ENERGY STAR ratings include several required documents, photos, and modeling details that must be accurate and specific to the rated home. The following items are common sources of Quality Assurance (QA) findings and should be reviewed carefully before submitting the rating file. Incomplete or Missing Checklists ENERGY STAR checklists are required documents and must be collected for each certified home. Each checklist must be complete, with no applicable items left blank. Items that do not apply to the home should be marked appropriately rather than left empty. The Rater is required to sign and date the checklist. When Builder Verified items are used, the Builder must also sign and date the checklist. Missing signatures, missing dates, blank applicable items, or missing checklists will result in QA findings. Missing ENERGY STAR Required Photos Beginning with ENERGY STAR Revision 14, which is required for homes permitted after January 1, 2026, ENERGY STAR requires photos of certain key features and assemblies. These photos are in addition to the photos already required by the RESNET Standards. Required ENERGY STAR photos are identified by a camera icon on the Rater Field Checklist. Raters should review the checklist during the inspection process to confirm that all required photo documentation has been collected. Missing required photos will result in a QA finding, even when the standard RESNET photo documentation has been provided. Checklist Does Not Match the Rated Home The Rater Field Checklist should reflect the actual conditions and features of the rated home. For example, a single-story home would not have a floor over garage. That item should not be marked as Rater Verified if the assembly does not exist in the home. Using a checklist template or a pre-filled checklist while only changing the address is not an acceptable way to complete an ENERGY STAR rating. Each checklist must be reviewed and completed based on the specific home being rated. Checklist items should align with the home design, installed features, and verified field conditions. Incorrect or Unsupported Software Library Entries Software library entries should be reviewed carefully before finalizing the rating file. Small modeling errors can affect the accuracy of the rating and lead to QA findings. Special attention should be paid to: Framing fractions Wall coverings and finishes Insulation depth Insulation type HVAC equipment details Water heating equipment details HVAC and water heating equipment should match the AHRI certificate for the installed model numbers. If an AHRI certificate is not available, the QA Data File should include supporting documentation that confirms the modeled equipment details. Best Practice Before submitting an ENERGY STAR rating file, review the checklist, required photos, and software inputs. The documentation should tell a consistent story: the checklist should match the home, the photos should support the verified items, and the software file should reflect the installed conditions. Taking time to review these items before submission can prevent many common QA findings. For additional details or if you have any questions, email technicalsupport@resnet.us.
