- Improve fire blocking & drafts by replacing/reworking any details that rely on fiberglass to stop air. Install fire rated caulk where appropriate and sheet metal around chimneys/flues. Use expanding foams, caulk and rigid materials sealed into place air tight
- If using fiberglass insulation in exterior walls make sure it is installed in an durable, airtight configuration. Consider alternatives such as dense packed cellulose, icynene foam, or SIPS panels
- Avoid using “batt” type insulations in attics, consider benefits of loose blow
- Take steps to insure that interface between heated space and attic is airtight
- Seal & insulate access doors, panels, pull down stairs
- Seal attic bypasses, plumbing mechanical and electric chases/ penetrations
- Install drywall gasket or adhesive at top plates (or 2 part foam from above)
- Use airtight recessed cans, consider compact fluorescent lamps
- Make sure attic and soffit vents don’t “communicate” with the heated space. Baffle vents to prevent wind wash
- Redesign soffit details that are open to knee wall floors
- Make sure air barriers are continuous and work in alignment with thermal envelope
- Design details at knee wall floor transitions, overhangs, cantilevers, drop ceilings, tray ceilings interior soffits and other framing intersection to insure continuous air barrier/ thermal barrier continuity. Utilize 2 part foam to make air tight transitions
- Design airtight details to prevent moisture laden air from entering (and condensing) cold building cavities
- Replace loud, non functional bath exhaust fans with better systems that are quiet, have appropriate capacity, and are energy efficient
- Vent fans to the exterior with insulated duct, minimize duct length and elbows
- Improve ducting of dryer vents minimize length and turns, never use plastic flex
- Insulate basement walls to avoid “summertime” condensation problems
- Don’t ventilate or “air out” basement with humid air
- Avoid atmospherically venting appliances that can “interact” with building pressures
- Use sealed combustion appliances – design in make-up air for fireplaces
- Install exhaust system for gas range/oven
- Take steps to insure that attached garage is airtight relative to occupied space
- Install hardwired CO detectors
- Keep heating and AC components out of the attic and garage
- Re-design thermal/air barrier to include HVAC components, seal ductwork
