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Stylized Text: Home Energy Ratings.

Financing Energy Efficiency: An EEM Handbook

 

Section 305.01 - Development of Energy-Efficiency Rating

Manual
Part
Chapter
Section 		 SP
S VII
3
305.01 		 Fannie Mae
Selling Part VII Property and A
3 - Special Appraisal Considerations
305 - Development of Energy Efficiency Rating 		 Pg 732 - 733
12/31/94

An energy-efficiency rating developed by the property appraiser or an energy consultant can be used for determining the energy-efficiency for both new and existing homes.

The appraiser must include an evaluation of the energy-efficient characteristics and an overall rating--of high, adequate, or low-for the energy efficiency of the dwelling in the appraisal report. Appraisers or consultants may use either an Energy Addendum (Form 1004A) or a rating form from the Energy Rated Homes of America to develop the rating. Part I of Form 1004A, which consists a checklist and the rating, is used to justify the use of increased ratios in the underwriting process, while Part II may be used to determine the contribution of energy-efficient items to the value of the property (if adequate comparable market data is not available). A rating of "high" is required to justify consideration in the credit underwriting process. Generally, a dwelling must include features from each of the following three major categories to receive a "high" rating.

A. Insulation and infiltration. We require insulation with adequate "R" values or infiltration barriers in the form of the following:

  • Insulation in ceilings, roofs, or attic floors that are over conditioned spaces, in exterior walls under floors that cover unheated areas, around slabs, around heating or cooling ducts, or pipes that run through unconditioned spaces, around the sill area, and around the water heater;
  • Caulking or weather-stripping around window and door areas and at the sill area;
  • Special fireplace devices of features such as combustion-air and flue dampers, and a fire door;
  • Sealing of the sole plate and penetrations of the exterior shell; and
  • Dampers for exhaust fans.
B. Windows and doors. We require the following features:
  • Double- or triple-pane windows, or storm windows; and
  • Storm doors, or insulated doors.

C. Heating and cooling systems. We require the following types of heating and cooling systems:

  • New efficient heating and cooling systems, or appropriate modifications to an existing system:
    • New efficient systems include such thing as a high efficiency oil or gas furnace with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 80% or higher, a high efficiency heat pump with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measure of 9.0 or greater and a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of 7.0 or greater, and a central air conditioner with a SEER rating of 9.0 or greater
    • System modifications include such things as a flame retention oil burner, vent dampers for oil and gas furnaces, pilotless ignition for gas furnaces, and a secondary condensing heat exchanger for gas and oil furnaces;
  • Zoned heating and/or air conditioning;
  • Automatic set-back thermostats; or
  • Solar equipment or design.

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