Events

    Free Two Part Series: Crawlspace Retrofits in Electrification Projects, October 27 & 29, 9 am - 12 pm PT

  • 27 October 2026 To 29 October 2026
  • Start time : 09:00 AM
  • End time : 12:00 PM
  • Event Host : Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
Free two part series: Crawlspace Retrofits in Electrification Projects, October 27 & 29, 9 am - 12 pm PT
Event Description

Discover practical strategies for sealing and insulating crawlspaces to boost home performance and comfort. Learn from Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance as he tackles moisture, rodents, and wildfire resilience. Ideal for professionals working on energy upgrades and crawlspace retrofits.

Part 1 - October 27 (9 am - 12 pm)

Crawlspaces come in all shapes and sizes including shallow or hillside, and crawlspaces adjacent to conditioned spaces. The geometry of a crawlspace is an important factor when deciding where to establish a continuous air barrier. Ultimately the insulation will follow and remain aligned with that air barrier. In this course, Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will present air sealing and insulating strategies for various crawlspace types, along with the myriad benefits effective crawlspace solutions provide for the occupants and the home.

Learning objective - 

  • Cite areas where the crawlspace air barrier typically lacks continuity
  • Identify tests to assess the continuity of the air barrier
  • List examples of crawlspace subfloor penetrations that require an air sealing method that can be undone if maintenance is needed
  • Name alternatives to batt insulation in the subfloor
  • Explain key benefits to air isolating a vented crawlspace from the conditioned spaces
  • Summarize post-retrofit testing strategies for continuity and thermal performance

Part 2 - October 29, (9:30 am - 12:30 pm)

Many existing crawlspaces require remediation prior to other energy upgrade work, including attic or electrification upgrades. This course examines retrofits of vented and unvented crawlspaces, tradeoffs between each crawlspace assembly, and the crawlspace assembly's impact on the home's overall performance and comfort. From home durability to occupant safety and comfort, Dan Perunko of Balance Point Home Performance will address moisture and vapor sources, rodent control, as well as strategies to reduce wildfire ember intrusion.

Learning objective - 

  • Prioritize source control of moisture in crawlspaces
  • Define how water in liquid or vapor form is transported
  • Name performance tests that can be used to evaluate the moisture balance of the crawlspace
  • Explain performance problems associated with typical foundation vents
  • Describe ways to improve wildfire resistance by updating the foundation vent strategy
  • List an example of a crawl space type that is not well suited for converting to a sealed crawlspace
  • Discuss methods for addressing abandoned foundation vents
  • Explain the difference between a vapor barrier and an air barrier
  • State why a consumer might choose to upgrade from a basic unsealed plastic layer in the crawlspace
  • Identify ways to test the performance of a plastic layer that is serving as an air barrier in the crawlspace
  • Summarize the real world benefits of installs of ground cover to meet different performance outcomes

Image: The Crawlspace Kings

  • Host Company/Organization Name
    • Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
  • Agenda
    • Part 1 Agenda -

      Introduction and safety message
      Understanding the geometry of the crawlspace
      Using test tools identifying leakage and understanding their limitations
      Air barrier alignment for vented and unvented crawlspaces
      Implications for equipment make-up air in unvented crawlspaces
      Creating continuity in the crawlspace
      Strategies for air sealing leaks in the subfloor
      Air sealing around plumbing fixtures that may require future maintenance
      Removing abandoned or soon-to-be abandoned mechanical equipment that interfaces with the subfloor air barrier
      Air sealing electrical systems and conduits that pass through the subfloor
      Addressing air leakage at masonry fireplaces that pass though the subfloor

      Part 2 Agenda -

      Introduction and safety message
      Understanding the phases of water and how it is transported
      Prioritizing and mitigating sources of moisture
      Removing accumulated debris and abandoned systems
      Reviewing current common practices
      Decision to vent or not to vent and evaluate all the existing conditions
      Updating existing foundation vent to reduce wildfire ember intrusion
      Addressing weather proofing on existing foundation vents
      Reduced foundation venting
      Converting a vented crawlspace to a sealed crawlspace
      Addressing abandoned foundation vent holes
      Air leakage control implications
      Recladding the skirt to achieve multiple outcomes
      Testing the assembly
  • Speakers / Presenters
    • Dan Perunko

      Dan Perunko is cofounder of Balance Point Home Performance Company. In 2006, along with Gavin Healy, Dan started a successful company providing full service home performance analysis, retrofits, consultations, and trainings. Dan works on new and existing construction designs and hands on installations of enclosures, mechanical, plumbing, and indoor air quality components based on tested performance outcomes. Dan especially enjoys improving existing homes to provide homeowners with levels of comfort and energy consumption that they have not believed possible. Dan is a professional trainer who designs and delivers full and multi day courses for California’s Utility Companies (energy training centers) and ACI national and regional conferences. Dan brings his experience from construction, design and building analysis, to make his class materials relevant, useful and understandable regardless of the attendees’ level of experience.
  • Event type
    • Online/Webinar

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