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There are countless factors to consider when building new homes, from the layout and design to materials and appliance selections. And one of the biggest considerations for homebuilders is the integrity of the HVAC system. Duct leakage testing evaluates how well the system works, and it’s more than just a requirement in Indiana Energy Code Chapter 11.

TSI Energy Solutions specializes in residential energy efficiency inspections, including duct leakage testing and heat loss/gain analysis. Here’s why it’s an essential step to having happy homeowners and what to expect during your inspections.

The benefits of duct leakage testing for homebuilders

Energy efficiency

When ducts have leaks or gaps, conditioned air can escape before it reaches the intended living spaces. This results in higher energy bills, because the system has to work harder and run longer to maintain the desired temperature.

Duct leakage testing identifies those leaks so you can address them, optimizing energy consumption and providing homeowners with a more cost-effective solution.

Improved comfort

Along with wasting energy, leaky ducts compromise indoor comfort. Rooms farthest from the HVAC unit may receive insufficient heating or cooling, leading to hot or cold spots within the home.

With duct leakage testing, you can fine-tune the HVAC system to make sure all areas are adequately conditioned and homeowners enjoy consistent comfort throughout their new home.

Enhanced indoor air quality

Leaky ducts not only allow conditioned air to escape, but also permit dust, allergens, and pollutants from attics, crawl spaces, or outdoors to infiltrate the home. These issues can negatively impact indoor air quality and even lead to respiratory issues.

Air leakage testing helps identify potential sources of contamination, so you can implement corrective measures that maintain healthier indoor environments.

What to expect with duct leakage testing from TSI Energy Solutions

Duct leakage testing is a comprehensive process that assesses the integrity of the HVAC ductwork in your new construction home. Our team has decades of experience conducting residential energy efficiency testing, and here’s what you can expect with our leakage testing process:

1. Sealing all openings

Our inspectors start by sealing all the openings connected to the ducts. This includes registers, grilles, and other access points to help ensure accurate results.

2. Creating negative pressure

We connect a Duct Blaster Testing System to the HVAC ductwork to create a negative pressure inside the ducts. This pressure difference between the system and the external environment is crucial to detecting air leaks and heat loss/gain points.

3. Measuring leakage

We use sensitive equipment to measure the leakage airflow in the duct system.

4. Reporting

After completing duct leakage testing, we develop a comprehensive report with our findings. We can pinpoint any air leaks in the ductwork utilizing theatrical fog. Your team can then use these findings to seal leaks.

Along with addressing leaks and thermal issues, air leakage testing also gives you the opportunity to fine-tune the HVAC system to ensure even heating and cooling throughout the home. Balancing the system involves adjusting dampers and airflow to optimize performance and indoor comfort.

Taking a proactive approach to whole-home comfort with duct leakage testing ultimately leads to happier homeowners, and TSI Energy Solutions is here to help. Schedule a consultation with our team to learn more.

The post Why duct leakage testing matters in new construction and how it works appeared first on TSI Energy Solutions.

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How to get the most out of REScheck-Web for renovations and additions

GR Peacock08/22/2023Energy, Energy Efficiency, Residential Inspections

Do you use REScheck-Web in your home design-build process? Residential energy code compliance is essential in home construction, remodeling, and additions, and tools like REScheck-Web serve as an invaluable resource for simplifying the process.

As leaders in residential energy efficiency, TSI Energy Solutions helps homebuilders maximize efficiency, meet code, and get the most out of the resources available. In Indiana, it’s more cost-effective to utilize the Performance Path (with a rater like TSI) for new home construction, but it may be more cost-effective to utilize the Total UA Path to demonstrate code compliance for remodels and additions.

RESCheck is perfect for Total UA Path compliance documentation. Here’s what you should know about harnessing the capabilities of REScheck-Web to optimize your renovation construction projects.

What is REScheck-Web?

REScheck-Web is an online software tool developed by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). It’s designed to help builders and designers determine whether their residential projects meet the energy code requirements set by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

The software calculates the energy performance of a building based on its location, design, and materials, enabling homebuilders to assess compliance and make necessary adjustments before construction begins.

Tips for using REScheck-Web

1. Integrate the tool early in the design process

To get the most out of REScheck-Web, integrate it into your design phase as early as possible. Factoring energy efficiency into your initial designs makes it easier to align efficiency, functionality, and cost. Waiting until later stages puts you at risk of needing to make expensive design changes to achieve compliance.

2. Use accurate inputs

Accuracy is key when using REScheck-Web. Make sure to input precise and comprehensive data about each house’s location, orientation, insulation, windows, doors, and HVAC systems. Even small errors can lead to inaccurate compliance results, so double-check your specs to ensure reliable outputs.

3. Explore design alternatives

One of the great benefits of REScheck-Web is its ability to quickly analyze various design alternatives. After inputting your specs, you can experiment with different combinations of insulation materials, window types, and HVAC systems to determine the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions. This flexibility empowers you to make informed decisions that balance efficiency, performance, and budget.

4. Collaborate and educate

REScheck-Web can deliver valuable information. Sharing your results with architects, engineers, and subcontractors not only helps everyone understand the energy requirements but also encourages a collective effort to achieve energy compliance without compromising on design or quality.

5. Leverage support resources

Navigating energy efficiency codes can be complicated. The DOE provides resources to help you navigate REScheck-Web effectively, and our team at TSI Energy Solutions offers a customized approach.

We dive into your project to help you maximize energy efficiency and meet applicable codes. Along with achieving energy code compliance, we can help you strike a balance between energy efficiency and budget constraints, finding the sweet spot where your project meets energy requirements without becoming financially burdensome.

6. Stay up to date with code changes

Energy codes are subject to updates and revisions. When you partner with TSI, we can help you stay updated on changes in the local energy codes or IECC requirements that might impact your project. REScheck-Web often gets updated to reflect these changes, so make sure you are using the latest version to ensure accurate compliance assessments, too.

7. Document everything

Keep thorough records of your REScheck-Web analyses and compliance results. This documentation serves as proof of your efforts to adhere to energy codes in case of audits or inspections. It’s an essential part of maintaining transparency and accountability throughout the construction process.

REScheck-Web is a powerful tool that empowers homebuilders to streamline the energy code compliance process. Remember that accuracy, education, and adaptability are key to leveraging REScheck-Web and achieving cost-effective energy efficiency.

As you navigate the dynamic landscape of residential energy codes, our experienced team at TSI Energy Solutions is here to help. Contact us to schedule an energy inspection consultation today.

The post How to get the most out of REScheck-Web for renovations and additions appeared first on TSI Energy Solutions.

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The long-term impact of air leakage testing on new construction homes

GR Peacock07/20/2023Air Leakage Testing, Energy, Residential Inspections

Indiana Energy Code Chapter 11 requires all new construction homes have mechanical ventilation and undergo testing for air-tightness. Air leakage testing is an effective way to determine if your build meets code — but did you know the impacts of this test go far beyond that final inspection?

The building envelope creates a barrier between the home’s interior environment and the environment outside. Air leakage testing evaluates the integrity of your building envelope to ensure optimal energy performance, durability, and comfort once the new owners move in.

At TSI Energy Solutions, we specialize in residential air leakage testing for new construction homes. Here’s what you need to know about the long-term impact of air leakage testing and how it contributes to the overall quality and efficiency of homes.

Enhanced indoor comfort

A properly sealed home is a comfortable home. An effective air barrier system enhances indoor comfort by minimizing drafts and temperature fluctuations, allowing homeowners to enjoy consistent and comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.

When the home is comfortable, you’re less likely to get warranty calls when the seasons change. Plus, a well-sealed home helps to reduce outdoor pollutants, allergens, and dust, improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier living environment for occupants.

Better energy efficiency

A properly designed and installed air barrier system prevents air leakage, keeping conditioned air in and outdoor air out. Doing air barrier testing during construction makes it easier to identify and fix any air leaks promptly.

Fewer air leaks means improved energy efficiency. The home’s heating and cooling systems can operate more effectively, and homeowners enjoy lower utility bills as long as they live there.

Moisture and mold issue prevention

Air leakage testing not only ensures energy efficiency, but also helps to prevent moisture-related problems. Air leaks can let moisture into the building envelope, leading to condensation, mold growth, and structural damage over time.

Thorough air leakage testing during construction can identify potential weak points and areas prone to moisture infiltration. Correcting these issues early on mitigates the risk of long-term damage and the associated costs of remediation and repairs.

Long-term durability and structural integrity

A well-sealed building envelope is essential to the overall durability and structural integrity of a home. Testing helps identify any areas that might compromise the integrity of the building envelope, and addressing these issues ensures the home is built to withstand the elements.

Identifying and preventing air and moisture infiltration with air leakage testing helps protect the home’s structural components. Insulation, framing, and sheathing are better protected from premature deterioration, effectively extending the durability of your new construction home.

Air leakage testing during the construction process isn’t just a box to check. It has a significant long-term impact on energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and overall durability.

Invest in high-quality air barrier systems and conduct thorough testing to build homes that are more sustainable, cost-effective, and comfortable for homeowners. Partner with TSI Energy Solutions for your residential inspection needs, and start providing long-lasting, high-performance homes for generations to come.

The post The long-term impact of air leakage testing on new construction homes appeared first on TSI Energy Solutions.

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Should homebuilders get Energy Star certification or NGBS Green certification for their new construction homes?

GR Peacock06/21/2023Energy, Energy Efficiency, Residential Inspections

The importance of sustainability and energy efficiency in the new construction home market isn’t going away. In fact, many builders are choosing to obtain certifications that attest to the environmental performance of their homes — both to prove their commitment to sustainability and to appeal to eco-friendly homebuyers.
Two such certifications are Energy Star and the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). But which certification is the best choice for you? Our team at TSI Energy Solutions has experience in both. Here’s what…Source: TSI Energy Solutions

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Should homebuilders get Energy Star certification or NGBS Green certification for their new construction homes?

GR Peacock06/21/2023Energy, Energy Efficiency, Residential Inspections

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Unlocking the Benefits of Residential Infrared Scanning for New Construction Homes

GR Peacock05/22/2023Air Leakage Testing, Energy, Energy Efficiency, Residential Inspections, Water Leakage

When it comes to building a comfortable, energy efficient house, it’s essential to properly seal out the elements. Air and water leaks can turn a cozy home into a constant problem — for both homebuilders and homeowners. Residential infrared scanning, also known as thermography, is a nondestructive inspection technology that uses thermal imaging to detect temperature differences in surfaces — and those temperature differences are a reliable way to identify air and water leak points.

Residential infrared scanning is widely considered the gold standard in the construction industry because it’s a simple way to identify issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye. At TSI Energy Solutions, our Level II and Level III Certified thermographers use infrared scanning and inspections to help homebuilders detect and address problems in their new construction homes, ultimately improving energy efficiency and reducing costs.

Here’s why it’s worth getting residential infrared scanning on your projects.

Pinpoint air leaks

One of the primary benefits of infrared scanning for new construction homes is its ability to identify air leaks. Air leaks can be a major problem in any home, but they are especially problematic in new construction homes because they can lead to significant energy loss, high utility bills, and increased warranty calls.

We use infrared scanning to identify air leaks by detecting temperature differences between the indoor and outdoor air. Once we pinpoint the location of any leaks, your crew can seal them to prevent energy loss and improve energy efficiency.

Identify insulation problems

Infrared scanning also helps identify insulation problems in new construction homes, before you start getting complaints from homeowners. Insulation is critical to maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and reducing energy costs, but insulation problems are notoriously difficult to detect because they’re often hidden behind walls and ceilings.

Infrared scanning detects unusual temperature differences in walls and ceilings, indicating areas where insulation may be insufficient. After scanning, we compile a report that highlights the issues, so you can address them before they become even bigger problems.

Detect water leaks

Residential infrared scanning isn’t only beneficial for air leaks — it also helps detect water leaks. Water leaks can be an insidious problem in new construction homes because they often cause significant damage before the problem is detected.

Our thermographers can use infrared scanning to detect water leaks because saturated insulation, walls, and other materials are a different temperature than dry materials. By identifying those temperature differences, we can locate water leaks without destroying the area so your team can implement repairs before the leak causes extensive damage.

Overall, infrared scanning offers invaluable insight for homebuilders. It can identify problems that may be otherwise undetectable, helping you improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain a safe and comfortable living environment. It‘s an investment that can pay off in the long run, by preventing more costly repairs and damage down the line.

If you’re not getting residential infrared scanning, it’s time to find out what we can do for you. With TSI, you can rest easy knowing you’re taking proactive steps to ensure comfortable and safe living environments for years to come. Contact us and get started today.

The post Unlocking the Benefits of Residential Infrared Scanning for New Construction Homes appeared first on TSI Energy Solutions.

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Top 5 air leaks in new construction homes and how air leakage testing helps

GR Peacock04/24/2023Air Barrier Testing, Air Leakage Testing, Energy, Residential Inspections

Proper insulation, sealing, and airtightness are crucial for both energy efficiency and comfort in new construction homes. Air leaks lead to high energy bills and decreased comfort, which is why air leakage testing is required for all new construction homes in Indiana.

As a builder, you must get air leakage testing to comply with Indiana Energy Code Chapter 11, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to minimize air leaks before inspection.

Our inspectors at TSI Energy Solutions have conducted hundreds of air barrier inspections, and we know where all the most common air leaks are found.

The most common air leaks in new construction homes

No matter how well-constructed, most new homes still have air leaks. In our experience, the most common locations are:

1. Between top plates and attic drywall

Top plates are horizontal boards that run across the top of wall studs and support roof trusses. The attic drywall is the ceiling material that separates the attic from the conditioned living space, and often, there’s a gap between the top plates and attic drywall. Air can leak from the living space to the attic, which results in energy loss and reduces the effectiveness of insulation.

2. Between recessed lights and finished surfaces

Recessed lights are popular in new construction homes, but they’re a top source of air leaks. The same is true for vent fans. Even if the fixtures are rated as airtight, the gap between the fixture and the finished surface (like ceiling drywall) allows air to flow freely. Air movement between the room and the space above compromises insulation efficacy.

3. Between duct boots and finished surfaces

Duct boots are the metal or plastic connectors that attach HVAC ducts to vents in the finished surfaces (like the floor or ceiling). The gap between the duct boot and the finished surface can also allow air to leak, which can cause energy loss and reduce HVAC system efficiency.

4. Between band joists

Band joists are horizontal boards that sit on top of the foundation walls and connect the ends of the floor joists. They form the perimeter of the house, but there’s often a gap between the band joists and the exterior sheathing. The gap lets air leak from the house to the outside, leading to energy loss.

5. Between garage walls and interior walls

Most new construction homes have attached garages, which is another common spot for air leaks. Garage walls may not be as well insulated, and the gap between the garage walls and interior walls can allow air to escape and decrease energy efficiency.

Air leakage testing pinpoints leaks for an airtight build

Air barrier testing is a crucial (and mandatory) step to identify air leaks in new construction homes. Our technicians use specialized equipment to pressurize or depressurize the building envelope, then measure air flow through the building’s exterior.

By doing so, we can identify the areas where air is leaking, as well as the size and location of the air leaks. We create a report that pinpoints the source of the problems, so you can implement fixes and meet code requirements.

Addressing air leaks through proper sealing techniques makes your new construction homes more energy efficient and comfortable, which helps reduce complaints and warranty calls after the new owners move in.

Contact our experts at TSI to learn more about meeting Indiana Energy Code Chapter 11 with air leakage testing for new construction homes.

The post Top 5 air leaks in new construction homes and how air leakage testing helps appeared first on TSI Energy Solutions.

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The best residential new construction inspection program for you

GR Peacock01/26/2023Energy, Residential Inspections

All new construction homes in Indiana must pass Indiana Energy Code requirements. To meet code, builders must complete a residential new construction inspection — and TSI Energy Solutions makes it simple. Our inspectors have decades of experience, and we’re up to date on the latest…
The post The best residential new construction inspection program for you appeared first on TSI Energy Solutions.Source: TSI Energy Solutions …

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Indiana Energy Code Chapter 11 – Energy Efficiency certification

GR Peacock12/19/2022Energy, Energy Efficiency, Residential Inspections

All new construction homes in Indiana must comply with Indiana Energy Code Chapter 11 – Energy Efficiency. Adopted in 2020, the code sets energy efficiency standards for insulation, air-tightness, and whole-house ventilation in residential construction, with the ultimate goal of improving energy usage and occupant…
The post Indiana Energy Code Chapter 11 – Energy Efficiency certification appeared first on TSI Energy Solutions.Source: TSI Energy Solutions …

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The steps of a commercial building roof moisture survey

GR Peacock07/25/2022Energy, Roof Moisture Survey

Roofs are meant to keep moisture out and conditioned air in. But holes and leaks can develop over time, and water intrusion poses a great threat to every building. To top it off, moisture doesn’t just come from rain. HVAC systems, condensation, plumbing leaks, and…
The post The steps of a commercial building roof moisture survey appeared first on TSI Energy Solutions. Source: TSI Energy Solutions …

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