BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Spray foam insulation is installed in open wall cavities to air seal and insulate

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Batt insulation should be cut to fit around wiring so that insulation can completely fill the wall cavity

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Faced fiberglass batt insulation incorrectly installed

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RESNET Grade I installation of spray foam insulation

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Wrong – Insulation has misalignment, compression, and gaps

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Right – RESNET grade I installation of batt insulation

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Right – RESNET Grade I installation of blown insulation

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Blown fiberglass insulation fills netted wall cavities

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Wrong – Compression and misalignment because insulation is not split around wires

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Wrong – Compression and misalignment because insulation is not split around plumbing

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Air seal and insulate drawer and closet boxes in attic kneewalls

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Rigid foam forms an insulating bond break between the foundation wall and the slab

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Blown cellulose insulation completely fills the netted wall and ceiling cavities.

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Ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation levels shall meet or exceed Builders Challenge levels

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All ceiling, wall, floor, and slab insulation shall achieve RESNET-defined Grade I installation

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Right - Rigid foam slab edge insulation is installed along the exterior edge of a monolithic slab foundation.

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Faced fiberglass batt insulation can be stapled to the stud faces or slightly inset, but avoid compressing the batts

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Install an ENERGY STAR labeled insulated door with an automatic closer. Weather strip the door frame

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Unfaced fiberglass batt insulation is installed to completely fill the wall cavities and is sliced to fit around wiring, piping, and other obstructions in the wall cavities

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Building America's Optimized Solutions for New Homes: Cold Climate

Case Study

Case study describing Building America's Optimized Solutions for energy efficient home construction in cold and very cold climates.

Building America's Optimized Solutions for New Homes: Mixed-Humid Climate

Case Study

Case study describing Building America's Optimized Solutions for energy efficient home construction in a mixed-dry climate.

Building America's Optimized Solutions for New Homes: Hot-Humid Climate

Case Study

Case study describing Building America's Optimized Solutions for energy efficient home construction in a hot-humid climate.

DOE ZERH 2013 Case Study: e2 Homes Winter Park, Florida [2-page summary version]

Case Study

Case study describing the first certified DOE Zero Energy Ready Home—the “Wilson Residence” in Winter Park, Florida.

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: e2 Homes, Winter Park, Florida

Case Study

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Winter Park FL that scored HERS 57 without PV or HERS -7 with PV.

How to Design a Home for a Cold Climate

Reference

Article summarizing for potential homeowners items to check or demand from the builder in designing a home for a cold climate.

Wrong – Spray foam installed with voids

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Right - Batt was properly split around wires to achieve RESNET Grade I

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Air seal the attic access panel with weatherstripping.

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Air seal the attic access pull-down stairs opening with weatherstripping.

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Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Conway Street Apartments - Greenfield, Massachusetts

Case Study

Case study describing a deep energy retrofit, turning an old school into 12 high-end apartments in Greenfield, MA.