Proving the energy efficiency of log homes, a recent air infiltration test in Michigan demonstrated that a Hochstetler Log Home exceeded industry standards, dispelling myths about drafty log houses.
Apprehensively, Eli Haugen caulked the last and final corner of the log home he was building for Larry Warner in Bancroft, MI. In the center of the room, Vance, with Bravo Home Performance, was setting up his equipment to do an Air Infiltration Test, which was required by the local energy code. Since it was the first time Eli had done this on any of his homes, including log homes, he was not quite sure what the end results would be.
The 1,625 sq. ft. Hochstetler Log Home was built in strict compliance with the construction manual, with extra care taken to ensure all corners and joints were tight and well-caulked. The home featured:
- 8x8 Square logs with Appalachian-style Dovetail joints
- Structural Douglas Fir timbers and T&G paneling
- 7-3/8” thick structural insulated panels (SIP) in the roof (R-38 insulation value)
- Logs with an estimated R-10 insulation value (potentially higher due to Thermal Mass)
Log homes are often thought to be drafty and less energy-efficient, so Vance initially prepared to test at a higher setting. But when he turned on the equipment, nothing registered. Assuming an error, he tried again at a lower setting—and still, the results were shockingly low. The air infiltration rate came in at 0.63 air changes per hour (ACH)—far exceeding Michigan’s Residential Code requirement of 4.0 ACH and even surpassing the Energy Star standard of 3.0 ACH.
This test confirms that well-built log homes can be among the most airtight and energy-efficient homes available. However, achieving these results depends on working with a reliable builder and a reputable company. Hochstetler Log Homes proves that, when built correctly, log homes are not just beautiful—they’re built to perform.
