www.energystarhomesamerica.com

Vol. 01, Issue 09

November 25, 2003

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Giving Thanks – Reflections and Visions
By Jerry Fenchel, Market Manager, Dallas

Giving Thanks – Reflections and Visions

Stop and think about this for a minute!  It’s been a busy year for all of us in the homebuilding industry.  The holiday season is fast approaching. Time for family. Time for good food.  Time to reflect on your accomplishments. Time for creating a vision for 2004.

As you reflect on your accomplishments for 2003, you the builder have every reason to be proud of some fantastic things you have done to make a difference. Achieving your goals to provide your buying customers with homes that are proven to reduce costs in energy consumption and creating a home that is more comfortable.   Though it’s not always easy and it’s not always fun, your accomplishments make a big difference, not just to your customers but to the world we all share. Not everybody has done what you have done.  That is because it’s not always easy.

You the builder have contributed to improving the environment. Here are some facts:

* The average home emits 22,700 lbs. of CO2/yr.
* The average car emits 11,563 lbs. of CO2/yr.
* Your Energy Star constructed home saves 4,737 lbs. of CO2/yr.
* Total saved by Energy Star Homes certified by GWSSI in ‘03 – 16,527,393 lbs of CO2/yr.
* Total equivalent of cars removed from the highways – 2253 cars

Congratulations! Take a minute to be proud of your contributions!

We at Guaranteed Watt Saver want to take this time to thank all of you for allowing us to be a part of your great accomplishments. So, please, take a moment to reflect on the big picture – Making a Difference in World We all Live in.

As for visions?! The year 2004 brings opportunity for us all as we continue to work together for a common goal of providing the American Dream. Homes that people can afford to live in, operate and be comfortable.  We look forward to continuing our valued relationship with you so that you may continue your success with the Energy Star Program.

Thank you and our very best wishes for a successful year ahead.

Inspector’s Corner

Mastic
by David B. Walker, National Operations Manager

When installing HVAC equipment, there is a product in the industry that has gained much attention and is being widely used. It is known simply as “mastic.” Mastic is a putty-like, fibrous material used as an adhesive to seal ductwork and any pressure point on an HVAC system where air- flow occurs. Guaranteed Watt Saver uses mastic as part of our stringent detail work we provide for our builders and their contractors. Using duct tape alone will not provide an adequate seal for these pressure areas. Various test applications have shown that by simply using duct tape without any permanent seal, can create failure in a systems air-flow in as little as one year. The adhesive on the duct tape fails after continuous exposure from the changing effects during summer and winter months.

The “International Energy Conservation Code” (503.3.3.4.3) states, “Duct tape” is not permitted as a sealant on any ducts. However, it says, “Tape and mastics…shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 181B. Tape and mastic is the proper way to seal all pressure points on an HVAC system.” Many have interpreted this to say that it is possible to use tape “or” mastic. However, it is evident that the tape alone cannot seal every pressure point, and likewise, mastic cannot seal every seam or joint completely. In conjunction with intelligent application the tape and mastics work together to provide a proper seal to all pressure areas and transitional seams. The approved tape provides closure of the seam and the mastic provides a seal.

One essential area to concentrate on is the duct connection to the boot of the start-up collar. Proper measures here would have the technician apply mastic to the boot of the collar, then install the duct. When dry, you have created a permanent seal to this pressure point. Some contractors use “zip” tie straps, others use approved tape to complete the installation. One great misconception that has been noticed when inspecting HVAC systems is the application of mastic around the insulation of the duct. The insulation is not part of the air-barrier of the ductwork. It is only necessary at this point to make sure the insulation completely covers the duct, and that it is tightly secured with an approved tape or zip tie strap. Guaranteed Watt Saver has tested countless thousands of HVAC systems. In our experience, we have found that sealing these systems with approved tape and mastic ensures proper air- flow and a significant reduction in CFM loss outside the system. This ensures that the energy being used to make the home comfortable is not being lost because of improperly sealed ductwork. Not only does it ensure comfort to the occupants of the home, it provides a better sense of “air quality.” Better air quality creates a healthier environment.

Efficiency Updates

GWSSI’s New Energy Star Brochures are Almost Ready!

Please contact Maci McDaniel (281-932-5434) to place your order today! These brochures can be customized with your logo and are a great tool to use in selling Energy Star homes.

GWSSI Wins EEBA Award

GWSSI was recently honored at the 2003 Energy & Environmental Building Association (EEBA) Conference with EEBA’s Technical Achievement Award for 2003. The award recognizes companies for significant technical achievements essential to the understanding of the energy and environmental performance of buildings.  GWSSI is honored to have received this recognition from EEBA.