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Building Specs

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Air Infiltration: House Specification

All GWS Homes must meet an airtightness specification of 0.35 natural air exchange per hour as measured using a computerized calibrated blower door.

Air Infiltration: Duct Specifications

All GWS Homes must meet stringent air duct tightness requirements. Air duct leakage must not exceed 10% of CFMs suplied by each unit.

Insulation Installation

Insulation Installation Specifications PDF
Insulation Systems Model PDF


Choose your zone for more information:

 Zone 1: Less than 2,000 Cooling Degree Days and greater than 7,000 Heating Degree Days
 Zone 2: Less than 2,000 Cooling Degree Days and 5,500-7,000 Heating Degree Days
 Zone 3: Less than 2,000 Cooling Degree Days and 4,000-5,499 Heating Degree Days
 Zone 4: Less than 2,000 Cooling Degree Days and less than 4,000 Heating Degree Days
 Zone 5: 2,000 Cooling Degree Days or more and less than 4,000 Heating Degree Days

"U. S. Climate Zone Map from Energy Information Administration's Commercial Building Energy Consumption and Expenditures 1992, Appendix F. Graphic enhancements by Guaranteed Watt Savers Systems, Inc.

Electrical

GWS requires the use of air-tight recessed lights or an air-tight light box around the light to prevent air from penetrating the house fron the attic.

  UL Listed Material

HVAC Design: Forced Air Distribution Only

GWS offers HVAC engineering services that include plan analysis, design, layout, and equipment sizing. We design the HVAC system from your construction plans to assess the unique qualities of each home. We routinely work with builders and HVAC contractors to determine the appropriate sizing, layout, and room ventilation requirements to maximize home owner comfort and indoor air quality. Through the inspection process, we gather data to verify equipment specifications including SEER and capacity ratings.

GWS utilizes the latest software and technology, Manual J Version, to analyze and develop the proper HVAC system specifications. GWS uses research from national laboratories and manufacturers to improve building performance. Our engineering approach to residential energy efficiency is based on building science principles using building components to determine the optimum HVAC system requirements. We work with builders and contractors to determine the cost and performance feasibility of system upgrades such as fresh air ventilation, humidity control and air flow performance.

• HVAC Sizing - (Manual J8 & room to room)
• HVAC Layout and Review
• HVAC Equipment Verification for SEER and capacity rating
• Evaluation of building envelope components and systems
• Engineering Analysis to determine the feasibility of system upgrades such as fresh air ventilation, humidity control and air flow performance
  

         GWS Provides:

• Individualized computer Energy Analysis of House Plans, including heating and cooling loads
• Room by room analysis of required air flow (CFM measurements)
• Sizing of units
• Engineered designed air distribution system to insure optimum savings and comfort

All analysis calculations performed per manual J

It is necessary for us to have detailed information about the house to perform this analysis. Please fill out and fax or email the Builder Profile to us.

HVAC Design: Load Calculations

Proper sizing of the HVAC system is essential for producing high comfort levels and low utility cost. a properly sized unit can save 15% over a unit that is too big for the structure.

Common problems of oversized HVAC units include:

• moisture / mold inside the home
• cold clammy feeling in the summer
• temperature variations by room exceeding 5 degrees farenheit

         GWS Provides:

• Individualized computer Energy Analysis of House Plans, including heating and cooling loads
• Room by room analysis of required air flow (CFM measurements)
• Sizing of units
  
  
  

HVAC Design: Manual J Criteria