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Rebecca Olson Neighborhood Energy Connection
CERTs Conference Feb. 21st, 2013
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Objectives:
• Understand the important aspects of a comprehensive energy
audit
• Learn how to prioritize recommendations keeping the “House
as a System” in mind
• Learn some key tips in hiring a qualified contractor
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What is involved in a comprehensive energy audit?
HOME ENERGY AUDIT
Infrared Camera Scan Blower Door Test Furnace Safety Test
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How do I get a Home Energy Audit?
HOME ENERGY AUDIT
• Local Gas and/or Electric Utility
• MN Building Performance Association
• Community Action Agencies—Low Income Weatherization
• Private Consultants
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How does air move in and out of a typical older home?
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What can I learn from a Blower Door Test?
How much air escapes from the building and
where it escapes.
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Tricky air leakage areas
1 ½ story houses, dropped soffits,
recessed lights, and split level attics all
need special attention when air
sealing
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What could happen if we insulate without air sealing? • R-value becomes
compromised as air passes through insulation.
• Increased risk of condensation in attic
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Air sealing and insulating are vital to ice-dam prevention.
Ice dams are primarily caused by heat loss from the house through air leakage pathways and insufficient insulation.
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Blower Door Guided Air Sealing.
Using the Blower Door as a tool can help pinpoint gaps and cracks to stop air from escaping.
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Attic Insulation How much
insulation currently exists? Add
insulation to achieve
recommended R-Value in the attic.
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Rim Joists and Wall Insulation Is there room to add
more wall insulation? Are the rim joists and band
joists properly insulated and
accessible?
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After making my home tighter, does the house “breathe”?
It is important that the occupants have
enough fresh air to breathe. Ventilation
strategies address this as well as moisture
build-up issues.
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Heating Systems Safety Check and Combustion Analysis
Furnace Efficiency and Upgrade Opportunities
80% efficient 95% efficient 60% efficient
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After making my home tighter, can the mechanical systems still function?
Natural draft combustion appliances
often cannot draft gases up the chimney after air sealing and ventilation strategies
are installed.
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Heating Systems Safety Check and Combustion Analysis
Water Heater Efficiency and Safety Upgrade Opportunities
~.65 Energy Factor ~.95 Energy Factor ~.55 Energy Factor
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Audit Report with Results and Resources
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Prioritize recommendations:
• Attic work is likely to be the most cost effective and important part of an energy upgrade in older homes
• Air sealing should almost always accompany attic insulation to prevent moisture issues, to reduce ice dam issues, and to save more energy
• Make sure ventilation and combustion safety items are addressed if tightening up the home and/or adding more ventilation
• Wall insulation can be very cost effective, especially if the walls are empty. Some wall insulation techniques can make the home more air sealed, so it is a 2 for 1.
• Old mechanical systems are usually very energy inefficient compared with new models—make sure new system is sized based on other house improvements
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Low hanging fruit:
• Weatherstrip doors • Install hot water
saving devices • Change
incandescent bulbs to cfl or led bulbs
• Install programmable thermostat and actually program it
• Insulate water heater tanks and pipes
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Let the STAR be your guide when replacing appliances
• Dishwasher • Refrigerator • Clothes
washer • Water heater • Computers • Electronics • CFL and LED
bulbs
Look for ENERGY STAR label
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Tips to hiring a contractor: • Make sure contractor is qualified to do work by making sure they are
insured and have any applicable licenses • Make sure they come to the house to bid the job • Show contractor the audit report, so they know what the auditor
recommended • Ask if the contractor uses a blower door and/or an IR camera to find
air leaks • If there are health and safety concerns from the auditor, ask if the
contractor knows how to fix/prevent them. • Ask contractor for customer references • Get multiple bids and consult auditor to make sure the bid covers
your scope of work • Ask if permits are required and, if so make sure the contractor plans
to pull them • If applying for rebates, make sure the contractor is on any applicable
list.
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Look into financing and rebate options
There are many financing and utility rebate options for homeowners throughout the state. NEC has a loan department and facilitates Xcel Energy Rebates. Check www.dsireusa.org for additional financing and rebate information.
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THANK YOU
651.221.4462 x104
www.TheNEC.org
facebook.com/thenec