The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released updated ENERGY STAR Quality Control (QC) Checklists for Single-Family New Homes (SFNH), Revision 14, and Multifamily New Construction (MFNC), Revision 05. These updates build on enhancements to the ENERGY STAR certification process introduced in July 2024, including expanded photo documentation requirements and changes to quality control review procedures. For RESNET®-accredited HERS® Providers and Quality Assurance Designees (QADs), the updated checklists offer a more structured and efficient approach to reviewing ENERGY STAR certifications while providing clearer expectations for HERS Raters and Rating Field Inspectors (RFIs). RESNET’s Implementation Timeline: Use of the new QC Checklists is voluntary but recommended through December 31, 2026, for all Rev 14 homes. Beginning January 1, 2027, RESNET will require the updated checklists for applicable ENERGY STAR homes registered in the RESNET Registry on or after that date. However, homes certified under earlier ENERGY STAR program revisions may continue to use the corresponding QC Checklist version applicable to their certification. What’s Changing? The most significant improvement is the separation of file reviews from field evaluations into distinct processes. Previously, the QC checklists combined elements of these activities. The revised checklists establish clearer procedures that better reflect the purpose of each review. 1. File Reviews: More Comprehensive and Better Organized The updated File Review Checklist is now a standalone document designed to verify that ENERGY STAR documentation, supporting evidence, and energy models are complete, accurate, and consistent with program requirements. A key enhancement is the expanded verification of required on-site photographs. These photographs allow QADs to verify more aspects of the home’s as-built conditions remotely, reducing the need for additional site visits while maintaining quality assurance oversight. Key improvements include: Dedicated file review checklist: Allows QADs to conduct ENERGY STAR file reviews independently of field evaluations. Expanded photo review: A camera icon identifies checklist items that require supporting photographs or test results, making documentation requirements easier to identify. Clearer documentation requirements: Specifies the documentation needed to verify compliance with ENERGY STAR program requirements. Improved consistency: Provides clearer guidance on what QADs should evaluate, helping reduce uncertainty and unnecessary follow-up. Multifamily-specific improvements: Additional information in the Multifamily Workbook enables QADs to verify requirements not captured in the Energy Rating Index (ERI) model. The revised checklists also require QADs to verify geotagged and timestamped photographs showing the Rater or RFI in front of the dwelling unit at the applicable inspections. While all ENERGY STAR photos must include timestamps, geotagging is recommended, but not required, for other ENERGY STAR photographs. Together, these updates are intended to streamline file reviews, strengthen documentation practices, and promote greater consistency in verifying ENERGY STAR compliance. 2. Field Evaluations: A Simpler Process The revised Field Evaluation Checklist has been simplified to serve primarily as a cover sheet, eliminating the need to duplicate requirements already addressed in the ENERGY STAR National Rater Field Checklist. Under the updated process, QADs complete two documents: The revised ENERGY STAR Field Evaluation Checklist (only 3 items). A copy of the applicable ENERGY STAR National Rater Field Checklist used for routine inspections. This approach eliminates unnecessary duplication and allows QADs to focus on assessing the field verifier’s knowledge, inspection procedures, and ability to identify and document compliance with ENERGY STAR requirements. The updated instructions also clarify that annual ENERGY STAR field evaluations apply to all HERS Raters and RFIs who contribute to ENERGY STAR certifications, in accordance with the Home Certification Organization’s (HCO’s) selection procedures. ENERGY STAR field evaluations must address both pre-drywall and final construction stages and may be conducted through witnessed inspections or independent evaluations performed after the initial inspection. 3. Certification Reviews: Clearer Procedures and Deadlines The SFNH Revision 14 document also introduces updates to the Certification Review process, which is used when eligible homeowner concerns raise questions about a home’s ENERGY STAR certification. The principal changes include: The deadline has changed from 60 calendar days to 40 business days. Reviewers must complete the File Review Checklist using the original rating documentation, including applicable photographs. The Certification Review Checklist now includes all applicable reinspection and retesting items, eliminating the need to reference the Field Evaluation Checklist. More explicit guidance that reviewers must evaluate all reviewable program requirements, not just the specific concerns raised by the homeowner. These updates are designed to provide a more thorough and consistent Certification Review process while reducing the potential need for additional inspections. When Must File Reviews Be Completed? Both updated checklists establish clear deadlines for completing file reviews. Providers may complete the review in its entirety or divide it into two phases. ENERGY STAR File Review Deadlines Phase Scope Deadline Phase 1 ENERGY STAR File Review Checklist, including program documentation, selected energy model inputs, photographs, and test results As soon as practical after submission, but no later than the end of the next calendar quarter Phase 2 RESNET’s QA checklist covering the full energy model and applicable reference standards No later than the end of the next calendar quarter Deadlines are calculated based on the calendar quarter in which ENERGY STAR certification was issued. Example: If a home receives ENERGY STAR certification on February 15, 2027, both phases must be completed by June 30, 2027. This flexible approach allows Providers to integrate the updated checklists into their existing QA workflows while ensuring that post-certification reviews are completed within established timeframes. What Happens When an Item Fails? The updated checklists reinforce the requirement to address and correct any items identified as noncompliant during the quality control review process. When a QAD identifies a noncompliant item, the Provider must document the finding, coordinate appropriate corrective action, and retain evidence confirming that the issue has been resolved. Each checklist item marked “No” requires documentation of the deficiency and the corrective measures taken. If a deficiency cannot be corrected, the home is not eligible to receive ENERGY STAR certification, or an existing certification must be withdrawn. Providers should coordinate with RESNET before taking any action that could affect a home’s certification status. Importantly, a failed QC item does not automatically indicate misconduct by the Rater or RFI. Providers should assess the circumstances surrounding the finding, determine the appropriate corrective action, and identify any training or procedural improvements needed to prevent similar issues in the future. Important: Verify ENERGY STAR Credentials in the RESNET Registry The updated File Review Checklists require verification that HERS Raters have completed EPA-recognized training and hold the appropriate ENERGY STAR credentials. Completing the required training does not automatically update a HERS Rater’s or RFI’s profile in the RESNET Registry. HERS Providers must manually add the applicable ENERGY STAR credential to each individual’s Registry profile. Providers should review their HERS Raters’ and RFIs’ Registry profiles to ensure all required ENERGY STAR credentials are accurately recorded and current. QADs should also incorporate credential verification into their routine QC procedures, as individuals may have completed the necessary training without having their Registry profile updated. Maintaining accurate credential records helps prevent unnecessary QC findings and ensures that ENERGY STAR inspections are conducted by appropriately qualified individuals. Preparing for January 1, 2027 RESNET encourages Providers and QADs to begin using the updated checklists ahead of the mandatory implementation date. This voluntary transition period provides an opportunity to evaluate existing procedures, train QA personnel, verify that required documentation is being collected, and make any necessary adjustments to current workflows. HERS Raters and RFIs should also familiarize themselves with the revised checklists, particularly the expanded photo documentation and credential verification requirements. Understanding these expectations in advance will help ensure rating files are complete and prepared for QC reviews. The revised ENERGY STAR QC Checklists are designed to strengthen and streamline the quality assurance process. By making better use of existing documentation, establishing distinct procedures for file reviews and field evaluations, and providing clearer guidance, these updates will help Providers and QADs conduct more consistent, thorough, and efficient reviews while maintaining the integrity of ENERGY STAR certifications. Important Links SFNH: Located on this page: https://www.energystar.gov/partner-resources/residential-new/national-page Direct link: SFNH Quality Control and Certification Review Checklists MFNC: Located on this page: https://www.energystar.gov/partner-resources/residential-new/multifamily-national-page Direct link: Quality Control Checklist (ERI Path)
