SAVES ENERGY
Heating and cooling account for 50% to 70% of the total energy used in the average home. Managing air infiltration, exfiltration, water vapor and R-value will play an important role in the future of home building. Because air leakage is a significant contributor to energy waste, properly sealing the building envelope is one of the most critical steps in constructing an energy-efficient home, and therefore, saving on energy costs.
ZIP System sheathing has a built in air-resistant barrier that does just that, and ZIP System's proprietary tape helps eliminate gaps in the building envelope, reducing air leakage from areas such as wall joints.
To prove this, builders or homeowners can use a HERS Rater (Home Energy Rating System) or a BPI Auditor (Building Performance Institute). Either group offers trained professionals who can conduct a Blower Door Test on the home.
HERS primarily addresses new construction and is the method used to achieve Energy Star. BPI primarily addresses existing homes and weatherization upgrades.
Blower Door testing is typically done as part of a whole home energy audit. A blower door is a diagnostic tool designed to measure the air tightness of buildings, and to help locate air leakage sites. The test can identify the Air Exchange per Hour (ACH) of a home. This can be modeled to help determine how much energy is needed to heat or cool a home. The lower the ACH, the lower the energy bill. ZIP System panels help you ensure a lower ACH or a tighter home.
For a homeowner, a tighter home means:
- Energy savings- Homeowners with ZIP System sheathing save an average of 10.5% on their utility bills.
- Increased comfort inside the home- Protecting against air leakage and drafts leads to a more comfortable living space where it counts the most.
- Improved air quality- Air barrier systems such as ZIP System wall sheathing keep families safe by protecting against harmful pollutants.
SEE THE SAVINGS FOR THE HOMEOWNER
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Estimation Assumptions:
- General conditions for the energy simulation followed the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Simulations performed with REM/Rate v12.85
- Air infiltration levels for reference house were 7 ACH@50 Pa and 4.5 ACH@50 Pa for the ZIP System house.
- Insulation levels for the reference and ZIP System homes were assigned in accordance with the 2006 IECC.
- Air infiltration levels are based on field observations.
- For all homes, heating is natural gas with 80% AFU and cooling is central air13 SEER.
- Window areas are assigned at 18% of conditioned floor area and efficiencies according to 2006 IECC
- No mechanical ventilation was used
- Utility prices are the 2009 state averages obtained from the Energy Information Administration.
General conditions for the energy simulation followed the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Simulations performed with REM/Rate v12.85. Air infiltration levels for reference house were 7 ACH@50 Pa and 4.5 ACH@50 Pa for the ZIP System house. Insulation levels for the reference and ZIP System homes were assigned in accordance with the 2006 IECC. For all homes, heating is natural gas with 80% AFUE and cooling is central air 13 SEER. Window areas are assigned at 18% of conditioned floor area and efficiencies according to 2006 IECC. No mechanical ventilation was used. Utility prices are the 2009 state averages obtained from the Energy Information Administration. Actual savings will vary. Savings estimates are based on comparison to an average new U.S. home with 7 ACH. ZIP System home value of 4.5 ACH based on field observations.