Here are common air barrier assembly and material tests
As discussed previously, the building industry can take advantage of extended and expanded tax incentives through energy-efficient building practices outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
IRA credits will be calculated based on building performance guidelines established by American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 90.1. This standard provides the minimum requirements for energy-efficient design of most buildings, except low-rise residential buildings.
A wide range of test standards exist for evaluating building materials and systems. ASTM E779 is a post-application assembly test that will be the “money test” for IRA energy credit deductions. It is the only test that measures whole building energy efficiency.
Prior to the whole building test, designers have many tools available to evaluate how materials perform as part of the assembly. Some of these tests can help applicators identify and fix leaks prior to the whole building test. Go here for a list of common tests.
We’ve produced a guide to help you navigate the nuances of qualifying for the IRA credits. Download it here today.