRC).
sealing floating wall framing at
bottom and top of wall.
4. If foam board is used, the
foundation wall must be dry.
5. Tape all seams in foam board
2.
•
• Cracks causing moisture intrusion
into basement shall be sealed as
part of the job scope;
•
•
Cantilever
Floor
Insulation
No restriction
on existing
condition of
exterior
cantilevers or
cantilevers into
garage
Exterior finish
material must
be removed if
water pipes are
located below
the top 1/2 of
the floor joist
cavity.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Inside end of joist space must be blocked and air sealed (see Field Manual
for options.
If interior blocking is not in place, and there is adequate room, remove soffits
to block and air seal.
If soffits cannot be removed to block and air seal interior, other methods of
interior blocking can be used (see Field Guide).
Final condition: intact, sealed air barrier, inside and outside.
Final condition: joist cavities totally filled with blown insulation.
If water pipes are located in the bottom half of the joist cavity in the
cantilevered floor area, they must be protected from freezing by installing
net under the bottom of pipes so that insulation is only blown on the cold
side of the pipe.
•
•
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
Blower door test
required prior to air
sealing and after
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
•
•
•
•
Other kinds of end blocking that
th
will create the 6 side of insulation
cavity:
° Change in direction of floor
joists
° Rim joist on other side of a
narrow room adjacent to
cantilever
° House with insulation in
interior floors (for sound)
° Install a burlap bag in each
floor cavity that is filled with
insulation to act as a block
Do not dense pack near panned or
leaky return system
Advise homeowner to repair
ductwork leaks that will
compromise insulation, before
insulating.
Strongly recommend taking photos
of netted water pipes to be
8
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
Field Manual, Notes
provided to PIV inspector.
•
•
Existing
insulation does
not fill floor
cavity.
Drywall must be
removed if
water pipes are
located below
the top 1/2 of
the floor joist
cavity.
Floor Over
Garage
Insulation
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Exterior
Frame Wall
•
Existing
•
Inside end of joist space must be blocked and air sealed (see Field Manual
for options)
If water pipes are located in the bottom half of the joist cavity in the floor
over the garage area, they must be protected from freezing by installing net
under the bottom of pipes so that insulation is only blown on the cold side of
the pipe.
1. In order to install net, drywall must be removed from the garage ceiling
to gain access to pipes.
2. Drywall must be replaced with 5/8” Type X gypsum board or other
material approved for use in this location by the IRC as adopted by the
AHJ.
Floor cavities used as a return air duct must have the header block or pan
sealed prior to insulation installation. Make sure insulation does not enter
return air floor cavity.
Disconnected ducts must be repaired prior to insulation installation.
Insulation must totally fill joist cavities, installed per RESNET Grade 1.
Drywall on garage ceiling must be complete and sealed.
Garage ceiling with living space floor above is a Firewall. If removed, it must
be restored to current code compliance
§
Use dense-pack cellulose or short fiber fiberglass in all wall cavities,
§
§
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F Form.
Blower door test
required prior to air
sealing and after
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
•
•
•
Other kinds of end blocking that
th
will create the 6 side of insulation
cavity when dense packing floor
joist cavity:
- Change in direction of floor
joists
- Rim joist on other side of a
narrow room adjacent to
cantilever
- House with insulation in
interior floors (for sound)
- Install a burlap bag in each
floor cavity that is filled with
insulation to act as a block
Do not dense pack near panned or
leaky return system without air
sealing ducts.
Strongly recommend taking photos
of netted water pipes to be
provided to PIV inspector.
Combustion Safety Test
9
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
Insulation
•
•
•
Masonry
Exterior Wall
Insulation
Attic
Insulation
(Flat Ceiling)
•
condition: R-9
or less
Do not dense
pack walls if
knob and tube
wiring is
present.
Measure
includes
garage/house
fire walls.
Existing uninsulated
masonry
cinder block,
double brick,
field stone and
other types.
Existing
insulation of
assembly
must be < R30 to qualify
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
installed with fill tube.
Air seal around windows, doors, and electrical boxes in wall assembly prior
to insulating.
Must seal all penetrations into electrical panels, outlet and switch boxes to
keep out insulation.
Plug, seal and refinish all drill holes used to fill exterior walls after insulating.
Cloth sheathed electrical wire must be evaluated or replaced with
contemporary code complying 90 degree C temperature rated wiring prior to
dense packing walls by an electrical contractor licensed to perform work in
the local jurisdiction.
Knob and tube wiring must be replaced with contemporary code complying
90 degree C temperature rated wiring prior to dense packing walls by an
electrical contractor licensed to perform work in the local jurisdiction.
§
Insulate masonry walls, on either the interior or exterior, to R-value
prescribed by IECC Version adopted by the AHJ:
− Interior: foam board, 2 part spray foam, or blown insulation inside
finished frame wall. Interior wall must be air sealed.
− Exterior: closed cell foam board, with taped seams, covered with
appropriate finish material.
− Insulate and air seal rim joist if applicable (see crawl space rim options).
•
Insulation baffles must be installed between rafters or trusses to allow air
flow from the box soffit to the attic. Baffles must be installed adjacent to all
soffit vent locations, with air impermeable insulation stops between all other
truss rafter ends (recommend adding passive ventilation to minimum code
amounts).
•
•
•
Field Manual, Notes
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
Blower door test
required prior to air
sealing and after
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
Blower door test
required prior to air
sealing and after
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
Blower door test
required prior to air
•
Exterior installation may be the
best option. It’s less destructive;
moves thermal boundary to the
exterior, with the mass wall on the
interior to moderate temp swings.
•
Alternative details are allowed for
installing adequate insulation at
exterior wall top plates (while
maintaining ventilation path at soffit
vents)
10
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
•
•
•
•
for attic
insulation
rebate.
Insulation
areas
compressed to
<R-30 after air
sealing can
qualify for a
rebate.
Attic must be
air sealed and
have
mechanical /
duct issues
corrected prior
to blowing
insulation (see
installation
standards).
Cloth sheathed
electrical wire
must be
evaluated or
replaced with
code complying
wiring prior to
insulating
Knob and tube
wiring must be
abandoned or
Installation Standards
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Install an insulation stop on the outside edge of the top plates to maximize
R-value at exterior edge of exterior wall top plates and minimize wind
washing. This can consist of insulation batts or bags to blow insulation into.
Air-seal all shell components interfacing with attic, including knee walls.
Extend any unvented bath or kitchen fan vent to exterior (vents not allowed
to terminate in attic)
Repair and seal any disconnected HVAC prior to blowing attic insulation:
− Un-insulated ducts must be insulated to minimum R-8.
− Fix ducts that severely restrict airflow.
Insulation < R-30 must be improved to at least R-49 to qualify for a rebate:
− If blowing cellulose on top of fiberglass, add an additional 2” of cellulose
to the total to account for compressi9n of the fiberglass underneath.
− Blown cellulose insulation shall contain at least 85% recycled material
and be Borate treated in attics.
− Blown fiberglass shall contain a minimum of 25% recycled material.
Seal thermal bypasses:
− Chases, plumbing vents, b-vents, chimneys, top plate penetrations, etc.
Insulate and air seal knee walls and skylight shafts and provide an air
barrier. Separate knee wall and skylight requirements and incentives are
listed below.
Whole house fan in ceiling must have a sealed, insulated cover, or install
fan w/ motorized insulated cover (see whole house fan section below).
Recessed lighting (except ICAT rated recessed lighting) must be air-sealed
with either can inserts or covers. Covers must maintain 3” clearance to can
and unrated cans must not be covered with insulation. If installing inserts
also seal gap in drywall around can.
Attic hatch must be insulated to the same level as the adjacent attic
insulation (with a minimum of R-20 of that insulation being rigid foam), be
air-sealed with a dense foam weather strip, and have full depth insulation
curb blocking around the hatch installed in accordance with IECC as
Post-installation Tests
sealing and after
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
Field Manual, Notes
Conditioned attic with spray foam
on the underside of the structural
roof sheathing could create an
asphalt shingle warranty issue,
because roof is un-vented.
Unvented, “conditioned” attic
assemblies must meet the
requirements of IRC and IECC as
adopted by the AHJ.
• Recommend flagging electrical J
boxes that will be buried under
insulation.
• Recommend adding attic ventilation
that meets the requirements of IRC
as adopted by the AHJ.
• Pull-down stair options:
§
Build a rigid foam box
around the perimeter of
the stair assembly that is
air sealed where it meets
the ceiling plane. (Foam
insulation requires an
ignition barrier.
§
Install a kit like a Battic
Tent, Draft Cap, or
Energy Guardian that is
designed to seal this
location.
•
o
A vertical insulation dam should
be mechanically fastened to the
vertical face of the knee wall
11
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Efficiency
Measure
Existing
Conditions
removed and
new code
complying
wiring installed
prior to
insulating
• Un-insulated or
insulated to R-11
or less
Attic Knee
Wall and
Skylight
Shaft
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
adopted by the AHJ. Seal all trim around hatch to drywall.
1. Alternatively, if hatch is insulated with rigid foam board only, R-38 is
adequate.
• Attic hatches that are pull-down stair assemblies must have some system to
air seal and insulate that assembly. This can be a site-built system or a
store-bought system. See field manual for suggestions.
• Insulation dams are required at all ceiling level transitions (including tops of
kneewalls) & around whole house fans.
• If un-insulated, first fill cavity, then add a minimum R11 spray foam, foam
board or vinyl faced fiberglass blanket over cavity insulation:
1. Seal all edges and seams of insulation
2. Ignition barrier required, unless no “utilities” are present and/or
material is listed and approved for use without a thermal or ignition
barrier in this application by the ICC ES
3. Insulation must meet flame spread and smoke development
requirements of IRC version adopted by the AHJ.
4. Insulation must be installed to RESNET Grade I
• If already insulated, add a minimum R-11 spray foam, foam board or vinyl
faced fiberglass blanket over existing cavity insulation
1. Seal all edges and seams of insulation
2. Insulation must meet flame spread and smoke development
requirements of IRC version as adopted by the AHJ.
3. Ignition barrier required, unless no “utilities” are present and/or
material is listed and approved for use without a thermal or ignition
Field Manual, Notes
right below where the wall
transitions to the ceiling. This
will allow the insulation on the
ceiling to make great contact
with the actual top plate and
provide the thermal resistance
o
•
•
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
Blower door test
required prior to air
sealing and after
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
•
•
•
•
Insulation dams at ceiling level
transitions can be made of
cardboard
An air barrier alone does not
address the significant thermal
bridging problems experienced in
these assemblies, especially in the
summer when attic temperatures
often exceed 130˚F.
While an air barrier only is a
requirement for attic insulation
rebates –rebates for attic knee wall
insulation requires the addition of a
thermal break.
It is recommended, but not
required, that un-insulated solar
tubes be insulated to R-11.
A vertical insulation dam should
be mechanically fastened to the
12
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
•
•
Cathedral
Ceiling
Insulation
(Unvented
Attic and
unvented
enclosed
rafter
spaces)
•
No Class 1
vapor retarders
may be
installed on the
inside face of
the roof rafters.
Where wood
shingles or
shakes are
used, a
minimum ¼”
vented air
space must
separate the
shingles or
shakes and the
roofing
underlayment
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
•
•
•
Field Manual, Notes
barrier in this application by the ICC ES.
4. Insulation must be installed to RESNET Grade I
Insulation dams are required at the tops of kneewalls
In order to earn rebates, unvented attic and unvented enclosed rafter
spaces must have R-20 continuous exterior rigid board or sheet insulation
installed directly above the structural roof sheathing and covered by an
approved roofing material (per the IRC version adopted by the AHJ)
− R-20 continuous exterior rigid board or sheet insulation must meet the
requirements of the 2012 IRC Section R806.5 & R906.2.
− All seams in the exterior rigid board or sheet insulation must be sealed
at the perimeter of each individual sheet in order to form a continuous
layer.
Dense packed short fiber fiberglass insulation (no dense packed cellulose
will be allowed) must be installed to completely fill the cavity between the
structural roof sheathing and the interior drywall.
Replace or air seal any IC recessed lights in vaulted rafter space with Air
Tight (ICAT) cans, or install an insert and air seal drywall cutout to can.
vertical face of the knee wall
right below where the wall
transitions to the ceiling. This
will allow the insulation on the
ceiling to make great contact
with the actual top plate and
provide the thermal resistance
•
•
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
Blower door test
required prior to air
sealing and after
insulating in order to
measure house
tightness improvement.
•
Insulation dams at ceiling level
transitions can be made of
cardboard
•
Unvented roof assembly may void
asphalt shingle’s warranty.
Allowable unvented vaulted ceiling
assemblies are addressed in the
2012 IRC Section 806.5. In
addition to the method described
in the Installation Standards,
unvented vaulted ceilings may
also be insulated without the use
of exterior rigid board or sheet
insulation, but only when an
adequately thick layer of air
impermeable, vapor impermeable
insulation is installed in direct
contact with the inside face of the
structural roof sheathing. These
alternative methods would require
the complete removal of the
•
13
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
Field Manual, Notes
above the
structural
sheathing
•
Window
Replacement
(including
sliding glass
doors)
•
Existing
windows and/or
sliding glass
doors must
have one of the
following
conditions:
single pane;
clear glass;
metal frames;
or leaky/poor
sealing.
Walls must be
insulated, or be
insulated as
part of this job
scope to
receive rebate.
interior drywall
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Window installations must be done by EW-H certified window installers.
Full frame replacement window installation must be done whenever
possible.
Replacement windows must meet Northern Climate Zone Energy Star
requirements to qualify for our incentives
− U-factor of < 0.30 w/ any SHGC
− U-factor of 0.31 w/ SHGC of > 0.35
− U-factor of 0.32 w/ SHGC of > 0.40
Windows/sliding glass door installation must meet AAMA standards, and
must meet AAMA design standards for water and air infiltration.
Windows/sliding glass doors must have low maintenance exterior: clad,
fiberglass, composite or vinyl.
When a replacement window is installed inside an existing window frame
(Block Frame method), air sealing is required around the existing window
frame (remove interior trim, insulate and air seal between framing and
existing window frame).
Replacement windows must be properly insulated and air sealed in the
opening with low expansive foams. Recommend that installers take photos
for ease of PIV.
Dense pack old weight pockets with cellulose or short fiber fiberglass, or
spray full with foam.
•
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
•
Replacement window types/
methods (Install per AAMA
standards):
− Block frame- replacement
windows are installed inside
frame of existing window frame.
This is to be used only with wall
construction types where full
frame replacement window
installation may be difficult to
do, including historic homes,
brick and stone veneer, or
asbestos siding; more prone to
leakage. Block frame
installations must include air
sealing around existing window
frame, and insulating the
weight pockets in old
single/double hung windows.
− Full frame - replacement
windows are installed in
existing framing after old
window and trim is removed on
the inside, and the mounting
flange trim is removed on the
outside and re-flashed. This
14
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
Field Manual, Notes
•
•
•
Replacement
Air Handler
Blower
Motor
•
•
Replacement
gas furnace
Existing motor:
Permanent Split
Capacitor
TESP
exceeding 0.8
iwc must be
mitigated to
qualify for
rebate
•
•
Contractor must
provide existing
furnace
manufacturer,
model #, BTUH
Input, and age
to qualify for a
rebate.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
New motor must be brushless DC
Undertake minimal airflow mitigation measures such as replacing air filter,
checking registers and ducts for problems first. Then measure airflow with
flow grid, or use total external static pressure as proxy for airflow.
Match new airflow to old airflow, or match new external static pressure to old
static pressure after replacing blower motor.
•
Existing furnace efficiency below 90% AFUE must increase in efficiency to
either Tier 1 or 2 rebates.
Existing furnace efficiency greater than or equal to 90% AFUE must
increase in efficiency to Tier 2.
Equipment must be right sized using an approved Block Load heat loss
calculation; installed and commissioned per ACCA Standard 5-2010.
All furnaces shall be sealed combustion, with both intake and exhaust piped
to outdoors, and vented per OEM’s installation instructions.
Tier 1 rebated furnaces shall be a minimum 92% AFUE.
Tier 2 rebated furnaces shall be a minimum 95% AFUE and have multi-
•
•
•
•
method is less prone to
leakage.
Must use window wrap approved
by the manufacturer; typically
urethane sealant.
Use AAMA or manufacturer
approved Low expansive foams to
air seal windows in the opening.
Airflow or static pressure
test required.
Total External Static
Pressure (TESP) cannot
exceed 0.8 iwc.
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
No CST required if all
appliances in CAZ are
sealed combustion.
Complete EW-H Furnace
Commissioning Form and
return with rebate
application.
•
If orphaned water heater does not
pass combustion safety test, the
homeowner must sign PostImprovement Carbon Monoxide
Disclosure Form, and the
contractor must present the
homeowner with options to
eliminate back drafting. Here are
some options:
Diagnose cause of negative
15
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
•
•
•
stage gas valves and ECM motors.
o Multi-stage thermostat required
Total External Static Pressure should not exceed manufacturer’s spec
without investigating cause and correcting if possible.
Tier 2 Furnace replacements (with ECM blower motor) with a TESP
exceeding 0.8 i.w.c. will not qualify for a rebate.
Follow EW-H Post-Installation Combustion Safety Test Procedure.
Field Manual, Notes
-
-
•
Replacement
Gas Boiler
Hydronic
systems must
be evaluated
by an EW-H
Hydronic
Specialty
Contractor
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Must be installed as sealed combustion: intake and exhaust piped to
outdoors.
Outdoor reset control integrated into design.
Initial adjustment of the modulating gas valve must match incoming gas
pressure with appropriate high and low fire outputs.
Program boiler computer to actual conditions, not default settings.
New boiler must be more than 10% more efficient than existing boiler.
Boiler over 85% efficient must have return water temps low enough to
condense; thus receiving additional efficiency from condensation.
All existing circulator pumps must be replaced with DC ECM pumps.
Circulation pipes must be insulated when exposed in attics or crawl spaces.
•
•
Combustion Safety Test
required. Record results
on Appendix F.
No CST required if all
appliances in CAZ are
sealed combustion.
pressure in the CAZ, and
propose mitigation.
Replace the draft hooded
water heater with a sealed
combustion water heater that
will qualify for our rebate. The
old vent must be capped on
both ends or removed and firestop the chase.
Re- line or resized the vent to
avoid excess spillage from
back drafting. Vent liner sized
per liner manufacturer
installation sizing tables for
water heater BTU input and
height.
Add combustion air.
• Return water temps may not be low
enough with existing system design
for new high efficiency boiler to
condense. Thus eliminating
efficiency gains.
• Need to determine suitability of
replacing the existing boiler: what
type and size of boiler to replace it
with, condensing high efficiency, or
mid-efficiency.
• Look at the type and the lineal
footage of existing convectors for
suitability with new high efficiency
16
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
Field Manual, Notes
boiler system that operates at lower
temps: may cause over and under
heating of rooms.
• Baseboard convectors may need
replacement with a high-capacity
model or increase the overall
length.
•
•
New AC
Installation
or Replacing
AC System
Central split AC
systems only
Existing AC
must be SEER
10 or <, OR
replacement
AC system is at
least 1 Ton
smaller
•
•
•
•
•
System must be right-sized using an ACCA approved Manual J block load
calculations, installed per ACCA Standard 5, and commissioned with EW-H
AC Commissioning Form.
AC systems > 115% of design cooling load: must provide equipment
performance data sheets with equipment selection highlighted per Manual
S.
AC system condenser, evaporator, and furnace must be AHRI matched.
3 Tiers of rebates apply to either New or Replacement AC Installation: Tier 1
is SEER 14.5, EER 12; Tier 2 is SEER 15, EER 12.5; Tier 3 is SEER 16,
EER 13
Tier 3 must have 2 stage condensing unit and furnace with ECM motor
•
Complete EW-H AC
Commissioning Form and
return with rebate
application.
•
Does not currently include minisplit systems for natural gas
heated homes.
17
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
Electric heat or
heat pump
only.
• Heat pump
must be
evaluated by
an EW-H Heat
Pump
Contractor
•
New
evaporative
cooler or
replacing
existing A/C w/
an evaporative
cooler.
•
•
•
Heat Pump
•
Advanced
Evaporative
Cooler
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
•
•
•
•
•
Central System must be right-sized using ACCA approved Block Load heat
loss/gain calculations, installed per ACCA Standard 5 2010, and
commissioned with EW-H AC Commissioning Form.
Determine if existing forced air system duct size is large enough for heat
pump.
Min SEER of 14.5 & HSPF of 9.0
Must be cold-climate air-source multi-stage heat pump, mini-split heat pump
or ground source heat pump.
•
Complete EW-H AC
Commissioning Form and
return with rebate
application.
Permanent installations only; temporary or portable units not eligible.
Evaporative Coolers must have:
- Inorganic media, Thermostat control, automated daily water dump,
insulated cover for winter.
Direct evaporative coolers are permanently mounted on roof or ground.
Indirect can be mounted on ground or in an attic.
Follow all manufacturer’s installation instructions
•
No test out requirement.
Field Manual, Notes
•
Instruct homeowner to open
window(s) during operation.
18
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
•
Replacing
natural draft
vented water
heater, or
electric water
heater.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Replacement
Gas Water
Heater
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
•
Replacement gas water heater must be power vented, direct vented, or high
efficiency sealed combustion.
Tier 1: Power Vented water heaters must have an EF > 0.67.
Tier 2: Direct Vented water heaters must have an EF > 0.67.
Tier 3: High efficiency sealed combustion must have an EF > 0.82.
Direct vent and high efficiency sealed combustion must have both intake
and exhaust piped to exterior.
Cap or remove combustion air ducts if all appliances in CAZ are sealed
combustion.
Do a combustion analysis test verifying the installation meets manufacturer’s
specifications.
•
•
Combustion Safety
Test required. Record
results on Appendix F
No CST required if all
appliances in CAZ are
sealed combustion.
Field Manual, Notes
•
•
•
•
•
Will solve back-drafting /
combustion product spillage in
houses with combustion safety
problems.
Power vented tank helps with
combustion safety; still requires
combustion air ducts to CAZ; no
efficiency gain over current
standard efficiency tank.
Direct vent tank solves combustion
safety problems; eliminates
combustion air ducts; is cheaper
than high efficiency; no efficiency
gain over current standard
efficiency tank
Direct vent intake and exhaust
terminations must be a minimum
20” above grade.
High efficiency sealed-combustion
tank and tankless units mitigate
combustion safety problems;
eliminates need for combustion air
supply ducts.
19
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
•
Whole House
Fan
•
•
Duct Sealing
and
Insulating
•
New or
replacement of
old whole
house fans
without
motorized
damper/insulat
ed cover.
Duct leakage
to outside
thermal
envelope must
exceed 20% of
measured
system airflow.
A Participating
HVAC
Contractor
with Duct
Sealing
Specialty must
verify duct
leakage.
A portion of
the duct
system must
be present in
unconditione
d attic space
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fans must have motorized, insulated doors or dampers, which shut and seal
after every use.
Provide adequate attic venting per fan manufacturer, unless exhaust vent
can be terminated outside the attic.
Insulation shall be prevented from being blown into soffits with baffles and/or
insulation blocking. Soffits ventilation into attic shall be maintained.
Old, non-qualifying whole house fans must be removed and the space air
sealed and insulated per IECC as adopted by AHJ.
Duct Blaster with Blower door test is required before and after duct sealing
to measure beginning leakage to outside, and the leakage to outside
reduction.
Pressurize house to +25 Pa with blower door, and pressurize duct system to
0 Pa WRT house. Measure duct leakage to outside: must exceed 20% of
system airflow to qualify for an incentive.
Seal ducts with approved materials (foil tape can be used at parts that need
to be removed for service).
Un-insulated duct in unconditioned space must be insulated per local
building code.
Follow EW-H Post-Installation Combustion Safety Test Procedure.
Final leakage must be a minimum of 30% reduction from initial test.
•
•
Document that attic
ventilation is adequate
for the fan air flow rate.
Submit with rebate
application.
Combustion Safety
Test required. Record
results on Appendix F
Field Manual, Notes
•
Quiet fans that seal move low
CFM; multiple units may be
required to provide comfort.
•
Sealing and insulating ducts
located outside a home’s thermal
boundary are usually a cost
effective measure.
Can help solve house
depressurization issues.
Conditioning crawl spaces
containing ducts can be more
effective than air-sealing ducts in
cold crawl space.
•
•
20
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Existing
Conditions
Efficiency
Measure
•
Per ASHRAE
62.2-2010
calculation,
home requires
mechanical
ventilation.
Post-installation Tests
Installation Standards
•
Install Ventilation per ASHRAE 62.2-2010 mechanical ventilation
requirements.
•
•
•
•
Mechanical
Ventilation
Combustion Safety
Test required. Record
results on Appendix F
Commission any
HRV/ERV system
Measure all system
airflows to verify they
meet ASHRAE 62.2
ventilation requirements
Document intake and/or
exhaust flow rates for
rebate application
submittal
Field Manual, Notes
•
•
Below are “BEST PRACTICES”
recommendations and specific
requirements for each system type:
Exhaust-Only Ventilation:
Can potentially depressurize
CAZ leading to back drafting.
As long as CAZ
depressurization is within BPI
standards and the Combustion
Safety Test passes worstcase, then Exhaust-Only
Ventilation is a viable solution.
Garage must be air sealed
from home so that the garage
does not become the source of
makeup air.
Balanced Heat Recovery
Ventilators (HRV), and Energy
Recovery Ventilators (ERV):
Pollutant source point intake is
preferred but not always possible
- Exhaust ducted balanced
systems:
° Furnace fan need not run
continuously: intermittent
operation/increased speed
for on-demand fan operation
ok
° Furnace fan should be
interlocked w/ HRV/ERV for
21
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Efficiency
Measure
Existing
Conditions
Installation Standards
Post-installation Tests
Field Manual, Notes
proper air distribution
ECM motor required when
furnace is used for
ventilation,
° ECM motors required with
HRV/ERV ventilation
systems.
° Defrost must be with
conditioned air, not electric
resistance heat strips.
° Airflow commissioning
required
Exhaust-Only Ventilation Systems:
Not appropriate for homes with
fireplaces or open combustion
appliances unless CAZ pressures
are within BPI standards and
Combustion Safety Test passes in
worst-case.
- Multi-port exhaust ventilator
° Includes remote attic
mounted fans with multiple
drops to bathrooms and
other pollutant generating
sources (except areas w/
gas or wood burning
appliances)
° Can have continuous or
intermittent run times
° If fan is in continuous
operation, must have a DC
°
•
22
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Efficiency
Measure
Existing
Conditions
Installation Standards
Post-installation Tests
Field Manual, Notes
motor.
Single port fans
° ENERGY STAR qualified
bath or kitchen fans
° Quality insulated ducting
° Can have continuous or
intermittent run times
° If fan is in continuous
operation, must have a DC
motor.
- House to garage connection
cannot exceed 1%.
Supply Ventilation
- ECM motor required where
furnace is used for ventilation,
- Do not use in continuous
operation: can over
ventilate/pressurize the house,
which may cause moisture
condensation damage inside
exterior assemblies.
- Use Fan Cycler to control
ventilation; a motorized damper
on insulated outdoor air intake
duct opens when the
furnace/air-handler blower
operates, and/or a specified
amount of time per hour.
- Outdoor air duct connects to the
furnace return air far enough
from furnace to temper cold air
-
•
23
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Home Efficiency Program – Final Installation Standards: V3
Effective: 7/1/2015
Efficiency
Measure
Existing
Conditions
Installation Standards
Post-installation Tests
Field Manual, Notes
so air reaching the heat
exchanger is not less than OEM
minimum specification. Slope
first 4’ of intake duct towards
outside, use balancing damper
24
APPENDIX B
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works Program
Combustion Safety Testing (CST) Process
Audit CST Process: § Auditor performs the following tests: 1. Gas Leak Detection 2. Worst Case Depressurization Test 3. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Test in vent pipe 4. Spillage and Draft Test § Auditor records results on audit data sheet for installation contractor’s use. § Auditor will follow Building Performance Institute’s (BPI) Building Analyst Legacy Standards Combustion Safety Test Action Levels: CO Test
Result*
And/
or
Spillage and
Draft Test Results
0-25 ppm
And
Fails at worst
case only
26-100 ppm
And
Passes
26-100 ppm
And
100-400 ppm
Or
> 400 ppm
And
Passes
> 400 ppm
And
Fails under any
condition
> 35 ppm
ambient CO
in breathing
zone
_
During natural
conditions test
Fails at worst
case only
Fails under
natural
conditions
Retrofit Action
Recommend that spillage problem be fixed. Have
owner sign disclosure form.
Recommend that the CO problem be fixed. Have
owner sign disclosure form.
Recommend that the CO and spillage problem be
fixed. Have owner sign disclosure form.
Work may not proceed until the system is serviced
and the problem is corrected. Have owner sign
disclosure form.
Work may not proceed until the system is serviced
and the CO problem is corrected. Have owner
sign disclosure form.
Turn off the appliance, have the owner call for
service immediately and sign disclosure form.
Abort the test. Turn off the appliance, ventilate the
space and evacuate the building. Have the owner
call for service immediately and sign disclosure
form.
*CO measurements for undiluted flue gases in the vent at steady state.
NOTICE: As of 7/1/15 all sealed combustion equipment tested in the EW program
will be referenced to the ASNI/BSR AZ223.1/NFPA 54 CO Threshold Chart. This
means that water heaters will be allowed to up to 200 ppm CO (Air Free) and
boilers and furnaces will be allowed up to 400 ppm CO (Air Free). All other
equipment will be referenced to the BPI Building Analyst Legacy Standard.
1
Post-Installation CST Process:
Installation contractor performs Worst Case Depressurization and Spillage Test as well
as Spillage Test under Natural Conditions if needed (see flow chart below) after the
following installations:
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
Air Sealing
Conditioned Crawl Space Insulation
Cold Crawlspace Insulation
Basement Wall Insulation
Cantilever Floor Insulation
Floor Over Garage Insulation
Exterior Frame Wall Insulation
Masonry Exterior Wall Insulation
•
§
§
§
§
§
§
§
Attic Insulation (Flat Ceiling)
Attic Knee Wall Insulation
Cathedral Ceiling Insulation
Replacement Gas Furnace
Replacement Gas Boiler
Replacement Water Heater
Duct Sealing
Mechanical Ventilation
Worst Case Depressurization and Spillage Test
Passes
Record CST
results on
Appendix F
Fails
Proceed with
Spillage Test under
Natural Conditions
Spillage Test under Natural Conditions
Passes
§ Notify customer of the following
options:
1. Replace appliance with model
less vulnerable to spillage.
2. Obtain additional diagnostics to
determine cause of spillage.
§ Record CST results on Appendix F.
Fails
§ Notify customer of the following
options:
1. Replace appliance with model less
vulnerable to spillage.
2. Obtain additional diagnostics to
determine cause of spillage.
§ Record CST results on Appendix F.
§ Customer referred to Participating
Contractors to remedy spillage
problem.
Referred contractor
corrects spillage problem
and repeats CST process.
2
Overall Combustion Safety Review: Question: What appliances are required to be tested? Answer: Only atmospheric ones (Category 1) Question: What are the four required components of the required combustion test? Answer: •
•
•
•
Worst Case Depressurization (Record with DG-­‐700 or manometer) Spillage Testing (with mirror or smoke) Undiluted CO Testing (with Combustion Analyzer) Capture results on Appendix F – Discuss results with customer Question: When do I need to test the equipment under Natural Conditions? Answer: Only when the appliance fails Worst Case spillage. Question: What happens if the appliance fails spillage under Worst Case/Natural Conditions? Answer: Both situations mean you need to talk to the homeowner about possible next steps to improve the results. Please remember that a spillage failure at Natural conditions is a VERY SERIOUS situation that you need to be very clear about not operating the device until it is fixed by a qualified professional. Question: Do we have to get Appendix F signed by the homeowner if the appliance fails testing? Answer: The advisors will handle getting the final signature on Appendix F – However, you will still be required to provide your relevant test results on the Rebate application (you will see Appendix F there now) and you must discuss any failures with the homeowner immediately after finding the results. Question: Are there ever situations where we do not have to perform the Combustion Safety Testing? Answer Part 1: The following measures are exempt from testing if they are the only measure being installed. •
•
•
•
Whole House Fan Window replacements Blower Motor Replacements New AC or Heat Pump or Evaporative Coolers Answer Part 2: The following scenarios do not have to be tested. •
•
•
80% Furnace in crawlspace with independent flue 80% Furnace in an attic with independent flue Sealed combustion equipment only 3
Appendix C: Checklist for EW Rebates
Air Sealing
ACH50 was > 3.0 and has been reduced by at least 25% Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
All attic bypasses sealed
Garage-­‐to-­‐House Connection
All garage-­‐to-­‐house connection bypasses were sealed, including: Around outlets and switches, around door trim, around any penetrations made by the garage door rail support systems, along the bottom of the drywall on walls adjacent to conditioned space, along accessible top plates of walls adjacent to conditioned space, around the bottom of any duct or vent chases that protrude into the garage, adjacent to the conditioned space.
Attic Insulation
Original insulation < R30 and has now been raised to a minimum of R-­‐49
Cloth sheathed and knoband tube wire evaluated or replaced
Insulation stops and baffles provided between rafters or trusses
All bath and kitchen vents terminate outside and not in the attic
Mechanical/Duct issues called out in the audit were corrected
Ducts insulated to R8 minimum Insulation installed to R-­‐values prescribed by the IECC (with additional 2" for cellulose over fiberglass)
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
All attic bypasses sealed
Kneewalls and skylights air sealed and insulated
WHF has air sealed & insulated cover
Dams provided at all ceiling level transitions to keep full-­‐depth insulation on top plates
Can lights are sealed and/or NON IC lights have top hats
Attic hatch insulated and air sealed
Attic Knee wall and skylight shaft
Knee Wall was uninsulated or insulated to R11 or less Ignition barrier in place
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
Cavity filled with insulation with 6-­‐sided encapsulation
Dams provided at all ceiling level transitions to keep full-­‐depth insulation on top plates
Insulation provided on outside of studs to create thermal break
Basement wall Insulation
Exterior grade drain issues called out in audit are mitigated
Foundation cracks completely sealed
Insulation to R-­‐value prescribed by IECC
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
Any field stone is covered with closed cell insulation
Spray foam has ignition barrier
1
Rim Joist air sealed and insulated to IECC
Cantilever Floor Insulation
Intact, sealed air barrier inside and out including joist space blocking
Joist cavities totally filled with insulation and densepacked
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
All water pipes located in the bottom 1/2 of the cavity, pipes were protected from freezing by installing net under the pipes so that insulation is only blown on the cold side of the pipe
Cathedral Ceiling Insulation
R-­‐20 continuous exterior rigid insulation directly above sheathing with seams sealed
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
Dense-­‐packed fiberglass insulation used to fill cavity
All recessed cans are ICAT or an insert is installed
Cold Crawlspace
There is evidence of persistent moisture of bulk water that cannot be mitigated
Air barrier on cold side of insulation (Not a vapor barrier)
Floor cavity filled with insulation RESNET Grade I
Sealed moisture barrier installed on ground
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
All floor penetrations sealed
Water pipes have full depth insulation below
Insulate and air seal rim joists and foundation plate to R-­‐value prescribed by the IECC
Mechanical equipment ducting insulated to R8
Conditioned Crawlspace Insulation
All moisture problems called out in Audit Report are mitigated
All 3 elements complete (Rim, Insulation, Vapor Barrier)
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
Insulation installed to R-­‐values prescribed by the IECC
Ignition barrier installed over insulation
Exterior frame wall insulation
Existing condition R9 or less
Cloth sheathed and knob and tube wire evaluated or replaced
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
Wall is dense packed with cellulose or short fiber fiberglass insulation
Windows, doors, and electrical boxes were air sealed around prior to insulating
Floor over Garage Insulation
Inside end of joist space is blocked and air sealed
Drywall was removed if any pipes were in the lower 1/2 of the cavity
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
Drywall replaced with 5/8" type X gypsum
Drywall on garage ceiling must be complete and sealed
2
Masonry Exterior Wall Insulation
Insulated to R-­‐value prescibed by AHJ
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
Rim joist air sealed and insulated
Window Replacement
Walls are insulated
Windows meet EnergyStar Requirements
Windows have low maintenance exterior(clad, fiberglass, composite, or vinyl)
Full-­‐Frame replacement window installation meeting AMMA standards (where possible)
For Block Frame installations, air sealing was completed around existing window frame
Whole House Fan
Fans have motorized, insulated doors or dampers, which shut and seal after every use
Provided adequate attic venting per fan manufacturer
Insulation was prevented from being blown into soffits with baffles and/or insulation blocking. Soffits
ventilation into attic was maintained
Old, non-qualifying whole house fans have been removed and the space air sealed and insulated per
IECC as adopted by AHJ
Mechanical Ventilation
Per ASHRAE 62.2-­‐2010
HRV/ERV systems have been commissioned
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
All system airflows have been verified
Intake/exhaust flow rates have been recorded on Appendix F
Replacement Air Handler Motor
Existing motor was Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC)
New motor is brushless DC
TESP is under .8 IWC
Airflow or TESP has been matched to original values
Replacement Gas Furnace
Original furnace's: brand, model number, capacity, and age been provided for the rebate application
Installed system is sealed combustion with both intake and exahaust vented to outdoors
Included Invoice with equipment size, manufacturer, model number, and efficiency (AFUE), gas stages and blower type?
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
Commissioning Form has been Completed
TESP is under .8 IWC
Replacement Gas Boiler
New boiler is at least 10% more than existing
Contractor is a EW-­‐H Hydronic Speciality Contractor
Installed system is sealed combustion with both intake and exahaust vented to outdoors
Outdoor reset integrated in design
3
Boiler computer programmed to actual conditions
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
Pumps are DC ECM
Circulation pipes exposed to attic or crawl space are insulated
Return water temps are low enough to condense
New AC Installation or Relacement AC
Existing system was 10 SEER or less OR New system is at least 1 ton smaller than previous
Commissioning Form has been Completed
Included Invoice with equipment size, manufacturer, model number (both evaporator and condensor), and efficiency SEER, EER
Any Tier 3 equipment has 2 stage condensing unit and furnace with ECM motor
Heat Pump
Contractor is a EW-­‐H Heat Pump Contractor
Commissioning Form Has Been Completed
Minimum SEER of 14.5 and HSPF of 9 was installed
Advanced Evaporative Cooler
Included an invoice with the equipment size, manufacturer, model and exhaust flow rate
The install is a permanentiInstallation
Inorganic Media us used
Thermostat control is present
Automated daily water dump is present
Insulated cover for winter is present
Replacement Gas Water Heater
Include an invoice with the equipment size, manufacturer, model, energy factor (EF), and water heater type
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
I have capped or removed combustion air ducts if all appliances in CAZ are sealed combustion
Duct Sealing and Insulating
Original leakage was more than 20% of system airflow
Final leakage rate is an improvement of at least 30% from initial test
Ducts insulated to code in unconditioned space
A portion of the duct system is in unconditioned space
Combustion Safety Testing Completed and Recorded
4
Appendix D
Combustion Furnace Commissioning Form
V1.0
Customer Name (print):_______________________________________ Signature:____________________________________
Address:______________________________________________________________ Permit # ____________________
The customer hereby understands that the commissioning process of this furnace includes combustion safety testing of any existing
water heater. However, overall performance testing of the water heater is not addressed by this procedure in EW-H.
Company Performing Commissioning:__________________________________________________________________
Technician (signature):________________________________ (Print Name):___________________________________
Manual J Loads - Heating:___________________________Btuh
Cooling (Sensible):_________________________Btuh
Age/Type of Structure:_______________ Location of Furnace:______________ Accessible return ducts sealed?:_____
Furnace Information
(Single Stage Only: fill in @ High Fan Speed. Multi-stage: fill in @ Low & High Fan Speeds)
Manufacturer:__________________________ Model:______________________________
Size:_________________Btuh
Is the Furnace multi-stage?:_______________
Does the Furnace have a communicating thermostat?:_________
ECM or other DC Blower Motor used?:_____________
Are Furnace Vents Sized, Supported, and Terminated per OEM instructions and International Residential Code?:______
Gas Pressure Evaluation
Rated Gas Pressure (IWC) - Low:______ High:______
Measured Gas Pressure (IWC) - Low:_____ High:_____
Is the Manifold gas pressure within the OEM specified range at each stage?:_______
External Static Pressure Evalutaion
Supply Air ESP @ High Heat fan speed (IWC):__________________
Return Air ESP @ High Heat fan speed (IWC):_______
Factory Rated Maximum TESP (IWC):______________
Measured TESP @ High Heat fan speed (IWC):______
Temperature Rise and Amp Draw Evaluation
Low Heat fan speed
High Heat fan speed
Nameplate Rated Temp Rise (˚F):
Measured Temp Rise (˚F):
Blower Amps
At steady state, is Temperature Rise within OEM temperature range at each fan speed?:______
Combustion Evaluation
Fuel Supply: Natural Gas ¨ Propane ¨
Furnace flue gas CO readings (ppm):
Low Heat:_______
High Heat:_______
Is CO within accepted range at high fire?:________
Combustion Efficiency: _____%
Method or Equipment Used: ________________________________________________
Air Flow Evaluation
Method used to measure Indicated air flow:______________ Manometer used ____________ (DG, DM, Magnehelic, or other?)
With DG-2, DM-2, or other pressure gauges, convert pressure to Indicated air flow per TrueFLow Appendix A.
Indicated air flow Low Heat fan speed (CFM):__________
High Heat fan speed (CFM):____________
Convert Indicated air flow to Volumetric air flow using TrueFlow Appendix C, Table C.1.c .
Volumetric air flow Low Heat fan speed (CFM):__________
High Heat fan speed (CFM):____________
Combustion Safety Test (required for all remaining natural draft gas appliances)
Natural draft gas appliance flue gas spillage time @ worst case?:______ sec.
Pass test?: Yes ¨ No ¨
Natural draft gas appliance flue gas spillage time @ natural conditions?:_______ sec.
Pass test?: Yes ¨ No ¨
Water Heater orphaned?:_____
Existing vent size?:_____"
Has original flue been re-lined?:_______
CO level at steady state in Natural Draft Appliance undiluted flue gases (ppm):________
Ambient CO (ppm):_________
Comments:_______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Company Name _____________________________
Technician Signature__________________________
Date__________________
(Updated 8/19/14)
1
Appendix E COMMISSIONING FORM – Residential Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps V12814
Project Information Indoor Measurements Job site address: ( TF Manual Table C.1.c) Return air DB temp (F): ______ Air Density Factor: _________ Customer name: Supply air DB temp (F): Commissioning company: TrueFlow plate size: Technician name: (See diagram back page) (TF Manual Appendix B) If not using DG700/DM2 NSOP: _____ TFSOP: _____ Flow Resistance Correction Factor: _____ Technician signature: Measured airflow, no corrections (SCFM): 14 20 (Measured airflow x FRCF) Commissioning date: Indicated airflow (SCFM): (CFM x Air Density Factor) Volumetric airflow (ACFM): Equipment Specifications AC type: Split CFM per ton (ACFM/Nominal Ton): Heat pump Manufacturer + model AHRI #_______________ CFM per ton is 350 to 500 Pass Fail Air handler: __________________________________________ External Static Pressures (IWC) (Diagram page 2) Supply ESP: _________ Return ESP: _________ Total ESP: ________ Outdoor unit: ________________________________________ ECM only Total ESP is 0.80 IWC or lower Indoor coil: __________________________________________ Blower speed setting (e.g. 2 of 5 would be medium-­‐low): Pass Fail Blower motor electrical power: ______V ______A Nominal capacity (tons): Air handler blower motor type: PSC Brushless DC Compressor electrical power: ______V ______A Number of blower speed settings: 1 2 3 4 5 (Minimum 65 F unless otherwise stated by OEM) Modulating Condenser entering air temp (F): Blower motor nameplate size (HP): Compressor RLA (A): 2 Stage?___________ Expansion valve TXV only TXV Fixed orifice TXV factory-­‐installed TXV field-­‐installed Controls Tstat type: Manual Programmable Communicating Temperature setpoints: Heating – occupied / unoccupied (F) ________ / ________ Cooling -­‐-­‐ occupied / unoccupied (F) ________ / ________ Auto Fan “On” will significantly increase annual electricity consumption. (Use 5000’ chart) Suction line temp (F): (Use 5000’ chart) Discharge pressure (PSI): _______ Cond saturation temp (F): ______ TXV only Liquid line temp (F): Building Owner / Representative Training Did the building owner/representative receive training on how to operate the new system? Yes No Were pertinent manuals given to building owner or placed in or near equipment for others to use? Yes TXV only Target subcooling (F): TXV only Actual SC is +/-­‐ 3 F of target, 2 F minimum No Pass Fail (Suction line T – Evaporator saturation T) Actual superheat (F): (Fixed-­‐orifice: OEM table lookup based on condenser EAT + return air WBT) (TXV: OEM installation manual) Target superheat (F): Fixed Orifice only Actual superheat is +/-­‐ 5 F of target (Condenser saturation T – Liquid line T) TXV only Actual subcooling (F): (Outdoor unit or OEM installation manual) Tstat mfgr/model: On Suction pressure (PSI): _______ Evap saturation temp (F): ______ TXV only Fan Setting: Outdoor Measurements Pass Fail Pass Fail (Liquid line T – condenser EAT) Approach method Actual approach (F): (Outdoor unit or OEM installation manual) Approach method Target approach (F): Approach method Actual approach is +/-­‐ 1 F of target 1 Static Pressure Measurement Measure Supply P* = +______ Calculate ΔP AC coil = _____ Measure Return P* = -­‐ _______ Calculate ΔP Filter = _______ Measure Supply ESP = +______ Calculate ΔP Total ESP = ______ Measure Return ESP = -­‐ ______ Test setup: __ All registers open __ Humidifier bypass closed __ Zone dampers open __ Fan speed at high stage cooling Measure static pressures in units of Pascals (Pa) or Inches Water Column (IWC). Label units above. If using Pa, multiply by 0.004 to convert to IWC to enter ΔP data on page 1. * Measure NSOP and TFSOP in either of these locations. Abbreviations + Definitions •
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ACFM: Actual CFM, volumetric airflow based on actual air d ensity Condenser EAT: Condenser Entering Air Temperature, typically equal to outdoor ambient air temperature DBT: Dry-­‐bulb temperature External Static Pressure: static pressure measured external to air handler cabinet (not including filter or AC coil) HEP: Fort Collins Utilities Home Efficiency Program NSOP: see TrueFlow manual OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer SCFM: Standard CFM, volumetric airflow assuming sea-­‐level, 70 F air TF: Energy Conservatory TrueFlow® Air Handler Flow Meter TFSOP: see TrueFlow manual WBT: Wet-­‐bulb temperature 2 Appendix F - Efficiency Works for Homes
Post-Improvement Carbon Monoxide
and Ventilation Disclosure
Customer Name:_______________________ Customer Address:_____________________________________
Combustion Safety
Your participating contractor has tested the functioning of the exhaust system of your gas furnace and/or water
heater to the standards of the Building Performance Institute. This includes a spillage (a.k.a. “back-drafting”) test
performed under two test conditions: natural conditions and worst-case conditions as well as undiluted and
ambient carbon monoxide (CO) measurements.
☐
Under worst-case conditions a potential carbon monoxide hazard has been identified in the home
Worst-case conditions occur when all exhaust systems (bathroom fans, stovetop fans, dryers, furnace, etc) are all
running at the same time. This simulates a depressurization condition where exhaust from gas burning appliances could
enter the living space.
☐
Under natural conditions a carbon monoxide hazard has been identified in the home
Natural conditions occur when all the systems in the home are operating in a manner most similar to the typical state of
the home. Failure under natural conditions means that exhaust from gas burning appliances is likely to enter the living
space regularly. Immediate actions should be taken to correct the spillage from the natural draft gas vent.
Health and Safety Issues
Breathing the exhaust from gas burning appliances is hazardous to your health. Carbon monoxide can be
fatal in high doses or cause chronic health problems in lower concentrations. Nitrogen oxides, which are irritants, are
also combustion by-products. Safe combustion means that there is little or no carbon monoxide production and that
100% of the combustion products are vented to the outside at all times.
Building Envelope Tightness and Indoor Air Quality
Your participating contractor has tested the amount of air leakage through your home’s exterior surfaces,
referred to as the “building envelope”. This test is used to estimate the heating and cooling energy cost savings
attributable to air-sealing measures, and to estimate the amount of available fresh air that enters the home through
leaks in the building envelope.
While home efficiency upgrades often focus on reducing air leaks as a key strategy for saving energy and
increasing comfort, these retrofits simultaneously reduce the amount of fresh air that is introduced into the home,
potentially leading to increased levels of moisture and pollutants in the indoor air. It is often recommended that, when
implementing air-sealing measures, a controlled mechanical ventilation system also be installed. It may seem
counterintuitive to seal leaks in the building envelope only to add a mechanical system to re-introduce fresh air;
however, this strategy maximizes energy savings while safeguarding indoor air quality. Relying on building envelope
air leakage alone to provide fresh air means that 1) the “fresh” air often enters through leaks from undesirable
locations such as an attached garage, crawl space, or attic, and 2) the more extreme the outdoor conditions (extreme
heat or cold, high winds, etc.), the more leakage occurs – leaving the home over-ventilated on the days and nights
when a minimum level of air leakage is advantageous. A mechanical ventilation system provides a consistent,
controlled amount of ventilation air to a tight and energy efficient home.
Disclosures (Check all that apply)
¨ I understand there is a potential carbon monoxide hazard in my home. (Contractor has provided Combustion
Safety Details on page 2 of this document).
¨ I understand that Indoor Air Quality is tied to building tightness and that mechanical ventilation will often
improve indoor air quality. Further information on mechanical ventilation strategies and rates are available
from an Efficiency Works Advisor.
¨ I am aware that there are air pathways between my garage and my house that I should attempt to get air
sealed to improve my indoor air quality.
¨ As previously stated in the service Statement of Understanding the Efficiency Audit of which this inspection is
part, is not anticipated or intended to be a safety inspection, nor a complete or thorough investigation of the
condition of the home or property, and that the purpose of the audit is not to determine whether the home or
property is or will be safe or suitable for occupation, but rather is intended to assist me in identifying potential
energy efficiency measures for my home that I may choose to further investigate. __________________________
_____________________________________
________________
Customer Name
Customer Signature
Date
1 Appendix F - Efficiency Works for Homes
Post-Improvement Carbon Monoxide
and Ventilation Disclosure
Note – Spillage must be checked with a mirror or smoke pencil
Appliance 1: _________________________
Worst Case Depressurization (Pa) [if measured]: ________
Natural draft gas appliance flue gas spillage time @ Worst Case?________
Pass Test?
Natural draft gas appliance flue gas spillage time @ Natural Conditions?________
Pass Test?
Note: Natural Conditions are only required if spillage fails Worst Case.
Water Heater Orphaned?
YES
NO
Has original flue been relined? YES
NO
Existing Flue Size? _________
CO @ Steady State (ppm): _________
Ambient Carbon Monoxide (ppm): _________
Next Steps?
Appliance 2: _________________________
Worst Case Depressurization (Pa) [if measured]: ________
Natural draft gas appliance flue gas spillage time @ Worst Case?________
Pass Test?
Natural draft gas appliance flue gas spillage time @ Natural Conditions?________
Pass Test?
Note: Natural Conditions are only required if spillage fails Worst Case.
Water Heater Orphaned?
YES
NO
Has original flue been relined? YES
NO
Existing Flue Size? _________
CO @ Steady State (ppm): _________
Ambient Carbon Monoxide (ppm): _________
Next Steps?
Blower Door Value (CFM)______________________________
YES
YES
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
NO
Wind Conditions_____________________
Combustion Safety
As the participating contractor in Efficiency Works, I acknowledge that I have tested the functioning of the
exhaust system of the gas furnace and/or water heater to the standards of the Building Performance Institute as called
out by Efficiency Works. This includes a spillage (a.k.a. “back-drafting”) test performed under two possible test
conditions: natural conditions and worst case conditions as well as undiluted and ambient carbon monoxide (CO)
measurements. I also acknowledge that I have discussed the results of those tests and any health/safety
issues with the homeowner directly.
_______________________________
___________________________________ ______________
CAZ tester Name
CAZ Tester Signature
Date
Contractor Notes:
2 APPENDIX G – MENTORING REQUIREMENTS
Platte River Power Authority Efficiency Works for Homes Program
Participating Contractor Mentoring Requirements
Mentoring Requirements:
Completing Efficiency Works Contractor certification requires the classroom training you
have just completed AND On-the-job mentoring with a CLEAResult Quality Assurance
Agent - Scott Suddreth.
To be checked off as certified you must be able to complete each item on the energy
efficiency measure as called out by the Efficiency Works Installation Standards without
assistance or guidance from the instructor. If you need help on items the session will
serve as a mentoring session to help you refine you skills. If you have lots of trouble
completing the process on your own – additional Mentoring sessions might be
requested.
Timeline:
CLEAResult must mark the certification process as complete within 6 months of you
completing the class. If you are not certified within this timeline you may be removed
from the participating contractor list.
• 2 mentoring sessions must be completed in the first 6 months after finishing the
class
Mentoring can be held at any home in which you are performing work. Please choose a
home that will cover required items on the checklist. A four-hour time period will be
allotted per mentoring session.
To Schedule Mentoring:
Call or email Scott Suddreth – CLEAResult – 970-691-9673
1 Rebates for Improvements
Efficiency Works for Homes Program
Platte River Power Authority
Revised 4/30/15
This matrix summarizes information regarding Efficiency Works for Homes (EW-H) rebates. If you
need additional clarification, please call Nick Karas at CLEAResult at 303-446-7902.
Some improvements may also qualify for other rebates. Consult with the project’s Efficiency Advisor
at CLEAResult to see what other rebates may be available.
Eligibility Requirements
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rebates are available for improvements to existing (greater than one year old) single-family
detached homes and attached townhomes with individual heating systems. Multi-family
homes or homes less than one year old are not included.
Rebates can be used for improvements to owner-occupied and rental properties receiving
electric service from Estes Park Light and Power, Fort Collins Utilities, Longmont Power and
Communications, or Loveland Water and Power.
An Efficiency Works Home Energy Audit is required as a prerequisite before efficiency
improvement measures are installed (except for emergency replacement of HVAC or DWH
equipment, which may be installed prior to the performance of an Efficiency Works Home
Energy Audit, though the audit must still take place prior to the issuance of rebates for that
work).
Improvements must be installed by contractors included on the applicable Efficiency Works
Participating Contractor List (http://efficiencyworks.prpa.org/find-a-provider/)As these lists will
be periodically updated, be sure the version you’re using is current. Homeowner installations
do not qualify for rebates.
Improvements must be installed in accordance with the details of the Efficiency Works for
Homes Installation Standards. This is the contractor’s responsibility. Key aspects of the
Installation Standards are shown below as “Requirements.”
Following any retrofit, which may impact the building shell tightness, a blower door test out is required (as
indicated in the “Post-installation Tests column”).
Where any building envelope improvement measures (attic insulation, frame wall insulation,
window replacement, etc.) are undertaken, the corresponding building component(s) must be
durably air sealed. In addition, for buildings with an air leakage rate greater than 3.0 ACH50
as determined at the time of the Efficiency Works Home Energy Audit, the envelope air
leakage rate must be reduced. This is applicable to all homes where building envelope
improvements are made – not just for homes where air-sealing rebates are sought.
Any time the combustion safety test results in spillage at natural conditions, the problem must
be corrected before a rebate will be approved.
Note special conditions that exist as follows
§ Loveland rebates are only available for Tier 2 gas furnaces; rebates are not
available for gas boilers or water heaters.
§ Loveland rebates for air sealing and insulation must have operational
mechanical cooling or primary electric heating to qualify for building envelope
improvements.
§ Estes Park rebates are only applicable for homes with electric heat.
1
Home Efficiency Program (HEP) Rebates
Efficiency
Measure
Requirements
and Options
Rebate Amounts for
Gas-heated Homes1
Rebate Amounts for
Electric-heated Homes
Air Sealing
• Existing: All houses with an
ACH50 of greater than 3.0 are
eligible
• House to Attic air sealing
mandatory (see measures from
EW-H Installation Standards)
• Combustion safety test required
Rebate amount varies with
% reduction in house shell
leakage:
Rebate amount varies with
% reduction in house shell
leakage:
• Tier 1, >25% - $200
• Tier 1, >25% - $300
• Tier 2, >33% - $300
• Tier 2, >33% - $400
• Tier 3, >50% - $400
• Tier 3, >50% - $500
Conditioned
Crawl Space
Insulation
Efficiency
Measure
1
• Existing: uninsulated or poorly
installed insulation
• Rim joist insulation and air
sealing, foundation wall
insulation, and moisture/soil
gas barrier must meet EW-H
Installation Standards to qualify
for a rebate.
• Evidence of moisture requires
extension of moisture/soil gas
barrier up the foundation wall to
the sill plate as well as
provision for means of subbarrier moisture removal.
• Rim joist: foam board or spray
foam insulation to current IECC Rvalue requirements, air seal
• Foundation wall – options
(insulation levels must meet
current IECC R-value
requirements):
- Insulate on interior with unfaced batts or perforated vinyl
faced fiberglass blanket,
closed cell foam board or
spray foam with ignition
barrier (except where exempt
per ICC-ES).
- Insulate on exterior with foam
board down to top of footing.
Protect above grade
• Combustion safety test required
Requirements
and Options
Rim joist
• Spray foam $0.50/sq.ft., max $500
• Foam board $0.50/sq.ft., max $300
Rim joist
• Spray foam $0.75/sq.ft., max $750
• Foam board $0.75/sq.ft., max $450
Foundation wall
• Fiberglass (interior) $0.30/sq.ft., max $250
• Spray foam (interior) $0.50/sq.ft., max $300
• Foam board (interior or
exterior) $0.50/sq.ft., max $300
Foundation wall
• Fiberglass (interior) $0.45/sq.ft., max $375
• Spray foam (interior) $0.75/sq.ft., max $450
• Foam board (interior or
exterior) $0.75/sq.ft., max $450
Rebate Amounts for
Gas-heated Homes
Rebate Amounts for
Electric-heated Homes
Note special condition for Estes Park in the Eligibility Requirements section
2
Cold
Crawl Space
Insulation
• Water Pipes must be above full
depth floor insulation
• Mechanical ducts insulated, R-8
• Air seal floor, fill joist cavity with
insulation to RESNET Grade 1,
and cover bottom with vapor
permeable air barrier.
• Insulate and air-seal rim joists to
R-value prescribed by the IECC
• Combustion safety test required
Basement
Wall
Insulation
• Existing: Basement walls are
uninsulated.
• Existing moisture problems
must be mitigated and any
foundation cracks sealed
• Rim joist: closed cell foam board
or spray foam to meet current
IECC R-value requirements; air
seal foundation plate
• Foundation wall insulation:
- On interior, options:
§ 1” XPS or EPS foam
board against foundation
wall + unfaced R-13
fiberglass batts in
finished frame wall
§ Continuous spray foam or
foam board to IECC Rvalue requirements with
thermal barrier.
- On exterior:
§ Closed cell foam board to
meet current IECC Rvalue requirements, 48”
below-grade or T.O.
footer (whichever is
greater); protect foam
above-grade
• Combustion safety test required
Cantilever
Floor
Insulation
• No restriction on existing
condition
• Air seal exterior and interior
• Any water pipes must be located
in top ½ of floor joist cavity or
drywall must be removed and
netting installed below water pipes
before insulating
• Combustion safety test required
$0.30/sq.ft.,
max $250
$0.45/sq.ft.,
max $375
Rim joist
• Spray foam $0.50/sq.ft., max $500
• Foam board $0.50/sq.ft., max $300
Rim joist
• Spray foam $0.75/sq.ft., max $750
• Foam board $0.75/sq.ft., max $450
Foundation wall
• Fiberglass batt + foam
board (interior) $0.80/sq.ft., max $550
• Spray foam or foam board
(interior) - $0.50/ sq.ft.,
max $300
• Foam board (exterior) $0.50/sq.ft., max $300
Foundation wall
• Fiberglass batt + foam
board (interior) $1.00/sq.ft., max $900
• Spray foam or foam
(interior) - $0.75/sq.ft.,
max $450)
• Foam board (exterior) $0.75/sq.ft., max $450
$0.50/ sq.ft.,
max of $200
$.75/ sq.ft.,
max of $300
3
Efficiency
Measure
Requirements
and Options
Rebate Amounts for
Gas-heated Homes
Rebate Amounts for
Electric-heated Homes
Floor
Over Garage
Insulation
• Existing: Insulation does not fill
floor cavity
• Any water pipes must be located
in top ½ of floor joist cavity or
drywall must be removed and
netting installed below water
pipes before insulating
• Floor joist cavities used as return
air ducts must be sealed from
floor cavity being insulated
• Any drywall removed from ceiling
must be restored to current code
compliance
• Combustion safety test
required
$0.50/ sq.ft.,
max of $200
$.75/ sq.ft.,
max of $300
Exterior
Frame
Wall
Insulation
• Existing: R-9 or less
• Must air seal all wall assembly
openings (windows, doors &
electrical boxes) prior to dense
packing walls
• Completely fill all stud cavities
• Cloth sheathed electrical wiring
must be evaluated by a licensed
electrician prior to insulating
• Knob and tube wiring must be
abandoned or replaced prior to
insulating
• Combustion safety test
required
$0.50/sq.ft. (net wall area),
max of $500
$.75/sq.ft. (net wall area),
max of $750
Masonry
Exterior Wall
Insulation
• Existing: uninsulated
• Insulate masonry walls, on either
the interior or exterior, to meet
current IECC R-value
requirements
• Combustion safety test
required
$0.50/sq.ft. (net wall area),
max of $500
$.75/sq.ft. (net wall area),
max of $750
4
Efficiency
Measure
Requirements
and Options
Rebate Amounts for
Gas-heated Homes
Rebate Amounts for
Electric-heated Homes
Attic
Insulation
(Flat Ceiling)
• Existing: Insulation < R-30
• Final insulation must >R-49
• Baffles at all exterior top plate
soffit vent locations & insulation
stops to minimize wind washing
• Must air seal ceiling thermal bypasses
• Must install missing air barriers or
insulation on knee walls and
skylights.
• Must repair duct problems in attic
before insulating
• All exhaust fan ducts must
terminate on the exterior of the
building
• Combustion safety test
required
$0.30/sq.ft. of flat attic area,
max $500
$0.50/sq.ft. of flat attic area,
max $750
Attic Knee
Wall
Insulation
• Insulation must be installed to
RESNET Grade I
• Final insulation level to meet
current IECC R-value
requirements
- If already insulated, add R11 spray foam, foam board or
vinyl faced fiberglass blanket
over existing insulation. Spray
foam & foam board requires
ignition barrier (except where
exempt per ICC-ES).
- If uninsulated, first fill cavity,
then add R-11 spray foam,
foam board or vinyl faced
fiberglass blanket to the cold
side of the framing. Spray
foam & foam board requires
ignition barrier (except where
exempt per ICC-ES).
• Combustion safety test
required
Already Insulated
$0.30/sq.ft. of knee wall
area,
max $500
Already Insulated
$0.50/sq.ft. of knee wall
area,
max $750
Uninsulated
$0.50/sq.ft. of knee wall
area,
max $500
Uninsulated
$0.75/sq.ft. of knee wall
area,
max $750
5
Efficiency
Measure
Requirements
and Options
Rebate Amounts for
Gas-heated Homes
Rebate Amounts for
Electric-heated Homes
Cathedral
Ceiling
Insulation
• No minimum existing
insulation
• No interior Class I vapor
retarders
• Cathedral ceiling insulation
requirements:
- Install continuous, external R20 insulation above the
structural roof sheathing (and
covered with IRC approved
roofing material)
- Completely fill rafter cavity
below structural roof
sheathing with dense-packed
short fiber fiberglass
- Air seal ceiling and can lights
as appropriate
• Combustion safety test
required
$0.50/sq.ft.,
max of $500
$.75/sq.ft.,
max of $750
Window
• Existing: Windows and sliding
and/or
glass doors must be single pane,
Sliding Glass
clear glass or metal framed
Door
• Exterior walls and existing
Replacement
window frames left in place must
be insulated and air sealed
• Windows and sliding glass doors
must be ENERGY STAR®
qualified for our northern climate,
with a low maintenance exterior
• Combustion safety test
required
$2.50/sq.ft.,
max $750
$3.75/sq.ft.,
max $1,000
$150
$150
Replacement • Existing: Motor is PSC
Air Handler • New motor must be DC
Blower
• TESP must not exceed 0.8 iwc
Motor
6
Efficiency
Measure
Rebate Amounts for
Gas-heated Homes
Rebate Amounts for
Electric-heated Homes
Replacement • Existing: Furnace with AFUE
Gas
<90% may upgrade to Tier 1 or
Furnace2
Tier 2
• Existing: Furnace efficiency
AFUE >90% must either increase
efficiency to Tier 2 or if already
Tier 2 must move from PSC to
ECM blower.
• Furnaces must be sized by ACCA
approved Manual J software &
commissioned
• Must be sealed combustion with
intake & exhaust to outside
• Tier 2 furnace must have multistage gas valve & ECM motor.
• TESP must not exceed 0.8 iwc
• Combustion safety test
required
2 Tiers of rebates based on
furnace efficiency:
N/A
Replacement • Existing hydronic system must be
Gas Boiler3
evaluated by boiler specialist
• Replacement boiler must be
sealed combustion with intake &
exhaust to outside
• Replacement boiler must be at
least 10% more efficient than
existing boiler
• For replacement boilers >85%
AFUE, return water temps must
be low enough to allow
condensing
• All existing circulator pumps
must be replaced with DC, ECM
pumps
• Combustion safety test
required
$300
2
3
Requirements
and Options
92% min AFUE - $300
95% min AFUE - $500
N/A
Note special conditions for Loveland in Eligibility Requirements section
Note special conditions for Loveland in Eligibility Requirements section
7
• AC system sized using ACCA
New AC
Manual J compliant method
Installation or • Systems > 115% of design
Replacing AC
cooling load must use Manual S
System
• Must be AHRI matched.
• Tier 3 must have 2 stage AC and
furnace with an ECM motor
• Existing AC must be SEER 10 or
<, OR replacement AC system is
at least 1 ton smaller
• System must be commissioned
with EW-H AC Commissioning
Form
3 Tiers of efficiency rebates:
SEER 14.5, EER 12 - $250
SEER 14.5, EER 12 - $250
SEER 15, EER 12.5 - $350
SEER 15, EER 12.5 - $350
SEER 16, EER 13 -
SEER 16, EER 13 -
$500
$500
8
Efficiency
Measure
Requirements
and Options
Rebate Amounts for
Gas-heated Homes
Rebate Amounts for
Electric-heated Homes
Heat Pumps;
Existing HP,
or Electric
Furnace
• Feasibility of improvement must
be evaluated by EW-H
participating HVAC contractor
specializing in Heat Pumps
• Must be cold-climate air-source
multi-stage heat pump, mini-split
heat pump or ground source heat
pump
• System must be sized using
ACCA Manual J compliant
method
• System must be commissioned
with EW-H AC Commissioning
Form
N/A
SEER 14.5 & HSPF 9.0 $500
Advanced
Evaporative
Cooler
• New evaporative cooler or
replacing existing AC with
evaporative cooler
• Must have: inorganic media,
thermostat control, automated
daily water dump, insulated
cover for winter
$500
$500
3 Tiers of efficiency rebates:
N/A
Replacement • Replacing natural draft vented
Gas Water
water heater or electric water
Heater4
heater
• Intake (where applicable) and
exhaust must be piped to exterior
• Combustion safety test
required
Power Vent
EF >0.67 - $100
Direct vent
EF >0.67 - $200
Sealed Combustion
EF >0.82 - $400
Whole House • New or replacing old whole house
Fan
fan
• Fans must have motorized,
insulated doors or dampers,
which shut and seal after every
use
4
$250
Per household
$250
Per household
Note special conditions for Loveland in Eligibility Requirements section
9
Efficiency
Measure
Duct Sealing
and
Insulating
Requirements
and Options
Rebate Amounts for
Gas-heated Homes
30% reduction in duct
• Existing: duct leakage to outside
>20% of measured system airflow leakage to outside rate -$200
per system
• Existing: a portion of the duct
system must be present in
unconditioned space
• Duct sealing must be done by a
participating EW-H HVAC duct
sealing specialty contractor
• Combustion safety test
required
Rebate Amounts for
Electric-heated Homes
N/A
Mechanical
Ventilation
• Existing: Per ASHRAE 62.2-2010
calculation, home requires
mechanical ventilation
• Install Ventilation per ASHRAE
62.2-2010 mechanical ventilation
requirements
• Combustion safety test
required
20% of cost up to $400
20% of cost up to $400
Garage to
House Air
Sealing
• Existing: Air leakage pathways
exist between the attached
garage and the main house
• Seal all areas called out in the
report as well as the prescriptive
list (see measures from EW-H
Installation Standards)
• Combustion safety test
required
$100
$100
10
PRESCRIPTIVE ENERGY CODE REQUIREMENTS Fort Collins Building Code Implemented 3/1/2014: 2012 IRC + Local Amendments NOTES •
•
•
•
•
Information consolidated from IRC Table N1102.1.1 (Insulation and Fenestration), N1102.4.1.2 (Infiltration), N1104.1 (Lighting)
R-values and high-efficacy lighting % are minimums
U-Factors and ACH50 are maximums
Red font = local amendments
Be familiar with footnotes in the prescriptive IRC Table N1102.1.1 as amended
HEATING SYSTEM TYPE
FENES-­‐
SKYLIGHT
TRATION U-­‐FACTOR
U-­‐FACTOR
GLAZED FENESTR SHGC CEILING R-­‐VALUE
WOOD-­‐
FRAME WALL R-­‐VALUE MASS WALL R-­‐VALUE FLOOR R-­‐VALUE BASEMENT WALL R-­‐VALUE SLAB R-­‐VALUE & DEPTH CRAWL INFILTRA-­‐
SPACE WALL TION R-­‐VALUE ACH50 HIGH-­‐
EFFICACY LIGHTING 15/19 Non-­‐
electric Electric 0.32 0.30 0.55 0.55 NR NR 49 49 20 or 13+5 20+5 13/17 30 (full cavity) 15/19 30 (full cavity) 10/13 (rim joist spray foamed R-­‐15) 15/19 10, 2 ft 15/19 3.0 75%* 10, 4 ft 15/19 3.0 75%* * A minimum of 75 percent of the lamps in permanently installed lighting fixtures shall be high-efficacy lamps or a minimum of 50
percent of the permanently installed lighting fixtures shall contain only LED lamps.
NOTE: Applicable in Fort Collins only.
1
Appendix K Efficiency Works Rebate Application Procedure Excel Rebate Calculator File o Open the Excel Rebate Calculator File (make sure it is the most up-­‐to-­‐date version of the file) o The 1st tab outlines the eligibility guidelines as well as the service terms and conditions o Next, left-­‐click the 2nd tab, 'General Information' on the navigation menu. § Enter details about the participant, property and project. (Required fields are identified with a (*) and Drop-­‐down menus are identified with a [▼]) o Next, left-­‐click the 3rd tab, 'Rebate Selection' on the navigation menu. § Enter the required data for any rebates relevant to the project. o Next, left-­‐click the 4th tab, ‘Project Summary’, and review the information. o Finally, return to the 1st tab and ‘Save As’. Make sure to include the home address and document type in the filename. Example: 1234 Test St, Fort Collins – Rebate Calculator o The 1st tab includes hyperlinks to the various DocuSign submission options. Submit this completed file and all other required documentation to Efficiency Works using Docusign at one of the below links: 1. Link if you are submitting rebate application AND you completed CAZ testing: https://www.docusign.net/Member/PowerFormSigning.aspx?PowerFormId=b24ecd40-­‐ef3e-­‐4ee0-­‐86cf-­‐4b9797b40252 2. Link if you are submitting rebate application and someone else completed CAZ testing: https://www.docusign.net/Member/PowerFormSigning.aspx?PowerFormId=4db0e5de-­‐9d0d-­‐488c-­‐8260-­‐37f731e0bfde Last Updated: May 11, 2015 1 DocuSign Powerform o Before you start with the DocuSign Powerform, make sure you have the completed Paperwork § Invoice (Always Required) § Excel Rebate Calculator File (Always Required) § Appendix F (Always Required) § Furnace Commissioning Form (Required for furnace installs) § AC Commissioning Form (Required for AC installs) § Manual J (Required for furnace, A/C, boilers, and heat pumps) § AHRI Cert (Required for furnace, A/C, boilers, and heat pumps) § NFRC Label (Required for all window replacements) o Click the appropriate Docusign Powerform link. The Powerform will walk you through the input of all required information. The Powerform cannot be submitted if there is incomplete information. o Check the box next to any and all rebate eligible measures for which you are applying for a rebate § Using the dropdown menu options, confirm the installation details for each rebate eligible measure for which you are applying for a rebate. o Upload all of the required documentation listed previously in this document o Sign ‘Provider Certification’ § Input Company name and Signer name § Click the “Sign” box to create you electronic signature o Appendix F (It is important to remember that the Contractor still must have a conversation with the Homeowner about any CAZ issues that were identified and any suggestions for remedies to those CAZ issues) § Input Customer name and address § Using the dropdown menu, select ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ for CO hazard under worst-­‐case conditions § Using the dropdown menu, select ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ for CO hazard under natural conditions § On the 2nd page of Appendix F in the CAZ Results detail section, use the pull-­‐down menu to select which type of appliance was tested for appliance 1 • Fill in all applicable CAZ details for Appliance 1 • Include suggestions to remedy listed CAZ issues in “Next Steps” (this is required if a failure occurred) § In the CAZ Results detail section, use the pull-­‐down menu to select which type of appliance was tested for appliance 2 • If there is only 1 combustion appliance select “No 2nd Appliance” • Fill in all applicable CAZ details for Appliance 2 • Include suggestions to remedy listed CAZ issues in “Next Steps” (this is required if a failure occurred) Last Updated: May 11, 2015 2 •
§ Input the Blower door number and wind conditions § Fill in the CAZ Tester Name § Click the “Sign” box to apply your signature § Fill in any additional comments that you might have NOTE: The ‘Finish Later’ option does not currently work with these online Powerforms. Make sure you are prepared to fully complete the Powerform when you go to use it. That means having all relevant information and documentation handy while using the Powerform. Post-­‐Submission • As the Signer you will receive an email with copies of all the completed documentation you provided. • All documentation will also be sent to the Efficiency Works advising team o The advising team will review the submitted information and documentation. § If everything is correct then the advising team will connect with the customer. § If there is missing information or mistakes the contractor will be notified via a weekly rebate status report that the Efficiency Works service will send to the contractor. The contractor will then make any needed corrections. o The advising team will coordinate with the customer to review the rebate application details and get a customer signature o As long as the contractor has completed their part correctly and the advisor obtains the customer signature the service will then approve and process the associated rebates. § The rebates will be mailed to the homeowner within 1-­‐2 weeks after final approval • NOTE: A technical review (typically including a field QC evaluation) will occur on 10% of the projects completed through Efficiency Works Last Updated: May 11, 2015 3 NOTE:&These&screenshots&show&ALL&possible&inputs,&which&would&only&appear&for&you&if&you&were&
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