I am sorry I am away for two weeks and unable to participate directly in this important process. I will do my best to take part by e-mail.
The BPI building analyst and envelop standards are not intended to be complete evaluator (energy auditor) and installation standards, the MaineHP Standards are.
The MaineHP standards are appropriate for a program that moves beyond the MaineHP pilot for a number of reasons. First, they are current and comprehensive. They cover most situations in the field for both energy audits and installations. Second, they are based on the low-income weatherization program standards, 2005 version, written by me and a very capable advisory group made up of low-income program energy auditors. As such, it is appropriate to think of the MaineHP Standards as the middle/upper-income program analog to the Maine Weatherization Standards 2005 (low-income program standards). Third, they include a comprehensive QA procedure. Of course standards like this require regular updating, but I think that can wait for another year or two. I have attached these standards (they are also available on the MaineHP website www.mainehomeperformance.org).
Another issue: In Bob’s “Recommended elements. . .” notes, there is no mention of an association with ENERGY STAR. I think the benefits of ENERGY STAR (EPA) partnership are certainly worth the effort. ENERGY STAR is a well recognized brand. Related to this brand issue is MaineHP as a brand. Although there has not been a comprehensive and ongoing marketing campaign during this three-year pilot program, there is name recognition that should be leveraged.
Perhaps more importantly, MaineHP has a well developed structure that this new, much larger program could fit into quite nicely. I strongly recommend this new program replace MaineHP rather than risk confusing Maine residents by starting a program with a new name.
An issue that concerns me is the quality of installation. Currently, I know of only one or two installers in Maine who are air sealing as they should be. Of course there might be more, I don’t know. I expect there are less than ten installers of dense pack-cellulose installers who are installing cellulose in walls correctly. Installers or weatherization measures must use verification methods whenever possible. This means using a blower door DURING air sealing activities, using an IR camera to check for completeness of cellulose coverage in walls, performing core sampling to check insulation density, regularly testing the take-off pressure on insulation machines, etc. Just as we expect evaluators to rise to the next level of professionalism with their analysis and test-out inspections, we must expect installers to become better by using performance techniques and personally verifying the effectiveness of their work.
Rick Karg
Senior Technical Consultant
MaineHP
R.J. Karg Associates
220 Meadow Road
Topsham, Maine 04086
207-725-6723
www.karg.com
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