Superinsulation

Superinsulation is an approach to building design, construction, and retrofitting that dramatically reduces heat loss (and gain) by using much higher insulation levels and airtightness than average.

This has been demonstrated to work even in frigid climates but requires close attention to construction details in addition to the insulation (see IEA Solar Heating & Cooling Implementing Agreement Task 13).

In 1976 he was part of a team that developed a design called the "Lo-Cal" house, using computer simulations based on the climate of Madison, Wisconsin.

Sealing the air barrier is more complex, and the thermal insulation continuity is compromised (because of the many partition, floor, and service penetrations); the original wall assembly is rendered colder in cold weather (and hence more prone to condensation and slower to dry), occupants are exposed to significant disruptions, and the house is left with less interior space.

Another approach is to use the 1/3 to 2/3 method mentioned above—to install a vapor retarder on the inside of the existing wall (if there is not one already) and add insulation and support structure to the interior.

A central furnace is often justified or required to ensure sufficiently uniform temperatures in homes with numerous rooms, more than one floor, air conditioning, or large size.

The cost of a superinsulation retrofit should be balanced against the future price of heating fuel (which can be expected to fluctuate from year to year due to supply problems, natural disasters, or geopolitical events), the desire to reduce pollution from heating a building, or the desire to provide exceptional thermal comfort.

During a power failure, a superinsulated house stays warm longer as heat loss is much less than usual, but the thermal storage capacity of the structural materials and contents is the same.

When deprived of their continuous supply of electricity (either for heat directly or to operate gas-fired furnaces), conventional houses cool rapidly and may be at greater risk of costly damage from freezing water pipes.

Residents who use supplemental heating methods without proper care during such episodes or at any other time may subject themselves to the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.