Written and Compiled by Rex Britton, John Conley, Ted Haskell, Rod Street

In cooperation with PGE

Manual Contact: 1-866-365-3526

March 1, 2008

HOME ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Weatherization Specification Manual

INTRODUCTION

IN 1.0—Program Goals and Eligibility

The intent of this weatherization program is to help homeowners and renters be more comfortable and save energy through cost-effective weatherization improvements. Only Oregon dwellings whose primary heat energy is provided by Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, and Cascade Natural Gas shall be eligible for Energy Trust services and incentives. For a measure to be in compliance with these specifications, all aspects of the measure described herein must be installed as described.

IN 1.1—Code Compliance

In cases where a federal, state, or local code or regulation exceeds the requirements herein, that code or regulation shall apply. If the federal, state or local code or regulation does not exceed the requirements herein, then the requirements contained in this specification shall apply.

IN 1.2—Documenting Installed Measures

All completed program measures shall be recorded on the “Completed Measures Certificate,” which shall be attached to, or posted near, the electrical panel.

IN 1.3—Materials

Materials used in the Home Energy Solutions weatherization program shall meet or exceed applicable local, state, and federal codes and regulations. Materials, including manufacturers’ installation instructions, which do not conform to Home Energy Solutions guidelines, shall not be eligible for Home Energy Solutions incentives. Home Energy Solutions does not keep a list of approved products. Adherence to applicable codes and regulations is the responsibility of the contractor or building owner. Home Energy Solutions reserves the right to refuse use of materials and supplies it deems unacceptable.

IN 1.4—Inspections and Inspection Process

After weatherization measures are installed, an inspection may be required to verify compliance with Home Energy Solutions specifications. If the installed weatherization measures do not meet these specifications, Home Energy Solutions will notify the customer and the contractor of the deficiencies, and follow-up with the contractor to perform repairs. However, Home Energy Solutions does not guarantee either energy savings or the performance of the installations under this program. Nor does Home Energy Solutions assume responsibility for enforcing or determining compliance with codes and regulations, or their interpretation. The inspection is limited to measures or sections of measures that are reasonably visible from normal access locations. A reasonable effort will be made to see a representative section of the measure.

Although Home Energy Solutions will work with both the customer and the contractor, it is the responsibility of the customer to see that any deficiencies are brought up to these specifications in order to qualify for incentives or financing.

IN 1.5—Waivers for Unusual Conditions

When unusual conditions exist, Home Energy Solutions may waive certain provisions of the weatherization specifications, or may substitute a different standard or method. The purpose of the waiver is to identify unusual conditions before work begins. Such waivers require pre-approval by Home Energy Solutions.

The contractor must either fill out and submit a program waiver form in advance, and fax it to 1-866-516-7592, or call one of the numbers listed below to get in touch with a program representative. While on the phone, the representative can approve the waiver, then complete necessary waiver information and fax a copy to the contractor’s company.

Waiver contact numbers:

1st—1-866-365-3526 (trade ally hotline)
2nd—971-645-3097
3rd—503-349-1925

IN 1.6—Illustrations

Illustrations in this specification are part of the Home Energy Solutions specifications.

IN 1.7—Human Contact Areas

Insulation installed and receiving an incentive from the Home Energy Solutions (HES) program in attics, basements, garages, storage areas, or other areas where occupants go for routine maintenance or storage (Human Contact Areas), shall be covered with a vapor permeable air barrier to limit occupant exposure to insulation fibers. Unless a barrier (such as a wall) exists, fibrous insulation shall be covered. Fibrous insulation used as a dam around storage areas in attics shall be covered and extend at least two feet from storage area. Attic hatches and knee wall-access doors insulated with fibrous insulation shall also be covered. All covering shall meet applicable codes.