BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

No insulation installed in cavity and not air sealed

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Exterior Insulation Implications on Heating and Cooling in Cold Climates

Reference

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is interested in finding cost-effective solutions for deep energy retrofits (DERs) related to exterior wall insulation in a cold climate, with targets of 50% peak load reduction and 50% space conditioning energy savings.

Inadequate amount of insulation installed with compression, misalignment, and voids

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Right – Flex ducts are properly supported with straps that don’t pinch the insulation; closed-cell spray foam will be applied to the underside of the roof deck of this hot-humid climate home to provide an insulated attic space for the HVAC ducts.

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Cavity used for return is not insulated and is not air sealed, which will pull in air from outside

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If HVAC duct must be installed in an exterior wall, separate it from the exterior with at least R-6 of continuous rigid insulation

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HVAC ducts, cavities used as ducts, and combustion inlets and outlets may pass perpendicularly through exterior walls but shall not be run within exterior walls unless at least R-6 continuous insulation is provided on exterior side of the cavity

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HVAC Ducts Shall Not Be Run within Exterior Walls

Guide

Guide describing the use of building cavities as supply or return ducts.

No Excessive Coiled or Looped Flex Ducts

Guide

Guide describing how to correctly install flex ducts without excessive coils or loops.

HVAC duct layout

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Example of an HVAC installer’s balancing report form

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No Kinks or Sharp Bends in Flex Duct Installation

Guide

Guide describing how to correctly install flex ducts without kinks or sharp bends.

Advances in Manufactured Home Energy Efficient Design

Presentation

Webinar explaining advances in energy efficient design for manufactured homes.

No Ducts or Air Handlers Located in Garage

Guide

Guide describing how to design HVAC systems to be located within the conditioned space of the home, either in a utility closet or in an attic, basement, or crawl space.

Gas-Fired Boilers

Guide

Guide describing gas-fired boilers and hot water heat distribution systems used for home heating.