Evolving Energy Codes Offer Other Hidden Benefits for Builders and Occupants
Problems like leaky ducts, oversized HVAC systems, and uninsulated hot water pipes negatively affect more than just energy consumption.
Problems like leaky ducts, oversized HVAC systems, and uninsulated hot water pipes negatively affect more than just energy consumption.
Air sealing is now an important part of achieving energy efficiency, and choosing the right insulation is key to achieving air tightness and performance. To reduce air infiltration and achieve an energy-efficient building, the gaps in the building’s thermal enclosure must be sealed properly.
What is a net-zero home? What’s your next move if you’re thinking of offering a net-zero option? Learn more about this growing trend.
Since unvented attics started appearing and getting into the code, building science thinking has changed so much. See how code challenges were overcome to allow proper use of vapor retarders across the country.
Whether you aim to simply meet code, achieve a specific certification level or go significantly beyond, there are some pratical steps you can take toward creating a high-performance building envelope.
Thermal insulation has been used in buildings all over the world for many decades. Yet every so often, even seasoned professionals face a difficult time explaining how it works. And frankly, the mechanisms involved are not that simple. Find out more about how insulation works in this article.
Add another selling point for new homes—homeowners consider them healthier than homes built before 2001, according to the Houzz 2014 Healthy Home Trends Study.
The latest version of the energy code offers a new way to achieve significant energy savings while providing builders with more flexibility. Find out what you need to know.
Changes in California's 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards Energy Code (effective July 2014) and implications of the International Residential Code (IRC) R806.5 have made conditioned vs. unconditioned attics an industry hot topic. One issue not up for debate is that regardless of conditioned or unconditioned attics, managing the energy flow used to heat and cool a home is largely based on how the home is - or is not - insulated. To help today's experts stay informed of their options, this video will highlight performance results from field testing as well as new research.
Builders may use these tools as an internal Quality Control (QC) process for achieving Grade 1 insulation every time without additional visits from the insulation contractors and re-inspections from the Home Energy Rater. The process provides a way for the builder and contractor to identify any issues with framing and/or air barrier alignment prior to beginning their work.