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Conseils utiles pour bien dimensionner les VRE/VRC
Temps de lecture : 2 minutes
Confort
Dans les constructions résidentielles et commerciales légères, l'obtention d'une qualité d'air supérieure dépend du dimensionnement et de l'équilibrage précis de l'équipement de ventilation. Cet équipement (également connu sous le nom de ventilateur à récupération d'énergie, ou VRE) est chargé de faire entrer l'air extérieur, de le filtrer et de le distribuer dans l'enveloppe du bâtiment, tout en extrayant une quantité égale d'air contaminé. Ces systèmes jouent un rôle important en veillant à ce que les besoins spécifiques du bâtiment soient satisfaits.
Pour les constructeurs, les entrepreneurs et les ingénieurs, comprendre les principes du juste dimensionnement permet d'assurer une performance optimale du système, de réduire les coûts d'exploitation et d'améliorer le confort des occupants.
What is the HERS Index?
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is a nationally recognized standard for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. Managed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), the HERS Index assigns a numerical score to a home based on its energy consumption.
Score of 100
represents the energy use of a standard new home built to the 2006 energy code.
Score of 0
represents a home that has zero net energy use, meaning the home produces as much energy as it consumes.
The lower the HERS score, the more energy-efficient the home is. For example, a home with a HERS score of 60 is 40% more energy-efficient than a typical new home. To achieve a low score, builders typically employ energy-saving technologies, efficient HVAC systems, and improved insulation.
The Role of the § 45L Tax Credit
The § 45L Tax Credit, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), offers builders and developers a significant financial incentive for constructing energy-efficient homes. Extended through 2032, the tax credit is designed to reward single-family and multi-family homes that meet or exceed specific energy efficiency standards, as verified through certifications like ENERGY STAR® or DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.
For homes built or acquired on or after January 1, 2023, these are the available tax credits:
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Single-Family Homes
$2,500 for homes certified to ENERGY STAR® Version 3.1 in climate zones 1 and 2, or ENERGY STAR® Version 3.2 in climate zones 3–8.
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Manufactured Homes
$2,500 for homes certified under the ENERGY STAR® Manufactured Home standards (Version 2).
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Multi-Family Homes
$500 per unit for homes certified to ENERGY STAR® Version 1.1 for Multi-family New Construction, or $2,500 per unit when prevailing wage requirements are met.
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Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH)
$5,000 for homes certified under DOE's ZERH program.
To qualify for these credits, homes must demonstrate a substantial level of energy efficiency — often requiring improvements in ventilation, HVAC systems, and insulation.
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How HERS and § 45L Work Together
The HERS Index helps determine whether a home qualifies for the § 45L Tax Credit. To claim the credit, builders need to prove that their homes are energy-efficient enough to meet the standards of programs like ENERGY STAR® or ZERH.
A HERS rating is often used to verify that the home meets these thresholds. Certified HERS Raters perform an energy audit and assess the home’s energy performance, assigning a score that reflects the efficiency improvements made through insulation, HVAC systems, ventilation, and appliances.
How Fantech Products Help Lower the HERS Score and Qualify for § 45L Tax Credits
Fantech's range of energy-efficient ventilation solutions can help lower a home's HERS Index, making it easier to qualify for the § 45L tax credit. Here’s how:
Ventilating ECM Fans:
Traditional HVAC systems and exhaust fans powered by AC motors can consume more energy than necessary, raising the HERS score. Fantech's exhaust fans with EC motors are up to 70% more efficient than traditional fans, helping to reduce energy consumption and lower the HERS score by several points.
ENERGY STAR® Certified Products:
Many Fantech products, including bath fans and fresh air appliance systems (ERVs/HRVs), are ENERGY STAR® certified, meaning they meet the strict energy-efficiency guidelines required by the program. These products can contribute to lower energy usage and, therefore, a better HERS rating—sometimes by up to 10-20 points depending on the home’s original score.
Balanced Ventilation with ERVs/HRVs:
Fantech’s Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) and Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) are ideal for improving a home’s overall energy performance by recovering energy from exhaust air. These systems help provide balanced ventilation without compromising on energy loss, leading to a significantly lower HERS Index.
The Financial and Health Benefits of Lowering the HERS Score
Beyond qualifying for the § 45L Tax Credit, lowering the HERS score provides several other advantages:
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Energy Savings
Homes with lower HERS scores consume less energy, resulting in lower utility bills for homeowners.
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Increased Property Value
Energy-efficient homes with low HERS scores are more attractive to buyers, commanding higher prices on the market.
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Better Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
High-efficiency ventilation systems not only reduce energy consumption but also improve IAQ, providing a healthier living environment.
Maximizing Your Project's Potential
By incorporating Fantech ventilation products, builders can ensure their projects not only meet the strict requirements for the § 45L Tax Credit but also achieve a lower HERS score—leading to greater long-term energy savings, improved indoor air quality, and increased property value.
As the building industry continues to shift towards sustainable and energy-efficient practices, leveraging these tools will be crucial for staying competitive and delivering value to homeowners.
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Want more info?
We talk about the updated § 45L Tax Credits, part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and how benefits have been extended to builders of energy-efficient homes, making it even more critical to install a residential ERV/HRV system.
Power Up Savings: Decoding the New § 45L Tax Credit Update
Citations
HERS Index Information: Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET).
§ 45L Tax Credit: IRS Guidance on § 45L under the Inflation Reduction Act.
ENERGY STAR® Certified Products: ENERGY STAR Program Overview.
Fantech Blog Article: Demystifying Electric Motors AC, DC and EC.
Indoor Air Quality and Energy Savings: Department of Energy (DOE) Resources on IAQ.
The Benefits of EC Fans for Commercial Buildings (Dalroad.com)
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