ENERGY SAVINGS
Energy efficiency in construction has always been top of mind for ICP and its brands including HandiFoam and APOC. Roofing and insulation contractors have long been aware of the energy reducing opportunities in air sealing, insulating and cool roofing. However, now with the expanded tax incentives brought to the American population through the Inflation Reduction Act, the opportunities for homeowners, facility managers/owners and contractors are exponential.
in construction
net impact of
In late 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022—the largest bill in U.S. history to combat climate change. In the next several years, over $300 billion is to be invested in energy and climate reform via energy tax incentives, investment in the production of clean energy, and tax credits aimed at reducing carbon emissions. It’s good for the planet—and good for the building and construction industry, because there is a ripe opportunity to take advantage of incentives through energy-efficient building practices. While the IRA incentivizes big-ticket improvements like energy-efficient windows, modern HVAC systems and more, it also promotes more modest and cost-effective measures. One of those includes properly weatherizing a home or building by using effective construction products to properly air seal the leakage points. Another potential energy savings application includes the application of reflective roof coatings, particularly in commercial buildings.
Components of the Inflation Reduction Act
Today’s Government Incentives to Save Energy
HOMEOWNER
CONTRACTOR
PROPERTY MANAGER
REBATES
TAX CREDITS
TAX DEDUCTIONS
HOMES
25C
45L
HEERA
179D
IRA PROGRAMS
Click on each program below to learn more.
How the IRA can help your SPF Business
The Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance has provided an initial assessment of the energy efficiency incentive programs contained in the IRA. Click to learn how some programs, such as tax credits and deductions, take effect immediately, while other programs provide funding to federal agencies allocated to states to create these programs managed through state, county, and municipal governments.
Click here to read the full article
Calculate Insulation Tax Savings
ICAA has developed an online instant calculator for homeowners to determine their potential tax savings for upgrading their insulation under the 25C Tax Credit.
Click here to calculate savings
Basics of Building Science
Understanding ‘stack effect’ and how it affects you
HOW DO REFLECTIVE ROOF COATINGS SAVE ENERGY?
Read more
COMMON AIR SEALING APPLICATIONS
Want to estimate your SAVINGS WITH ROOF COATINGS?
Case Studies
Energy, Install & Labor Savings in Roof Restoration Project
A Roof Restoration Success Story that Goes 14 Stories High
Energy Savings by Rim Joist Application
“In January of this year versus the previous, the average temperature was colder than the previous year and yet the home experienced more than $200 in energy savings after air sealing.”
Attic and Rim Joist Retrofit Stops Air Infiltration
Click here to read the full case study
“Taking the rock off the roof and applying APOC #252 Sunwhite Acrylic cooled the surface temperature of the roof 60 degrees.”
“Air sealing in the rim joists translated to an 11.4% reduction in ACH which translated to an estimated annual savings of 19.3% for heating and cooling expenses.”
“The building owner reported that he saved over 30% installing the APOC Roof Restoration System compared to tearing off the existing roof and installing a new roof. He indicated that time & labor savings are more than 50%. On top of that, the roof restoration system is now saving them up to 30% in his energy costs.”
Reflective Roof Coatings Solutions
APOC Cool Roof Restoration Systems deliver high solar reflectivity and thermal emittance which significantly reduce roof temperatures. Lower roof temperatures have been proven to decrease internal building temperatures resulting in recurring savings from reduced air conditioning needs. As an added benefit, air conditioning equipment is less strained which can extend the life span of that equipment too. The bottom line is that APOC Cool Roof Restoration Systems can significantly increase energy efficiency, saving money along the way.
Click here to browse the full APOC offering of elastomeric and silicone reflective coatings.
Low Pressure Polyurethane Foam Solutions
For smaller applications like sealing around a rough opening with can foam to larger full scale insulating projects and everything in between, HandiFoam has the most comprehensive line of low pressure solutions. From kits and cans to refillable systems and drums, HandiFoam products have been stopping air infiltration since the term was first introduced to the industry. Why does it matter that these products are low pressure? With low pressure spf products, the impact to the homeowner, building occupant and contractor is lower; lower re-entry time, less disruption to day to day life or business, fewer PPE requirements and less impact on other trades.
Click here to browse the full HandiFoam offering of low pressure foam products.
Additional Resources
As state-managed programs come online, they should be included in the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficienct (DSIRE) website.
Federal Income Tax Credits and Incentives for Energy Efficiency
Insulation Contractors Association of America has provided an overview of the increased tax credit opportunities for homeowners
Tax credits for homeowners
Tax Deductions for Commercial Buildings
Cool Roof Financial Incentives
ICP will update this page regularly as more information becomes available regarding the IRA and as agencies further develop programs responsive to the Inflation Reduction Act. ICP does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. The content here has been prepared for informational purposes only.
Program for homeowners or multi-family up to $8K based on total energy reduction & income level.
info@icpgroup.com | www.icpgroup.com
Low-income homes, incorporates overall electric improvements which can provide spray foam and air sealing opportunities.
Increased tax credit amounts up to $1200 for qualified energy efficiency improvements installed during the year. Air sealing and insulation materials apply.
Credits for new residential or multi-family construction builders, tied to ENERGY STAR or Zero Energy (DOE) requirements.
Tax deduction for architects, owners, or tenants for commercial buildings; can apply to new construction or improvements, including air sealing and reflective roof coatings.
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Click the arrows through out to view energy-saving testimonials.
"After the contractors finished the air seal, our house seems a lot quieter and more structurally sound." – Homeowner, Madison, CT
Rim Joists and Critical Seal of the Attic Reduce Air Exchanges
Hybrid Solution used to Maximize Energy- and Cost-Efficiency.
Energy Savings by Sealing Rim Joists and Cantilevered Floors
100-Year-Old House Receives an Energy Efficiency Upgrade
“The hybrid solution of combining 1/2-2 inch of foam with a batt of fiberglass insulation can be a cost-effective way to maximize the effectiveness of traditional insulation while providing energy savings."
“Adding two inches of HandiFoam to the rimjoists and 2” of foam in cantilevered floors providing a 37% reduction in hourly air exchanges.”
“After spraying 2” of HandiFoam in the rim joists, performing a critical seal of the attic and sealing below a bay window with 2" of foam, this 100-year-old house had a 22% reduction in hourly air exchanges."
“After spraying 2” of HandiFoam in the rim joists and performing a critical seal of the attic, this home experienced a 20% reduction in hourly air exchanges.”
Click here to become an APOC certified contractor.
"We noticed right away that our air conditioner was not cycling on nearly as much and the house was much more comfortable overall (after air sealing).” – Homeowner, Denver, CO
“After the installation of an APOC reflective roof coating, we’re saving 30% in energy costs.” - Warehouse Building Owner, Tucson, AZ
The Basics of Building Science
Air leakage is one of the leading inefficiencies of any home or structure. Cold air infiltrates interior spaces in the winter; warm air does the same in the summer. Each of these conditions creates the need for HVAC systems to compensate—and that can lead to higher energy consumption and costs. With this in mind, it’s worth knowing how air leakage and infiltration can affect a typical home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy air leakage accounts for 25 to 40 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling and also reduces the effectiveness of other energy-efficiency measures such as increased insulation and high-performance windows.
Exfilitration
Infiltration
Neutral Pressure
In cold conditions, air tends to infiltrate through the lower portion of the house—most commonly through the basement and rim joists. That cold air then migrates up through the house and eventually escapes, or exfiltrates, through the attic. This phenomenon is known as the stack effect. In hotter conditions, the stack effect occurs in reverse. Warm air infiltration occurs at the top of the house, and the warmer air finds its way through the attic to the second floor. This hot air pushes cooler air to exfiltrate through the bottom of the home. In either situation, effective weatherization is dependent upon identifying the neutral pressure plane—the point at which infiltration converts to exfiltration. Identifying the neutral pressure plane allows the professional to identify and address both infiltration and exfiltration points.
HOME
Exfiltration
One final cause of air leakage is the wind effect. Consider a 20-mph wind blowing against the side of a house. That wind finds its way both through and around the house and will pull air with it, creating leakage. Rather than through joists or attics, in this case, a home may experience leaks through other gaps in the building envelope. This phenomenon, in combination with the stack effect, can add up to significant leakage and efficiency loss.
What is Weatherization?
In the face of these challenges, building professionals can more effectively weatherize a home to prevent air infiltration and leakage. Weatherization involves diagnostics and improvements: it’s critical to understand how and where a building is most vulnerable to infiltration and leakage—this involves a thorough evaluation of the building envelope. Then, such problems must be addressed with effective products and installation techniques. For example, spray polyurethane foam can be one of the most effective means of sealing common leak points to prevent unwanted air infiltration and exfiltration.
Why Weatherize?
Before we explore best practices for weatherization, it’s worth exploring the benefits of doing so: • Comfort - Increased comfort is typically the biggest selling feature of weatherization. It will help better regulate optimal temperatures throughout the living space, offering a more consistent environment. • Energy efficiency - Weatherizing a home can offer major energy-efficiency benefits, helping homeowners reduce utility costs. When a structure is properly weatherized, two things occur: It allows the HVAC system to be appropriately sized for the space. Second, because the HVAC system will not need to consistently overcompensate for air leaks—e.g., it won’t be continuously cycling on and off—it will be able to run at peak efficiency. • Indoor air quality - Mold in homes is typically a byproduct of air infiltration. Hot, humid air that infiltrates a basement or crawl space, for example, may contribute to mold formation. Mold can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. By stopping such infiltration, proper weatherization can contribute to higher indoor air quality. • Improved structure - Weatherizing a home fundamentally improves the longevity of the building envelope and can increase the value of any property.
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Net Impact of Energy Savings in Construction
How Reflective Roof Coatings Work to Save Energy
There are several ways that roof restoration creates both instant and long-term savings for building owners, homeowners and property managers. They include savings from extending roof life, savings from tax advantages, savings from reduction in utility and energy costs, and savings on materials and disposal costs.
APOC Restoration Systems:
• Dramatically Cool Roofs • Lower Heat Transfer to Building • Reduce Energy Consumption • Extend the life of your roof
Radiant heat and powerful UV rays cause thermal shock and rapid deterioration of all roofing materials at the molecular level. This constant exposure results in accelerated aging, lost flexibility, fatigue, splits and cracks and ultimately roof membrane failure. Heat build-up on a roof can also lead to increased building temperatures, building discomfort, unproductive employees and increased energy consumption and costs.
A 2016 study from Concordia University shows that any improvement to a roof that limits the summertime solar heat gain actually results in energy cost savings for the building owner, as well as a reduction in the building's overall environmental impact.
APOC’s unique roof restoration process can significantly extend your roof life and in many cases double or triple the remaining life of a roof membrane. This additional value provides improved life cycle costing and a sustainable roof membrane that is easy to maintain. APOC’s time-tested systems and innovative technologies have received several patents and offer proven, sustainable options for your building. Our unique systems offer material and labor warranty options backed by one of the nation’s oldest and largest roofing materials manufacturers.
White Reflective Roof Coating System
Uncoated Asphalt Roof System
Cool roof systems drastically reduce roof temperatures, thermal shock and roof maintenance requirements. In addition, they extend roof life, improve building comfort and substantially reduce cooling costs. In fact, we refer to cool roof systems as an asset that can provide a return in your investment.
Common Air Sealing Applications
When evaluating the building envelope, remember that the most common leak points occur at the adjoinment of different building materials. Here, breaks in the building envelope are causing the leakage. Hover over the buttons below to explore the common air sealing applications.
In addressing such problems, the first priority should be the home’s attic. In most cases, this is where a home sees the most significant leaks and where heat escapes during cold weather. Here, look for any seams throughout the attic perimeter. Knee walls are a common point of transmission. The second priority should be the basement and crawl spaces. Addressing leaks in these areas helps to eliminate key sources of air infiltration. One of the most common sources of infiltration here are the rim joists—properly sealing rim joists will be highly effective in improving the building envelope. Finally, address leakage throughout the remainder of the building envelope. Some common areas include the undersides of any bay windows or cantilevered floors; awnings above bay windows; the space around windows themselves; and within the interior of the home itself, e.g., light fixtures and electrical sockets. Certain diagnostic methods can be applied to determine air leak rates, problem areas, and the proper amount of air movement required to create a healthy building. First, a blower door setup can be used to depressurize a home and simulate adverse weather conditions. This allows for measuring air exchanges per hour—the rate at which air is completely replaced and replenished on an hourly basis. Performing the same method after leak points are addressed can also validate the weatherization work that has been performed. Infrared imaging can also help identify leak points by visualizing temperature differences at critical points through the building envelope.
Attic Floors
Can light Covers
Outlet Perimeters
Foundation Walls
Rim/band joists
Floors
Crawl Space
Walls
Window Openings
Low-Pressure Foam—An Ideal Weatherization Solution
After leaks have been identified, they must be addressed. And one of the most effective methods for doing so is by using low-pressure spray polyurethane foam. Air sealing with foam typically has the highest and quickest ROI of all air-sealing methods.
• Foam is highly effective at stopping air infiltration, in part because foam’s expanding properties can more effectively fill gaps, particularly those with irregular shapes or that are in hard-to-reach areas.
• Foam also creates an effective moisture barrier, which can have a dramatic impact on mold and mildew reduction.
• Foam can help stop the transmission of noise through leak spots.
• Spray foams are convenient for smaller retrofit jobs and can be easily scaled for larger projects.
• Foam provides the highest R-value of any insulating or sealing material.
Weatherization services are one of the most effective ways for home and building owners to capitalize on new incentives to improve the efficiency of their structures. Using products like low-pressure spray polyurethane foams, like the HandiFoam® family of products from ICP, is one way you can effectively weatherize any structure. HandiFoam offers a total package solution, from the roof to the ground, and is engineered specifically to meet market needs.
For more information about effective weatherization and the right spray foam product to meet specific application needs, visit www.HandiFoam.com.
Location: Northeast Ohio Area: 2300 sq. ft. home Minimum Ventilation Reqirement: 6.3 ACH50 (air exchanges per hour) Results from Blower Door Before: 9.3 ACH50 Work Performed: 3" of HandiFoam Spray Foam was used to seal and insulate the basement rim joist of the home, along with a 1" coat in the attic, to stop air loss. Results from Blower Door After: 6.3 ACH50 - lowering air exchanges by 32%!
The retrofit not only increased the home's energy efficiency significantly, it also leads to a more comfortable living environment within the house. In January of '09 the average temperature in NE Ohio was 28.9° F, six degrees colder than January 09; yet the home experienced more than $200.00 in energy bill savings.
There was no down time which allowed the hotel to operate under normal everyday conditions. Taking the rock off the roof and applying APOC #252 Sunwhite Acrylic cooled the surface temperature of the roof by 60 degrees.
Location: Hotel in Los Angeles, CA Existing Roof System: Mineral surfaced fiberglass cap sheet; Built-up roof system Work Performed: Power washed existing roof after the slag rock was power vacuumed off the roof. Applied flood coat of APOC #300 asphalt emulsion over existing roof system at 9-12 g/100 sq.ft. Flood coat helps level roof where rock is not completely removed. After flood coat cures, applied Monoform, 9 gal emulsion + 3 lbs chopped glass per 100 sq.ft. Applied two layers of 40” polyester mesh, each layer set in 4 gal of APOC #300 asphalt emulsion. Applied APOC #252 Sun White Acrylic coating at 3 gal/100 sq. ft. Coating applied in 2 passes at 1 1⁄2 gal per pass. Results: The retrofit results provide a high reflectivity rate, protective barrier, long service life and resists algae for easy cleaning.
Location: Kansas Area: 2400 sq. ft. home Work Performed: 3" of HandiFoam Spray Foam was used to seal and insulate the basement rim joist in the home. Because of its closed cell properties, HandiFoam created both an air and a vapor barrier (at 3"). Results from Blower Door After: Reduction in annual infilitration rate estimated at 11.4% simply by spraying the rim joists.
This reduction in air infiltration translated to an estimated annual cost savings of approximately 19.3%.
Energy, Install & Labor Savings in a Roof Restoration Project
Location: Roofing Supply Warehouse in Tucson, AZ Existing Roof System: Mineral surfaced fiberglass cap sheet; Built-up roof system Work Performed: Existing roof consisted of fiberglass base, figerglass ply and hot asphalt, a typical three ply BUR over a wood deck. The roof was installed 10 years prior and never coated. The roof was leaking and the fiberglass in the felt was visible, but overall it was still a good restoration candidate. The restoration eliminated the need for a tear off and landfill waste. The roof was prepped, patched and coated with APOC #252 Sun White Acrylic, applied in 2 passes.
The building owner reported savings over 30% installing the APOC Roof Restoration System compared to tearing off the existing roof and installing a new roof. He indicated that time & labor savings are more than 50%. On top of that, the roof restoration system is now saving them up to 30% in his energy costs.
Location: Northeast Ohio Area: 2650 sq. ft. Colonial Home (built in 1983) Insulation Prior: R-19 blown in cellulose in the attic, no insulation in the rim joists Minimum Ventilation Requirement: 5.4 ACH50 (air exchanges per hour) Results from Blower Door Before: 7.7 ACH50 Work Performed: Sprayed 2" of HandiFoam in rim joists in the basement and performed a critical seal in the attic. Approximately 400 bd.ft. of HandiFoam was used. Results from Blower Door After: 6.2 ACH50 - lowering air exchanges by 20%!
Location: Northeast Ohio Area: 1475 sq. ft. Colonial Home (built in 1912) Insulation Prior: Corrugated cardboard sheets and batt insulation in attic, nothing in the rim joist or under the bay window Minimum Ventilation Requirement: 5.4 ACH50 (air exchanges per hour) Results from Blower Door Before: 13.7 ACH50 Work Performed: Sprayed 1" of HandiFoam on attic floor and added R-42 loose cellulose, sprayed rim joists with 2" of foam, sealed below bay window with 2"of foam. Used approximately 600 bd. ft. of HandiFoam Spray Foam. Results from Blower Door After: 10.6 ACH50 - lowering air exchanges by 22%!
Location: Northeast Ohio Area: 2100 sq. ft. 4-Level Split Home (built in 1970) Insulation Prior: Fiberglass in walls & attic, nothing in the rim joists or the cantilevered floors Minimum Ventilation Requirement: 5.4 ACH50 (air exchanges per hour) Results from Blower Door Before: 10.4 ACH50 Work Performed: Sprayed 2" of HandiFoam in the rim joists in basement and cantilevered floors. Used approximately 400 bd. ft. of HandiFoam Spray Foam. Results from Blower Door After: 6.6 ACH50 - lowering air exchanges by 37%!
