Learn about air leakage whole unit and inter-unit test methods and results in multifamily buildings. Tracer gas measurements from the same set of buildings will be used to show the relationship between air leakage and actual air flow rates. Approaches for inter-unit air sealing and ventilation improvements will be described, along with the effects of these improvements on unit ventilation and the movement of air and contaminants between units.

As a result of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design programs and other awareness campaigns, clients are now asking for finishes and furnishings that emit low levels of volatile chemicals. The terms "low VOCs" and "no VOCs" are commonly used to describe such products. Unfortunately, the truth behind these claims is dubious, with some products that are rated as low VOCs actually emitting high levels of volatile chemicals. Some of these products even contain unregulated chemicals that are known to affect human health, or are suspected of doing so. This session will help architects and builders understand the rating systems, choose products that are actually "healthier" for building occupants, and communicate these concepts to customers.

We will discuss the materials, tools, equipment and techniques needed to successfully insulate any mobile home attic.

We will discuss the materials, tools, equipment and techniques needed to successfully insulate any mobile home bellies. We will also delve into the pitfalls and problems and their solutions, as well as construction details. Expected savings and auditing techniques will be presented.

Kneewalls, dormers and mansard roofs are difficult spaces to air seal and insulate. However, insulating and air sealing these areas are crucial to providing comfort and energy savings, as well as preventing ice damming in the winter months. Join us for this exploration of common building structures that create challenges for proper air sealing and insulation. We will discuss different approaches that can be used to achieve effective results. The importance of diagnostics in assessment and delivery will also be considered.

How much can you really expect to save from wall insulation and air sealing? How much does mechanical ventilation affect heating bills? We'll address these questions and more using data on actual changes in gas and electric bills from thousands of homes in the Wisconsin low-income weatherization program. Statistical analysis of this large set of data allows us to look beyond the "noise" and tease out overall savings from the program, as well as typical savings from individual measures such as wall insulation. We'll also demonstrate how "savings follows waste." This session will be of interest to anyone involved in retrofitting older homes for energy savings.

Basements are large, open spaces that just drip with inexpensive, expanded living space, right? While basements may be just that, there are a slew of details, interactions, and decisions to be made in finishing just about any basement. This session will take a detailed look at insulation, air sealing, ventilation, dehumidification, radon mitigation and moisture management in finishing basements. While the focus will be on retrofit, much of the discussion applies to how to finish basements in new homes as well.

Critical junctions are those large framing voids and interstitial spaces where two or more building assemblies converge. Often hidden, covered or otherwise inaccessible, these areas can be quite challenging to address, yet they also offer strong potential for energy savings. When critical junctions are properly treated as part of a retrofit project, dweller comfort and building durability are enhanced. Learn how to identify, access, and treat these components; use preferred materials; and verify successful installations.

ASHRAE 62.2 is a standard for ventilation in low-rise residential structures. There are some serious barriers to meeting the 62.2 standard in remodeling and weatherization work. These include properly sizing and siting the ventilation systems; managing the interaction between ventilation and the building's combustion appliances; and working with customers to make sure they don't short circuit your work with wire clippers. The Wisconsin Weatherization Assistance Program implemented the 62.2 standard in 2005. Six years and thousands of installations later, there have been some good lessons learned, and Martha will share them with you.

This session provides an overview of the world of radon including very important new research on air tightening and increased indoor radon. Learn the latest on radon health risks, new federal radon policy initiatives and leading state radon policies. The presenter will reveal the real story behind radon prevention in new homes and share innovative radon mitigation approaches from Europe.