AT-90-25-1 -- Will CFC Restrictions Jeopardize Anticipated Foundation Thermal Efficiency Gains? PDF

Discusses the increase in the use of foundation insulation in the USA to improve heat loss, moisture damage, indoor air quality and radon levels. The main purpose of this paper is to determine the effect on energy savings from foundation insulation of CFC restrictions in the USA. A reduction in the use of R12 blown extruded polystyrene in particular. The use of alternative products such as a switch from exterior to interior insulation, use of glass fibre, polystyrene insulation in the form of rigid boards (EPS drainage board) or moulded boards (MEPS), or XEPS using an alternative blowing agent such as R134a are used to calculate energy savings under different scenarios.

KEYWORDS: fluorocarbons, thermal insulation, refrigerants, R12, R134a, foundations, USA, heat loss, moisture, air quality, indoor, radon, energy conservation, polystyrene, glass fibre, calculating, legislation.