New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity Demonstration Project
BAIHP performed multiple design reviews, provided energy efficiency and general building science technical assistance and tested homes for Energy Star thermal bypass compliance for this affiliate. Their homes initially achieved a HERS Index of 115. The main problem with the houses was extremely leaky return plenums and high infiltration. The air handler was located in an interior closet that was open to the attic to provide combustion air for the atmospheric combustion gas furnaces. Return plenums were open to the walls of the closet with no attempt to create an air barrier. FSEC discussed methods of securing safe combustion while resolving the infiltration and leaky ducts issue. In 2007, New Orleans Area HFH committed to building one all-electric ENERGY STAR home and one gas/electric ENERGY STAR home (see BAIHP recommended Gulf Coast Package).
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| Figure 1 New Orleans Area Habitat Prototypes – both failed the thermal bypass checklist. |
In January 2008, BAIHP revisited this affiliate to conduct diagnostic duct testing and field testing of recommendations with Joe Ryan, a Department of Energy contractor based in New Orleans. Results were excellent with duct leakage being brought into specification for ENERGY STAR certification and with significant improvement in whole house air tightness. Also in 2008, the affiliate switched to all radiant barrier roof sheathing. In the Spring of ’08, BAIHP conducted training for the construction staff on wall insulation installation and inspection for the thermal bypass checklist. Researchers also identified air sealing problems that needed to be resolved before the trial prototype home was constructed. In mid 2008, they committed to building two all electric prototypes with a HERS Index of 70 by using the improvement package developed by BAIHP.
The affiliate began construction on the side-by-side prototype homes shown in the above photograph (Figure 1). Unfortunately, the homes both failed the thermal bypass inspection in October of 2008. In particular, the floor insulation was severely compromised. Guidance on correcting the failed items was provided to the construction staff, and BAIHP conducted floor insulation training with the affiliate’s construction staff. Near the end of 2008, a large portion of the construction staff left the affiliate which brought our partnership activity to a stand-still.
Partner contact information:
New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity
P.O. Box 15052
New Orleans, Louisiana 70175
Phone: (504) 861-2077
Fax: (504) 866-6004
Email: info@Habitat-NOLA.org
Website: http://www.habitat-nola.org