The Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership with 4 Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the Gulf Coast Area has a 'package' developed and are building 4 houses to evaluate effectiveness and cost measures.
Indoor Air Quality Features
- No atmospheric combustion heating or water heating equipment (therefore, no combustion safety measures required)
- Low radon potential (therefore, no mitigation system recommended)
- Indoor humidity and infiltration control strategies(estimated natural ach < 0.35)
- House wrap, air sealing, and insulation checklist and inspection (ENERGY STAR Thermal Bypass Checklist) Top plate and exterior wall penetrations sealed
- For frame floors: bottom plate and floor deck penetrations sealed
- Passive, positive pressure ventilation when Heat/AC operates
- Heating and cooling equipment right-sized with ACCA Manual J
- Kitchen and bath exhaust fans ducted to outside for humidity control
- Interior air handler closet (sealed and separated from attic and crawl space)
- R-13 wall insulation - dense pack cellulose or batt (fiberglass or recycled cotton) installed to meet RESNET Class I quality requirements
- Sill seal under bottom plate
- Can lights (when present) are rated for insulation contact and air tight (ICAT)
Durability* Features
- Air handler in conditioned space (less harsh environment than attic)
- Water heater located in attached storage room (less harsh environment than attic)
- Long life fiber cement siding
- Ship-lapped window and door flashing
- Kitchen and bath exhaust fans ducted to outside for humidity control overhangs to direct water away from house
- Slab raised to promote drainage away from foundation
Energy Efficiency Features (HERS Index ~73)
- R-30 blown cellulose attic insulation
- R-13 wall insulation meeting RESNET Class I requirements
- Low-E double pane windows
- At least 75% fluorescent lighting
- ENERGY STAR refrigerator (412 kWh/year) and ceiling fans (when present)
- High efficiency heat pump, (at least SEER 14, HSPF 8.5)
- Interior air handler closet (sealed and separated from attic and crawl space)
- Radiant barrier decking
- Sealed air distribution duct system (Qn,out = 0.03 or less)
- Light colored exterior finishes
- Insulated exterior doors with double pane lites
*Disaster resistance measures are addressed by prevailing local codes and are outside the scope of this Department of Energy activity.
For More Information Contact: Janet McIlvaine (janet@fsec.ucf.edu) or David Beal (david@fsec.ucf.edu)
More information on this program Building America Industrialized Housing Partnership