Thermal
Bypass Test:
The procedure called the Thermal Bypass Inspection, and a
corresponding checklist, were created as part of the updated ENERGY
STAR® home certification standards of 2006. This inspection is
designed to check for missing or incorrectly installed insulation
(examples pictured to the right) and sealing of penetrations and air
gaps (examples pictured below). Reducing thermal bypasses is
important as they can lead to comfort and warranty issues as well as
higher utility bills.
These photos are from the Thermal Bypass Guide. This document
provides a good explanation, enhanced with plenty of accompanying
photography, of where insulation is often missing, what constitutes
poor installation, and where sealing of penetrations should take
place.
The Thermal Bypass Inspection is required for an ENERGY STAR
certification and can contribute to points within the
Energy-Efficiency section of the NAHB Green Home Guidelines. It is
not a requirement for an NAHB or FGBC green certification.
To access the Checklist and Guide, click below
Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist
To view at a glance how the HERS Index and all the various tests play a role in the FGBC, NAHB and ENERGY STAR certification programs Click Here
Twitter
Blog
RSS Feed 
Facebook