East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity Demonstration Project

In 2007, BAIHP researchers discussed ENERGY STAR requirements with the site supervisor and construction manager at this affiliate. Researchers made suggestions for improving the thermal envelope and air barrier, including a strategy for enclosing the air handler closet at the attic interface (see BAIHP recommended Gulf Coast Package). Throughout 2007, the affiliate worked on improving these envelope issues including the air barrier separating the air handler closet from the attic. In January 2008, BAIHP tested several houses and found favorable results. This affiliate also worked with their utility’s builder incentive program to improve their specifications. The initial HERS Index for this affiliate was approximately 95. They began construction of two prototype houses (Figure 1) in September of 2008.  They passed the Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist but needed improvements to their outside air system. The homes were completed in December of 2008 and were part of the 2008 Jimmy and Rosalind Carter Work Project. Final testing and rating were conducted in January of 2009 with both houses missing the target goal of HERS Index 70 due to higher duct leakage (Qn = 0.06). HERS Indices were 71 and 73 respectively.

Figure 1: East St. Tammany HFH Prototypes in Slidell, Louisiana.

Partner contact information:

Josh Bontrager, Construction Director
East St. Tammany Habitat for Humanity
1066 Front Street
Slidell, Louisiana 70458
Phone: (985) 639-0656
Fax: (985) 605-1030

Website: http://www.esthfh.org/