Energy Auditors
Window Quilts
Here are some of the advantages of Window Quilt compared to cellular shades. Although the R-value of cellulars can be good, Window Quilts seal the window, so the R-value of the system is better.
R-value is often taken to be an absolute measure of performance, but it absolutely isn’t. Of even greater importance than the heat lost by conduction through the windows is the cold that the windows radiate into the room. (Just stand in front a large window on a cold night – what you feel isn’t the heat lost through conduction – it’s the cold and drafts coming off the window).Window Quilts block both air infiltration and convection current drafts. They also raise the mean radiant temperature of the room so that most folks are more comfortable at 5 degrees lower thermostat setting, which equates to about 12% reduction in heat used by entire building envelope.
Current events:
The State’s aggressive energy efficiency program to cut energy use by 20 percent for up to 130,000 homes in the state by 2012. The program is called: Calspree, administered through the State’s major utilities and funded by rate increases.
California’s Energy Efficiency Program
What we can do now
Energy Efficiency:
Analysis and measurement:
- Home/Building Energy Audits – can determine precisely, for each home/building which remediation work is advisable based on owner’s goals and budget.
- Install smart energy device on electric meter to show precisely how much each appliance/fixture is costly/consuming.
Remediation:
Higher Cost Measures:
- Attic Insulation to R-49, but the attic space connected to the home’s interior air should be well sealed.
- Building Envelope infiltration Reduction (weatherization). Get changes per hour down to .33; if lower consider an air to air heat exchanger to be in fresh air energy-efficiently.
- Forced-air Heating & Cooling Duct Insulation & Sealing.
- Single to Double or even Triple-pane Low-e windows except on south-facing windows. South-facing windows should not use Low-e glass unless it is high passive solar gain Low-e.
- High Efficiency Heating & Cooling Equipment if the existing Equipment is old; the older equipment is usually in poorer shape, very inefficient and on the brink of costly maintenance.
Medium Cost Measures:
- Replace older Refrigerators, Clothes Washers and Dishwashers with new ones that greatly exceed Energy Star.
- Replace older and non-Energy Star electronics with Energy Star-rated electronics.
- Insulate Floor with R-19 or greater
- Use triple-cell Window Shades, ideally doubling the R value of windows. Thermal Curtains or window blankets.
- Replace old bathroom fans with more efficient fans, with timer switches. Well-sealed expert installation needed.
- Replace old recessed lights with newer trim kits—caulk and seal gaps.
- Install occupancy sensors and timer switches
Lower Cost Measures:
- Replace all lighting with Compact Fluorescents or LEDs*
- Water Heater should be R-8 or have Water Heater Jacket
- Water Heater Water Lines should be insulated with R-8+ pipe insulation
- Use Low-flow Showerheads, 1.5 gpm or less, for all Showers
- Use Faucet Aerators of 1.5 gpm or less with adjustable restrictors
- Energy Film in non-standard window shapes where window coverings not feasible
Raejean’s Home Performance Story – October 4, 2009
Hi Neighbors:
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.
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. 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 @40 occupancy sensors and timer switches–idiot proofing the problem of leaving lights on. 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”
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 first bill under 300 kWh (month) EVER, and I have occupied the home full time. I consider consuming between 7 and 10 kWh per day pretty good–with full-time occupancy of 1 – 2 persons.
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.
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