Raejeans Home Performance Story – October 4, 2009

Hi Neighbors: Our first fall snow has arrived

Having begun the energy audit process in May, here is a little story about my experience so far, and the current status of my home’s performance.

Millar Energy performed a blower door test (Called “Test In”), also used an infrared camera to detect where heat was escaping or cool air flowing into my home.

My Home October 2009

Here is what they found:
I. Infiltration. My home was experiencing air leakage of .77 air changes per hour (ACH). I flunked. So much heated air unnecessarily leaking out of my home every hour!
II. Windows. My other big problem was the heat loss from all the windows–great for the view–but not so good for keeping the heat in. It was recommended that I add shades which would add R-4 to the insulation of windows.
III. Electricity. As for electricity . . .I have some CFL’s in place, but not all.
The report recommended replacing ALL light bulbs with CFL’s or better yet LED’s.
Also, my hot tub is electric. Since electrical power is 3 times as costly as propane at Kirkwood, it is recommended that I switch to a propane hot tub.
There were recommendations for solar, new boiler and hot water—this is a work in progress–and I will report later on this.
So, what have I done and what reductions in propane and electricity use/cost can I expect. . .

I. Infiltration. Part A. I had a team of two guys, supervised by Millar Energy replacing all recessed light trim kits, seal and install gaskets. (It turns out that having recessed lights is like having a swiss cheese ceiling!)
Removed switch plates/outlets and baseboards, sealed and caulked. They also used little plastic outlet plugs. Sealing around windows. Weatherization strips for front door and French doors. Other sealing and caulking in the crawl space–stairs were leaking.
Part B. Another weatherization company, Gantt Miller of Build Tahoe Green and Electrican, Rob Blue, came in to finish up. Gantt came up with a unique way to close up outside vents to keep my crawl space warm.

Vent Covers

Gantt caulked around my Dining Room Built-in cabinet, more weatherstripping on double front door. Installation of Panasonic Whisperjet bathroom fans. Also, mortor around slate floor tiles, where needed. Also, installed two kitchen ceiling fans to assist with good air flow–winter and summer.
II. Window Coverings. I found the highest rated R value cellular shade–which is a triple cell Hunter Douglas, found cheaper on-line through Blinds Galore. I installed three of them in my lower level to see how I like them. Thanks, Sean for the great installation job! Answer. I like them and am measuring the rest of my windows to do the whole house. Work in progress.
III. Electrician Paul Sower installed 25 occupancy sensors and timer switches–idiot proofing the problem of leaving lights on (Cost: $2800). And, I admit, I was bad.
CFL’s installed throughout the house.
Paul also installed my favorite new Teddy Bear, TED, The Energy Detective. TED sits on my Dining Room buffet, where I can regularly glance over to see how many kWh I am consuming each moment. Very revealing!! I find myself looking around saying–What have I got on??? and, What can I turn off??? It also helps remind me to turn OFF my surge bars when not in use-(printer, computers, stereo, tv).

“TEST-OUT”

TEST-OUT FAN

Wesley King, of Green Endeavors performed a complimentary “test out” with blower door, to discover how my home is performing now.
The ACH is approximately .40, down from .77. I have a few more items on my punch list. However, I am 95% there!

What can I expect in reduction of propane and electricity?

Air sealing. If air is sealed to .3, I can expect an 18% savings on propane use. Or a savings of @$1545 per year. The cost to seal, so far is @$5,000. So my pay-back is 3.2 years. The cost for my home was more, due to my high ceilings. (More typical might be @$100 per square foot–my home is 3,300 sf.)

Window coverings. The report assumed that the shades are drawn 50% of the time (at night). This would result ia 19% reduction in heating cost or $1667. I am still working on the total cost for all the shades and will report the pay-back upon completion of the project. I am also planning to experiment with window energy film (for non-passive solar windows of irregular shape not practical for window coverings)—which is advertised as reflecting heat back in to the home, creating an additional efficiency.

Electricity. Was not directly considered in the initial study. However, I can tell you that between the new light bulbs, occupancy sensors/switches and TED, I have had my lowest bill 224 kW useage (September read date) EVER for a total cost of $101.00 (46 cents kWh), and I have occupied the home full time. This compared to September 2008 , 825 kW useage, at a total cost of $305 (37 cents kWh).

The big revelation for me is that for my September bill, I conserved 81 kWh of energy (27% reduction), and I saved $204 (67% savings!), even though the kWh cost is higher in 2009 (46 cents) than 2008 (37 cents).  I must say–that a big difference may also be that my hot tub (probably $80 of the bill) is off this month. I will be producing hot water with solar thermal energy next Spring. Even so, my occupancy sensors electrical cost and TED will be paid back in @9 months.

CONSERVATION IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THE KWH COST!!!!

I consider consuming between 7 and 10 kWh per day pretty good–with full-time occupancy of 1 – 2 persons.

TED

The End Game Plan . . .
Between these conservation/efficiency measures and my plans for new boiler/solar/possible geo-exchange system, I am hoping to become a “carbon neutral” home. I want a green home. I want to get as close to eliminating fossil fuel as I can. Yes, it will cost me some. . . but I figure it will all pay for itself over time. I feel if I am going to spend money in this terrible economy–I should do it on GREEN stuff. Way better than going to the mall! It’s doing the right thing. And, I like the idea of getting all those tax credits, which will not last forever.

Meanwhile, with what I have implemented in the last 6 months, I can expect a 30+% reduction in energy use and cost (@$4,050) annual savings!). I will follow-up with you in the Spring, to let you know if these expectations were fulfilled.

Job ONE is conservation. and I am still working at it, folks. You can achieve as much as 30-50% reduction in energy use and cost with the right conservation measures.

Feel free to call or e-mail with questions and comments.
I will keep you up-to-date on my progress. I would love to hear your story of what you are doing to make your home a High Performance Home. Share your story!

Your pal in SMART energy solutions,
Raejean