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A below-grade foundation wall with a damp-proof coating
Reference: The New American Home 2007 Orlando, Florida
Author(s): DOE
Organization(s): DOE

Case study of new home construction in the hot-humid climate.

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Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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A complete HVAC system includes ducted returns
Courtesy Of: BSC
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Reference: Measure Guideline: Condensing Boilers - Control Strategies for Optimizing Performance and Comfort in Residential Applications
Author(s): Arena
Organization(s): CARB
Document intended for designers and installers of hydronic heating systems interested in maximizing the overall system efficiency of condensing boilers when coupled with baseboard convectors. It is applicable to new and retrofit projects.
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A continuous layer of polyethylene covers the crawlspace floor and is attached to the wall with wood nailing strips
Reference: Building America Best Practices Series Volume 12: 40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Cold and Very Cold Climates
Author(s): Baechler, Gilbride, Hefty, Cole, Love
Organization(s): PNNL, ORNL

Guide describing measures that builders in the cold and very cold climates can take to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

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A continuous rim joist separates the garage and living space
Reference: High Performance Building Details: Garage Band Joist Air Barrier
Author(s): Steven Winter Associates
Organization(s): CARB, Steven Winter Associates

 Information sheet about air barriers.

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A crane is used to install the SIP fireplace chimney chase
Courtesy Of: PNNL
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A damp crawlspace
Courtesy Of: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/residential/ba_research_teams.html
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Courtesy Of: Gary Klein
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A direct-vent sealed-combustion fireplace takes its combustion air directly from outside through a dedicated air inlet and vents combustion products directly outside
Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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A direct-vent sealed-combustion furnace has dedicated pipes for combustion air and exhaust
Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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Reference: Energy Savers: Geothermal Heat Pumps
Author(s): DOE
Organization(s): DOE

Online reference containing general information about geothermal heat pumps.

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Reference: Energy Savers: Geothermal Heat Pumps
Author(s): DOE
Organization(s): DOE

Online reference containing general information about geothermal heat pumps.

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Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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Reference: Energy Savers: Geothermal Heat Pumps
Author(s): DOE
Organization(s): DOE

Online reference containing general information about geothermal heat pumps.

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A metal plate is used to connect top plates to one another
Reference: Building Science Insights: Advanced Framing
Author(s): Lstiburek
Organization(s): BSC

Report detaining advanced framing techniques, including discussion of cost and energy savings.

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Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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A moisture meter verifies that the moisture of the framing is below the recommended 18%
Reference: Water Management System Builder Checklist Guide
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Water Management System Builder Checklist.

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A nylon draw band and tensioning tool are used to secure the inner coil of the pre-insulated flexible duct
Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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A nylon draw band and tensioning tool are used to secure the inner liner of the pre-insulated flexible duct
Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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A portable CO monitor is used to test for ambient CO near a ventless combustion fireplace
Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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A pumper is used to place the concrete into the foam form walls
Reference: Field Energy Performance of an Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) Wall
Author(s): Maref, Armstrong, Saber, Rousseau, Ganapathy, Nicholls, Swinton
Organization(s): National Research Council Canada

Research study evaluating the dynamic heat transmission characteristics through two identical Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) wall assemblies in Ottawa, Canada.

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Courtesy Of: IBACOS
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Reference: Measure Guideline: Replacing Single-Speed Pool Pumps with Variable Speed Pumps for Energy Savings
Author(s): Hunt, Easley
Organization(s): BARA, NREL

Research study showing that for a relatively small investment, a variable speed pool pump can reduce pool pump energy use by 50% to 75%.

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Reference: Measure Guideline: Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit (DEER) for Zero Energy House (ZERH) Flat Roofs
Author(s): Loomis, Pettit
Organization(s): BSC

This Measure Guideline provides design and construction information for a deep energy enclosure retrofit solution of a flat roof assembly.

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Courtesy Of: IBACOS
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A second layer of rigid insulation is installed over the 2 in. by 4 in. retaining strip
Courtesy Of: FSEC
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A site-built rafter roof with a raised top plate allows for more insulation underneath
Reference: Georgia State Supplements and Amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code
Author(s): Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Organization(s): Georgia Department of Community Affairs

Georgia state's minimum standard energy code, including state supplements and amendments.

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A standard site-built roof of rafters may pinch the insulation at the eaves
Reference: Georgia State Supplements and Amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code
Author(s): Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Organization(s): Georgia Department of Community Affairs

Georgia state's minimum standard energy code, including state supplements and amendments.

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Courtesy Of: BSC
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A structural spline made of a solid 2x is used where needed to meet structural load requirements at SIP panel seams
Reference: Builders Guide to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for all Climates
Author(s): Lstiburek
Organization(s): BSC
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Reference: Supplemental Humidity Control
Author(s): BSC
Organization(s): BSC

Information sheet offering general recommendations on supplemental humidity control and outlines viable system configurations.

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Courtesy Of: BSC
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A surface spline reduces thermal bridging much more than a structural spline at SIP panel seams
Reference: Builders Guide to Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for all Climates
Author(s): Lstiburek
Organization(s): BSC
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Courtesy Of: ARIES
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A technician conducts a duct blaster test
Courtesy Of: BSC
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A termite shield and a sill gasket are installed between the sill plate and the foundation on a raised slab foundation
Reference: Best Practices Series Volume 16: 40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Mixed-Humid Climate
Author(s): Baechler, Gilbride, Hefty, Cole, Adams, Butner, Oritz, Love
Organization(s): PNNL, ORNL

Report describing measures that builders in mixed-humid climates can use to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

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A ventilation controller with a manual override is located on a central air handler fan that is located in an accessible location
Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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A ventless gas fireplace has no chimney
Courtesy Of: PNNL
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Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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Reference: Energy Savers: Geothermal Heat Pumps
Author(s): DOE
Organization(s): DOE

Online reference containing general information about geothermal heat pumps.

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Reference: Solar Water Heaters
Author(s): DOE
Organization(s): DOE

Website describing how solar water heaters -- also called solar domestic hot water systems -- can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home.

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Reference: Mass Save Deep Energy Retrofit Builder Guide
Author(s): Pettit, Neuhauser, Gates
Organization(s): BSC

Guidebook providing useful examples of high performance retrofit techniques for the building enclosure of wood frame residential construction in a cold and somewhat wet climate.

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Adhesive caulk is used to seal seams and attach the multiple layers of rigid insulation
Courtesy Of: FSEC
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Advanced framing details include corners that are constructed with fewer studs or studs aligned so that insulation can be installed in the corner.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Advanced framing details include framing aligned to allow for insulation at interior-exterior wall intersections.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Advanced framing details include insulated headers over windows and doors.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Advanced framing details include minimal framing at windows and doors.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Advanced framing details include using the minimum amount of wall studs permitted by code.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Advanced framing details throughout house including insulated and open headers
Reference: Advanced Wall Framing
Author(s): NAHB, Southface Energy Institute, ORNL, NREL
Organization(s): NAHB, Southface Energy Institute, ORNL, NREL

Information sheet about advanced wall framing.

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Advanced framing details throughout house limit use of lumber
Reference: Advanced Wall Framing
Author(s): NAHB, Southface Energy Institute, ORNL, NREL
Organization(s): NAHB, Southface Energy Institute, ORNL, NREL

Information sheet about advanced wall framing.

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Advanced framing showing open headers
Reference: Building Plans for Advanced Framing
Author(s): Green Building Advisor
Organization(s): Green Building Advisor

Information sheets containing plans and details for advanced framing.

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Advanced framing uses less wall studs
Reference:
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After all holes through the ceiling are air sealed and the baffles have been installed, the insulation can be installed
Courtesy Of: PNNL
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After installing the house wrap over the SIPS, window flashing is installed
Courtesy Of: PNNL
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After securing the inner coil, cover the draw band and the seam with a generous amount of mastic
Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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Courtesy Of: Jim Mackovyak
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Courtesy Of: Jim Mackovyak
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Air barrier is continuous across several components of the lower section of wall
Reference:
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Courtesy Of: Jim Mackovyak
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Courtesy Of: Jim Mackovyak
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Courtesy Of: Jim Mackovyak
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Courtesy Of: Jim Mackovyak
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Courtesy Of: Jim Mackovyak
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Air flow is produced when central HVAC fan is energized (set thermostat to “fan”)
Reference:
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Air handler platforms used as return air plenums can draw air from vented attics and crawlspaces through other connected framing cavities
Courtesy Of: PNNL
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Air inlet is located in a convenient place for homeowner to clean
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Air inlet is not convenient for cleaning and located next to exhaust outlets
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Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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Air seal above-grade sill plates adjacent to conditioned space to minimize air leakage.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Courtesy Of: Calcs Plus
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Air seal and insulate around the exhaust fan with a rigid foam box
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Air seal and insulate double-walls that are half-height or full-height walls used as architectural features in homes.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal and insulate drawer and closet boxes in attic kneewalls
Reference: Building America Best Practices Series, Volume 10: Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing
Author(s): Baechler, Gilbride, Hefty, Cole, Williamson, Love
Organization(s): PNNL, ORNL

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

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Air seal and insulate flex ducts
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Air seal and insulate light tube
Courtesy Of: PNNL
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Air seal and insulate the rim and band joists of walls separating an attached garage from the home’s conditioned space.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal around all duct shafts and flues installed through ceilings, walls, or flooring to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal around all plumbing and piping installed through walls, ceilings, and flooring to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal around all wiring installed through walls, ceilings, and flooring to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal around kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal around recessed can light fixtures installed through ceilings to keep conditioned air from leaking into unconditioned space.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal attic access panels and drop-down stairs to minimize air leakage.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal door and window rough openings with backer rod, caulk, or nonexpanding foam
Reference: Building America Best Practices Series, Volume 10: Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing
Author(s): Baechler, Gilbride, Hefty, Cole, Williamson, Love
Organization(s): PNNL, ORNL

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

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Air seal drywall to top plates at all attic/wall interfaces to minimize air leakage.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal exterior doors to minimize air leakage.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal floor joist cavities under kneewall with rigid foam, plywood, or OSB caulked in place
Reference:
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Air seal rough opening from inside
Reference: Building America Best Practices Series Volume 12: 40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Cold and Very Cold Climates
Author(s): Baechler, Gilbride, Hefty, Cole, Love
Organization(s): PNNL, ORNL

Guide describing measures that builders in the cold and very cold climates can take to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

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Air seal the attic access panel with weather stripping
Reference: Building America Best Practices Series, Volume 10: Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing
Author(s): Baechler, Gilbride, Hefty, Cole, Williamson, Love
Organization(s): PNNL, ORNL

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

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Air seal the attic access pull-down stairs opening with weather stripping
Reference: Building America Best Practices Series, Volume 10: Retrofit Techniques and Technologies: Air Sealing
Author(s): Baechler, Gilbride, Hefty, Cole, Williamson, Love
Organization(s): PNNL, ORNL

Report identifying the steps to take, with the help of a qualified home performance contractor, to seal unwanted air leaks while ensuring healthy levels of ventilation and avoiding sources of indoor air pollution.

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Air seal the attic kneewall door opening with weather stripping
Reference: 2009 IECC Air Barrier and Insulation Inspection Component Criteria
Author(s): Southface Energy Institute
Organization(s): Southface Energy Institute

Document intended to help graphically demonstrate the air leakage provisions of section 402.4 of the 2009 IECC.

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Air seal the common wall between units in a multi-family structure to minimize air leakage.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal the electrical panel
Reference: Building America Best Practices Series Volume 12: 40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Cold and Very Cold Climates
Author(s): Baechler, Gilbride, Hefty, Cole, Love
Organization(s): PNNL, ORNL

Guide describing measures that builders in the cold and very cold climates can take to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

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Air seal the floor above a garage when there is living space above the garage and make sure floor insulation is in full contact with the underside of the subfloor.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal the floor above an unconditioned basement or crawlspace and make sure floor insulation is in full contact with the underside of the subfloor.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal the rough opening around doors and windows to minimize air leakage.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal the top, bottom, and sides of a cantilevered floor cavity and ensure that insulation is in full contact with all sides without voids.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air seal whole-house fans to minimize air leakage.
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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Air sealing behind a staircase
Reference: Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist Guidebook
Author(s): EPA
Organization(s): EPA

Guide describing details that serve as a visual reference for each of the line items in the Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist.

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