MA Energy Code: Build it Tight and Ventilate Right

Air Tights News | Winter Edition | January 2019

Happy New Year!

We hope you find this update useful and informative.

Airtight Insight is intended to keep builders, renovators, code officials, and architects up to date on utility sponsored incentives and rebate changes as well as let everyone know of upcoming events. Relevant articles on the MA Energy Code and building science will also be featured.

MA Energy Code

Build it Tight and Ventilate Right

by Tim Gould

The purpose on the MA energy code is not to make life more difficult for those building new homes, renovating, and putting on additions.

The code is base on sound building science translated into simple measures that can be taken to make more efficient, durable, and comfortable homes. Once one understands the concepts, it becomes intuitive on how to do it.

This past week, I sat with a builder who was adding on a mother in law’s apartment on a colonial. We were looking at the plans that raised questions about how to approach the crawl space (connected to the basement) and a second-floor knee wall assembly.

The conversation went very well. This is because when I explained what we are trying to achieve, the builder got it. He quickly described how he would make continuous thermal boundaries that are aligned and in contact with air boundaries at little to no extra cost. Done!

Then there was the ventilation question. Doesn’t a house have to breathe? No, people do. I explained that the intent of the code is to help occupants take control of ventilation instead of depending on random air leakage. Doesn’t mechanical ventilation defeat the goal of increased efficiency. No, its now controlled and we know what it (air exchange rate) is to ensure fresh air for people.

We happened to be standing in a neighborhood of homes built in the 1980’s and 90’s. Having tested hundreds of homes from past decades, I was able to explain that all the homes in the neighborhood were very likely changing out about two-thirds of the air every hour in the winter months. When all the leaks are added up it would be about equal to a wide-open window and a higher than necessary heating bill. He got it.

Financial Incentives and Rebates Update

The incentives and rebates consolidated under the Mass Save program have changed again as the major utility companies seek to reward energy efficiency above and beyond the MA Energy Code. In general, the programs are divided between new construction and existing homes.

The new construction program, in which builders are mainly enrolled, provides incentives for overall increased energy as measured against the average MA home. A HERS Rating energy model is done to include all aspects of energy efficiency.

Existing single and multi-family home owners have a few programs to pick from depending on the need or project. The Weatherization program is for the improvement of existing conditions with added insulation and air-sealing measures.

The Renovations and Additions program is new and intended for “large” renovation projects and new additions. Savings is determined using a simplified energy model to compare the before and after condition. Eligibility is complicated and more information is provided below.

Heating, Cooling, and Appliances equipment rebates have been changed recently with more types of equipment included and with larger rebate amounts for certain equipment.

More Information

New Mass Save Updates

Mass Save New Residential Construction Program

The Mass Save New Residential Construction program rolls on with little change in 2019. New homes are rated against the average MA home and an incentive is paid based on overall increased savings.

The average incentive amount paid to the new homeowner or builder is $1,700 for single family homes and about $900 for multi-family units. Significantly higher rebates amounts are achievable without extra cost. Your HERS Rater should be able to tell you how.

A new list of LED lights has been published and can be gotten through your HERS Rating company.

More Information

Mass Save Renovations and Additions Program

A new program that started late in 2018 is MA Residential New Construction Renovations & Additions Program. Most residential renovation and addition projects at single-family and multi-family homes with three stories or less are eligible if they are located within Program Sponsor service territories.

Whether you are a builder or homeowner, it’s best to start by calling 1-800-628-8413 or email RenovateAddMA@icf.com. HERS Raters are required for simplified energy modeling and can be very helpful in maximizing the rebate amount.

More Information

MA Department of Energy Resources

The MA Department of Energy Resources has expanded the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard as a compliment to the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.

Its purpose is to provide an incentive for installing eligible alternative energy systems, which are not necessarily renewable, but contribute to the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals.

The incentives can be substantial. Eligible APS Renewable Thermal technologies include: Air Source Heat Pumps Systems, Ground Source Heat Pumps Systems, Thermal Solar Systems, Woody Biomass Systems, and Liquid Biofuel Systems. Eligibility is too complicated to explain in this newsletter.

More Information

Upcoming Events

Air Tight Insight is a publication of Ace Energy Services, Inc. a HERS Rating company that puts building science knowledge to work by focusing on the building enclosure with effective air sealing services and by designing and installing high-efficiency air-source heat pumps coupled with smart ventilation systems. We are proud to be the go-to resource for rebate updates, upcoming events, energy code information, relevant building science, and the latest trends in building single and multi-family homes.

Please feel free to visit our new web site: www.AceEnergyMA.com.