Retrofitting an existing wood-frame residence for energy conservation-an experimental study

Describes retrofitting a wood-frame residence, having only limited insulation in the attic, to reduce its energy requirements for heating and cooling. The three retrofit stages comprised : reducing air leaks ; adding storm windows : andinstalling insulation in the floor, ceiling and walls. The housewas extensively insulated to evaluate energy savings and other performance factors. an economic model was used to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the retrofit options. The walls of the test house were insulated with three different types of insulating material whose thermal performance was measured and compared. "Recommended good practices" for moisture protection were applied and evaluated. thermographic surveys were performed before and after the retrofit and criteria for distinguishingbetween insulated and uninsulated wood-frame cavity walls presented.