1. Energy Efficiency In the House Envelope

2. <Topics> • “Weather proofing” goals • Insulation • Air infiltration • Systems for success • Tests for success • Blower door • Infrared camera

3. <Topics> • Windows and doors

4. Indoor Climate and Energy Efficiency Balance reduced energy use with good indoor environment Indoor air quality, comfort conditions (e.g. no drafts in winter) House construction must fit the appropriate climate zone! (We’re in Zone 4 mixed / Zone 5 cool)

5. Insulation • Conduction barrier • Radiant barrier • Combination • Theoretical v. actual performance • Types • Installation and systems

8. Consider a range of products for different applications • General—loose fill or blanket—best value • Air sealing and filling hard-to-reach spaces—spray foam or wet process cellulose • Combine processes, if needed, to get good coverage plus air sealing!

12. Air Infiltration • Uncontrolled energy leakage • Uncontrolled moisture movement • Threat to individual comfort

13. Air infiltration standards and targets • Air leakage per unit of floor area, at a rated pressure difference • ASHRAE • Energy Star Home

14. Systems for success • Realistic expectations—HES, ZIP Insulation • Common sense (ex.: cantilevered floors) • Building codes • Energy efficiency industry programs

15. Seal all penetrations into unconditioned spaces!

16. Foundation Gasket

17. Door Weather seals

18. Consistent, reliable systems for managing penetrations in the drainage plane

20. Windows and doors • Function and operability are controlling • Protect envelope integrity and function—weather exposure?

26. Test your success • Infrared thermometers and cameras • Blower door and duct system tests

29. Air Infiltration Take-Home Messages • There are good construction methods and bad methods—demand the good methods • There are systems to check on quality of finished product—plan your system and tell your builder • Commission the finished product—if it isn’t right, fix it

30. For more information…. • Construction guidebooks (ex. JLC) • System checklists • http://resnet.us/standards/RESNET_IR_interim_guidelines.pdf