Air tightness and insulation of homes go together when talking about energy efficiency.
One without the other will allow thermal transfer, either via the gaps or insufficent insulation. (phsyical or insufficent R-Value).
Without both of these being critical elements included, ie the choice of materials, (eg brick , AAC, lightweight materials and insulation with higher R-Values - thermal mass vs insulation) and the attention to the construction of the home how can we expect to achieve improved energy efficiency?
Logic tells me, no gaps in construction / insulation , and better insulation will limit thermal transfer, heat or cold, and assist to maintain comfortable living tempertures with less need for air conditioning (heating and cooling) which equals better energy efficiency.
With increased focus on measuring energy efficiency using NatHERS Energy Star rating, can someone tell me how NatHERS provides stars for air tightness ?
And, since the Star Rating tool assumes and is weighted in favour of thermal mass, (which doesn't work for all climates) how do I get increased star rating for increased insulation, when this tool doesn't give much star value consideration for insulation?
Insulation and air tightness works in all climates.
