Energy Star

Question 1

Q: Which document specifies the insulation levels that the ENERGY STAR program requires be met or exceeded?
A. 2012 International Building Code
B. 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
C. ENERGY STAR Version 3 Manual
D. ASHRAE Standard 62.2

Answer 1

Answer: B.
2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
Moral: ENERGY STAR insulation requirements are based on the 2009 IECC standards, which set performance benchmarks.

Question 2

Flashcard 2
Q: Closed-cell foam being used as an air barrier must have a finished thickness of at least:
A. 2 inches
B. 3.5 inches
C. 1.5 inches
D. 5.5 inches

Answer 2

Answer: C.
1.5 inches
Moral: For closed-cell foam to act as an air barrier, it must be at least 1.5” thick.

Question 3

Flashcard 3
Q: Duct Quality Installation refers only to heating and cooling system ductwork.
A. True
B. False

Answer 3

Answer: B. False
Moral: All ductwork—including ventilation, exhaust, and pressure balancing—is included in ENERGY STAR’s quality requirements.

Question 4

Flashcard 4
Q: Manufacturer instructions must be followed, even if they conflict with ENERGY STAR requirements and make it impossible to meet both.
A. True
B. False

Answer 4

Answer: A. True
Moral: Manufacturer instructions take precedence to ensure system safety and performance—even over ENERGY STAR criteria.

Question 5

Flashcard 5
Q: Which photograph shows an acceptable interior/exterior wall intersection for proper insulation?
A. Wall Intersection A
B. Wall Intersection B

Answer 5

Answer: A. Wall Intersection A
Moral: Wall A allows access to fully insulate the cavity, improving energy efficiency.

Question 6

Flashcard 6
Q: Is polyethylene film allowed on the interior side of below-grade walls with air-permeable insulation under the ENERGY STAR program?
A. Yes
B. No

Answer 6

Answer: B. No
Moral: Class 1 vapor retarders like polyethylene are not permitted behind air-permeable insulation in below-grade walls.

Question 7

Flashcard 7
Q: Supply and return ducts in unconditioned space must be insulated to at least:
A. R-4
B. R-5
C. R-6
D. R-8

Answer 7

Answer: C. R-6
Moral: R-6 insulation ensures minimal energy loss in unconditioned spaces.

Question 8

Flashcard 8
Q: During pre-drywall inspection, what is the allowable total duct leakage for a 2,250 sq. ft. house?
A. ≤ 40 CFM25
B. ≤ 90 CFM25
C. ≤ 100 CFM25
D. ≤ 80 CFM25

Answer 8

Answer: B. ≤ 90 CFM25
Moral: Total duct leakage must not exceed 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of conditioned floor area during pre-drywall inspections.

Question 9

Flashcard 9
Q: During final inspection, what is the allowable total duct leakage for a 1,250 sq. ft. house?
A. ≤ 50 CFM25
B. ≤ 80 CFM25
C. ≤ 100 CFM25
D. ≤ 90 CFM25

Answer 9

Answer: C. ≤ 100 CFM25
Moral: At final inspection, the threshold is 8 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. of CFA or 80 CFM—whichever is greater.

Question 10

Flashcard 10
Q: During final inspection, what is the allowable duct leakage to outside for an 850 sq. ft. unit?
A. ≤ 34 CFM25
B. ≤ 40 CFM25
C. ≤ 45 CFM25
D. ≤ 50 CFM25

Answer 10

Answer: B. ≤ 40 CFM25
Moral: The minimum threshold is the greater of 4 CFM25 per 100 sq. ft. or 40 CFM25—so 40 applies here.