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Performance testing is a key component to the Northwest ENERGY STAR certification requirements. The duct distribution system for all homes must be tested for tightness; heat pump systems must be tested for refrigerant charge and air flow; and the thermal envelope of homes heated with zonal electric, propane and oil must be blower door tested for whole house leakage. Performance testing represents a significant portion of the home’s energy savings and ensures that those savings will be realized.

The Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes certification requirements performance-based specifications include:

  • Duct systems for heating and cooling systems: Tested maximum leakage must be less than 0.06 CFM per square foot of floor area OR 75 CFM @ 50 Pa, whichever is greater.

  • Heat pumps refrigerant charge: Heat pump and  refrigerant charge must be checked using the PTCS CheckMe!® Program, Honeywell’s Service Assistant, or other approved methods. The installer must refer to manufacturer’s guidelines when charging system and make any needed adjustments for non-standard line set lengths or mismatched coils. Applicable alternatives to these requirements can be found in the ENERGY STAR Homes Northwest Technical Specifications.

  • Heat pump airflow: For heat pumps, total airflow, in cubic feet per minute (CFM), across the indoor coil must be measured using a TrueFlow ™ air handler flow meter. The air distribution system design and installation must allow air to flow across the heat exchanger or indoor coil as specified in the heat pump manufacturer's literature or between 350 and 400 CFM per 12000 BTU/hr output at ARI rating conditions if the manufacturer’s literature is not specific.

  • Envelope tightness: Tested leakage of the home must be 2.5 ACH @ 50 Pa or less for zonal electric, propane and oil-heated homes.

To find a participating performance testing technician in your area, click here.
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