Appendix D: Florida H.E.R.O. Standard Technical Specifications

While it is crucial to work within the context of individual industry partner’s designs, budget constraints, and the skill sets of available tradesmen, there are several areas that Florida H.E.R.O. consistently deals with on all projects. The keystone of an energy efficient home begins with a right sized mechanical system, a properly designed air distribution system, and performance testing to insure intended results. To accomplish these goals, a room-by-room ACCA Manual J calculation is performed for each home. In addition, an ACCA Manual D calculation is developed. The use of 13 SEER air conditioning equipment or better, in conjunction with a variable speed air handler is recommended. Ongoing site visits and communication of issues to the various sub-contractors help to insure that problems are minimized.

As windows account for the single greatest source of heat gain/loss, Florida H.E.R.O. encourages the use of double pane, vinyl frame low-e windows with an SHGC of 0.35 or less. As Florida has a rigorous air infiltration control requirement as part of the state Energy Code, most new homes are being built fairly “air-tight,” with typical natural infiltration rates of 0.35 or less. Frame homes that use fiberglass batts for wall insulation typically have significantly higher infiltration rates than those insulated with cellulose or expandable foam.

The introduction of outside air for ventilation helps ensure better indoor air quality and when it is introduced to the return side of the plenum, results in a home operating under positive pressure with respect to the outside, ideal for Florida’s hot-humid climate. This has become a standard feature in most of the sub-divisions that Florida H.E.R.O. works in. Other Florida H.E.R.O. recommended features include:

• 92+ AFUE gas furnaces
• Electronic thermostat
• Ducts in conditioned space
• Maximizing passive solar heat rejection measures
• Moisture management
• Instant or sealed combustion gas water heating
• Solar water heating
• Hot water pipe insulation
• Energy Star appliances
• Energy Star lighting
• “Air-Loc” style recessed (can) lights
• Ceiling fans
• Radiant barrier or unvented attic

The single most challenging are is the mechanical system. Builders are not adequately educated regarding system design and installation. Mechanical contractors attempt to overcome deficiencies by over-sizing equipment. Consumers pay a higher initial price for systems that often do not perform efficiently. In an attempt to improve this situation, each home that Florida H.E.R.O. works with is fully commissioned. Florida H.E.R.O. measures both total duct leakage and duct leakage “to out” as well as system operating static pressure, temperature drop across the coil, and air flow through each supply register. A pressure map of the house is generated showing pressure differential with respect to outside of each room with interior doors closed. The ventilation air flow through the outside air intake is measured and adjusted if needed. Problems discovered during commissioning are resolved with the builder and responsible sub-contractors. A completed Home Energy Rating Report is provided to the builder.

Click here for the Home Energy Rating Report