EEBA Academy

Tightly air-sealed, well-insulated buildings combined with energy efficient HVAC systems and increased ventilation rates are key components of a comfortable and healthy high performance home. But, unfortunately, no good deed goes unpunished. We will discuss the building science perspective on the "new normal" and the challenges that architects and builders now must face in order to deal with these effectively.

Ever since the launch of Version 3 in 2010, the HVAC design and commissioning requirements have been the biggest hurdle between a standard HERS rating and an ENERGY STAR certified home. Taking all the lessons learned, EPA, RESNET, and ACCA have recently completed a new HVAC grading standard that will integrate many of these requirements into the HERS rating process. 

Fresh air is our friend, but excess humidity is not. In this webinar we will discuss solutions for managing humidity within the building envelope as both a result of ventilation and the living habits of the eventual occupants.

This session points out how infiltration and ventilation are not the same, and among other things can be used to grossly oversize HVAC systems if we are not on the same page as our trade partners.