pipes, light fixtures, or other infrastructure for installation of the practice. Automatic temperature and/or moisture sensors and controls can improve the efficiency of moveable greenhouse screens. Where relative humidity within the agricultural building is maintained above 85%, refer to ASAE EP475 or other appropriate guidelines. Tinted windows may be used in some cases to control building temperature. Tinting has no effect on the U-factor of a window, but it reduces solar gain. This may be a benefit in the summer and a liability in the winter, depending on local climate conditions. PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS Specifications for application of this practice shall be prepared for each site or planning unit according to the criteria. . As a minimum, the plans and specifications shall provide the following: Plan drawing and description of the existing building envelope, and the modified or retrofitted building envelope and related components or devices, if applicable. Description and characteristics of materials to be applied to the building envelope. Details of ventilation and sealing provisions associated with the practice. Requirements for disposal of replaced materials, if applicable. Documentation requirements to determine energy savings associated with practice installation based on current heating/cooling requirements of the agricultural building. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE An operation and maintenance plan shall be developed that is consistent with the purposes of this practice, its intended life and safety requirements. The plan shall include recommended guidelines for maintaining the system. Periodic maintenance items include for leaks in the building envelope, especially along edges of energy screen seals Regularly inspect insulation to ensure it evenly covers building envelope spaces and repair damaged material and components as necessary. Periodically check for tears and repair or replace torn vapor barrier or energy screen material. Identify critical control devices associated with the building envelope system. Inspect regularly and perform maintenance as necessary. Maintain records to document the implementation of energy improvements. Retain and update records for a minimum of three years from the installation of the building envelope improvement. Recommended records to be retained include: Utility bills, fuel purchases, and yield of agricultural commodities produced in the building. Documentation of maintenance conducted on the building envelope improvement and related components or devices. REFERENCES American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers. 2010. ASHRAE Handbook – Fundamentals.
American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. 2011. Design and Management of Storages for Bulk, Irish Potatoes. ASAE EP475.1 JUN1996 (R2011). St. Joseph, MI. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. Guidelines for the Use of Thermal Insulation in Agricultural Buildings. ANSI/ASABE S401.2 FEB1993 (R2008). St. Joseph, MI. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. 2008. Heating, Ventilating and Cooling Greenhouses. ANSI/ASAE EP 406.4 Jan 2003 (R2008). St. Joseph, MI. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. 2009. Performing On-Farm Energy Audits. ANSI/ASABE S612 JUL2009. St Joseph, MI. American Society for Testing and Materials. 2012. Standard Practice for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and Skylights. ASTM E2112-07. Subcommittee: E06.51, Book of Standards, Vol. 04.12. West Conshohocken, PA. International Code Council, Inc. 2011. International Energy Conservation Code. IECC-12. Country Club Hills, IL. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture. ENERGY STAR. .