Requirements for Building an Indoor airPLUS Home
To construct a home that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Indoor airPLUS certification, builders must first ensure the home qualifies for the ENERGY STAR Certified Homes label, which emphasizes energy efficiency. Subsequently, additional design and construction features must be incorporated to enhance indoor air quality. These features include moisture control systems, radon-resistant construction, improved HVAC systems, combustion-venting systems, and the use of low-emitting building materials. An independent third-party verifier must inspect the home to confirm compliance with these requirements.
The EPA introduced Indoor airPLUS Version 2 in August 2024, offering two certification tiers: Certified and Gold. The Certified tier focuses on comprehensive indoor air quality measures, while the Gold tier includes all Certified requirements plus ENERGY STAR certification. Starting January 1, 2026, all homes seeking Indoor airPLUS certification must adhere to Version 2 standards and be verified through an EPA-recognized Home Certification Organization (HCO). Builders and verifiers are required to complete EPA-recognized training to ensure proper implementation of the program’s specifications. ?
