Reference
Description
Report on heating and cooling air-distribution ducts that are insulated, installed close to the ceiling in a vented attic and covered with attic insulation to minimize energy loss.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to air-seal attic access panels, doors, and stairs to provide a continuous air barrier at the ceiling.
Guide
Description
Guide that illustrates how and when to encapsulate ductwork in unconditioned attics, increasing the R-value of duct insulation, mitigating condensation issues, and reducing air leakage.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to air-seal and insulate a cantilevered floor.
Video
Description
Video describing a furring in framing technique to further insulate a pre-existing Alaskan house.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to correctly air-seal a wall with missing top plates or open wall cavities.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to retrofit an existing basement floor or slab to reduce moisture issues.
Reference
Description
Online calculator for estimating payback of adding additional insulation to your house.
Reference
Description
Information sheet with information about insulating and ventilating attics.
Reference
Description
Report on adding insulation to load-bearing mass masonry buildings.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing a stand-off furring strategy that minimizes the physical connections to each existing wall stud, uses spray foam to encapsulate existing siding materials (including lead paint), and creates a vented rain screen assembly to promote drying.
Guide
Description
Guide describing the air-sealing of rim joists on walls connecting homes and attached garages.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing a 4,763 ft2 certified Passive House that achieved HERS 27 without PV through the construction of R-54 walls that use ICF plus fiberglass cavity insulation, an R-100 vented attic, extensive air sealing and flashing, triple-pane windows, ductless heat pumps, and solar hot water.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing a retrofit project in the cold and very-cold climate zones.
Reference
Description
Expert meeting report describing the need for greater understanding of foundation systems including moisture and insulation issues.
Reference
Description
Factsheet describing re-siding retrofits containing exterior insulation and window upgrades aimed at improved energy savings and comfort.
Retrofitting Knob and Tube Wiring An Investigation into Codes, Assessment, Wiring Practices and Cost
Reference
Description
Guide on retrofitting insulation in cavities.
Guide
Description
Guide providing information about treating bulk water drainage issues and moisture control measures in existing basements and crawl spaces.
Reference
Description
High-density sidewall cavity insulation can be a major comfort and savings boost. It saves energy by slowing both conductive and convective losses, but only if the right things are done and done right. This always requires site-specific thinking.
Information Guide
Description
Information guide describing how to apply a whole-house approach to home improvement with energy efficiency upgrades, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort.
Guide
Description
Guide describing how to air-seal duct and flue shafts.
Guide
Description
Guide describing application of a radiant barrier layer in the attic to block radiant heat transfer between hot surfaces and heat-absorbing surfaces.
Reference
Description
Presentation describing the challenges of insulating an existing basement, presented to the Building America residential energy-efficiency stakeholder meeting.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing a retrofit project in the marine climate.
Reference
Description
Document describing different spray foam materials including some pros and cons and technical specifications.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing the elimination of excessive humidity in the attic of a multi-floor, single-family home that was causing condensation and water damage along the roof and eaves.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing how using buried and/or encapsulated ducts can reduce duct thermal losses in existing homes.
Guide
Description
Guide describing ways to seal drywall to the top plate of an exterior wall to air-seal the wall cavity.
Case Study
Description
Case study describing a retrofit project in the hot-dry and mixed-dry climate zones.