Table below summarizes what is commonly found during energy audits in this region, also what current local codes recommend.  My target specs are shown in the right-most column, applied as much as possible in new construction and in major remodelling.  Many of my targets are based on books and articles on passive solar by Douglas Balcomb, who often recommends airtightening and doubling code-required insulation values when designing a passive solar home.  US-DOE posted new insulation recommendations in mid-2000s, the most notable upgrade being  R-49 for ceiling insulation.  Find US-DOE climate map and recommendations at:  http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/insulation.html

in SW Ohio, Northern KY & SE Indiana
Inefficient &
Current
USDOE mid1990s
Robbins Targets
Uninsulated
OH-KY Codes
Current Indiana Code
For High Performance
Opaque Assemblies
Ceiling insulation (R)
11 or less
30, taper OK @ eaves
38, taper OK @ eaves
38-60 untapered
Attic & crawlspace access doors insulation (R)
none
n/a
n/a
10-30
Wall & floor edge insulation (R)
none
13
19
20-30
Ongrade slab insulation (R)
none
n/a
n/a
10-30 @ edge, 10 below
Basement wall insulation (R)
none
n/a
n/a
10-25
Bsmt slab insulation (R)
none
n/a
n/a
 5-10 edge & below
Airtight
not
n/a
n/a
very (HRV maybe req'd)
Window Glass Type
Any
at least dbl-pane
at least dbl-pane
multi-pane, lowE, inert gas
Total unit (R)
1
1.6 or greater
1.6 or greater
3 or greater
Air leakage
drafty
0.32 cfm/sf @ 25 mph
0.32 cfm/sf @ 25 mph
0.10 cfm/sf or less
Shading for summer sun
?
n/a
n/a
May-Aug full shade
South glass
?
n/a
n/a
6-10% of floor area
East & west glass
?
n/a
n/a
1-5% of floor area
North glass
?
n/a
n/a
1-5% of floor area
Frames
?
n/a
n/a
wood, vinyl or fiberglass
HVAC
Sized by calculation
no
no
no
yes
Combustion furnace efficiency
below 78%
78%
78%
90+%
Sealed combustion w/ outside air supplied?
no
sometimes
sometimes
yes
Heatpump heating efficiency (HSPF = BTU/wh)
6.8
6.8
6.8
9 or higher BTU/wh
Air conditioner & Heatpump cooling efficiency (SEER = BTU/wh)
10 or lower
13
13
14 or higher BTU/wh
Sealed ductwork
no
n/a
n/a
yes
Wood & Pellet Burning
Emissions
n/a, traditional fireplaces emit upto 25-50 gr/h particulates
4 grams/hr max
Sealed combustion w/ outside air supplied?
no
sometimes
sometimes
yes
Lighting
incandescent
incandescent
incandescent
Daylight, Fluorescent, LED