Homeowner’s Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………….....3

About EarthCraft

EarthCraft Documentation

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)…………………………5

Heating and Cooling

Ventilation

Fixtures and Appliances………………………………………………………………….7

Lighting

Appliances

Plumbing

Maintenance…………………………………………………………………………..…….10

Paints and Finishes

Maintenance Schedule

Contact Information…………………………………………………………….……….13

Introduction

About EarthCraft

EarthCraft is a high performance building certification program designed to address climate, energy and water issues unique to the southeastern United States. EarthCraft serves as a blueprint for high performance and sustainable homes, renovation projects, multifamily structures, community developments, light-commercial buildings and historic preservations. Our third-party verification process provides assurance to residents and property owners that their building’s certification is a result of accurate inspections and assessments.

EarthCraft certified buildings are designed to deliver energy and water efficiency, healthy indoor air and consistent comfort for occupants. By adhering to high performance building practices, every EarthCraft project is built to perform and hold up to the test of time. EarthCraft residents never have to sacrifice comfort for affordability; EarthCraft projects typically achieve a minimum of 15 percent energy savings compared to new homes built to the minimum code standards.

Background

The Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association and Southface Energy Institute developed the EarthCraft House program in 1999 as a response to the local demand for a building certification program that differentiates well-built homes from homes built to the minimum building code standards. The success of the EarthCraft House program and market demand led to the creation of additional programs that address different building types and sustainable community development. The EarthCraft family of programs continues to grow and expand its mission of helping professionals design and construct healthy, comfortable buildings and communities that minimize negative environmental impacts.

Since 1999, the EarthCraft Program has grown to include EarthCraft Renovation, Multifamily, Communities, Light Commercial and Sustainable Preservation.

EarthCraft Documentation

Worksheet

During construction, all projects use a worksheet to track whether or not specific program requirements have been met and verified. Items that have been verified are listed with a “Y”, while items that are not applicable to your particular home are listed with as “NA”. Please contact the builder if you have not received a copy of the worksheet.

Certificate

Each EarthCraft project earns a certificate that displays the details associated with certification.

In 2018, EarthCraft introduced four unique badges that may be awarded to projects that represent further efforts to achieve higher levels of energy and water use performance, healthy indoor air quality, maximum occupant comfort, and minimal environmental impact. When achieved, badges are displayed on the EarthCraft certificate. Please contact the builder if you have not received your certificate.

Comfort Environment Performance Health

Heating, Cooling and Ventilation Systems (HVAC)

Heating and Cooling

The HVAC system in your home has been carefully selected to provide year-round comfort and efficient performance. The intentional selection of your HVAC equipment was made possible by performing calculations that consider the various features specific to your home, such as the amount of insulation, geographic location and surface areas.

You have a [heat pump, furnace, etc.] installed in your [attic, basement, crawlspace, etc.]. To properly use this system, [describe operating procedure]. [Provide additional details on the type of HVAC system and other important maintenance information specific to the equipment. If the system is zoned, explain which areas are controlled by which thermostat.]

All HAVC systems are equipped with a filter that is designed to trap particulates before they are distributed throughout your home. [Describe where the filter is located, MERV rating and recommended replacement or cleaning schedule for each filter.]

A programmable thermostat is designed to adjust its temperature setting throughout the day dependent on occupant behavior or preferences. [Describe the procedure to program thermostat. If the thermostat monitors indoor humidity or other indoor conditions, such as CO₂, describe any additional operation procedures.]

Ventilation

Whole-Building Ventilation

Fresh, outdoor air is needed in any building to ensure indoor airborne pollutants are flushed out or diluted to support occupant well-being. Whole-house ventilation systems exhaust indoor airborne pollutants while providing fresh, outdoor air to the home.

[Describe the system installed in the home, including type, location, run schedule and controls.]

[Describe the location, maintenance schedule and type of filter used for the whole-building ventilation system.]

Residents should regularly check all exterior exhaust and supply vents to make sure they are clear of debris, such as leaves. Your exterior exhaust and supply vents are located [insert location].

Exhaust Fans

EarthCraft recommends bath fans to be used when showering, bathing and for ten minutes after occupancy. [For each unique fan, insert additional features, such as motion sensors, timers, etc.]

To remove pollutants created by cooking, your home has a kitchen exhaust fan. [Describe proper operating procedure and maintenance information].

Fixtures and Appliances

Lighting

Energy efficient bulbs and fixtures use less energy, while emitting the same amount of light as conventional bulbs. In addition, efficient bulbs also don’t need to be replaced as often as inefficient lighting such as incandescent bulbs, due to their improved manufacturing. When replacing light bulbs, EarthCraft recommends investing in light emitting diodes (LED) rather than compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) and especially incandescent bulbs. LEDs have a higher initial cost, but users will benefit from a very short payback period, due to the bulbs’ longer lifespan and lower energy usage.

When compared to CFL lighting, LEDs use 50% less energy and last up to three times longer. Due to the mercury contained in CFL bulbs and fluorescent tubes, residents should follow manufacturer instructions for proper disposal. Many home supply retailers offer bulb recycling programs at no cost to consumers.

Appliances

Major home appliances contribute substantially to the energy usage of a home. High performance buildings minimize energy consumption with high efficiency fixtures, such as dishwashers, refrigerators and clothes dryers. Additionally, efficient water consuming fixtures and appliances, such as clothes washers, showerheads and faucets, help to minimize energy consumption by minimizing hot water use.

In addition, efficient water-consuming fixtures and appliances, such as clothes washers and WaterSense labeled showerheads and faucets, help minimize energy consumption by minimizing hot water use.

Dishwasher:

[List make and model]

[Describe the proper operating/maintenance procedure]

[Insert warranty information, energy guide and other product literature in the back of this manual]

Refrigerator:

[List make and model]

[Describe the proper operating/maintenance procedure]

[Insert warranty information, energy guide and other product literature in the back of this manual]

Stove/Oven:

[List make and model]

[Describe the proper operating/maintenance procedure]

[Insert warranty information, energy guide and other product literature in the back of this manual]

Clothes Washer and Dryer:

[List make and model]

[Describe the proper operating/maintenance procedure]

To maintain energy efficiency and reduce the risk of fire, clean the lint screen after every dryer load. The dryer vent should also be periodically cleaned to ensure exhaust is being vented properly to the outdoors.

[Insert warranty information, energy guide and other product literature in the back of this manual]

Water Fixtures:

[Provide details on showerhead(s)]

[Provide details on toilet(s)]

[Provide details on faucet(s)]

Plumbing

Water is an important resource and it takes energy to move, treat and heat water. Leaky pipes and fixtures can result in wasted water and energy. On top of resource waste, leaking water can cause damage to the building’s interior and instigate the growth of mold. According to the EPA, the combined leaks of one average household can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water in a year, this is equivalent to 270 loads of laundry. Residents should make sure to fix leaks immediately in pipes, fixtures and appliances immediately.

A [gas or electric, 50 gallon storage tank, instant, etc.] water heater has been installed in your [garage, basement, crawlspace, etc.]. To adjust the temperature of the water leaving the appliance, [describe proper adjustment procedure]. [If the water heater has an insulation blanket and/or pipe insulation, explain proper maintenance and inspection. If the tank should never be insulated, explain.]

Irrigation (*If not present in design, delete this section) (**If present in design, delete this comment)

Your irrigation system is operated with a weather-based controller that waters based on the plant’s needs. At times when less watering in needed, such as a rainy day, your controller will automatically adjust the watering schedule. [To program your irrigation controller, describe proper operating procedure.]

Maintenance

Paints and Finishes

Many paints and finishes contain volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that are released into the air. Extended exposure to VOCs can be detrimental to quality of the indoor air, and as a result, occupant health. To ensure occupants are exposed to minimal amount of VOCs, EarthCraft requires each builder to use interior finishes that contain low or no VOCs. When you are considering repainting or refinishing any interior surface of your home, EarthCraft recommends using products that contain low or no VOCs.

Interior Paint:

[List manufacturer and color]

[Insert additional information, such as VOC content]

Exterior Paint:

[List manufacturer and color]

[Insert additional information, such as VOC content]

Interior Floor Finishes:

[List manufacturer and color]

[Insert additional information, such as VOC content]

Maintenance Schedule

Exterior of Structure	Minimum Interval
Inspect basement/crawl space for water seepage/leakage, repair as needed	Annually
Inspect/repair all cracked or missing exterior caulking	Annually
Inspect roof/soffit vents and clear debris	Annually
Clean and treat outdoor decks for water stains, mildew, and fungus	Annually
Inspect/repair exterior concrete surfaces for cracks or deterioration	Annually
Remove leaves, debris around air conditioning condenser	Bi-Annually
Inspect/repair damaged shingles and flashing	Bi-Annually
Clean debris from gutters and downspouts	Bi-Annually
Inspect/repair seal between garage and home	Annually
Inspect exterior for loose siding or trim, cracks, chipped paint and crumbling mortar	Bi-Annually
Inspect air leakage of building envelope: replace/repair weather-stripping as needed	Every few years
Inspect/clean window and door weather-stripping and door tracks	Quarterly
Indoor pollutants	Minimum Interval
Clean or replace walk-off matts	Annually
Inspect and clean chimney and fireplace, if present	Annually
Vacuum all carpets at least weekly, clean Annually	As needed
Interior Durability and Finishes	Minimum Interval
Inspect/repair caulking around tubs, showers, toilets, sinks and tiled surfaces	Annually
If paint is needed, use only low or no VOC paint	As needed
Check attic for thorough insulation and signs of pests and/or leaks	Quarterly
Lighting and Appliances	Minimum Interval
Check if exterior automated lighting controls are working	Bi-Annually
Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils	Bi-Annually
If replacing lights, consider ENERGY STAR labeled LED	Every few years
Use power strip to reduce phantom loads from chargers, TV, etc.	Every few years
If replacing appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label	Every few years
Clean exterior of dryer vent	monthly
Clean clothes dryer lint screen	With every use
Clean refrigerator drain pan	Quarterly

Mechanical Systems	Minimum Interval
Inspect furnace for proper flame color and rust/scaling on heat exchanger, if applicable	Annually
Have air conditioner and heating system inspected and serviced	Bi-Annually
Clean in and around radiators	Annually
Clean in and around grills and registers; vacuum inside of ducts	Bi-Annually
Check that spot ventilation fans are unobstructed and working	Bi-Annually
Check/clean exterior air intakes and exhausts for debris	Bi-Annually
Change batteries in thermostats if necessary	Annually
Clean or replace air handler filter	Bi-Annually
Perform air leakage tests of air handler	Every few years
Clean duct system	Every few years
Adjust thermostat for change in season	Quarterly
Check/adjust humidity levels; Air out damp basement	Quarterly
Check/clean whole house ventilation system	Quarterly

Maintenance Schedule Cont.

Plumbing	Minimum Interval
Drain any outdoor faucets and/or hoses to prevent freezing	Annually
Keep water heater temperature at 120°F	Bi-Annually
Test water heater pressure valve according to manufacturer's instructions	Annually
Check hot water heater for mineral buildup, drain, and refill	Annually
Check interior and exterior faucets and pipes for leaks and clean aerators	Quarterly
Check appliances such as water heater, washer, toilets, and dishwasher for leaks	Quarterly
Safety	Minimum Interval
Inspect smoke and carbon monoxide detectors / replace batteries	Annually
Inspect and ensure fire extinguishers are up-to-date	Annually
Avoid toxic chemicals for pest control	As needed
Do not store toxic chemicals and/or fuels within living space	As needed
Landscape	Minimum Interval
Check landscaping sprinklers to ensure proper flow	Annually
Store fire wood off the ground, away from home	Annually
Winterize irrigation system: turn off water, drain	Annually
Trim shrubbery around walls of home and remove fallen limbs, branches or debris	Annually
Maintain proper grades for drainage on all property	Bi-Annually
Inspect, replace and repair landscaping - mulch, permeability features	Annually

Miscellaneous	Minimum Interval

Contact information

Builder

[Name]

[Telephone Number]

[Email Address]

[Website]

HVAC Installer

[Name]

[Telephone Number]

[Email Address]

[Website]

EarthCraft

EarthCraft House

404-604-3636

info@earthcraft.org

www.earthcraft.org