Event | June 1, 2021
For most people, the smart thermostat is the entry point for home automation. It’s easier than ever to connect your home’s heating and cooling systems to the Internet, allowing homeowners to control their HVAC from nearly anywhere on the planet. More Research | May 20, 2021
Slipstream, partnering with the University of Central Florida–FSEC Energy Research Center and the Washington State University Energy Program, received nearly $1,000,000 from U.S. Department of Energy to reimagine HVAC in new manufactured housing (MH) over three years. More Event | April 5, 2021
In this session, hydronics expert John Siegenthaler describes the breadth of currently available air-to-water heat pumps, including their performance characteristics. He then shows how to combine these heat pumps in both new and retrofit situations, sharing practical do’s and don’ts as well as several templates that can serve as starting points for optimal system design. More Event | February 22, 2021
Jon Golz (Enercept SIPs) lays out what you need to know about offsite construction, including how panelized and modular practices fit in with current market conditions.
In the Fireside Chat, we'll continue the discussion with builders who use offsite construction to achieve high-performance buildings while meeting energy efficiency goals. More Event | February 19, 2021
Experts from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) cover three ways in which communities can work together to provide more resilient, reliable homes through smart controls and advances in energy management. More Publication | November 17, 2020
Published: 2010
As part of a larger national project investigating the performance of residential gas-fired water heaters, the Energy Center of Wisconsin has monitored and evaluated performance of several types of water heaters in 10 southern Wisconsin homes.
Report number: 254-1
More Research | November 11, 2020
The national Weatherization Assistance Program has been working to reduce the energy burden on low-income households for more than 40 years. And it works! Households continue to reap savings years after weatherization. More Event | September 23, 2020
Air sealing makes a big impact on a home’s durability and comfort. Why should you inspect for UDC air sealing requirements or know if your approach to air sealing delivers high quality? In this webinar, you’ll become thoroughly familiar with the UDC single family air sealing requirements. Proper air sealing and insulation work together to deliver energy efficiency. More Event | September 23, 2020
Heart of a Building, an exciting new technical documentary series, shares the stories and the tactics of the people who design, finance, and construct the buildings of tomorrow, today. Let us inspire you with the heart-centered reasons to build with the earth, and energy, in mind.
More Event | July 20, 2020
About 13,000 new homes and several hundred multifamily buildings are built in Minnesota each year and many existing homes receive additions and renovations. How do these projects compare relative to energy code? What kinds of beyond-code energy savings opportunities are still out there and how might utility conservation programs help to capture them? More Blog | July 9, 2020
Efficient electric homes offer a world of benefits for both builders and home buyers—and a new, exciting way for utilities to incorporate emerging technology into their energy efficiency portfolios. More Event | June 26, 2020
Illinois Green's 8th Annual GreenBuilt Home Tour will be held virtually this year! Join four Wednesdays in July at 3:30 p.m. for a web series highlighting green homes throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana. More Research | June 1, 2020
Cold climate heat pumps provide economic, environmental, and grid benefits
Can cold climate heat pumps deliver worthwhile results to homeowners and utilities? How do we design effective programs and product rebates to encourage heat pump adoption? We monitored residential centrally ducted, dual fuel air-source heat pumps in Michigan to find out. More News | May 29, 2020
Weatherization provides more benefits to residents outside of saving energy. However, the Department of Energy (DOE) guidelines don’t allow programs to count improvements that don’t tie directly to energy cost savings. We aim to change that. More Blog | May 7, 2020
You may have heard of Barry Schwartz’s famous “Paradox of Choice.” The premise of Dr. Schwartz’s paradox is simple: while our instinct is to believe that more choice is better, too many choices can overwhelm us and make our lives more difficult. More Research | April 23, 2020
About 13,000 new homes and several hundred multifamily buildings are built in Minnesota each year and many existing homes are added on to or renovated. How do these projects compare relative to energy code? What kinds of beyond-code energy savings opportunities are still out there and how might utility conservation programs help to capture them? More Event | February 18, 2020
Last year, we demonstrated the Wingnut Roof Vent Testing on a small demonstration rig. Although the two-by-four easel rig revealed quite a bit about cathedral roof venting, it brought up the question of how it compares to real roofs. This session will show you how the demo rig has been improved. More Event | February 18, 2020
The subject of indoor air quality (IAQ) gets a lot of press these days and it's often assumed that just because a home is new that the installed mechanical ventilation systems can contribute to better IAQ. The most common types of ventilation systems include whole-house, bathroom spot, and kitchen spot. More Event | February 18, 2020
New building products and systems crop up like both sturdy trees and annoying weeds. Sometimes it is not so easy to tell the difference. Peter has been evaluating building products and systems for more than 30 years. He will lay out a "protocol" for evaluating building materials and then apply that lens to new products and even his Wingnut testing.
More Event | February 18, 2020
Our nation's housing stock in in peril as homeowners are increasingly challenged financially to maintain and upgrade their homes. Upgrades are badly needed as our housing stock average age approaches 40 years. However, deep energy retrofits are not for the faint of heart. More Blog | November 21, 2019
At Slipstream, it is our goal to provide the education and solutions for everyone to make smart energy choices. The Better Buildings: Better Business Conference is one way we try to achieve that goal in the residential building industry. Slipstream has been putting on the Better Buildings: Better Business Conference since 1998. More Event | November 12, 2019
Why should you go?
Besides hearing from the most innovative residential builders and remodelers in the Midwest, you will also experience: More Blog | November 7, 2019
At Slipstream, we have employees who prioritize making their own homes more energy efficient. Ben Heymer, Senior Project Manager in our Chicago office, is one of those employees and featured his home in the Illinois GreenBuilt Home Tour in August. More Blog | October 28, 2019
Slipstream has a rich history supporting the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) locally in Wisconsin and across the country. We develop and deliver building science and programmatic trainings as well as support the development and maintenance of program specifications and guidance. More Event | October 24, 2019
Smart thermostats control far more than just temperature. Ryan Hoger discusses the features and benefits of using smart thermostats to save energy, enhance indoor air quality, and track data. Geared toward residential thermostat users and installers alike, this course highlights market trends and addresses installation challenges and solutions. More Event | July 18, 2019
Own an infrared camera and want to expand into the commercial market? Watch this on-demand webinar to learn the major differences between residential and commercial building thermography. We review the electrical and mechanical systems thermographers should be familiar with and discuss how to perform a commercial roof inspection. More Event | July 18, 2019
Using the building science and building code for attics and roofs, we will work through which roof and attic configurations work and why. Peter will work with a local high performance builder and roof/attic mock-ups to get into the nitty-gritty of materials, sequencing, and trades interaction for high performance attics and roofs.
More Event | July 18, 2019
Are you a skeptic when it comes to advanced framing techniques? Our expert presenter has been working with them for nearly a decade. He’ll share his real-world experiences and discuss the pros and cons of advanced framing systems. Are you looking for better-than-code energy efficiency, improved strength and cost savings? Join us.
More Event | July 18, 2019
Is your energy efficiency and sustainability message falling upon deaf ears? Join us online to learn how to reframe the conversation and discuss the concept of a perfectly efficient home. We'll focus on meeting your customers' lifestyle desires while using every available dollar to generate the greatest savings. More Event | July 18, 2019
Virtually every major industry has experienced, or is in the process of experiencing, massive disruption. Housing has been able to sit on the sidelines with its first-cost dominated business model and uniquely dis-aggregated industry, but not for much longer. More Event | July 18, 2019
For years, the question of waterproofing from the inside has dogged Peter. He kept hearing about all sorts of coatings that could “negative-side” waterproof, but didn’t know how to compare the anecdotes to building science. In this session, Peter cuts through the hype and the misdirection of standardized testing and figures out what works, what doesn’t and why. More Event | July 18, 2019
Windows are one of the most important features of a building envelope, allowing us to maintain a connection with the outdoors while we remain comfortable and safe indoors. The window industry has been challenged to deliver see-through products that provide energy efficiency, occupant comfort, safety, beauty and low maintenance. More Event | July 18, 2019
During this session, we will discuss the advancements in ductless heat pumps and the application for high-performance homes. Learn about the concept of high performance homes and the application of residential variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems to meet their design and efficiency requirements. More Event | July 16, 2019
Take an in-depth look at radon control systems for new homes and better understand why effective radon control is key to occupant health, safety and comfort. Following the specifications set forth by the American Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists, this course teaches you how to incorporate a radon control system into home construction projects.
More Event | July 16, 2019
Wall assembly details like corners, deck connections, fastening schedules, tapes, window bucks, furring strips and cladding attachment present challenges. Our presenter is a nationally recognized green design and building expert who set out to determine if there was a simple high performance wall system to resolve these challenges in new construction, remodeling and retrofit situations. More Event | July 16, 2019
Taking building investigations and turning them into building science puzzles is fun and informative. In "Attics and roofs that work and why," we learned how to configure high performance attics and roofs. What can we learn from roofs and attics that have had problems? More Event | July 16, 2019
In this on-demand webinar we will take a hard look at below grade walls and what it takes to properly manage the potential for bulk water intrusion and keeping the indoor environment dry, healthy, and safe. We will look at the primary issues; condensation and bulk water intrusion. More Blog | May 17, 2019
Imagine heading to the grocery store with your list of ingredients for your meals for the next month. Then, imagine not seeing prices listed for any items and not being charged for anything until the month is over. So, you have four weeks’ worth of groceries that you have consumed but no clue how much you spent on them. This is how our energy bills work. More Blog | April 5, 2019
Nearly two decades ago, Slipstream (formerly WECC) partnered with FOCUS ON ENERGY®—Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy program—to develop a residential new construction pilot program in the northeastern part of the state. More Research | December 20, 2018
We conducted an in-depth study of 100 high energy consumption homes in Minnesota. The goal was to help conservation program managers better understand the factors contributing to high usage, quantify the energy savings potential associated with common conservation measures, and identify program strategies that could be used to effectively target those opportunities. More Research | December 20, 2018
We also characterized Wisconsin’s rental sector based on a statewide sample of 180 rental properties, ranging from single-family rental homes to large apartment buildings. More Research | December 20, 2018
We characterized energy use in Minnesota’s multifamily sector and identified untapped energy efficiency opportunities. We also explored energy-related behaviors and attitudes of multifamily building owners and tenants. More Research | December 20, 2018
The manufactured home market offers an affordable housing option—and sometimes the only option—for many would-be homeowners. Residents of manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) are more likely to be low-income than residents of other single-family homes, and energy costs may comprise a larger portion of their monthly expenses. More Research | December 20, 2018
We conducted research on residential heating and cooling systems in Minnesota homes to help improve installation and maintenance practices for furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps. More Blog | December 16, 2018
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—but also one of the most expensive. Give yourself the gift of energy savings. By making just a few small changes, you could see a big difference on your energy bill. Read on to discover five easy tips and tricks for saving energy this holiday season and beyond! More Blog | August 21, 2018
In our 2018 Energy Outlook, we pointed to several emerging trends that are likely to shape our work in the future—including a cleaner grid, local focus, a growing energy storage market, and heat pump technology for space and water heating and cooling. While these developments are exciting on their own, the combination is indicative of a fundamental transformation of the power sector. More Publication | August 21, 2018
A presentation on findings from 2015 pilot programs in Wisconsin and Michigan. More Blog | August 1, 2018
Humans have been building homes for thousands of years. However, until fairly recently, we didn’t have the knowledge or technology to understand their inner workings. A home is much more than a simple structure; when it doesn’t work properly, materials and energy are wasted, occupants can feel uncomfortable, and conditions can even be unsafe or unhealthy. More Blog | September 27, 2017
Temperatures are dropping and the days are getting shorter—which means it’s time to change the way you use energy at home. Following are seven easy actions you can take to prepare your home for the cooler months ahead. Just a few small changes can make a big difference, so get started today! More Blog | August 7, 2017
While browsing your local retail store for a new washer, dryer, refrigerator, or even light bulbs, you may have seen a sticker or other signage on the appliance—or in the aisle—about instant savings or rebates available toward the purchase of an energy-efficient product. More Blog | August 2, 2017
Summer is officially here, which means it’s time for sandals, cookouts, pool parties – and, of course, trying to stay cool. Nobody wants to spend their summer worrying about their utility bill. Fortunately, rising temperatures don’t have to mean rising energy costs. Read on for five easy ways to beat the heat and soak up the savings. More Blog | June 13, 2017
Summer is here! Time to put your winter coat in storage and break out the flip flops. While you’re soaking up the sun, the last thing you want to worry about is your energy bill. More Publication | April 25, 2016
We conducted an in-depth study of 100 high energy consumption homes in Minnesota. The goal was to help conservation program managers better understand the factors contributing to high usage, quantify the energy savings potential associated with common conservation measures, and identify program strategies that could be used to effectively target those opportunities. More Publication | November 1, 2015
Article by Jeannette LeZaks and Ingo Bensch, Home Energy Magazine, Nov/Dec 2015. More Publication | October 10, 2015
Using Seasonal and Connectivity-Based Differences in Residential Thermostat Use to Maximize Savings: A pilot to test the impacts of residential, Wi-Fi-connected thermostats. More Publication | April 17, 2000
This is the residential characterization study—the first and most complete picture of energy use and energy efficiency in Wisconsin housing. More
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