Anchorage Foundation Insulation Study

Builders in Southcentral Alaska asked CCHRC to study an insulation strategy currently being recommended that involves insulating with R-38 batts from the rim joist down the foundation wall and four feet horizontally inward along the crawlspace floor. Through monitoring temperatures in and around foundations, CCHRC is investigating whether the technique may subject foundations to frost…

water-sewer

Alaska Water-Sewer Challenge

Alaska Water-Sewer Challenge The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation created the Alaska Water and Sewer Challenge to create innovative and cost effective home-based water and sewer system solutions for households in remote villages. The driving purpose behind the project is to  improve the health of rural residents and reduce the cost of installing and operating…

LED Lighting Analysis

LED Lighting Analysis Fluorescent lighting dominates in public facilities and commercial buildings because it is relatively efficient and widely available. Yet LED (light emitting diode) lighting is even more efficient: converting a T8 fluorescent lamp (pictured left) to an LED can save upwards of 40% on energy. With the rapid growth in LED products and…

vacuum insulated panels

Vacuum Insulated Panel Test

Vacuum Insulated Panel Test CCHRC is testing a new type of Vacuum Insulated Panel at the Research and Testing Facility. The high R-value panels are developed by Panasonic. By removing the air from the panels, they dramatically increased the insulation value without increasing the thickness. CCHRC will test handling and installation techniques for VIPs and…

Bath Fan Installation

Bath Fan Installation Best Practices CCHRC will test five Panasonic WhisperGreen Select bath fans at the Research and Testing Facility and evaluate runtime, relative humidity, and temperatures in the ducts. A final report will document best practices for installing bath fans in a cold climate. Resources TitleTypeResource LinkBathroom Fan Best PracticesSnapshotsDownload Partners Related Projects

Thermal Mass Study

Thermal Mass Study Thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb and store heat energy, which can be useful when it comes to cold climate housing. This project clarifies the role of thermal mass in housing and includes a literature review and energy modeling with IDA Indoor Climate and Energy (ICE) software. The goal…

Combined Heat & Ventilation

BrHEAThe Development & Evaluation BrHEAThe is a combined heating and ventilation system designed at CCHRC for providing space heating, domestic hot water, and fresh air for small, airtight, and energy efficient homes. The main goal of BrHEAThe is to ensure adequate indoor air quality – by tying ventilation to the heating system, BrHEAThe ensures that…