BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Example of an HVAC installer’s balancing report form

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Right – Metal is mechanically fastened at junction

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Comprehensive Attic Package - Vented to Unvented Attic

Home Improvement Expert™ Checklist

Installed correctly, comprehensive vented-to-unvented attic upgrades can significantly reduce utility costs while improving comfort, indoor air quality, and durability of the attic structure.

Seams are being properly sealed with mastic and mesh tape

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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

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

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

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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

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Fiber board sheets are available with pre-cut shiplapped ends

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

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Flashing of Wall Penetrations in Existing Homes

Guide

Guide describing how to install flashing that is integrated with air and water control layers around piping, vents, and other wall penetrations as part of an exterior wall retrofit.

Form sheet metal shield around pipe keeping 3-inch clearance

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Air Seal HVAC Cabinet Seams

Guide

Guide describing air-sealing of the seams and holes in HVAC air handler and furnace cabinets.

Closed Crawlspace - Finished Tour

Video

Video showing the components and design of an unvented, insulated crawlspace that provides a temperate climate for HVAC ducts.

Building Code Training - Residential Thermal Envelope - Air Sealing

Presentation

Presentation describing the Georgia State Minimum Standard Energy Code air barrier requirements, envelope concepts including air flow and thermal properties, and common missed insulation and air-sealing opportunities.

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

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

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

Case Study

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.