ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Thermal Bypass Checklist

1
ENERGY STAR Qualified HomesThermal Bypass
Checklist
Overview
2
Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist
3
THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST INTRODUCTION KEY
POINTS
THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST

• If a state, local, or regional energy code
  contradicts the ENERGY STAR Thermal Bypass
  Checklist, precedence must be given to the state,
  local, or regional energy code. Precedence
  should also be given to guidelines set by
  regional ENERGY STAR programs.

4
THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST INTRODUCTION KEY
POINTS

• Not every specific detail and field condition can
  be covered in these guidelines. EPA and the
  Residential Services Network (RESNET) rely on
  Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Providers and
  raters to employ their judgment when determining
  compliance with the general intent of the Thermal
  Bypass Checklist.

THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST
5
THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST INTRODUCTION KEY
POINTS
THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST

• Builders may self-verify up to six items on the
  list the remaining items, however, must be
  verified by a certified home energy rater.

6
THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST INTRODUCTION KEY
POINTS
THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST

• The certified rater shall always sign the
  Checklist, and the builder shall only sign the
  checklist if the builder verified any of the
  items.

7
THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST INTRODUCTION KEY
POINTS
THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST

• Any items found to be non-compliant with the
  Thermal Bypass Checklist must be corrected in
  order for the home to be qualified as ENERGY
  STAR.

8
1.1 AIR BARRIER AND THERMAL ALIGNMENT
9
1.1 AIR BARRIER AND THERMAL ALIGNMENT
Must be 6 sided Exceptions Band joist
insulation Ceiling Insulation Under Floor
Insulation
10
1.1 AIR BARRIER AND THERMAL ALIGNMENT
Thermal image of a knee wall without an air
barrier.
11
1.1 AIR BARRIER AND THERMAL ALIGNMENT
Gaps (left) and voids (right) allow air to flow
through insulation.
12
1.1 AIR BARRIER AND THERMAL ALIGNMENT
Misalignment of insulation due to compression.
13
1.2 GARAGE BAND JOIST AIR BARRIER
Gap between garage and conditioned space due to
incomplete blocking.
14
1.2 GARAGE BAND JOIST AIR BARRIER
Filler blocking much harder shape with
Engineered lumber
Filler blocking much simpler shape with
dimensional lumber
Two types of joist-gaps created between garage
and conditioned space.
15
1.3 ATTIC EAVE BAFFLES
16
1.6 MINIMIZE THERMAL BRIDGING
Advanced corner framing techniques.
17
1.6 MINIMIZE THERMAL BRIDGING
Ladder framing
Advanced interior/exterior wall framing
techniques.
18
2.1 WALL BEHIND SHOWER/TUB
Image courtesy of Building Science Corp.
Tub installed against exterior wall without air
barrier or insulation.
19
2.1 WALL BEHIND SHOWER/TUB
Image courtesy of Building Science Corp.
Image courtesy of Energy Services Group
Two installations of air barriers at tubs
adjoining exterior walls.
20
2.1 WALL BEHIND SHOWER/TUB
21
2.1 WALL BEHIND SHOWER/TUB
22
2.2 WALL BEHIND FIREPLACE
Air barrier missing at framed exterior wall
Image courtesy of EnergyLogic
Fireplace installed without air barrier.
23
2.2 WALL BEHIND FIREPLACE
Image courtesy of Building Science Corp
Image courtesy of EnergyLogic
Fireplaces installed with air barrier and
insulation.
24
THERMAL BYPASS CHECKLIST INSULATED FLOOR OVER
GARAGE ATTIC KNEE WALLS

• Solution
• align insulation
• add air barriers

Bonus Room
Garage
25
2.4 ATTIC KNEE WALLS
Images courtesy of Energy Services Group
Examples of properly blocked and air sealed attic
knee walls.
26
2.4 ATTIC KNEE WALLS
27
2.4 ATTIC KNEE WALLS
28
2.5 SKYLIGHT SHAFT WALLS
Architectural detail for insulation and air
barrier at skylight shaft.
29
2.6 WALL ADJOINING PORCH ROOF
Image courtesy of Energy Services Group
Image courtesy of Energy Services Group
Air barrier missing at porch roof.
Cold air thermal bypass at a porch roof.
30
2.6 WALL ADJOINING PORCH ROOF
Image courtesy of Energy Services Group
Appropriate blocking at intersection of flat
porch roof and conditioned space.
31
2.7 STAIRCASE WALLS
Image courtesy of Energy Services Group
Staircase adjoining unconditioned attic needs to
be fully blocked and sealed.
32
4.1 DUCT SHAFT
Effective air barrier and sealing at duct shafts.
33
4.2 PIPING SHAFT/PENETRATIONS
Typical piping penetrations leaving large holes.
34
4.3 FLUE SHAFT
Image courtesy of EnergyLogic
Fire-rated caulk around a flue shaft.
35
5.1 ATTIC ACCESS PANEL
Gasket
Images courtesy of Energy Services Group
Example of properly insulated and sealed attic
hatch.
36
5.2 ATTIC DROP-DOWN STAIR
Images courtesy of Energy Services Group
Infrared images of thermal bypass at attic
drop-down stair.
37
5.2 ATTIC DROP-DOWN STAIR
Diagram courtesy of the US Department of Energy
Option for insulation of drop-down stair.
38
5.3 DROPPED CEILING/SOFFIT
39
5.3 DROPPED CEILING/SOFFIT
Images courtesy of Energy Services Group
Air sealed soffits.
40
5.4 RECESSED LIGHTING FIXTURES
Images courtesy of Energy Services Group
Infrared image of thermal bypass at IC recessed
lighting fixture.
Infrared image of thermal bypass at non-rated
recessed lighting fixture.
41
5.4 RECESSED LIGHTING FIXTURES
42
5.4 RECESSED LIGHTING FIXTURES
ICAT-rated fixtures installed with gaskets