ZERH = ENERGY STAR + Indoor airPLUS + WaterSense + DOE-specific renewable-readiness + lower HERS target

Description

DOE Zero Energy Ready Home requires the home to ALREADY be certified to: (1) ENERGY STAR Single Family New Homes (currently V3.3); (2) EPA Indoor airPLUS; (3) EPA WaterSense Labeled Homes. ZERH adds DOE-specific requirements on top: a HERS Index target stricter than ENERGY STAR (typically HERS 40-50 for ZERH vs HERS 50-60 for ENERGY STAR alone); PV-ready (or PV-installed) electrical infrastructure; EV-ready electrical capacity; advanced framing OR equivalent thermal-bridging reduction; specific window U-factor + SHGC ratings.

Why this exists

ZERH is the most ambitious widely-used residential certification — a ZERH home uses about half the energy of a typical new build. The 'Zero Energy READY' framing acknowledges that some homes won't install solar at closing; the home is designed so a PV system added later achieves net-zero with no architectural changes.

Categories

Source

Solver enforcement

Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.

Related directives

• Slab-on-grade vapor barrier + capillary break required · HUD RSDG §4.6
• Roof overhangs protect walls — 12-24 inches in humid climates; one foot per story below · HUD RSDG §5.6.5
• ENERGY STAR certification: HERS-index target + Rater field checklist + HVAC quality install · ENERGY STAR SFNH §Overview — Certification path
• Grade I insulation installation: no gaps, no compression, fully filling cavity, supported aligned with air barrier · ENERGY STAR SFNH §Rater Field Checklist — Section 1 (Insulation + Air Barrier)
• Continuous air barrier on all six sides of conditioned space — including rim joists, knee walls, attic floor · ENERGY STAR SFNH §Air Barrier — continuous on all six sides of every conditioned space