BetterBuiltNW February 2022 Newsletter

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Every month this section features must-read content from past newsletters – just in case you missed it.

• Article: Improve Water-Heating Efficiency with Heat Pump Water Heaters
  
• Article: Hot Water Solutions NW Saves on Energy

New Traditions Homes: Build Tight, Ventilate Right Case Study

New Tradition Homes has stayed at the forefront of energy efficient construction strategies by working with building science experts that help identify new products and building strategies that meet and exceed code. Find out how New Tradition incorporated the built tight, ventilate right strategy in Tri-Cities and Vancouver, Washington homes by using the Aero Barrier® air sealing system and incorporating heat recovery ventilation systems. To download the full case study, click here.

BetterBuiltNW Publishes Additional Ductless Heat Pump Resources

Resources are newly available on the BetterBuiltNW website about ductless heat pumps for installers and builders. These resources were originally developed by the NW Ductless Heat Pump Project (which will be retired in April 2022).

The resources explain installation best practices and how to maximize efficiency, especially in cold climates. Note, in addition to the articles referenced below, BetterBuiltNW published the first two articles in the January newsletter, and we will feature two more ductless heat pump resources in the upcoming March newsletter.

• Load Calculations for Ductless Heat Pumps
• Avoid Deep Thermostat Setbacks with Variable Capacity Heat Pumps

PROGRAMS IN THE NEWS

RESNET: RESNET Adopts MINHERS Addendum 58f, and Interim Addendum 64i

Addendum 58f revises the MINHERS Chapter 9 to establish clear criteria for the status of pre-drywall field quality assurance (QA) reviews in the total required field QA reviews, and Addendum 64i adds a modification to standard ANSI/RESNET/ICC 301-2019 for the RESNET HERS. To view this article, visit RESNET’s website here.

RESNET: Public Comments on Draft PDS-01 Addendum 61f

Addendum 61f is the proposed final version of interim Addendum 61i that currently authorizes use of default values for airtightness in lieu of values determined by onsite tests during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more, visit RESNET’s website here.

Built Green: Built Green® Star Levels: What Do They Mean?—2021 Versions

All Built Green homes are designed to reach beyond current Washington state building and energy codes—creating greener, healthier, and more equitable homes. However, not all Built Green homes are equal, and building standards and innovations change over time. This article will walk you through the various Built Green certification levels available and help you understand the differences between them. To read the article, visit Built Green’s website here.

Zero Energy Project: Multiple Building Science Articles

Zero Energy Project recently released the following articles, which address critical building industry issues, and they explain building techniques and equipment through the lens of building science and energy efficiency.

• Energy Math
• Net-Zero vs Passive House: What are the Similarities and Differences?
• Redefining Healthy Homes in the Age of Climate Disruption
• Builder Training & Consumer Demand Are Key to Getting to Zero

Energy Vanguard: Multiple Building Science Articles

Zero Energy Project recently released the following articles, which inform builders and designers about advanced construction techniques and innovative building equipment.

• The Central vs Dedicated Return Vent Debate
• What Is a Mini-Split Heat Pump?
• Which Roof Penetrations Cause Water Damage?
• Roof Overhangs and Moisture Problems

Seattle City Light: Energy Efficiency as a Service Pilot

Seattle City Light is inviting interested building owners and developers to submit project proposals for the Energy Efficiency as a Service pilot program. They will accept all projects that meet the program’s eligibility requirements until 15 projects are enrolled in the program. To learn more about the program, click here.