EmPower+ and Comfort Home Program Dense Packing Wall Cavity Updates
Program/s: EmPower+, Comfort Home
To: Participating Contractors
Summary: EmPower+ and Comfort Home Program Dense Packing Wall Cavity Updates
Questions: Please Contact Contractor Support at 1-800-284-9069
Beginning December 1, 2024, the EmPower+ and Comfort Home program will no longer provide incentives for the dense packing of wall cavities or ceiling slopes in instances where the cavity includes pre-existing insulation that does not allow for the proper installation of the proposed material to achieve the final R-value according to the insulation manufacturer specifications and workscope submitted to program.
To be eligible for EmPower+ and Comfort Home incentives wall cavities proposed for insulation upgrades must have a minimum void depth of 2 inches.
Building component example that does NOT qualify:
- 2×4 wall cavity that has 2 inches (or more) of pre-existing fiberglass insulation.
Building component example that DOES qualify:
- 2×6 wall cavity that has 3 inches (or less) of preexisting fiberglass insulation.
Floor cavities located above an attached or tuck-under garage, above unconditioned spaces, and cantilevers are exempt from this Program rule. Contractors still must verify there is space in the existing cavity to add the proposed insulation upgrade by providing photos of the available space in the floor cavities.
Assessment
Contractors must conduct a thorough assessment of wall cavities or ceiling slopes before proposing these areas for additional insulation work through EmPower+ and Comfort Home.
- The assessment must document the type, condition, and R-value of the existing insulation and be included in the Existing Conditions section of the Workscope Submission step in NYHEP.
Compliance
Workscope submissions that include the dense packing of wall cavities or ceiling slopes where the proposed cavity includes pre-existing insulation must include photos of the existing wall cavity conditions to support that the combined R-value and density of new and existing insulation will meet manufacturer installation specifications.
NYHEP Workflow
Workscope Submission
All wall cavity or ceiling slope insulation proposals involving pre-existing insulation must be submitted for approval as part of the workscope submission. NYHEP will be updated so wall insulation measures are not auto approved. At the Workscope Submission step, contractors must submit clear photos of the open space in the cavity, via a borescope or other industry practice(s). IR camera images alone will not be accepted.
Final Project Submission
Geo-tagged post-installation photos must be provided in the single PDF submitted in NYHEP at the Final Project Submission workflow step to verify compliance with the approved proposal and manufacturer specifications. Photos must include clear detail of installed insulation prior to sealing off wall cavity or ceiling slope access point.
Expected Outcomes
Program expects contractors to fill 100% of each cavity achieving the final R-value included in the workscope submission while meeting the required insulation manufacturer specifications.
- As best practice, contractors are advised to provide the customer with a dated manufacturer insulation receipt signed by the installer that minimally includes Installed insulation type, coverage area, installed thickness, minimum settled thickness, installed R-value, and number of bags installed at the home at time of final project completion.
- Contractors are asked to keep a record of this on hand for any projects that include this type of measure receiving incentives through the program.
Non-Compliance
Contractors installing insulation in wall cavities or slope surfaces that included pre-existing insulation and are non-compliant with the updated guidelines will be required to cover the cost of the insulation.
- Charging the customer for the non-compliant measure will not be permitted. Incentives paid for the non-compliant measure will be reimbursed by the contractor.
- Additional disciplinary action may be taken against the contractor according to the current Program Manual.
This update was covered in the November 1, 2024, Contractor Webinar which can be found here. Prior to the effective date, Sections 5.18 and 8.2 of the Program Manual will be updated to reflect these program changes. If there are any questions, please reach out to Contractor Support at 1-800-284-9069.