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FSEC Staff Member Retires After 29 Years
Program manager James (Jim) Cummings has been an instrumental part of FSEC for 29 years. Jim's documented research results have led to duct testing programs by many utilities across the country. His personal research into air return issues when interior doors are closed in homes has led to Florida incorporating code language leading to improved efficiency and indoor air quality in Florida homes for the last decade. Jim’s breadth of research has also included radon, humidity and other indoor air quality issues. He and Chuck Withers were recognized in 2009 for the best ASHRAE Journal publication at ASHRAE a couple of years ago (publication). He was a contributor to the ASHRAE Journal and was nominated and received the top ASHRAE distinction of “Fellow.” His passion for making the world a better place was a key motivator to all he did and we are sure he will continue to do great things in his retirement. Best wishes, Jim! |
City of Fort Myers Acknowledge BA-PIRC Researchers
FSEC’s Building America team (BA-PIRC) recently partnered with the City of Fort Myers on two fronts: the development of high performance residential retrofit standards called the “Retrofit Challenge” and a study monitoring interior home conditions for a ventilation strategy targeting improved residential indoor air quality. At the February 18, 2014 Fort Myers City Council meeting, the City’s Office of Sustainability presented acknowledgements of appreciation to FSEC researchers and several local contractors involved in the study homes. |
FSEC Receives ENERGY STAR Award
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized FSEC with an ENERGY STAR Certified Homes Market Leader Award for its outstanding commitment to energy-efficient new homes through the ENERGY STAR program in 2013. This award also highlights FSEC’s work in helping homebuyers to experience the peace of mind, quality, comfort, and value that come with every ENERGY STAR certified home.
Award Winner |
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| James Cummings Great Publications |
Assessment of the Effectiveness and Energy Efficiency of Humidity Control Approaches in Vacant Florida Homes (2008)
Have you ever had to leave your home vacant for long periods of time and wondered what the best method would be to control humidity and minimize energy use? This paper discusses research that looked at different control methods used in different types of homes and highlights advantages and disadvantages of each.
Publication |
Problems Related to Air Handler Leakage (2008)
Air leakage of air-handling units (AHUs) is a subset of a much larger duct leakage problem that exists in homes. There are large energy and demand impacts associated with duct leakage. This article considers energy impacts of AHU leakage, but focuses primarily on IAQ problems and health risks caused by duct leakage, especially as they relate to the location of the AHU.
Publication |
Balanced Return Air, Duct Airtightness, and Combustion / Dilution Air Code Compliance in 40 Central Florida Homes (2006)
Forty houses were to be tested to investigate the degree to which specific elements of the Florida Building Code were being implemented, and the degree to which that implementation was achieving a successful outcome. Three specific codes issues were studied and two types of tests were performed.
Publication
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Energy-Efficient Buildings for the Southern United States (2009)
The following Top Ten Checklist provides recommendations for creating energy efficient commercial buildings in areas with hot and humid summers.
Publication |
Energy Efficient Strategies to Control Relative Humidity in Schools (2009)
As heat and water vapor enter a school building, they become sensible and latent cooling loads. AC systems remove both heat and water vapor from the room air. It is important to select AC systems that effectively control humidity. Even more important than selecting a main AC system with good dehumidification potential, conditioning of ventilation air is critical.
Publication |
Infiltration and Pressure Differences Induced by Forced Air Systems in Florida Residences (1989)
Five homes were tested by tracer gas and blower door to assess infiltration caused by leaks in air distribution systems. These homes are not a random sample and therefore may not give an accurate representation of Florida housing. Techniques used to determine the amount of return leak and the amount of infiltration caused by duct leaks are described.
Publication
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From Blueprints to Residential Energy Code Compliance
The course will provide students with detailed instructions and examples of how to go from a set of blueprints to calculating the residential energy code. Offered Sept 8, 2014.
Register |
EnergyGauge Pro Hands-On Training
Learn how to enter data and obtain Florida Energy Code, energy rating and system sizing results with the EnergyGauge USA FlaRes software. Offered Sept 9, 2014.
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EnergyGauge Rater Training
Become a home energy rater. Offered Sept 10-18, 2014.
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Combustion Safety Training
As a mandatory requirement to maintain certification, RESNET HERS Raters (a Class 1 in Florida) must comply with the new RESNET Combustion Appliance Safety Testing protocols outlined in Chapter 8 of RESNET Standards. Combustion Safety Testing is a requirement for homes with gas appliances participating in the EnergyStar program. Raters certified prior to 12/31/13 have until 12/31/14 to pass the Combustion module.
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