Program Requirement*

• HVAC Contractors are strongly encouraged to use the Northwest HVAC System Contractor and Verifier Checklists for all homes being built to the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes specifications. The Northwest version of the checklists was tailored to align closely with practices in the region and simplified relative to the national checklists. However, the program will still recognize completed national program HVAC System Contractor and Verifier Checklists. The checklists are required as of January 1st, 2012 for homes built in ID, MT and WA, and January 1st, 2013 for homes built in Oregon.

• All companies building to the Northwest HVAC Checklist are required to elect at least one representative to attend the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes HVAC Contractor Quality Installation webinar and pass the quiz in order to become a credentialed company to install systems in the program. Please check our events calendar for upcoming webinars. Upon successful completion of the webinar and quiz, the HVAC organization will be listed on the Qualified Contractor List on the NW ENERGY STAR website.

• All companies using the Northwest HVAC Checklist will be required to use the SpecPro software to complete load calculations and HVAC design work for the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes program; OR an alternate design software, provided that the selected software’s reports include the following information:

- Required values for verification of design parameters
- Room by room airflows
- All other items necessary for the complete of the HVAC Contractor and Verifier Checklist

• All companies using the Northwest HVAC Checklist must elect at least one representative to attend a mandatory HVAC Design training to be qualified. This training will be provided at limited cost to companies that are qualified to install for the program until December 31, 2012.1

• Partners using the national HVAC System Contractor and Verifier Checklists should complete the EPA’s credentialing requirements. Contractors and verifiers using the national HVAC Checklists will be verified for qualification with the EPA.

PTCS Requirements

• Individuals performing Heat Pump and Air Conditioning commissioning must be PTCS Heat Pump Commissioning certified. These individuals must also complete the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes HVAC PTCS Heat Pump Commissioning Form and AC Commissioning Form (when applicable). This commissioning requirement is not necessary for DHPs.

• Individuals performing duct testing must be PTCS New Construction Duct Testing certified. (This requirement is outlined in the Northwest ENERGY STAR Performance Tester program requirements).

• Individuals performing blower door tests must be a registered Performance Tester for blower doors according to the Northwest ENERGY STAR Performance Tester agreement and must have one of the following certifications:

1. PTCS New Construction Duct Testing (with blower door component)
2. BPI Building Analyst
3. HERs Rater with field training component

Ductless Systems

• Duct design training and detailed HVAC design are not required for non-ducted systems. For non-ducted systems, whole load calculations must be submitted to satisfy the design requirements.

Other Testing Requirements

• Individuals performing pressure balancing, CAZ testing and air flow measurements must be active program partners (Rater, Verifier or Contractor) in good standing AND should follow guidance provided in the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes BOPs, checklists and Technical Compliance Options (TCOs).

*The requirements described in this document apply to the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes program. All partners building to the national ENERGY STAR Homes specifications should refer to the EPA’s credentialing requirements.