N/A Builder Rater

 Water-Managed Site and Foundation 

 1.1 Site & foundation drainage: sloped grade, protected drain tile, & foundation

     floor drains.
 1.2 Capillary break below concrete slabs & in crawlspaces (Exception - see specification) o o o
 1.3 Foundation wall damp-proofed or water-proofed

     (Except for homes without below-grade walls)

 1.4 Basements/crawlspaces insulated & conditioned (Exceptions - see specification)
      Water-Managed Wall Assemblies
 1.5 Continuous drainage plane behind exterior cladding, properly flashed to foundation
 1.6 Window & door openings fully flashed 

 Water-Managed Roof Assemblies 

 1.7 Gutters/downspouts direct water a minimum of 5' from foundation

    (Except in dry climates)

 1.8 Fully flashed roof/wall intersections (step & kick-out flashing) & roof

    penetrations 

 1.9 Bituminous membrane installed at valleys & penetrations (Except in dry climates)
 1.10 Ice flashing installed at eaves (Except in Climate Zones 1 - 4) 

 Interior Water Management 

 1.11 Moisture-resistant materials/protective systems installed (i.e., flooring,

      tub/shower backing, & piping)

 1.12 No vapor barriers installed on interior side of exterior walls with high

      condensation potential 

 1.13 No wet or water-damaged materials enclosed in building assemblies
 2.1 Approved radon-resistant features installed (Exception - see specification)
 2.2 Two radon test kits & instructions/guidance for follow-up actions

     provided for buyer (Advisory-see specification)
 3.1 Foundation joints & penetrations sealed, including air-tight sump covers
 3.2 Corrosion-proof rodent/bird screens installed at all openings that cannot

     be fully sealed (e.g., attic vents)
 4.1 HVAC room loads calculated, documented; system design documented; coils matched
 4.2 Duct system design documented & properly installed OR duct system tested.
 4.3 No air handling equipment or ductwork installed in garage;

     continuous air barrier required in adjacent assemblies
 4.4 Rooms pressure balanced (using transfer grills or jump ducts)

     as required OR tested (check box if tested)
 4.5 Whole house ventilation system installed to meet ASHRAE 62.2 requirements
 4.6 Local exhaust ventilation to outdoors installed for baths, kitchen,

     clothes dryers, central vacuum system, etc.

 4.7 Central forced-air HVAC system(s) have minimum MERV 8 filter, no filter bypass,

     & no ozone generators

 4.8 Additional dehumidification system(s) or central HVAC dehumidification controls

     installed (In warm-humid climates only)

 Combustion Source Controls 

 5.1 Gas heat direct vented; oil heat & water heaters power vented or direct vented

     (Exceptions - see specifications)
 5.2 Fireplaces/heating stoves vented outdoors & meet emissions/efficiency

     standards/restrictions
 5.3 Certified CO alarms installed in each sleeping zone (e.g., common hallway)

     according to NFPA 720
 5.4 Smoking prohibited in common areas; outside smoking at least 25' from building

     openings (Multi-family homes only)

 Attached Garage Isolation 

 5.5 Common walls/ceilings (house & garage) air-sealed before insulation installed;

     house doors gasketed & closer installed
 5.6 Exhaust fan (minimum 70 cfm, rated for continuous use)

     installed in garage & vented to outdoors (controls optional)
 6.1 Certified low-formaldehyde pressed wood materials used

     (i.e., plywood, OSB, MDF, cabinetry)
 6.2 Certified low-VOC or no-VOC interior paints & finishes used
 6.3 Carpet, adhesives, & cushion qualify for CRI Green Label Plus or

     Green Label testing program
 7.1 HVAC system & ductwork verified dry, clean, & properly installed
 7.2 Home ventilated before occupancy OR initial ventilation instructions provided

     for buyer
 7.3 Completed checklist & other required documentation provided for buyer

 Rater/Provider: Builder: 

 Company: Company: 

 Signature: Signature:

Moisture Control

Radon

Pests

HVAC

Combustion Pollutants

Materials

Final

Guidance for Completing the Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist:

1. Only ENERGY STAR qualified homes verified to comply with these specifications can

  earn the Indoor airPLUS label. See Indoor  airPLUS Construction Specifications for

full descriptions of the requirements, terms, exceptions, abbreviations, references,

and climate map used in this checklist. Verification is not complete until this

checklist is completed in full and signed.

2. Check one box per line. Check “N/A” for specifications that do not apply for

specific conditions (e.g., climate) according to the Exceptions described in the Indoor

airPLUS Construction Specifications. Check either “Builder” or “Rater” for all other

items to indicate who verified each item. Items may be verified visually on site during

construction, by reviewing photographs taken during construction, by checking

documentation, or through equivalent methods as appropriate. If using a performance

testing alternative to meet requirement 4.2 or 4.4, the box marked “Tested” must be

checked and testing documentation must be provided in the Home Energy Rating

System/Builder Option Package (HERS/BOP) file.

3. The rater who conducted the verification, or a responsible party from the rater’s

company, must sign the completed verification  checklist. The builder must sign the

checklist if any items in the “Builder” column are checked, and by so doing accepts full
responsibility for verifying that those items meet Indoor airPLUS requirements.

4. The builder provides one copy of the completed and signed checklist for the buyer.

The HERS/BOP provider or rater files a copy with HERS/BOP and ENERGY STAR documentation

e.g., Thermal Bypass Checklist) for the home. 

5. The checklist may be completed for a batch of homes using a RESNET-approved sampling

protocol when qualifying homes as ENERGY STAR. For example, if the approved sampling

protocol requires rating one in seven homes, then the checklist will be completed for

the one home that was rated. 

Note: The Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications are designed to help improve indoor

air quality (IAQ) in new homes compared with homes built to minimum code. These measures

alone cannot prevent all IAQ problems; occupant behavior is also important. For example,

smoking indoors would negatively impact a home’s IAQ and the performance of the

specified Indoor airPLUS measures.

Notes: 

For further information on the Indoor airPLUS program, visit epa.gov/indoorairplus.

Qualified homes earn the
Indoor airPLUS label.
Place it next to the
ENERGY STAR label.

All Indoor airPLUS qualified homes meet strict
guidelines for energy efficiency set by ENERGY STAR,
the nationally-recognized symbol for energy efficiency.

Information you MUST know to be well informed!

As the new heating season is upon most of the Northern Hemisphere (US) the airwaves are being bombarded with ads for the latest and greatest portable (space) electric heaters.  We have compiled information so you can be an informed consumer and spend your money as YOU see fit.

The information is for “portable”  electric space heaters by type.  We have rated them in each category from (1)  being the best (for the use listed) to (3) being the least, and (0) not advisable.  As with ALL heat producing products you MUST may attention to the safety instructions provided with your purchase as ALL items have different safety requirements.  Feel free to voice any questions or concerns.

NOTICE Heating information;

REGARDLESS of what the commercials state or is printed in the advertisment here are the FACTS!

1.  The 110 volt AC receptacles in 99.9% of ALL households in the U.S. REGARDLESS of circuit breaker or wire-size are rated (max current) at 15 AMPS.

2.  The MAXIMIUM amount of heat available NOT COUNTING the power required to run a fan is 1,650 Watts or 5,630.03 BTU per Hour.

Note:  The average heater with fan uses about 1,375 watts of power per hour.

3.  Regardless of the COST of the heater you are LIMITED in the amount of heat you will get.  THIS CANNOT be changed by the looks or cost of the heater.

4.  To figure the cost to operate your choice,  multiply your Cost Per Kilowatt of electricity  X 1.3 X the number of hours in operation (in heat mode).  This will give you a very good average on what you can expect to pay for using these devices.

.

Note: All pictures are for information ONLY!

The list of heaters is as follows;

Fan Forced Heaters  

Air is warmed over a coil element and fanned into the room.  Features a cool-touch housing.

Quiet, Slow, Steady Heat                3

Quick Heat                                            1   

Directional/Personal Heat             1       

Strong/Intense Heat                         3   

Best For Active Homes                     1

Ceramic Heaters

Air is warmed as it passes over a ceramic and

aluminium heating element.  Heat is distributed

via a fan.

Quiet, Slow, Steady Heat                      1                   

Quick Heat                                                  3

Directional/Personal Heat                  3

Strong/Intense Heat                              2

Best For Active Homes                         2 

Convection Heater (electric radiator)

The air passes over a large heating element,

circulating a steady long-term heat throughout

the room.

Quiet, Slow, Steady Heat                              1

Quick Heat                                                         O                                

Directional/Personal Heat                         3

Strong/Intense Heat                                     3

Best For Active Homes                                3

Quartz-Radiant (infrared) 

Heats with energy similar to the sun, glowing elements

radiate heat directly forward for immediate

personal warmth.

Quiet, Slow, Steady Heat                                 2                  

Quick Heat                                                             2

Directional/Personal Heat                              1 

Strong/Intense Heat                                         1

Best For Active Homes                                    O

Utility Heaters

The air is warmed over coil elements

(Similar to a toaster) and a fan forces the

air into the room.  Usually features a metal housing.

Quiet, Slow, Steady Heat                                     3

Quick Heat                                                                 1 

Directional/Personal Heat                                  1

Strong/Intense Heat                                             3

Best For Active Homes                                         O

Click on banner to go to the state website.

To ensure a regulatory balance between regulated companies and consumers in order to provide consumers with safe, adequate and reliable services at rates that are equitable and economical.

Energy Profile (Click on map to open website.)

U.S.energy Information (click on map)

Working to guarantee safe, secure, and reliable access to energy, telecommunications, and water services for New York’s citizens and businesses.

U.S.Energy Information

The Colorado Public Utilities Commission serves the public interest by effectively regulating utilities and facilities so that the people of Colorado receive safe, reliable, and reasonably-priced services consistent with the economic, environmental and social values of our state.

Colorado Governors Energy Office

U.S.Energy Information

Maryland Public Service Commission

In 1910, the Maryland General Assembly established the Public Service Commission (PSC or Commission) to regulate public utilities and certain passenger transportation companies doing business in Maryland. The jurisdiction and powers of the Commission are found in the Public Utility Companies Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.

The Commission regulates gas, electric, telephone, water, and sewage disposal companies. Also subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission are electricity suppliers, fees for pilotage services to vessels, construction of a generating station and certain common carriers engaged in the transportation for hire of persons. The PSC’s jurisdiction extends to taxicabs operating in the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, Cumberland, and Hagerstown.

The categories of regulated public service companies are listed below:

• electric utilities;
• gas utilities;
• combination gas and electric utilities;
• Telecommunications companies;
• water, and water and sewerage companies;
• passenger motor vehicle carriers (sedans, limousines, and buses);
• railroad companies;
• taxicab companies; and
• other public service companies.

 U.S.Energy Information

May be forwarded or copied!

Due to the huge amount of waste water from gas and oil drilling operations, especially in a shale type of deposit where “Fraqing” is a normal process to access the gas/oil, and improper disposal can be an environmental nightmare, ASEI has arrived at a solution to this problem.

Note: Sample photo on home page.

Instead of the oil companies injecting the “Waste Water” into a well, or using an open pit, we can through our mechanical process remove the dissolved solids, and clean/purify the remaining water without the use of filters that have to be disposed of, or the addition of possible hazardous chemicals.

Our process is a combined work of several professions, and methods. The following is a basic overview of our units/system. These units/systems can be small and portable (semi trailer mounted) or larger stationary units.

1. When the water is first received it is tested for content. (what is in it). It then goes through a multistage gravity separator. At this point any petroleum products such as oil, gas, diesel, hydraulic fluid etc. are separated from the water.

2. Next the water is put through a mechanical separator which removes any particles of dirt etc.Greater than 10 microns in size.

3. (1 micron = 0.000039 of an inch) (Your hair is about 100 microns thick)

4. The final stage is where the water is pumped through a controlled temperature and pressure vessel where it is separated from any remaining salts and solids. The end product is water that can be less than .04 ppm (parts per million) of contamination.

For illustration purposes .04 ppm = .$.04 in $1,000,000.000.00

The solids from this process can be further separated or disposed of in accordance with EPA guidelines.

For additional information Click here!

The CPUC regulates privately owned electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, railroad, rail transit, and passenger transportation companies.  The CPUC serves the public interest by protecting consumers and ensuring the provision of safe, reliable utility service and infrastructure at reasonable rates, with a commitment to environmental enhancement and a healthy California economy.  We regulate utility services, stimulate innovation, and promote competitive markets, where possible.  On this website you’ll find information about the many initiatives underway at the CPUC.

RSS feed is on line. (link)

The California Energy Commission

The California Energy Commission is the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency. Created by the Legislature in 1974 and located in Sacramento, the Commission responsibilities include:

• Forecasting future energy needs and keeping historical energy data.
• Licensing thermal power plants 50 megawatts or larger.
• Promoting energy efficiency by setting the state’s appliance and building efficiency standards and working with local government to enforce those standards.
• Supporting public interest energy research that advances energy science and technology through research, development, and demonstration programs.
• Supporting renewable energy by providing market support to existing, new, and emerging renewable technologies; providing incentives for small wind and fuel cell electricity systems; and providing incentives for solar electricity systems in new home construction.
• Developing and implementing the state Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program to reduce the state’s petroleum dependency and help attain the state climate change policies.
• Administering more than $300 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding through the state energy program, the energy efficiency conservation and block grant program; the energy efficiency appliance rebate program and the energy assurance and emergency program.
• Planning for and directing state response to energy emergencies.

(in review)