Navigating Energy Credits & Rebates in MA
Massachusetts has many programs promoting residential energy efficiency, and the passage of the IRA act in 2022 has expanded the funding and the complexity of those offerings. It can be difficult to navigate all of the information on the internet. Even the official web pages on Commonwealth departmental sites can be overwhelming and confusing. Here…
Is Continuous Insulation a Continuous Air Barrier?
Continuous insulation (CI) in the context of home building is a layer of insulation that is installed without any thermal breaks. This means that the insulation is continuous around the entire building envelope, including the walls, roof, and foundation. CI helps to reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, which…
Passive House vs Net Zero Standards: How Do They Differ?
Both Passive House and Net Zero designs require a high level of insulation and air sealing to reduce energy consumption. They also both require careful attention to detail during construction to ensure that the building envelope is well-sealed and free from air leaks. However, the main difference between the two approaches is their focus: Passive…
What is a HERS Score and Why is it Important in Updated Building Codes?
The HERS index score, or Home Energy Rating System score, is a measure of a home’s energy efficiency. It is calculated on a scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the least energy efficient and 0 being the most energy efficient. A home with a HERS index score of 100 is equal to the…
How to assess the safety or potential toxicity of foam insulation panels?
You can assess the safety / toxicity profile of any manufactured product by reading the SDS (Safety Data Sheet) provided by the manufacturer. You should be able to find the SDS on the manufacturer’s website, but in practice it is frequently easier to search for them in a search engine using the manufacturer name, the…
Pros and Cons of Continuous Insulation (CI)
Continuous insulation is a building design practice where a continuous layer of insulation material is applied around the exterior of a building’s envelope, often in conjunction with other insulation methods. Here are some of the pros and cons of using continuous insulation: Pros: Energy efficiency: Continuous insulation can significantly improve a building’s energy efficiency by…
Achieving Net-Zero Energy in Older Houses: A Step-by-Step Retrofit Guide
As the world faces the pressing challenges of climate change and energy sustainability, the concept of net-zero energy has gained increasing importance. Net-zero energy, also known as zero-energy buildings or ZEBs, refers to a building’s ability to generate as much energy as it consumes over a defined period, typically a year. These buildings employ energy-efficient…
A Home or Business Energy Assessment Can Save You Money
Some of the top benefits of getting an energy audit for your home or business in Massachusetts are: – You can dramatically reduce your energy bills by identifying and implementing energy-saving measures. – You can improve your comfort throughout the year by fixing air leaks, adding insulation, upgrading your heating and cooling systems, and using…
Using Recycled Insulation Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Insulation is one of the most important aspects of building design and construction, as it affects the comfort, health, and energy efficiency of the occupants. However, not all insulation materials are created equal when it comes to their environmental impact. Some insulation materials, such as fiberglass, mineral wool, and polyurethane foam, are made from virgin…