At the recent 2018 RESNET Building Performance Conference, Jay Crandell (ARES Consulting) and Amy Schmidt (Dow Building and Construction) gave a presentation titled “Stranger Things – The Energy Code Myths that Haunt Us”. 

Myth presentation intro slide

In the talk, they tackled confusing concepts in energy code compliance, such as calculating the R-value of a hybrid wall and determining air space performance contributions. For instance, in the realm of wall insulation, did you know 20+5 doesn’t necessarily equal 25?  Or, did you know that the energy code actually is first and foremost a life safety code?

The presentation also covered misconceptions about the R-value of air barriers and how different building materials should be factored in determining compliance with R-value requirements.

Response to the presentation was very positive, with one attendee claiming “this is the best presentation I’ve seen to date at any RESNET conference.” If you missed it, don’t worry!  The slides do a great job of getting the points across, and are available here on the ABTG website.