Leveling Up Existing Homes by Establishing Current Performance

Author: Audree Grubesic

Date: Jun 1, 2023

Read time: 2 min read

Main topic

The post discusses how existing homes should be tested, evaluated, and improved to raise performance.

Building Science Principles course

• Speaker: Joe Konopacki, President & CEO of Insight Property Services, Inc.
• Course name: Building Science Principles course, or BSP
• Audience: home professionals
• Level: entry level
• Format: typically an in-person, 8 hour training with extensive interaction
• Online version: self-paced and can be reviewed multiple times

Topics covered

• Air flow
• Heat flow
• Moisture flow in homes
• Heat management and insulation
• Moisture management, including liquid and vapor
• Building air control

Key points on home performance

Tighter homes are described as more comfortable and efficient. They are also relatively cheap to accomplish. The post says this can create combustion safety concerns and requires active indoor air quality monitoring and maintenance.

Possible signs of exhaust fumes spilling into the home include a runny nose, headache, or sore throat.

High performance and diagnostics

The post says high performance depends on balanced interactions between the building enclosure and mechanical systems. Diagnostic testing verifies whether the work scope was properly implemented.

Goal for existing homes

The post argues that existing homes need better performance to stay relevant for another 50 to 100 years. The desired outcomes are safer, healthier, more durable, more comfortable, and more efficient homes.

Contact information