Energy Strategies Inc. - Sheboygan, WI

Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Homes

With Wisconsin ENERGY STAR® Home certification,
your home is Computer Modeled and reviewed three
times during the construction process:

Computer Modeling
BOP (Based on Plans):
This is the 1st stage of the certification process.
Our services include the initial contact with the
builder, the homeowner, or both to discuss
features and components of the home and advise
of best practices. Also included is computer
modeling of the home based on our discussions
and the house plans. We provide reports of the
computerized rating information which includes
predicted annual gas and electrical usage and
costs with break downs into component groups
(heating, cooling, lighting, windows, walls, etc.). At
this time we can also design size, and locate
exhaust/bath fans and ventilation systems, and
provide UDC compliance documentation.

Pre-drywall--Framing

Critical to program success, this visit occurs near the end of the
rough framing: after the heating, plumbing, electrical and duct
systems are roughed in and before insulation is installed.
Consultants work with the builder to look for un-designed holes
between conditioned and unconditioned spaces of the home; exterior
envelope and windows are evaluated for air tightness, the ventilation
strategy/system is reviewed, and combustion safety, moisture
management and insulation standards are revisited/verified.
Opportunities for minimizing framing materials are also considered.

Site Visit 2
Pre-drywall--Insulation and Vapor Barrier

Occurs after insulation is installed but prior to drywall.
The consultant and builder look for areas where
insulation will not achieve its rated R-value due to
gaps, voids, compressions, and any misalignment
with the air barrier.
The continuity of the exterior weather barrier and
interior vapor retarder is reviewed (or verified).
A final check of ventilation ductwork, installed or
planned combustion equipment, and builder
dimensions and component specification is
completed.

Performance testing--Commissioning

Occurs after the home is completed. The final on-site visit is
completed to verify and document required program
standards. The information collected also serves as the
basis for evaluation building performance and producing the
certification report for the builder/homeowner. During the final
testing site visit the following is completed:

A blower door test to quantify the air tightness of the building
shell.
All ventilation equipment is tested to verify compliance and
document air-flow capacity and performance
Carbon-monoxide detector(s) and combustion safety
standards are verified.
A worst-case depressurization test is completed
If required, the HVAC system is tested to ensure balance
distribution in forced-air systems.

Computer Modeling & Site Visits