DRAFT GreenPoint Rated Existing Home Rating Manual version 6.0 | Page 69

H. HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING
H1. HVAC SYSTEM SURVEY

CRITERIA FOR QUALIFICATION This measure is required for Whole Building and Elements. Visually evaluate the existing conditions using the HVAC survey. The survey provides a format to document existing conditions using a scale of Good, Fair, or Poor. The evaluation only covers visually accessible conditions and is based on the Rater’s judgment. After completing the survey, the Rater will review the results with the owner and/or builder. For conditions that need repair, the Rater should recommend that the owner hire the appropriate professional. For problems needing further investigation, the Rater should recommend an evaluation be completed by the appropriate professional. No corrections are required to meet this measure; rather, the survey is an educational tool used to inform decisions regarding replacement, repair, or upgrades to the current system. Improvements made to the system may earn credit in other measures. The following is a list of items that the Rater will verify on the survey, as well as descriptions of the ideal conditions for these items: ? Blower unit and ducts—distributed system: – – – – – – The air handler box is well supported and shows no significant signs of deterioration. The box and fan are vacuumed clean. The bearings are oiled and the motor has been serviced and checked for possible upgrade. Air filters are > MERV 6, clean, and easily accessible for replacement. The appropriate person knows where the filter is located and has an inventory of replacement filters. The flexible duct should not be crimped, bent around sharp corners, or have incidental contact with light fixtures, pipes, wires, conduits, or ground. Ducts and plenums should not be damaged, cracked, or disconnected. Connections should be sealed with mastic or UL-181 approved tapes. Register boots should be mechanically attached to the floor, wall, or ceiling, and all openings between the boot and floor, wall,, or ceiling should be sealed with caulk, foam, or mastic. Ducts and plenums should be insulated and sealed. Materials should be galvanized metal, rigid duct board, or flexible duct (as short as possible). Building cavities may not be used as a duct or plenum without a sealed duct board or metal liner. Thermostats are properly placed, accessible, and functioning properly.

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Furnaces—all systems: – The gas flame burns at optimal conditions. Refer to Saturn Resource Management’s Field Guides or other guides for reference as necessary.

GreenPoint Rated Existing Home Rating Manual Version 6.0, September 2013 © Build It Green

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