Great Homes Checklist / Energy-EfficientDesign and ConstructionEnergy Center fact sheet 10/2003

A whole-house “systems” approach to design and construction is recognized as the appropriatemethod of developing energy-efficient and sustainable homes. A systems approach considersthe interaction between the site, building envelope, mechanical systems, occupants and otherfactors. The system approach recognizes that features of one component of the house cangreatly affect others.

This design and construction checklist was developed to help housing designers and builderstake the first steps toward a whole-house design approach and the implementation of energy-efficient construction practices. The checklist presents simple and clear guidance on energyimprovements that can be readily addressed now by most housing providers. The checklistpurposely focuses on wood-frame construction and limits itself to mainstream technologies.Questions should be directed to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Energy Center,P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102, Phone: (573) 751-3443, 1-800-361-4827, Fax: (573)751-6860, E-mail: energy@dnr.state.mo.us

FoundationA. Drainage:�1. Establish a foundation drainage

system adjacent to the entireperimeter of the footing — use 4-inch perforated drain, 4 inches ofgravel cover, and filter fabric.

�2. Establish drainage swales asneeded.

�3. Grade slopes 5 percent or moreaway from all sides of the house forat least 5 feet.

B. Slab:�1. For a house with a slab, provide a

capillary break under the slab — use4 inches of gravel covered by a 6-milpolyethylene vapor barrier.

C. Crawlspace:�1. Install a 6-mil polyethylene ground

cover with 100% coverage —overlap seams2 feet and lap the foundation wall 12inches.

�2. Close crawlspace vents after makingsure the crawlspace is dry — usemanual rather than thermostaticallycontrolled vents.

FramingA. Exterior walls:�1. Use insulated corners (two-stud or

equivalent) to improve insulationcoverage —use drywall clips orvertical 1" x 4" nailer (Detail B).

�2. Use insulated partition intersectionoptions to improve insulationcoverage — use drywall clips orvertical 1" x 6" nailer (Detail B).

�3. Use insulated headers (Detail B).�4. As permitted by code, limit the use

of blocking to improve insulationcoverage.

�5. Use rigid board insulation in place ofstructural sheathing in non-cornerareas —fasten with plastic-cappednails.

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�6. In 2x4 framing, consider usingcontinuous structural sheathingtopped with continuous rigid boardinsulation. An alternate is 2x6framing using continuous structuralsheathing. Note that both requireinterior trim jamb extensions on allwindows and exterior doors.

B. Roof/attic:�1. Use raised heel or oversized

(cantilevered) trusses or a raised topplate to allow for complete atticinsulation coverage over the exteriorwalls with a 1-inch ventilationchannel.

�2. For cathedral ceilings, use scissortrusses or frame it to provideadequate clearance forrecommended insulation levels witha 1-inch ventilation channel.

�3. Use 2- to 2.5-foot overhangs toshade south-facing windows inmixed and hot climates — somemarginal benefit is also obtained forwindows facing east and west.

�4. Ventilate the attic using continuoussoffit and ridge vents.

�5. Locate the attic access hatch or pull-down stairs in unconditioned parts ofthe house (e.g., carport, garage,gable end of the roof) rather thaninside the house —provide a lockingmechanism for security.

�6. If an attic access hatch is used,construct it with a rigid frame (e.g.,use 1" x 4"framing rather thanmolding) that can beweatherstripped and with a coverthat will not warp (Detail I).

Air Sealing�1. Use silicone or one-part urethane

caulk, spray foam, sheet goods —e.g., rigid board insulation, plywood,drywall, polyethylene sheeting,housewrap — and other materials asidentified below.

A. Before drywall is installed:�1. Seal between the bottom plate of

exterior walls and the subflooringduring construction — use a double

bead of caulk or durable gasket (sillseal) (Detail A).

�2. Seal the inside edge of the bottomplate of exterior walls to thesubflooring after the frame walls areerected (Detail A).

�3. Seal the band joist of a multistoryhome or a home with a conditionedbasement— seal between the bandjoist and the top plate or sill plateand between the band joist andsubflooring during construction, orseal all the seams between the bandjoist and top or sill plate, subfloor,and floor joists after construction(Detail A).

�4. For bathtubs on an exterior wall,insulate the exterior wall (see ItemB1 under INSULATION) and thenairseal behind and around the tubbefore setting it — use plasticsheeting stapled and caulked ortaped to the wood framing (Details Band C).

�5. Seal all wiring, plumbing, and HVACpenetrations between conditionedand unconditioned spaces — at thetop and bottom plates, through theceilings, floors, and exterior walls,and other framing locations (DetailB).

�6. Seal the wiring and knockout plugsin all electrical boxes and sealaround all electrical boxes mountedon the exterior sheathing.

�7. Seal windows and exterior doors intorough opening-backer rod preferred(Detail B).

B. During drywall installation�1. Seal the drywall to the bottom plate

using construction adhesive orcaulk.

�2. Seal the drywall to the roughopening of windows and doors usingconstruction adhesive or caulk.

C. After drywall is installed:�1. For houses with a crawlspace or

basement seal, the bathtub drainand supply line penetrations throughthe floor after the tub is set and theplumbing is connected and beforethe floor insulation is installed — use

rigid board insulation, plywood, orother sheet goods with caulk orspray foam (Detail C).

�2. Seal plumbing pipes and electricalboxes (e.g., receptacles, outlets,switches, light fixtures, circuitbreaker box) to the drywall or ceilingusing painter’s acrylic latex caulk ordrywall mud — if possible, provide asurface-mounted circuit breaker boxrather than inserting one into exteriorwall framing (Detail B).

�3. Install foam gaskets on all electricalboxes behind the cover plates.

�4. Seal plumbing, medicine cabinets,and other penetrations (e.g., theelectrical wire behind the kitchenrange hood) to the drywall.

�5. Seal exterior penetrations in thesheathing (e.g., porch light fixtures,outside outlets, phone, cable,electric service holes, faucet hosebib) if not sealed previously frominside the house.

�6. Seal the bathroom ventilation fanhousing to the ceiling drywall — usecaulk or drywall mud (Detail B).

�7. Seal between a masonry chimneyand the attic framing — use sheetmetal or other non-combustiblesheet goods and high temperature(450°F), fire-rated caulk.

�8. Seal attic bypasses and chases(e.g., open partition walls, droppedceilings, duct and flue chases,kitchen cabinet soffits) before theattic insulation is installed using rigidboard insulation, plywood, or othersheet goods with caulk or sprayfoam — if possible, construct theseframing features after the ceiling isinstalled to avoid these atticbypasses.

�9. For an attic access hatch coverlocated in a conditioned space,weatherstrip it (Detail I).

�10. For an attic pull-down stair located ina conditioned space, weatherstrip itand provide a latch to hold the stairpanel tightly against theweatherstripping.

�11. For a whole-house fan, seal gapsaround the whole-house fan frame— use spray foam (preferred) orhousewrap tape (Detail E).

�12. Fabricate whole house fan coverusing rigid board insulation, contactpaper, and velcro (Detail E).

�13. Seal drywall and penetrations in thereturn duct plenum (if present)(mastic preferred or caulk) (DetailH).

�14. Seal duct boots to floor or drywall (Detail D).

�15. Verify that the HVAC contractor hassealed return and air supply ductconnections (mastic required) andopenings at the air handler (tape ataccess panels) (Details D and H).

Insulation�1. Select insulation levels that meet or

exceed the 1995 Model EnergyCode.

A. For a slab foundation:�1. Install rigid board insulation during

slab construction around theperimeter of the slab using a code-approved method.

�2. Install flashing as a termite shield.B. For a house with a crawlspace:�1. Install floor insulation batts flush

against the house floor (a vaporbarrier is optional and, if present,should be installed followingmanufacturer’s instructions).

�2. Cut the floor insulation batts to thefull length of the joist to be insulated.

�3. Insulate the band joist to ensurecomplete coverage at the perimeter.

�4. Slit the floor insulation batts to fitaround wiring and plumbing (DetailA).

�5. Insulate between air distributionsystem ducts and the floor as spacepermits.

�6. Use insulation hangers (wire staves)spaced every 12-18 inches to holdthe floor insulation in place withoutcompressing the insulation morethan 1 inch (Detail A).

C. For a house with a conditionedbasement:

�1. Insulate the basement walls byconstructing an inside wall frame.

D. For the exterior walls:�1. Insulate the exterior walls around a

bathtub before setting the tub (DetailC).

�2. Insulate the exterior walls behind astairwell and cover with sheetmaterial before setting the stairstringers.

�3. Cut wall insulation batts to the fulllength of the cavity to be insulated.

�4. Cut wall insulation batts length-wiseto fit into cavities with non-standardwidths.

�5. Slit wall insulation batts to fit aroundwiring, wall outlets and plumbing.

�6. For cold and mixed climates, staplethe kraft paper facing of wallinsulation batts to the front of thestuds (preferred) or sides of thestuds (allow no more than ¼ inchcompression) every 12 inches. Inother climates, the kraft paper mayneed to face away from the interior,or an unfaced batt may be used(Detail A).

�7. Insulate the band joist of a multistoryhome or a home with a conditionedbasement.

E. For the attic:�1. Install attic rulers when using loose-

fill insulation to ensure complete andfull coverage.

�2. If raised heel or oversized(cantilevered) trusses or a raised topplate are not used, install soffit damsand rafter guides before ceilingdrywall is installed when usingloose-fill insulation to provide a 1-inch clearance between theinsulation and roof decking for atticventilation and to obtain maximumattic insulation coverage over theexterior walls. Use commercialproducts, rigid board insulation, battinsulation or felt paper (Detail F andG).

�3. Install blocking in the attic above aporch before ceiling drywall is

installed to prevent loose-fillinsulation spillage into the porchsoffit area — use rigid boardinsulation or other sheet goods.

�4. Install a barrier around the atticaccess opening in the attic to ensurefull insulation coverage when usingloose-fill insulation — use aninsulation batt, rigid board insulation,or other solid sheet good.

F. Insulate the attic access:�1. For an attic access hatch cover

located in a conditioned space, glue3-4 pieces of rigid board insulationand/or staple an insulation batt (R-15 or greater preferred) to the top ofthe cover(Detail I).

�2. For an attic pull-down stairs locatedin a conditioned space, fabricate aninsulated cover or use a commercialproduct — use rigid board insulationor fibrous ductboard.

G. For a whole-house fan:�1. Fabricate a whole-house fan cover

— use rigid board insulation orfibrous duct board.

Sheathing�1. Repair any deficiencies in the

exterior sheathing or exterior rigidboard insulation.

�2. Tape or caulk the sheathing seamsor install house wrap.

�3. Cover and seal the housewrap to thetop and bottom plates and sills. Usehouse wrap tape or caulk (Detail J).

�4. Cut diagonals for windows anddoors and fold back to inside andstaple (Detail J).

�5. Overlap and seal housewrap seams.Use house wrap tape or caulk(Detail J).

�6. Seal all cuts, penetrations, andopenings in the housewrap — usehousewrap tape or caulk (Detail J).

�7. Use plastic capped nails or staplesto mechanically fasten thehousewrap to the house.

Windows�1. Select window types that meet or

exceed the 1995 Model EnergyCode.

�2. Maximize glazing areas on the southwalls.

�3. Minimize unshaded glazing areas onthe east and west walls in mixed andhot climates.

�4. Use shade screens and tinting onwindows facing south, east, andwest in southern climates that arenot already shaded by the roof,porch, vegetation, or other means.

A. Window installation:�1. Caulk the backside of the window

flange to the sheathing duringinstallation.

�2. Seal windows into their roughopening. Use backer rod (preferred)or other insulating material withcaulk, or use non-expanding sprayfoam.

Exterior Doors�1. Select door types that meet or

exceed the 1995 Model EnergyCode.

A. Door installation:�1. Seal between the door threshold and

subflooring.�2. Seal doors into their rough opening

— use backer rod (preferred) orother insulating material with caulk,or use non-expanding spray foam.

�3. Adjust the door threshold properlyfor an air-tight fit.

�4. Install door weatherstripping.

VentilationA. Kitchen range hood fan:�1. Select a kitchen range hood fan with

a flow rating of 100 - 150 cfm ormore.

�2. Vent the kitchen range hood fandirectly to the outside through theroof or sidewall.

�3. Make sure the damper in the kitchenfan is operating properly. Thedamper should be free swinging andshould seal when the fan is off.

B. Bathroom fan:�1. Select a bathroom fan with a flow

rate rating of at least 80 cfm at 0.1inches of water gauge and a noiserating of no more than 1.5 sones -consider duct length in selecting thefan size.

�2. Make sure a ventilation opening iscut in the roof for the bathroom fanbefore shingling.

�3. Vent the bathroom exhaust fandirectly to the outside through theroof or sidewall— use as short a runas possible.

�4. Install the bathroom exhaust fanducting as straight as possible,sloping the duct to the outside if asidewall discharge is used.

�5. Make sure the damper in thebathroom fan is operating properly— the dampershould be free swinging and shouldseal when the fan is off.

�6. Wire the bathroom fan and bathroomlight to operate on the same switch(i.e.,light on, fan on).

Equipment ClosetA. If a gas furnace or water heater

is being installed in aconditioned space, isolate theequipment closet from theconditioned space by:

�1. Insulating and sealing thecombustion closet walls (Detail H).

�2. Installing a solid (non-louvered) doorwith weatherstripping and athreshold (Detail H).

�3. Sealing all gas, water line andelectrical penetrations through theequipment closet (Detail H).

�4. Providing two air inlets forcombustion and venting for fluegases following code requirements(Detail H).

Heating and Cooling Equipment�1. Select heating equipment type after

comparing operating and initial costsfor all available fuel types.

�2. Use higher-efficiency equipmentwhen cost justified (typically in largerhomes in more severe climateswhere fuel costs are high).

�3. Size equipment using ACCAManuals J and S.

�4. Seal around the metal flue ofcombustion equipment — use a ULapproved metal collar and hightemperature (450°F), fire-ratedcaulk.

�5. Install an outdoor thermostat on heatpumps to control auxiliary heat use.

Air Distribution System�1. Design an air-distribution (duct)

system using ACCA Manual D.�2. Locate ducts inside the living area

rather than the attic or crawl space.�3. Avoid using building cavities as part

of the duct system.�4. Select ductwork insulation levels to

meet or exceed the 1995 ModelEnergy Code.

A. Installation:�1. Install ducts with proper support,

without kinks or restrictions, and witha minimum number of bends andturns.

�2. Connect all joints in theductwork with mechanical fasteners.

�3. Seal all joints in the ductwork withUL-approved duct sealing mastic —do NOT use cloth duct tape.

�4. Seal the return duct plenum (e.g.,sheet metal, floor joist panning,drywall) and any penetrations in theplenum — use mastic (preferred) orcaulk (Detail D).

�5. Seal duct boots to the floor ordrywall (Detail D).

�6. Seal connections and openings atthe air handler — use mastic(preferred) for the return and supplyduct connections, and use UL-181duct tape at the filter, service, andother access panels (Detail H).

Water Heating�1. Consider fuel cost in selecting

system type.

�2. Use higher-efficiency equipmentwhen cost justified (typically if hotwater use and fuel costs are high).

A. Installation:�1. Seal around the metal flue of

combustion equipment — use a ULapproved metal collar and hightemperature (450°F), fire-ratedcaulk.

�2. Connect the hot and cold waterpipes to the correct taps on thewater heater.

�3. Insulate the water heater tank with ajacket following manufacturerrequirements Detail K).

�4. Install heat traps (inverted loopspreferred or check valves) on boththe hot and cold water pipes at thewater heater (Detail K).

�5. Insulate the first two feet of the hotand cold water pipes connected tothe waterheater (Detail K).

�6. Set the water heater thermostat to120°F.

�7. For houses with a crawlspace(especially in cold and mixedclimates), insulate the water pipes inthe crawlspace for freeze protection.

Lighting�1. Install fluorescent light fixtures for

area lighting that will be on for 4hours or more each day — usuallykitchens, hallways, and oftenbathrooms.

�2. If recessed lights are installed in theceiling with an unconditioned spaceabove it, use only UL approvedfixtures and rated Insulation Cover(IC) that meet ASTM E283requirements, and seal between thefixture and the drywall.

�3. Install fluorescent, high-pressuresodium, or metal halide fixtures forexterior lighting.

�4. Use motion sensors or photo cellson exterior security lighting.

Appliances�1. Select refrigerators, clothes washers

and dishwashers that meet EnergyStar requirements.

Adapted with permission from a factsheet(Residential Energy-Efficient Design andConstruction Checklist) published by OakRidgeNational Laboratory, October 1999.Oak Ridge National Laboratory, P.O. Box2008, Building 3147, Bethel Valley Road,Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37831-6070

Adapted with permission from a factsheet(Habitat for Humanity Energy-EfficientConstruction Checklist for Homes)published by U.S. Department of Energy,Office of Building Technology, State andCommunity Programs, 1000 IndependenceAvenue, Washington, DC 20585