Insulation Institute Blog

Right-Sizing AC in High-Performance Homes

Some people think that the idea of a high-performance building is a new concept, but it has been around for some time now. As defined in the Energy Policy Act 2005, a building that “integrates and optimizes all major high-performance building attributes, including energy efficiency, durability, life-cycle performance, and occupant productivity” is a high-performance one.

Today, many builders have already applied the principles of a high performance into their homes, and homeowners are now enjoying the benefits of living in a place that sets the bar much higher for energy efficiency, comfort, durability, indoor air quality, and the use of sustainable products.

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Right-Sizing AC in High-Performance Homes

Energy Data Gains Traction in Home Listings

What impact will energy data for 110 million homes have on the energy efficiency industry?

By: Ryan Meres, RESNET Programs Director

For more than a decade studies have consistently shown that home buyers want energy-efficient features, but few are aware of the impact those features have on energy cost. The average U.S. homeowner spends more on energy than property taxes and insurance, but energy is the only one of those three common expenses not considered in the mortgage process. The announcement and report released by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) that real estate platforms have begun including energy information in their listings is a significant step toward reducing the barrier to the transparency of energy use in the home-buying process.

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Energy Data Gains Traction in Home Listings

2009 Called. It Wants Its Energy Code Back

As advocates for building energy efficiency, Insulation Institute and many other organizations support the development and adoption of model residential building energy codes like the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Unfortunately, code adoption is literally “all over the map,” in the United States. Twenty-two states have a version of the energy efficiency code that meets or exceeds the 2009 IECC. Ten states meet or exceed the 2015 code, and 12 states have no statewide code at all, according to the Building Code Assistance Project. For those who support energy code adoption, it can seem like an uphill battle to advocate for newer energy codes, particularly when there are lots of misconceptions about the purpose behind the codes.

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2009 Called. It Wants Its Energy Code Back

3 Common Problems Found in New Home Inspections

Home Builders take pride in the quality construction and workmanship of new homes. But even the best builder will occasionally be challenged with flaws in new construction that must be corrected. The complexity of new home construction, buyers’ lack of understanding about new home warranties, and internet savvy consumers raise the stakes for new home purchases and argue for independent home inspections.

Insulation Institute spoke with Frank Lesh, past president of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and Mike Chamberlain, owner of MC2 Home Inspections, a certified national home inspector. We discussed the prevalence of inspections for new homes, the three most common issues Chamberlain has encountered during those inspections, and what builders can do to ensure consistent quality construction.

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3 Common Problems Found in New Home Inspections

Our Insulation Field Trip

The Insulation Institute is committed to addressing and educating the market on quality installation, conducting training sessions and developing an extensive guide on how to get Grade I installation. Since we represent the insulation industry, we like to get out in the field from time-to-time and see how the products our members manufacture are installed. 

So, when we had an opportunity to visit two Maryland homes currently under construction just after the insulation had been installed we jumped at the chance.

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Our Insulation Field Trip

What’s In A Frame?

With the newer version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) coming to states throughout the country, builders may have to make swift changes in practices to meet new, more stringent home energy efficiency requirements. For example, the state of Pennsylvania recently updated from the 2009 IECC to the 2015 version, which improves the energy efficiency of a home by 25 percent. The code also comes with a new air tightness requirement of 5 ACH50, which now needs to be verified by a blower door test. That’s proven to be an obstacle for some builders, particularly in states where testing was not previously required. Contractors know that energy efficiency starts with framing, but what specific framing practices can help increase home energy efficiency? Norbord’s Doug McNeill talks about how builders can implement small changes in framing to get big changes in home energy efficiency — without substantially increasing costs.

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What’s In A Frame?

5 Priority Air Sealing Locations for New Homes

Achieving an energy efficient, durable and comfortable home starts with framing and includes air sealing and insulation. Regardless of the type of insulation used, whole-home air sealing is a must to minimize air leakage and maximize thermal performance. It’s also an essential part of meeting new home airtightness requirements. As states adopt new, more stringent home energy efficiency codes, builders must redouble their efforts to ensure that new homes are properly air sealed. But where are the areas within the building that are leakier than others?

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5 Priority Air Sealing Locations for New Homes

Unvented Attic with Fiberglass and Mineral Wool

Building Unvented Attic Assemblies with Fiberglass and Mineral Wool

The 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) allows air-permeable fiberglass and mineral wool insulation in unvented attics in Climate Zones 1, 2, and 3. Our new guide details how to do this.

Prior to the completion of research and publication of the 2018 IRC, concerns about condensation in warm, humid climates prevented the practice. However, research studies have shown that fiberglass and mineral wool can be used safely in these locations.

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Unvented Attic with Fiberglass and Mineral Wool

Blow the Insulation, Not the Budget

Maximizing cost effectiveness is every builder’s goal and every home buyer’s expectation. Each year, an impressive group of builders is recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for their forward-thinking approaches to delivering Zero Energy Ready homes. The most exemplary of the annual winners achieve this extraordinary target while keeping costs in line. Utah-based Garbett Construction is a 2017 Housing Innovation Award winner, and its winning Elizabeth model delivers notably affordable high energy performance, using proven energy-efficient construction practices and economical blown-in fiberglass insulation.

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Blow the Insulation, Not the Budget

Two Air Leakage Items Blindsiding Builders

Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) Raters can play a central role in helping builders transition to new more stringent residential building energy code requirements, like the 2012 or 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). As more states adopt newer versions of the code, HERS Raters are providing key guidance to builders that are tasked to deliver increasingly tight homes. That guidance includes essential training in how to reduce building air leakage. James Rodriguez of Fox Energy Specialists talks about the two things that may blindside builders when they must meet new code requirements and what builders must do to prepare for compliance.

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Two Air Leakage Items Blindsiding Builders