BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

The attic is sealed and insulated along the underside of the roof deck with 5.5 inches of polyurethane spray foam, providing conditioned space for the HVAC system.

Image

Form an insulation dam of sheet metal around a flue pipe in the attic after air sealing around the pipe with sheet metal and fire-rated caulk or canned foam

Image

Right - The precast insulated concrete walls of the basement provide a conditioned space for the high-efficiency (18 SEER, 9.5 HSPF) air-source heat pump, with its variable-speed fan, five-stage compressor, and MERV 11 filter.

Image

Ceiling gypsum board has been installed

Image

Show Home Targets Energy Efficiency in Hot-Humid Climates

Case Study

Case study describing the New American Home project.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Properly Sized and Located Return Air Inlets

Case Study

Case study describing how a properly designed duct system is essential for keeping a home comfortable, managing indoor air quality, and maximizing the performance of heating and cooling equipment.

Coastal Habitats

Case Study

Case study describing a construction project in Hilton Head, SC utilizing a whole-house performance approach.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Schneider Homes, Inc.

Case Study

Case study describing a new construction project in the marine climate zone.

Baxter Community - High Performance Green Building

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.

GreenCraft Greenspoint House Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the mixed-humid climate zone.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: ICI Showcase House Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the hot-humid climate zone.

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: David Weekley Homes, Houston, Texas

Case Study

Case study describing new home construction in the hot-humid climate, optimizing thermal enclosure, HVAC, water heating and lighting measures.

Mercedes Homes: Hot, Humid Climate Region 40+% Energy Savings

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the hot-humid climate zone.

Compact Air Distribution

Guide

Guide describing design and installation of compact duct systems for central heating and cooling systems.

Transfer Grilles (1)

Video

Video describing how to install transfer grilles.

Operation Helping Hands Green Dream 1 Home, New Orleans, Louisiana

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the hot-humid climate zone.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Heritage Buildings, Inc., and Energy Smart Home Plans, Leland, North Carolina

Case Study

Case study describing a new construction project in North Carolina.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Project Home Again Phase I

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the hot-humid climate zone.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Lancaster Live/Work Townhome Prototype

Case Study

Case study describing a building project in the marine climate.

Boot is uninsulated

Image

Example of an HVAC installer’s balancing report form

Image

Right – Metal is mechanically fastened at junction

Image

Seams are being properly sealed with mastic and mesh tape

Image

Technology Solutions Case Study: Sealed Air-Return Plenum Retrofit

Case Study

Case study describing the retrofit of a leaky air handler.

Designing and Installing Mechanical Ventilation Systems to Enable Airflow Testing

Guide

Guide describing a method for taking accurate measurements of airflow in mechanical ventilation ducts.

Use only Underwriters Laboratory UL-181 approved tape

Image

Right: Side-entry boots are used to keep ductwork close to the ceiling

Image

Right: ductwork is fully encapsulated with ccSPF prior to ceiling installation and burial

Image

Sealed Attics?

Reference

Article describing how insulating and air sealing unfinished attic spaces can lead to reduced energy bills in some homes.

Form a sheet metal shield around the flue pipe

Image