Understanding Energy Code Compliance: Performance Path vs. Prescriptive Path
Look—if you’re building a house in Connecticut, you’ve got to meet energy code. That’s non-negotiable.
But here’s where it gets interesting: there are two different ways to hit those energy targets. One’s like painting by numbers. The other’s more like jazz. And which one you choose can either make your life easier—or way more expensive.
Let’s break it down like you’re on the job site with a coffee in hand.
Option 1: The Prescriptive Path (a.k.a. The Rule-Follower’s Route)
This one’s the “just check the boxes” approach. You follow a fixed set of rules—insulation R-values, window ratings, HVAC specs—and you don’t color outside the lines. No trade-offs. No modeling. Just do exactly what the book says.
What it looks like:
- Stick to the IECC’s list of requirements
- Use X inches of insulation in the attic, Y type of windows, Z HVAC efficiency
- No flexibility. Every component has to meet or exceed code
- It’s easy to inspect, and town officials love it because there’s nothing to calculate
When it works:
- Basic builds
- Tight budgets
- When you’re not doing anything fancy with design or layout
Downside?
You might end up spending more on materials than you need to. There's no room to make smart trade-offs.
Option 2: The Performance Path (a.k.a. The Smarter, Custom Route)
This is for folks who want flexibility without sacrificing performance. Instead of blindly following the checklist, you build an energy model of the home and prove it performs just as well—or better.
How it works:
- Bring in a HERS rater to model the home’s predicted energy use
- Play with trade-offs—like using a high-efficiency HVAC so you can ease up on insulation in certain spots
- Use real data (climate, design, materials) to show your plan meets the code
When it’s worth it:
- Custom homes
- Unique layouts or design goals
- You want to balance comfort, cost, and creativity
- You’re aiming for rebates or certifications (like Energy Star or Zero Energy Ready)
So How Does This Energy Modeling Thing Actually Work?
Let’s say you’re using the Performance Path. Here’s what goes into that energy model:
- Insulation types and thicknesses
- Window and door specs
- HVAC system efficiency
- Air sealing and ventilation
- Any renewables (solar, heat pumps, etc.)
- Actual Connecticut weather data
Two ways to slice it:
- Envelope Trade-Off Method – Over-insulate one area, ease up in another
- Whole-House Performance Method – Balance everything across the board: insulation, HVAC, lighting, etc.
Either way, you prove the home performs at—or above—the IECC baseline. Boom. You’re compliant, but without the handcuffs.
Energy Points: How You Earn ’Em
Both paths let you rack up energy efficiency “points,” but they score it differently:
Performance Path:
- Points for total projected energy savings vs. baseline
- Big picture thinking
Prescriptive Path:
- Points for specific upgrades—better HVAC, more insulation, tighter ducts, etc.
- Checkbox system
Same goes for water efficiency:
- Performance Path: Modeled using the Water Rating Index (WRI)
- Prescriptive Path: Earn points for low-flow fixtures, smart irrigation, efficient appliances
Why Most Pros Are Moving Toward the Performance Path
Let’s be real: it takes more planning up front, but the Performance Path gives you more control, more efficiency, and often more savings. Here’s why builders are going that route:
- 💰 Cost-effective: Use money where it matters—don’t overspend where you don’t need to
- 📐 Design freedom: Build what you want, not just what the code says
- 🏡 Real-world comfort: Better air sealing, better performance, lower bills
- 📉 Long-term payoff: Homeowners get comfort and efficiency for years
Some towns in CT are even nudging builders toward Performance-only compliance because they know it works better. It’s where the industry is heading.
Nealon Insulation: We Help You Nail This
Whether you’re building custom or cookie-cutter, Nealon Insulation knows how to make sure your insulation plan works—and passes inspection.
Here’s what we bring to the table:
✅ Energy code expertise (we’ve been at this since 1977)
✅ Blown-in cellulose insulation that crushes fiberglass in performance
✅ HERS rater partnerships if you want to go the performance route
✅ Guidance on EnergizeCT rebates and how to qualify
Let’s get your project dialed in—no guesswork, no headaches, no missed inspections.
📞 Give us a call. We’ll walk you through which path makes sense for your build—and how to make it airtight from day one.
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Why Old Connecticut Homes Are So Noisy (and How to Fix It)
If you live in an older home in Connecticut, chances are you've experienced it, the unmistakable creak of a floorboard every time someone walks upstairs.
If you live in an older home in Connecticut, chances are you've experienced it:
- The unmistakable creak of a floorboard every time someone walks upstairs.
- The neighbor's leaf blower sounding like it's in your living room.
- Your kid's late-night Xbox session leaking through the walls.
Yup. Old Connecticut homes are charming—until they start shouting at you from every direction.
Let’s break down why they’re so noisy, and what you can actually do to get some peace and quiet.
Why Are Older Homes in Connecticut So Loud?
1. They Weren't Built With Soundproofing in Mind
Before the 1980s, insulation standards were wildly inconsistent, and no one was thinking about decibel ratings. Homes were built to last, sure, but not to keep sound from bouncing through every wall, floor, and duct.
2. Empty Wall Cavities
Many homes built before the energy crises of the '70s have wall cavities with little or no insulation. That means sounds travel freely between rooms, floors, and even outside. Ever wonder why your teenager's music sounds louder in the hallway than in their actual room? That’s why.
3. Hard Surfaces Everywhere
Hardwood floors, plaster walls, thin doors—they all reflect sound rather than absorb it. Combine that with minimal insulation and you've basically got an echo chamber.
4. HVAC and Plumbing Noise
Ductwork and pipes in older homes often aren’t isolated. That means your heating system or a flushing toilet can broadcast noise across the house like it’s got a microphone.
5. Squeaky Floors and Loose Framing
Connecticut homes go through wild weather swings. Over time, the wood expands, contracts, and shifts—leading to squeaks, creaks, and pops that remind you your home has... character.
How to Fix It (Without Losing the Charm)
1. Dense-Pack Cellulose in the Walls
Dense-pack cellulose isn't just great for thermal insulation—it also significantly reduces sound transmission. It fills the wall cavity fully, blocking airborne sound from traveling through. This can be a game-changer in old homes with hollow walls.
2. Add Rugs, Curtains, and Soft Furnishings
No, this isn’t a design blog, but it matters: sound needs soft surfaces to absorb it. Add a thick rug to a hardwood hallway or heavy curtains over windows. Even bookshelves can double as sound barriers.
3. Seal the Gaps
Air gaps = sound gaps. Use acoustic caulk around outlets, baseboards, and windows. Weatherstrip old doors. Add door sweeps. These little details make a surprising difference.
4. Swap Out Hollow-Core Doors
Many older homes have doors that are essentially cardboard inside. Replacing them with solid-core doors is one of the easiest ways to stop sound from room to room.
5. Soundproof the Ceiling or Floor Between Levels
This one’s more advanced, but if you’re doing a reno, it’s worth it. Options include:
- Dense-pack cellulose or fiberglass batts between joists
- Resilient channels or sound isolation clips
- Double layers of drywall with Green Glue between them
Each step helps decouple sound vibrations so they don’t carry.
6. Box in Noisy Ductwork or Pipes
If your HVAC system sounds like a jet engine, or your plumbing makes ghost noises, consider boxing in the runs with insulation and drywall. It won’t silence them completely, but it’ll dull the roar.
Final Thoughts
Old Connecticut homes have a lot going for them: craftsmanship, character, and history. But they also come with creaks, leaks, and sound transfer that modern homes are better at managing.
The good news? You don’t have to gut your house to make it quieter. A few smart upgrades can turn your charming echo chamber into a peaceful retreat.
If you're not sure where to start, we can help. At Nealon Insulation, we've worked in homes up and down the Connecticut shoreline, and we know the quirks that come with the territory. We’ll walk through your home, give honest recommendations, and tailor a solution that fits your space—and your ears.
👉 Schedule your free consultation with Nealon Insulation and let’s bring the volume down.
What is a REScheck? And why it matters in Connecticut
If you're building a new home, adding an extension, or undertaking a major renovation in Connecticut, you've likely encountered the term REScheck. It might sound like bureaucratic jargon, but understanding REScheck is crucial for ensuring your project complies with energy codes and avoids costly setbacks.
If you're building a new home, adding an extension, or undertaking a major renovation in Connecticut, you've likely encountered the term REScheck. It might sound like bureaucratic jargon, but understanding REScheck is crucial for ensuring your project complies with energy codes and avoids costly setbacks.
What Is a REScheck?
REScheck stands for Residential Energy Services Check. It's a software tool developed by the U.S. Department of Energy to help builders, designers, and homeowners demonstrate that their construction projects meet the energy efficiency requirements of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
In simpler terms? A REScheck report verifies that your home’s design includes adequate insulation, efficient windows and doors, and proper air sealing to meet or exceed energy codes. Think of it like your home’s energy performance report card — and you want to pass.
When Is a REScheck Required in Connecticut?
In Connecticut, REScheck is commonly required for:
- New residential constructions
- Additions that increase the conditioned (heated or cooled) space
- Major renovations affecting the building envelope (walls, roof, windows, doors)
Local building departments often mandate a REScheck report as part of the permit application process to ensure your project meets the state’s energy code. Best bet? Check with your local building authority before breaking out the blueprints.
Why Is REScheck Important?
1. Ensures Code Compliance
A REScheck report gives you documented proof that your project meets Connecticut’s energy code. It’s often required to get permits and pass inspections — and skipping it can lead to big delays.
2. Optimizes Energy Efficiency
REScheck evaluates your home’s design and identifies areas to improve efficiency. That means lower energy bills, better comfort, and fewer complaints about drafty rooms down the line.
3. Facilitates Trade-Offs
Here’s where it gets good — REScheck lets you play with the numbers. Say your walls are above code with extra insulation? Then you may be allowed to use slightly less insulation in the attic. This kind of flexibility can save you money on materials and labor while still meeting overall efficiency goals.
4. Supports Incentive Programs
Complying with energy codes through REScheck may make your project eligible for rebates and incentives. In Connecticut, EnergizeCT offers programs that can help offset the cost of insulation, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and more.
How REScheck's Can Actually Help You (Not Just Limit You)
Most folks hear “code compliance” and think: red tape. But REScheck isn’t just about putting up walls (literally or figuratively). It’s actually a smart way to unlock more cost-effective design options while still meeting or exceeding energy efficiency standards.
REScheck looks at the whole building system — not just your insulation. It considers:
- Window performance (U-value and SHGC)
- Heating and cooling systems
- Air leakage
- Roof/ceiling insulation
- Wall and floor insulation
- Foundation type
So instead of requiring every single part of the home to hit a strict R-value target, it lets you balance things out. Maybe you go all-in on a high-efficiency heat pump or better windows — then the software might allow lower insulation values in other areas, without violating code.
This is huge for Connecticut builders and homeowners, where construction costs are no joke. REScheck offers a real path to code compliance with a dose of flexibility, making projects more affordable without cutting corners.
Final Thoughts
Navigating Connecticut’s energy codes doesn’t have to be a headache. REScheck is your friend, not your foe — especially when you know how to use it right.
Whether you're building from scratch or tackling a major renovation, incorporating REScheck early can save you time, money, and stress — and get your project approved faster.
👉 Need help running a REScheck or figuring out your insulation strategy? Reach out to us here. No pressure. Just solid advice from a team that knows how to make building smarter a whole lot easier.
How to Price an Insulation Job (Straight from the Contractor’s Notebook)
If you’ve ever gotten a quote for insulation work and thought, “Where is this number even coming from?” — you’re not alone.We get it. Home improvement pricing can feel like a black box. So let’s open it up. This post breaks down how insulation pricing works — at least for us at Nealon Insulation — so you can make better-informed decisions about your home.
If you’ve ever gotten a quote for insulation work and thought, “Where is this number even coming from?” — you’re not alone.
We get it. Home improvement pricing can feel like a black box. So let’s open it up. This post breaks down how insulation pricing works — at least for us at Nealon Insulation — so you can make better-informed decisions about your home.
The Building Blocks of a Quote
Every insulation project has three core pricing components:
- Materials
- Labor
- Margin (which covers overhead as well as a modest profit for us… we gotta eat too!)
Let’s break each one down.
1. Materials: What You’re Putting in the Walls (or Attic or Basement)
First up: materials. This part’s pretty cut and dry.
Based on the size of the space and the type of insulation you need — fiberglass batts, spray foam, cellulose insulation, etc. — we estimate how much product is needed based on the square footage and necessary R-value which is essentially measured by thickness in inches.
We know the cost per bag, batt, or board foot (square foot by inch) of material. Multiply that by the quantity needed, and you’ve got your material cost!
Simple as that! It’s transparent and straightforward — no magic here…
But next come’s the trickier part…
2. Labor: Who’s Installing It, and How Long will It Take
This is where things start to vary a bit more.
We do our best estimate how many total hours it will take to complete the job, from setup to cleanup. Then we multiply that by the average hourly labor cost across our crew. Our goal is to be as efficient as possible with this to ensure that you don’t get overcharged and everyone comes out a winner.
But it’s important to note labor isn’t just the physical act of installing insulation. It includes things like:
- Driving to your property
- Setting up tools and safety gear
- Protecting your home’s surfaces
- Cleaning up so you’re not left with a mess
If your home is older, has tight crawlspaces, requires extra prep, or needs just a little bit more concentration and caution then of course the labor hours go up.
And on top of that in this line of work sometime’s we’re getting into spaces or walls where we don’t even know what we’re going to find until we’re in there so sometimes contingencies need to be built in.
3. Margin: Why the Final Price Isn’t Just Materials + Labor
Here’s the part most people don’t talk about — the markup…
After we calculate materials and labor, we add a target margin. This isn’t just profit for us. It also covers all the other costs of running a business:
- Insurance and licenses
- Vehicles and gas
- Payroll taxes
- Tools and equipment maintenance
- Office support
- Marketing and scheduling
- Training, safety, and more!
But I promise we’re not greedy! Our goal is for you, the customer, to get real value for the price. We don’t aim for crazy margins. We aim for healthy, sustainable ones — the kind that keep good, high quality people employed and happy to help you with your problems.
Why Some Quotes Are Lower (or Higher)
If you see a big discrepancy in pricing, it could be because:
- They’re cutting corners on material quality
- They’re underestimating labor time
- They’re not factoring in overhead (and may not be around next year)
- Or maybe they’re just a more efficient company
If a quote is higher, it could be due to a company’s inefficiencies, higher overhead, maybe just plain greed… or maybe they’re higher quality and doing things the right way.
Everything’s relative here so it’s hard to know, just make sure you’re working with someone you can trust and know what you’re paying for. We do have ideas on how to find the right insulation contractor.
Final Thoughts
Insulation isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the best investments you can make in your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term health.
We believe in doing things right — pricing included. When you get a quote from us, it’s built through real time, effort, and deep thought to ensure we’re providing the highest quality work for the best value:
Materials + Labor + Margin = Total Price
It’s not rocket science. It’s just good business.
And when it’s done right, everybody wins.
👉 Free consultation. No pressure. Just honest advice.
Let's Work Together
Ready to transform your home into an energy-efficient haven? Schedule your free energy assessment today and experience the Nealon difference for yourself.