TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, Option 3: Pipe Insulation, which awards points for insulating hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, Option 3: Pipe Insulation (1 point)
Insulate all hot water piping with a minimum insulation value of R-4 to reduce heat loss and improve the efficiency of the hot water distribution system.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, p. 133.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, Option 3: Pipe Insulation
Hot water pipes must be insulated to at least R-4 to qualify for the credit, minimizing energy losses during water distribution.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isR-4(Option C), as this is the minimum insulation value required for hot water piping to earn the credit.
Why not the other options?
A. R-2: This is below the required insulation value for the credit.
B. R-3: This is also below the required R-4 value.
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, p. 133., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EA credits, including hot water distribution efficiency, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the R-4 requirement., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, p. 133., LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits)., LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4)., USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4)., LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming pipe insulation requirements., , , ]
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