Weatherization Specification Manual Contact: 1.866.365.3526, option 9
July 1, 2010
HOME ENERGY SOLUTIONS
Weatherization Specification Manual
INTRODUCTION
IN 1.0—Program Goals and Eligibility
The intent of Energy Trust of Oregon’s weatherization program is to help homeowners, 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 whose primary heat energy is provided by Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas are eligible for Energy Trust services and incentives. In order to be considered a “complete measure” and qualify for an incentive, the installed measure must meet the installation 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 measure installations is to prevent winter-time heat loss from conditioned space to unconditioned space or to outside the house. Weatherization measures shall be installed in the thermal envelope, or “shell,” of homes. These areas are typically defined by the separation of a conditioned and unconditioned space of a home, or between a conditioned space and the outside of the house.
These specifications will not cover every situation. If you have questions, call the trade ally coordinator at 1.866.365.3526 option 9, and a program field technician will provide support. As a courtesy to participants, contractors should be responsible for removing all of their scrap materials and rubbish as a result of their work.
IN 1.1—Code Compliance
In cases where a federal, state or local code or regulation exceeds the requirements herein, that code or regulation shall apply. If the federal, state or local code or regulation does not exceed the requirements herein, then the requirements contained in this specification manual shall apply.
IN 1.2—Documenting Installed Measures
Contractors are encouraged to post the "Completed Measures Certificate" at the electrical box or other permanent location approved by 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 or 1.866.365.3526 ext. 9 to order certificates.
IN 1.3—Materials
Materials used in the HES weatherization program shall meet or exceed applicable local, state and federal codes and regulations. Materials, including manufacturer’s installation instructions, which do not conform to HES guidelines, shall not be eligible for HES incentives. HES does not keep a list of approved products. Adherence to applicable codes and regulations is the responsibility of the contractor or building owner. HES 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 HES specifications. HES will conduct these inspections based upon incentivized measures only. If the installed weatherization measures do not meet these specifications, HES will notify the customer and contractor of the deficiencies, and follow-up with the contractor to perform corrections. However, HES does not guarantee either energy savings or performance of the installations under this program. Nor does HES 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.
Although HES will work with both the customer and contractor, it is the responsibility of the customer to see that any deficiencies are brought up to these specifications in order to qualify for incentives.
Visit www.energytrust.org/ta for current Quality Control policies and procedures.
IN 1.5—Waivers for Unusual Conditions
When unusual conditions exist, HES 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 HES.
Waiver contact:
1.866.365.3526 ext. 9 or email HESTradeAlly@csgrp.com
IN 1.6—Illustrations
Illustrations are part of the HES specifications.
IN 1.7—Human Contact Areas
Insulation installed and receiving an incentive from the HES program in attics, basements, garages, storage areas or other areas where occupants go for routine maintenance or storage (Human Contact Areas), shall be covered with a vapor permeable air barrier to limit occupant exposure to insulation fibers. Unless a barrier exists (such as a ½” gypsum board), fibrous insulation shall be covered with a vapor permeable air barrier. Vertical and overhead surfaces containing fibrous insulation, in areas that are routinely accessed by building occupants, 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
Many measures are eligible for program incentives even when a project requires use of a jurisdictional building permit, but only when Energy Trust energy-efficiency standards exceed building code requirements.
Many measures are eligible for program incentives even when a project requires use of a jurisdictional building permit, but only when Energy Trust energy-efficiency standards exceed building code 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 hestradeally@csgrp.com to request additional assistance in determining the incentive eligibility for a remodeling project.