Weatherization Specification Manual Contact: 1.866.365.3526, option 9
EXISTING HOMES
WEATHERIZATION SPECIFICATIONS MANUAL
July 1, 2011
INTRODUCTION
IN 1.0—Program Goals and Eligibility
The intent of Energy Trust of Oregon’s weatherization program for Existing Homes is to help homeowners, small multifamily property owners and renters save energy and increase home comfort through the installation of cost-effective weatherization improvements. Only Oregon and qualifying Washington dwellings primarily heated with energy from Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas are eligible for Energy Trust services and incentives. To be considered a complete measure and qualify for an incentive, the installed measure must meet the specifications defined in this manual and the requirements detailed in the current program incentive brochure. The introduction of each section of this manual defines the requirements for achieving a complete measure.
The main purpose of weatherization installations is to prevent winter-time heat loss from conditioned indoor spaces to unconditioned or outdoor spaces. Weatherization also reduces summertime heat gain. Weatherization measures shall be installed in the thermal envelope—or building shell—of a home. These areas are typically defined by the separation of conditioned and unconditioned spaces, or between a conditioned space and the outside of the house.
To qualify for an Energy Trust insulation incentive, all insulation shall be in contact with a continuous effective air barrier. Sheetrock, plywood, and foamboard are examples of air barrier materials; fiberglass batt-type insulation is not considered an air barrier. As a courtesy to participants, contractors should be responsible for removing all of their scrap materials and trash as a result of their work.
Energy Trust’s Weatherization Specifications Manual may not cover every situation. If you have questions, contact the trade ally coordinator at existinghomesta@energytrust.org or call 1.866.365.3526 option 9, and a program field technician will provide support.
IN 1.1—Code Compliance
In cases where federal, state or local code or regulation exceeds the requirements herein, the code or regulation shall apply. If the federal, state or local code or regulation does not exceed the requirements herein, the requirements contained in this Weatherization Specifications Manual shall apply.
IN 1.2—Documenting the Installed Measures
Contractors are encouraged to post the Completed Measures Certificate at the electrical box or other permanent location approved by the homeowner as a record of work performed. Contractors are also encouraged to add their logo and phone number to the certificate. Contact the trade ally coordinator at existinghomesta@energytrust.org or call 1.866.365.3526 option 9, to order certificates.
IN 1.3—Materials
Materials used in the Existing Homes weatherization program shall meet or exceed applicable federal, state, or local code and regulations. Materials—including manufacturer’s installation instructions—which do not conform to Existing Homes guidelines, shall not be eligible for program incentives. Existing Homes does not keep a list of approved products. Adherence to applicable codes and regulations is the responsibility of the contractor or building owner. Existing Homes reserves the right to refuse the use of materials and supplies it deems unacceptable.
IN 1.4—Inspections and Inspection Process
After weatherization measures are installed, an inspection may be required to verify compliance with Existing Homes specifications. Existing Homes will conduct these inspections based solely upon incentive-qualifying measures. If the installed weatherization measures do not meet these specifications, Existing Homes will notify the customer and contractor of the deficiencies and follow-up with the contractor to perform corrections. However, Existing Homes neither guarantees energy savings or performance of the installations under this program, nor does it assume responsibility for enforcing or determining compliance with codes and regulations or their interpretation. The inspection is limited to measures or sections of measures that are reasonably visible from normal access locations. A reasonable effort will be made to see a representative section of the measure.
To ensure the work qualifies for incentives, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to discuss any discrepancies between the work performed and the Weatherization Specifications Manual with the contractor.
IN 1.5—Waivers for Unusual Conditions
When unusual conditions exist, Existing Homes may waive certain provisions of the weatherization specifications, or may substitute a different standard or method. The purpose of the waiver is to identify unusual conditions before work begins. Such waivers require pre-approval by Existing Homes.
To receive a waiver, contact the trade ally coordinator at existinghomesta@energytrust.org or call 1.866.365.3526 option 9.
IN 1.6—Illustrations
This manual features illustrations for clarity. All illustration details are considered requirements for the weatherization measures installed.
IN 1.7—Human Contact Areas
To receive an Energy Trust insulation incentive, fibrous insulation in Human Contact Areas shall be covered with a vapor-permeable air barrier—such as ½” gypsum board or house wrap—to limit occupant exposure. Human Contact Areas include attic, basements, garage or storage-area (including areas where occupants go for routine maintenance or storage). Vertical and overhead surfaces containing fibrous insulation and located in Human Contact Areas, shall also be covered. All covering shall meet applicable codes. See glossary for acceptable vapor-permeable air barrier requirements and materials.
IN 1.8—Permits and Remodeling Projects
Incentives will not be issued for attic, wall or floor insulation improvements if homeowners are required to make the upgrades to meet building code requirements when a home-remodeling permit is required. For example, if the wall sheathing is removed during a kitchen remodel project to update electrical or plumbing systems, the insulation added to repair the wall—returning it to building code requirements—is not eligible for an incentive. However, the remaining walls in the home that are unaffected by the remodeling are eligible for standard incentives if the work meets Energy Trust requirements.
Energy Trust does not offer incentives for any improvements installed in a new home addition or newly conditioned space within the building envelope.
Contact the trade ally coordinator at existinghomesta@energytrust.org or call 1.866.365.3526 option 9 to request additional assistance in determining the incentive eligibility for a remodeling project.
IN 1.9—Equipment Maintenance
All equipment used for diagnostics, installation of insulation, safety, or other weatherization purposes shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, properly maintained, and calibrated.
IN 1.10 Carbon Monoxide Detector
Existing Homes recommends a functioning UL-listed carbon monoxide detector be installed according to manufacturer’s specifications whenever combustion appliances are present in the home, garage or other attached space. The Oregon Fire Marshal requires a carbon monoxide detector to be installed within 15 feet of every bedroom entrance for every building where a building permit is required for reconstruction, alteration or repair. Existing Homes recommends all trade allies and contractors follow this rule, regardless of permit status.
IN 1.11 Combustion Appliance Safety
In addition to carbon monoxide detectors, Existing Homes recommends trade allies and contractors perform air handler effect tests in all structures where combustion appliances are present. A Combustion Appliance Zone (CAZ) is any zone in the house or attached space which contains a combustion appliance. Appliances with a properly installed combustion chamber sealed to the exterior of the structure are not considered combustion appliances for the purposes of the CAZ test. Forced-air system operation shall not de-pressurize a combustion appliance zone by more than 3 Pascals with reference to outside.
IN 1.12 Solar Electric and Solar Water Heating
Existing Homes encourages the installation of both energy efficiency and renewable energy systems in the home. Trade allies interested in offering next steps for customers should consider energy-efficiency improvements and renewable energy options. For more information on Solar photovoltaic electric systems and Solar thermal water heating systems, incentives, resources and installation guides, visit www.energytrust.org/trade-ally/programs/solar/resources/ or call 1.866.368.7878.