Complete FAQs

HVAC 2 Home Performance develops and implements a verified HVAC performance process through the Verified™ framework — a methodology that connects HVAC design, building science, commissioning, testing, and field verification into one measurable system. Our mission is to help the industry move beyond theoretical equipment efficiency and toward measured real-world performance.

Our mission is to help the industry move beyond theoretical efficiency and toward verified real-world performance.

The Verified™ process bridges the gap between:

• predicted performance
• installed performance
• and measured operational performance

by combining proper ACCA Manual J-T-S-D in HVAC design, permanent load reduction, commissioning, airflow optimization, ventilation strategy, humidity control, and field verification into one integrated methodology.

Instead of treating HVAC equipment as the solution, the Verified™ approach evaluates the entire building as a system.

That includes:

• load calculation integrity
• duct system performance
• building enclosure behavior
• infiltration control
• moisture management
• ventilation
• airflow delivery
• commissioning
• and operational testing

to verify that systems perform as intended in the real world — not just on paper.

HVAC 2 Home Performance supports the Verified™ ecosystem through:

• performance-based HVAC design
• commissioning and verification
• permanent load reduction strategies
• contractor and industry training
• consulting and implementation support
• and measured field performance workflows

Because equipment efficiency ratings alone do not guarantee comfort, humidity control, airflow, or system performance.

Verified™ exists to create accountability between what is designed, what is installed, and what is actually delivered inside the home.

Predict. Verify. Perform.

What Makes Verified HVAC Performance Different?

Traditional HVAC projects often stop at equipment selection and installation. The Verified™ process is designed to go further by validating that the system actually delivers the comfort, airflow, humidity control, and operational performance it was designed to achieve.

Verified HVAC performance is not based solely on equipment efficiency ratings or theoretical load calculations. It is based on measured field data, commissioning, airflow verification, static pressure diagnostics, duct leakage testing, and real operational analysis.

The Verified™ framework connects:

• HVAC design
• building science
• permanent load reduction
• commissioning
• ventilation strategy
• and field verification

into one accountable process.

This approach helps reduce many of the common problems seen in residential HVAC systems, including:

• oversized equipment
• humidity issues
• uneven temperatures
• airflow imbalance
• poor ventilation performance
• excessive static pressure
• and comfort complaints

Verified HVAC performance focuses on how the entire building and HVAC system operate together under real-world conditions.

By combining prediction, testing, verification, and measured delivery, the Verified™ process helps create HVAC systems that are designed to perform — and proven to perform.

A third-party HVAC designer provides an independent, performance-focused perspective that supports the Verified™ process from design through field verification.

At HVAC 2 Home Performance, we believe verified HVAC performance requires more than equipment selection or rule-of-thumb sizing. It requires accountability between what is predicted, what is installed, and what is actually delivered inside the home.

Many in-house HVAC designs are created within sales, production, or installation workflows where speed and equipment replacement often become the priority. A third-party designer operates independently from those pressures and focuses on overall building performance.

The Verified™ process evaluates the home as a complete system, including:

• HVAC design
• building enclosure performance
• duct system behavior
• airflow delivery
• humidity control
• ventilation strategy
• static pressure
• infiltration
• and permanent load reduction opportunities

before installation begins.

This approach helps reduce many common HVAC performance problems, including:

• oversized equipment
• poor humidity control
• uneven temperatures
• airflow imbalance
• excessive static pressure
• short cycling
• and comfort complaints

A third-party HVAC designer also helps support commissioning and verification within the Verified™ framework through:

• Manual J®, S®, and D® validation
• airflow testing
• blower door testing
• duct leakage testing
• commissioning workflows
• and measured operational performance analysis

Because a load calculation alone does not create verified HVAC performance.

The goal is not to replace the HVAC contractor. The goal is to support a verified outcome through a process that aligns design, installation, commissioning, and measured field performance.

The best HVAC systems are not simply installed.

They are predicted, verified, and proven to perform.hird-party HVAC designer provides an independent, performance-focused perspective that is not tied to equipment sales, installation shortcuts, or internal company production pressures.

What is the Verified™ Process?

HVAC 2 Home Performance developed the Verified™ framework to create a repeatable process for delivering verified HVAC performance through HVAC design, commissioning, testing, and field verification. The Verified™ process helps bridge the gap between predicted HVAC performance and measured real-world system operation by combining building science, permanent load reduction, airflow optimization, humidity control, and operational verification into one accountable system.

Verified™ bridges the gap between:

• predicted performance
• installed performance
• and measured real-world performance

through a process built around accountability and verification.

The Verified™ framework evaluates the entire building as a system, including:

• HVAC equipment sizing
• Manual J®, S®, and D® design
• airflow delivery
• duct system performance
• static pressure
• humidity control
• ventilation strategy
• infiltration
• permanent load reduction
• commissioning
• and operational field testing

instead of focusing only on equipment efficiency ratings.

The Verified™ process uses measured data and field verification to confirm system performance through:

• airflow testing
• blower door testing
• duct leakage testing
• commissioning workflows
• static pressure diagnostics
• and operational performance analysis

because theoretical efficiency does not automatically create real-world comfort or performance.

Verified™ exists to create alignment between:

• what is designed
• what is installed
• and what is actually delivered inside the home.

The goal is not simply to install HVAC equipment.

The goal is verified HVAC performance.

Predict. Verify. Perform.

Why Verified HVAC Performance Matters

Verified HVAC performance matters because equipment efficiency ratings alone do not guarantee comfort, humidity control, airflow delivery, or operational performance. Many HVAC systems are installed without commissioning, airflow testing, or field verification, which creates a disconnect between designed performance and actual delivered performance.

The Verified™ process helps close that gap by combining:

• HVAC design
• commissioning
• airflow verification
• static pressure diagnostics
• duct leakage testing
• and measured operational analysis

into one integrated process focused on measurable outcomes instead of assumptions.

Verified HVAC Performance Requires Accountability

Verified HVAC performance is not created through equipment selection alone. The Verified™ process is built around accountability, testing, commissioning, and measured operational performance to help ensure HVAC systems perform as designed under real-world conditions.

A Verified Home™ is a home that has gone through a structured performance verification process designed to validate how the HVAC system and building perform under real-world operating conditions.

Unlike traditional homes that rely primarily on theoretical equipment ratings or code minimums, a Verified™ home uses measured testing, commissioning, and performance validation to confirm that predicted performance aligns with actual delivered performance.

The Verified™ framework was developed by HVAC 2 Home Performance to bridge the gap between:

• predicted performance
• installed performance
• and measured operational performance

through design verification, commissioning, testing, and field validation.

A Verified™ home is evaluated as a complete building performance system, including:

• HVAC design
• airflow delivery
• humidity control
• ventilation
• duct system performance
• building enclosure behavior
• infiltration
• and operational system performance

instead of focusing only on HVAC equipment efficiency ratings.

The Three Levels of Verified™

1. Performance Verified™

Performance Verified™ means the HVAC system design and operational performance have been verified through commissioning, testing, and measured field validation.

This pathway focuses on:

• HVAC design integrity
• airflow verification
• static pressure diagnostics
• commissioning
• ventilation performance
• duct system behavior
• and measureQuick® benchmarking

to confirm the HVAC system performs according to the intended design strategy.

2. Whole Home Performance Verified™

Whole Home Performance Verified™ applies to new construction homes where both the HVAC system performance and the ERI energy model are verified.

This pathway includes:

• Design Verified™
• Installed Per Design™
• pre-drywall inspection
• final inspection
• blower door testing
• duct leakage testing
• commissioning
• and ERI performance validation

to verify the complete home performs according to the intended building and HVAC design strategy.

3. Permanent Load Reduction Verified™

Permanent Load Reduction Verified™ focuses on reducing heating and cooling loads in existing homes before HVAC equipment sizing decisions are finalized.

This process combines:

• LiDAR-based Manual J® analysis
• building performance assessment
• permanent load reduction planning
• commissioning
• and measured field verification

to validate that the home performs according to the predicted load reduction strategy.

A Verified™ home is not simply a home with high-efficiency equipment installed.

It is a home where performance has been designed, tested, commissioned, and measured through the Verified™ process.

Because comfort, efficiency, airflow, and operational performance should not be assumed.

They should be predicted, verified, and proven.

A new construction home becomes Verified™ through the Whole Home Performance Verified™ pathway — a performance-based process designed to align HVAC design, building science, energy modeling, installation quality, commissioning, and measured field verification into one accountable system.

The Whole Home Performance Verified™ pathway is part of the broader Performance Verified™ framework developed by HVAC 2 Home Performance to bridge the gap between predicted performance and measured operational performance.

Instead of treating HVAC, insulation, air sealing, and energy modeling as disconnected trades, the Verified™ process evaluates the home as one integrated building performance system.

Whole Home Performance Verified™ Includes:

• Design Verified™
• Installed Per Design™
• ERI energy modeling
• commissioning
• airflow verification
• blower door testing
• duct leakage testing
• ventilation verification
• static pressure diagnostics
• and operational performance testing

to validate that the home performs according to the intended design strategy.

Design Verified™

The process begins during planning and design through the Design Verified™ phase.

This stage combines:

• detailed ACCA Manual J®, S®, and D® design
• ERI energy modeling
• building enclosure analysis
• ventilation strategy
• airflow planning
• humidity control strategy
• and permanent load reduction principles

to create a predicted performance pathway for the home before construction begins.

The HVAC system and building performance strategy are specified based on measured design targets instead of rule-of-thumb assumptions.

Installed Per Design™

During construction, the Installed Per Design™ phase helps ensure the home is being built according to the verified design strategy.

This includes:

• pre-drywall inspection
• duct system verification
• airflow pathway review
• insulation inspection
• air sealing evaluation
• and installation quality assessment

to identify performance deficiencies before the home is completed.

Verification & Commissioning

Once construction is complete, the home undergoes final testing and commissioning through the Whole Home Performance Verified™ process.

This phase includes:

• final inspection
• blower door testing
• duct leakage testing
• airflow verification
• static pressure diagnostics
• ventilation testing
• MeasureQuick® benchmarking
• and operational HVAC performance analysis

to confirm the home performs according to the predicted ERI and HVAC design strategy.

A Verified™ new construction home is not simply built to minimum code standards.

It is a home where:

• the design was verified
• the installation was validated
• the performance was tested
• and the operational results were measured.

Because true building performance should not be assumed.

It should be predicted, verified, and proven.

An existing home becomes Verified™ through a two-stage performance process designed to reduce building loads, optimize HVAC system design, and validate measured real-world performance.

The Verified™ framework focuses on creating accountability between predicted building performance and measured operational performance through Permanent Load Reduction planning, implementation, commissioning, and field verification.

Stage 1: Permanent Load Reduction Plan Verified™

The process begins with a Permanent Load Reduction Plan Inspection.

This evaluation combines:

• LiDAR-based Manual J® load calculation analysis
• detailed ACCA Manual J® load calculations
• building performance assessment
• airflow diagnostics
• infiltration evaluation
• and HVAC system analysis

to identify thermal discrepancies and performance deficiencies throughout the home.

The goal is to develop a predicted Permanent Load Reduction plan that reduces unnecessary heating and cooling loads before equipment sizing decisions are finalized.

This process may identify opportunities involving:

• air sealing
• insulation improvements
• duct optimization
• airflow balancing
• ventilation strategy
• humidity control
• and building enclosure improvements

The HVAC system is then specified based on the reduced-load design conditions created through the Permanent Load Reduction plan — not oversized rule-of-thumb assumptions.

Once the design pathway is established, the home enters the next phase of the Verified™ process.

Stage 2: Permanent Load Reduction Verified™

After the improvement plan is implemented, the home undergoes the Permanent Load Reduction Verified™ Protocol.

This phase validates actual measured system and building performance through:

• commissioning
• blower door testing
• airflow verification
• static pressure diagnostics
• duct leakage testing
• operational testing
• and MeasureQuick® performance benchmarking

to confirm the home and HVAC system perform according to the predicted load reduction strategy.

The goal is not simply to install new equipment.

The goal is verified HVAC performance based on measured operational data and validated building performance.

A Verified™ home is a home where:

• the loads were identified
• the reduction strategy was implemented
• the HVAC system was designed around reduced loads
• and the final performance was tested and verified in the field.

Because comfort, efficiency, and performance should not be assumed.

They should be predicted, verified, and proven

The ERI pre-drywall inspection verifies that the home is being constructed according to the intended building performance, energy modeling, and HVAC design strategy before the walls are closed and critical components become inaccessible.

Within the Whole Home Performance Verified™ pathway, the pre-drywall inspection is a key checkpoint in the Installed Per Design™ process.

The goal is to confirm that the home’s predicted performance pathway still aligns with how the home is actually being built in the field.

During the ERI pre-drywall inspection, the home is evaluated for:

• insulation installation quality
• air sealing details
• framing conditions
• HVAC duct layout
• ventilation pathways
• airflow planning
• thermal boundary continuity
• moisture management details
• and overall installation consistency with the ERI energy model and HVAC design

This inspection helps identify performance deficiencies before drywall installation makes corrections significantly more difficult and expensive.

The pre-drywall inspection may also verify:

• duct sealing integrity
• mechanical penetrations
• pressure boundary alignment
• insulation depth and coverage
• ventilation system rough-in
• and building enclosure continuity

to help ensure the home can achieve the predicted operational and energy performance targets established during the Design Verified™ phase.

Within the Verified™ framework, the ERI pre-drywall inspection is not simply a code inspection.

It is part of a broader building performance verification process designed to create accountability between:

• the energy model
• the HVAC design
• the installation process
• and the final measured performance of the home.

The purpose is to reduce the gap between predicted and actual performance before the home reaches final commissioning and operational verification.

Because once drywall is installed, many performance deficiencies become harder to identify, harder to correct, and more expensive to fix.

The ERI pre-drywall inspection helps ensure the home is still on the pathway toward verified HVAC and building performance

measureQuick® plays a critical role in the Verified™ process by helping validate real-world HVAC system performance through measured operational data, commissioning workflows, and field verification.

Within the Verified™ framework, measureQuick® is used as a performance benchmarking and diagnostic platform to help confirm that HVAC systems are operating according to the intended design and performance targets.

The Verified™ process is built around accountability between:

• predicted performance
• installed performance
• and measured operational performance

and measureQuick® helps bridge that gap through live system diagnostics and data-driven verification.

measureQuick® Supports Verified™ HVAC Performance

During commissioning and verification, measureQuick® helps evaluate:

• airflow performance
• static pressure
• temperature split
• superheat and subcooling
• delivered capacity
• ventilation operation
• refrigerant performance
• and overall system operation

to determine whether the HVAC system is functioning according to the intended design strategy.

Instead of relying solely on equipment specifications or visual inspection, the Verified™ process uses measured operational data to validate actual system behavior under real-world conditions.

measureQuick® Within the Verified™ Workflow

measureQuick® may be used during:

• Performance Verified™
• Permanent Load Reduction Verified™
• Whole Home Performance Verified™
• commissioning
• airflow verification
• and final operational testing

to support measurable HVAC performance validation.

Within the Permanent Load Reduction Verified™ pathway, measureQuick® helps benchmark system performance after load reduction improvements have been implemented.

Within the Whole Home Performance Verified™ pathway, measureQuick® supports final HVAC commissioning and operational verification for new construction homes.

Verification Requires Measured Data

The Verified™ process is designed to move beyond theoretical HVAC performance.

measureQuick® helps support that mission by providing measurable operational insights that help confirm:

• airflow delivery
• equipment operation
• system efficiency
• humidity control
• and commissioning performance

through field-verified system data.

Because equipment efficiency ratings alone do not guarantee real-world HVAC performance.

The Verified™ process uses tools like measureQuick® to help ensure HVAC systems are not only designed correctly — but also tested, commissioned, and verified in operation.

Predict. Verify. Perform.

No. Different Verified™ pathways use different verification methods depending on the stage of the process and the type of verification being performed.

The Verified™ framework is designed as a layered performance verification system where each stage validates a specific part of the building or HVAC process.

Some Verified™ pathways focus on:

• design verification
• installation verification
• load reduction planning
• commissioning
• or operational performance

and not every phase requires live operational benchmarking through MeasureQuick®.

Design Verified™ Does Not Require MeasureQuick®

The Design Verified™ pathway focuses on validating the HVAC and building performance design before installation and commissioning occur.

This process includes verification of:

• Manual J®, S®, and D® calculations
• ventilation design
• dehumidification planning
• commissioning strategy
• and alignment between the HVAC design and the actual home being constructed.

The goal is to verify that the system was properly designed for the specific home and performance targets.

Because the system may not yet be operational, MeasureQuick® benchmarking is not necessarily part of this phase.

Installed Per Design™ Focuses on Installation Verification

Installed Per Design™ verifies that the home and HVAC system were installed according to the verified design documents.

This phase may include:

• pre-drywall inspections
• duct layout verification
• ventilation rough-in review
• insulation inspection
• airflow pathway validation
• and field inspection of installation quality.

The purpose is to confirm the verified design strategy was properly implemented before final commissioning and operational testing.

Performance Verified™ Uses MeasureQuick® Benchmarking

MeasureQuick® becomes central during the Performance Verified™ phase, where the focus shifts from design and installation verification to measured operational HVAC performance.

This stage may include:

• airflow verification
• static pressure diagnostics
• refrigerant analysis
• commissioning
• delivered capacity analysis
• ventilation verification
• and operational benchmarking through MeasureQuick®.

The goal is to confirm the HVAC system performs according to the intended design strategy under real operating conditions.

Permanent Load Reduction Verification Happens in Stages

Permanent Load Reduction Plan Verified™ focuses on identifying thermal deficiencies and developing a predicted load reduction strategy using:

• LiDAR-based analysis
• Manual J® refinement
• building performance assessment
• and load reduction planning.

This planning phase does not necessarily require MeasureQuick® because operational system verification may occur later.

Permanent Load Reduction Verified™ occurs after improvements are implemented and may involve:

• commissioning
• blower door testing
• airflow verification
• operational diagnostics
• and MeasureQuick® benchmarking

to validate measured performance outcomes.

Verified™ Is About Layered Accountability

The Verified™ framework is not built around a single test or software platform.

It is built around layered accountability between:

• the design
• the installation
• the commissioning process
• and measured operational performance.

Different stages require different forms of verification.

Because true building performance is not verified through assumptions alone.

It is verified step by step through the Verified™ process.

Predict. Verify. Perform.

Verified Home™ is designed to align with and often exceed major green building and incentive program requirements. Because each Verified Home™ includes a certified ERI Rating, blower door results, duct leakage testing, and documented HVAC performance, it can be used to support qualification for programs such as ENERGY STAR, NGBS, LEED for Homes, and federal incentives like 45L, provided the project meets the specific thresholds required by each program.

Typical timelines are:

• Design review and coordination: approximately 5–10 business days
• ERI Pre-Drywall Inspection: scheduled at framing or pre-drywall stage
• Performance verification and commissioning: typically 1–3 hours on-site per system
• Final ERI Rating and documentation: typically 1–3 days after all field data is received

Actual timelines vary based on project size, complexity, construction schedule, and how quickly required information is provided.

A Verified™ HVAC Contractor Partner is a contractor who implements the Verified™ process through performance-based HVAC design, commissioning, field verification, and measured operational accountability.

The Verified™ framework was developed by HVAC 2 Home Performance to help contractors move beyond equipment replacement and toward verified HVAC and building performance.

Becoming a Verified™ HVAC Contractor Partner means aligning your company with a structured process focused on:

• design integrity
• installation quality
• commissioning
• airflow verification
• humidity control
• permanent load reduction
• and measured field performance

instead of relying solely on equipment efficiency ratings or rule-of-thumb installation practices.

The Verified™ Contractor Partnership Process

The partnership process typically begins with an evaluation of the contractor’s:

• HVAC design workflows
• commissioning procedures
• airflow practices
• duct design standards
• verification processes
• and overall performance methodology

to determine alignment with the Verified™ framework.

Contractors may then receive training and implementation support involving:

• Manual J®, S®, and D® workflows
• commissioning procedures
• static pressure diagnostics
• airflow verification
• measureQuick® benchmarking
• ventilation strategy
• permanent load reduction principles
• and building science integration

to help establish a repeatable verified performance process inside the company.

Verified™ Is About Accountability

The goal is not simply to become “certified.”

The goal is to create accountability between:

• the design
• the installation
• the commissioning process
• and the measured operational performance of the HVAC system.

Verified™ Contractor Partners are expected to support:

• measured airflow
• commissioning verification
• duct performance validation
• humidity control strategies
• ventilation verification
• and operational testing

as part of delivering verified HVAC performance.

Supporting the Verified™ Ecosystem

Verified™ HVAC Contractor Partners help expand the broader Verified™ ecosystem by participating in a performance-based approach that connects:

• HVAC contractors
• builders
• raters
• commissioning professionals
• and homeowners

through a shared verification methodology focused on measurable results.

The Verified™ process is designed to help contractors differentiate themselves through:

• measurable performance
• documented verification
• operational accountability
• and proven system results

instead of competing solely on equipment brands or replacement pricing.

Because the future of HVAC is not just higher-efficiency equipment.

The future is verified performance.

Predict. Verify. Perform.

To become a Verified™ Inspector, you must complete the same full training pathway required for Verified™ HVAC Contractor Partners and hold an active, nationally recognized ERI Rater certification.

Required inspector qualifications include:

• Completion of online and in-person Permanent Load Reduction and load calculation training
• Completion of measureQuick® and TrueFlow® Grid Verified User training
• Active ERI Rater certification (such as RESNET HERS Rater, BSI Rater, or an equivalent approved ERI rating body)

Verified™ Inspectors must also agree to and maintain Verified™ QA standards, including adherence to ERI Pre-Drywall protocols, accurate field data collection, consistent use of measureQuick®, and high-quality documentation for every Verified™ project.

The Verified™ process is designed for homeowners, HVAC contractors, builders, architects, raters, and industry professionals who want measurable building and HVAC performance instead of assumed performance.

Developed by HVAC 2 Home Performance, the Verified™ process creates accountability between:

• HVAC design
• installation quality
• commissioning
• building performance
• and measured operational results.

Instead of relying solely on equipment efficiency ratings, code minimums, or rule-of-thumb sizing, the Verified™ process validates how the home and HVAC system actually perform under real-world operating conditions.

Verified™ for Homeowners

The Verified™ process helps homeowners improve:

• comfort
• humidity control
• airflow
• indoor air quality
• energy performance
• and long-term HVAC reliability

through testing, commissioning, and verified operational performance.

Rather than simply replacing equipment, the Verified™ process evaluates how the entire home and HVAC system operate together as one building performance system.

Verified™ for HVAC Contractors

The Verified™ process helps HVAC contractors transition from equipment-focused installation practices toward performance-based HVAC delivery.

This includes support for:

• Design Verified™
• Installed Per Design™
• Performance Verified™
• commissioning
• airflow verification
• and operational performance testing

to help contractors deliver measurable and verifiable system performance.

Verified™ for Builders & New Construction

Builders and new construction teams use the Whole Home Performance Verified™ pathway to align:

• HVAC design
• ERI energy modeling
• insulation strategy
• ventilation planning
• air sealing
• commissioning
• and field verification

into one coordinated building performance process.

This helps reduce the gap between predicted energy performance and measured operational performance.

Verified™ for Existing Homes

Existing homes may enter the Verified™ process through the Permanent Load Reduction Plan Verified™ and Permanent Load Reduction Verified™ pathways.

These pathways focus on:

• identifying thermal deficiencies
• reducing unnecessary heating and cooling loads
• improving building performance
• and validating measured operational outcomes

before oversized HVAC replacement becomes the default solution.

Verified™ Is for Performance-Focused Projects

The Verified™ process is for projects that value:

• accountability
• measured verification
• commissioning
• building science
• operational testing
• and long-term performance.

Because true HVAC and building performance should not be assumed.

It should be predicted, verified, and proven.

Predict. Verify. Perform.

HVAC 2 Home Performance is headquartered in Cincinnati with a branch presence in Knoxville and serves:

• Cincinnati and surrounding markets for design, testing, commissioning, and TAB
• Knoxville and East Tennessee for design, testing, commissioning, and TAB
• Nationwide clients for HVAC design, training, consulting, and Verified™ program support

Getting started is straightforward. Provide project plans and basic information about your goals, and we will propose a clear scope, timeline, and fee structure. From there, we outline the appropriate Verified™ pathway, design support, training, or commissioning services needed to deliver proven performance for your project.