Designing a house that balances the competing interests of performance and cost is the focus of a December 2 conference at the Augusta, Maine, Civic Center.

“The Pretty Good House: Balancing Energy Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality and Cost” will be hosted by the Maine Indoor Air Quality Council and the Maine Association of Building Efficiency Professionals. According to organizers, the program is designed for just about anyone interested in residential and light commercial building, including architects, engineers, code officers and inspectors, and those who just want to know more about the topic.

Among the speakers will be Eric Werling, the national coordinator for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program.

The fee is $99 for members and $150 for non-members. Lunch is included. The program starts at 7:30 a.m. and runs through 3:35 p.m.

Panel discussions will cover basics of the “Pretty Good House” concept; federal resources to promote energy efficiency, such as the Department of Energy’s Building America Solution Center; and HVAC issues.

Registration can be handled online.