Performance Consulting Services

Plan Review

The Insulation Man can review plans with owners and contractors to assist them in providing answers to energy questions and decisions concerning the “House as a System” building practices.

Ventilation

There are 3 types of ventilation in homes:

• Make Up Air – for combustion and exhaust only systems
• Roof Ventilation – to prevent roof rot
• Fresh Air Ventilation – to mitigate moisture and retain healthy air

Insulation

We ask these questions:

• How airtight can and should we make this home?
• What happens if we install a hot tub or a vent free fireplace?
• What type of insulation is best in this application? Why?
• What type of insulation is the least expensive?
• What type is the best at air sealing? Highest R value?
• Why did the Architect specify R-49 for the roof?
• Can we do better with less?

Moisture

We’ll find the answers to these questions:

• What sources of water are in this home?
• How can we control the Relative Humidity without wasting energy?
• Will a humidifier be necessary on the furnace? Why?
• How much fresh air ventilation should we plan for?

Heating System

We ask these questions:

• What limitations will the heating system have?
• Can we get the heat from the furnace to the rooms properly?
• What about return air?
• Will a furnace work better than a boiler?
• Why is a 96% efficient furnace sometimes less efficient than an 85% efficient boiler?
• What is the safest way to make hot water?

The Insulation Man knows how these types of systems interact, and can assist you in understanding them.