BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Ducts are properly insulated and supported without compressing the insulation

Ducts are insulated but strapping is compressing the insulation therefore reducing the R-value

Duct and HVAC Insulation

Author(s)

North American Insulation Manufacturers Association

Organization(s)

NAIMA

Publication Date

January, 2010

Information sheet with HVAC duct insulation, testing, maintenance and performance information.

Sealed and Insulated Metal Ducts

Guide describing how to air seal and insulate metal ducts.

Sealed and Insulated Flex Ducts

Guide describing how to air seal and insulate flex ducts.

Mechanical Insulation Design Guide - Installation

Author(s)

National Mechanical Insulation Committee

Organization(s)

NMIC

Publication Date

January, 2017

Web resource that lays out the pre-work considerations, methods and finishes for installing mechanical insulation.

Ducts Buried in Attic Insulation and Encapsulated

Guide describing approaches to burying and encapsulating ducts in unconditioned attics to increase the overall R-value of duct insulation.

Air seal and insulate flex ducts

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Duct insulation is installed over boot

Insulation does not cover boot and is not sealed

Duct is located in unconditioned space and is not insulated

Sealed and Insulated Fiber Board Ducts

Guide describing how to air seal and insulate fiber board ducts.

Duct is located in unconditioned space and is properly insulated

Exterior Insulation Implications on Heating and Cooling in Cold Climates

Author(s)

Herk Anastasia,

Poerschke Andrew

Organization(s)

Integrated Building and Construction Solutions,

IBACOS

Publication Date

April, 2015

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.

Prescriptive Path: Supply ducts in unconditioned attic have insulation ≥ R-8. Performance Path: Supply ducts in unconditioned attic have insulation ≥ R-6

Pull the insulation and outer liner of the flex duct over the collar to come in full contact with the liner and insulation of the trunk line or fitting and tape in place

Trunk to duct connections are properly insulated and have been sealed with mastic

Right – An insulated space is provided in the home’s attic to house the HVAC equipment.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Spray foam insulates and air seals the underside of the attic roof and walls.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Seal all joints and seams in the metal ductwork with mastic before installing insulation

Right – Spray foam air seals and insulates the walls including the walls behind the fireplace and covers the underside of the roof deck of this mixed-dry climate home to provide an insulated attic space for HVAC ducts.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Wrong- A tie strap should not be used over the duct outer liner because it can compress the insulation. Tuck in the fibrous insulation and seal the outer liner to the connecting duct with mastic or foil tape (Steven Winter Associates 2013).

All other supply ducts and all return ducts in unconditioned space have insulation ≥ R-6

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

A nylon draw band and tensioning tool are used to secure the inner coil of the pre-insulated flexible duct

Publication Date

Wed, 11/21/2012 - 12:00

A nylon draw band and tensioning tool are used to secure the inner liner of the pre-insulated flexible duct

Baffles are installed to protect airflow from the soffits to the ridge vents before the ceiling drywall and attic insulation are installed.

Publication Date

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 12:00

When wrapping metal ducts with insulation allow two inches of overlap and staple along the seam with outward clinching staples

Right – Rigid foam is installed behind HVAC ducts to provide additional insulation to the ducts which are installed within the conditioned space.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

To attach the flex duct to a main trunk duct or any other connection, the flex duct is pulled over the connecting collar at least 2 inches past the raised bead, then the insulation is pulled back

Encapsulated Ducts

Guide that illustrates how and when to encapsulate ductwork in unconditioned attics, increases the R-value of duct insulation, mitigating condensation issues and reducing air leakage.

Burried and encapsulated ducts in a ceiling plane

Publication Date

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 12:00

Bedford Farmhouse High Performance Retrofit Prototype

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2010

Case study describing a retrofit project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: Ecofutures Building Inc., Boulder, Colorado

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2009

Case study describing a building project in the coldclimate.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: G.W. Robinson, Gainesville, FL

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2011

Case study describing a new home construction project in the hot-humid climate.

Home Performance Assessment

Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.

Show Home Targets Energy Efficiency in Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE

Publication Date

November, 2004

Case study describing the New American Home project.

Best Practices Case Study: S&A Homes, East Liberty, PIttsburgh, PA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2010

Case study describing a building project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: Ferrier Custom Homes, Dallas, Texas

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

DOE

Publication Date

October, 2009

Case study describing a building project in hot-dry and mixed-dry climates.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB), Washington, D.C.

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

PNNL,

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

September, 2009

Case study describing a retrofit project in Maryland.

Measure Guideline: Reducing Thermal Losses and Gains With Buried and Encapsulated Ducts in Hot-Humid Climates

Author(s)

Mantha Pallavi,

Zoeller William,

Shapiro Carl

Organization(s)

Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,

CARB,

Steven Winter Associates,

SWA

Publication Date

August, 2013

Document covering the technical aspects of buried and insulated ducts (BEDs), as well as the advantages, disadvantages, and risks of BEDs compared to alternative strategies.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Evaluation of a Multifamily Retrofit in Climate Zone 5, Boulder, Colorado

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a multifamily retrofit project in a cold climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: The Performance House: A Cold Climate Challenge Home, Old Greenwich, Connecticut

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a high performance test home incorporating best practices for energy efficiency.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Deep Energy Retrofit of 1910 House, Portland, Oregon

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2011

Case study describing a deep energy renovation of a home in the marine climate.

The New American Home 2011 Orlando, Florida

Author(s)

IBACOS,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Organization(s)

IBACOS,

NREL

Publication Date

December, 2010

Case study describing innovative technologies, construction techniques, products, and design trends in new home construction.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Green Home Solutions by Grupe, Lodi, California

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

September, 2009

Case study describing a retrofit project in the hot-dry and mixed-dry climate zones.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Fort Devens: Cold Climate Market-Rate Townhomes Targeting HERS Index of 40, Harvard, Massachusetts

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a new townhome construction project designed to achieve a HERS score of 40.

New Whole-House Case Study: Transformations, Inc. Net Zero Energy Communities, Devens, Easthampton, Townsend, Massachusetts

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a new construction net zero energy home.

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

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

March, 2015

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

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

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2010

Case study describing a building project in the marine climate.

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

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

March, 2015

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

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Tommy Williams Homes Initial Performance of Two Zero Energy Homes, Gainesville, Florida

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing two new construction projects in Florida built to be net zero energy homes.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Build San Antonio Green, San Antonio, Texas

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

June, 2013

Case study describing one of three deep energy renovations of occupied affordable homes.

Case Study: Rural Development, Inc., Wisdom Way Solar Village, Greenfield, MA

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL,

ORNL

Publication Date

December, 2010

Case study describing a 20-unit community of energy-efficient duplexes in Massachusetts incorporating solar water heating and photovoltaics.

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

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

March, 2015

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

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: National Grid Deep Energy Retrofit Pilot Program - Clark Residence

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

March, 2010

Case study describing a retrofit project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.

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

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

March, 2015

Case study describing Building America's Optimized Solutions for energy efficient home construction in hot-dry and mixed-dry climates.

Boot is uninsulated

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Duct work is uninsulated and not sealed at seams

HVAC duct layout

Seams are being properly sealed with mastic and mesh tape

Trunk to duct connections are only mechanically fastened and not sealed

Assembled section of fiber board duct

Publication Date

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 12:00

Use only Underwriters Laboratory UL-181 approved tape

The tape is covered with mastic to ensure an airtight seal between the duct and the fitting

Fiber board sheets are available with pre-cut shiplapped ends

After securing the inner coil, cover the draw band and the seam with a generous amount of mastic

Collars that are specifically made for flexible duct have a raised bead to prevent the duct from slipping off

Fiberglass duct board typically comes in sheets 4 foot wide by 10 foot long

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Tindall Homes: The Legends at Mansfield, Columbus, NJ

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a new construction building project of 20 luxury homes in northern New Jersey that were more energy efficient than ENERGY STAR and met the 50% energy savings requirements of the federal tax credit for new homes.

Two pieces of flex duct are spliced together with a metal sleeve, nylon draw bands, mastic, metal tape, and more mastic

Seal seams in fiber board ducts with out-clinching staples, UL-181A-approved tape, and mastic

Hand tools for cutting fiber board sheets include a knife, straight edge, and color-coded edge-cutting tools

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County, Lake Worth, Florida

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2012

Case study describing an energy efficient retrofit project in hot-humid climates.

Right – R-25 of open-cell spray foam lines this new home’s attic ceiling, to protect HVAC ducts from heat and cold.

Right - Open-cell polyurethane spray foam to R-28 on underside of roof turns new attic into conditioned space for HVAC.

Cut fiber board with a red V-groove tool and a gray shiplap tool to create mitered corners and a shiplapped edge for duct sections

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Pine Mountain Builders, Pine Mountain, Georgia

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

January, 2013

Case study describing a builder in Georgia that designs energy-efficient homes for a green community, yielding homes with HERS scores as lowas 59 and electric bills as low as $50 a month.

Marine Climate

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

March, 2015

Advances in Manufactured Home Energy Efficient Design

Author(s)

ARIES

Organization(s)

ARIES Collaborative

Webinar explaining advances in energy efficient design for manufactured homes.

Example of an HVAC installer’s balancing report form

Publication Date

Sun, 05/01/2011 - 12:00

When architects and builders think of the house as a systems, all of the parts are designed to work together for a healthy, durable home that minimizes builder callbacks while cutting energy, maintenance, and repair costs down the road.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

DOE ZERH HIA 2013 Case Study: Preferred Builders, Old Greenwich, Connecticut

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

U.S. Department of Energy

Organization(s)

PNNL,

DOE

Publication Date

April, 2013

Case study describing a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home 2013 Housing Innovation Award Winner in Old Greenwich CT, that scored HERS 42 without PV and HERS 20 with PV.

Ducts in Interstitial Floor Framing

Guide for designing and installing interior ducts in an interstitial floor cavity in new and existing homes.

Approaching "Zero Energy" in the Pacific Northwest Marine Climate

Author(s)

Fuess Chris,

Gordon Andrew,

Lubliner Michael

Organization(s)

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL

Publication Date

February, 2009

Report about a building project in the marine climate.

Measure Guideline: Buried and/or Encapsulated Ducts

Author(s)

Mantha Pallavi,

Zoeller William,

Shapiro Carl

Organization(s)

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

August, 2013

Project discussing buried or encapsulated ducts and their pros and cons.

Extreme Heat—A Tale of Two Cities, BSI-032

Author(s)

Lstiburek Joseph W

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

February, 2010

Article from Building Science Corporation on construction techniques for extreme heat conditions in Dubai and Las Vegas.

Transformations, Inc.: Partnering To Build Net-Zero Energy Houses in Massachusetts

Author(s)

Ueno Kohta,

Bergey Daniel,

Wytrykowska Honorata

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

September, 2013

Report about partnership to build three communities of net zero houses.

Energy Savings and Breakeven Costs for Residential Heat Pump Water Heaters in the United States

Author(s)

Maguire Jeff,

Burch Jay,

Merrigan Tim,

Ong Sean

Organization(s)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

July, 2013

Report investigating performance and energy savings potential of heat pump water heaters.

Strategies for Energy Efficient Remodeling: SEER 2003 Case Study Report

Author(s)

Drumheller S Craig,

Wiehagen Joseph

Organization(s)

NAHB Research Center,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL

Publication Date

November, 2004

Report providing information based on research and case studies, to remodelers and consumers about opportunities to increase home energy performance.

Serenbe Nest Cottages

Author(s)

Butler Tom,

Curtis O,

Kim E,

Roberts S,

Stephenson R

Organization(s)

NAHB Research Center,

Home Innovation Research Labs,

HIRL,

National Renewable Energy Laboratory,

NREL,

Southface

Publication Date

December, 2012

Report describing construction of test homes in Atlanta, GA meeting Building America savings targets and serving as a basis of design for other homes Martin Dodson plans to build within the Serenbe community.

Fort Devens: Cold Climate, Energy-Efficient, Market-Rate Townhomes

Author(s)

Zoeller William,

Grab Joanna,

Slattery Matt

Organization(s)

Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings,

CARB,

Steven Winter Associates,

SWA,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

August, 2013

Report about development of effective strategies to reduce the overall building energy use in line with Building America goals in this modestly priced market rate project.

Building America Case Study Technology Solutions for Existing Homes: Concord Four Square Retrofit

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

January, 2012

Case study describing a four-square Concord home retrofitted by Building Science Corporation in Massachusetts.

Bay Ridge Gardens - Mixed Humid Affordable Multifamily Housing Deep Energy Retrofit

Author(s)

Lyons James,

Moore Mike,

Thompson Margo

Organization(s)

Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction,

BA-PIRC,

Newport Ventures,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Publication Date

August, 2013

Report summarizing commissioning, short-term testing, utility bill data analysis, and results of on-site monitoring of a deep energy retrofit.

High Performance Builder Spotlight: Treasure Homes Inc.

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

March, 2014

Case study describing the family-run Treasure Homes that achieved a HERS rating of 46 without PV on its prototype “Gem” home, located on the blustery shores of Lake Michigan in northern Indiana.

Building America Case Study Technology Solutions for Existing Homes: Bedford Farmhouse High Performance Retrofit Prototype

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

December, 2013

Case study describing project conducted by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell (HfHGL) and Building Science Corporation (BSC).

Technology Solutions Case Study: Idaho, Oregon, and Washington Manufactured Home Builders

Author(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center

Organization(s)

BA-PIRC,

FSEC

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a package of energy- efficiency measures for new manufactured homes in the Pacific Northwest, including triple-pane highly efficient windows.

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

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

December, 2014

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

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Group Home Energy Efficiency Retrofit for 30% Energy Savings, Washington, D.C.

Author(s)

Florida Solar Energy Center

Organization(s)

BA-PIRC,

FSEC

Publication Date

November, 2013

Case study describing a multifamily, affordable housing retrofit project that achieved 44% energy savings using readily available, cost effective measures.

Field Evaluation of Four Novel Roof Designs for Energy-Efficient Manufactured Homes

Author(s)

Dentz Jordan,

Ansanelli Eric,

Dadia D,

Levy Emanuel,

Barker Greg M,

Rath Pournamasi

Organization(s)

Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions,

ARIES

Publication Date

December, 2015

Report of a field evaluation of four novel roof designs to see how each design would reduce space-conditioned energy use so that the knowledge gained could be applied to the design of new manufactured homes.

Existing Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Deep Energy Retrofit in the Pacific Northwest

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2011

Case study describing a whole-house, deep energy retrofit project in the marine climate.