Home Energy Rating System & Audits

1. Home Energy Rating System & Audits

2. ComprehensiveHome Energy Audits Tom Fitzpatrick Texas Home Energy Rating Organization

3. Agenda • Why audit existing homes? • Why a “comprehensive” energy audit? • What should be included?

4. Why? • buildings are responsible for 39 percent of all energy consumption, 72 percent of all electricity consumption, and 55 percent of natural gas use in the United States; • buildings are responsible for 38 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions in the United States; • energy efficiency in buildings can readily be improved in most cases using existing technologies to reduce building energy consumption by 25 percent or more; • buildings represent 14 percent of potable water use in the United States, also amenable to significant efficiency improvement;

5. World Business View of CO2 Opportunities Source: Powering Sustainable Solutions: Policies & Measures. World Business Council for Sustainable Development. 2008

6. Source: Power to Save, An Alternative Path to Meet Electric Needs in Texas, Optimal Energy, Jan. 2007

7. Energy Efficiency • Lowers electricity consumption and peak demand • Lowers cost of consumer monthly electricity bills • Decreases air pollution and GHG additions • Reduces the need for new power plants and power lines • Provides cheapest alternative to new sources of electrical capacity, reduces risk of transmission system blackouts • Slows use of finite resources (e.g., coal, natural gas) • Allows renewable resources to meet larger proportion of energy needs • Uses local work force

8. U.S. Legislation in progress • H.R.2454 (Waxman-Markey) American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (Passed by House) • To create clean energy jobs, achieve energy independence, reduce global warming pollution and transition to a clean energy economy. • S.1462 American Clean Energy Leadership Act of 2009 (Bingaman) (introduced 7/16/2009) • to promote clean energy technology development, enhanced energy efficiency, improved energy security, and energy innovation and workforce development, and for other purposes. • S.1733 Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act (Kerry-Boxer) (introduced 9/30/2009) • to create clean energy jobs, promote energy independence, reduce global warming pollution, and transition to a clean energy economy. • Latest Major Action: 10/27/2009 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. • Status: Committee on Environment and Public Works. Date of scheduled hearing. SD-406. 9:30 a.m.

9. Comptroller Recommends Home Energy Ratings to Increase Energy Efficiency • (AUSTIN) — If every SF home in Texas increased efficiency by 20 percent, 7 yr. energy savings > $13.7 billion • Oct. ‘08 report by Texas Comptroller says savings are possible if consumers are armed with credible, EE info when buying a home or considering home energy upgrades. • report advocates consumer education and voluntary energy ratings.

10. Why “comprehensive”? • RESNET standards recognize levels of home energy assessment skills and services • Survey – produces general guidance • On-line survey • In-home survey • Diagnostic survey • Comprehensive home energy audit – provides detailed analysis and specific scope of work

11. Why “comprehensive”? • A systems view of energy use • A clear understanding of your savings opportunities • Low cost/no cost behavioral and operational changes • Cost-effectiveness of investments • Sequence of improvements • Resources for follow-up

12. Standardized Audit • Audit Guidelines • Interview • Visual Assessment • Diagnostic Assessment • Analysis for Recommendations • Scopes of Work

13. Visual Assessment • Graphic Record • Exterior • Foundations • Conditioned Floors over Unconditioned Spaces • Exterior Walls • Interior Moisture • Windows • Doors • Skylights • Ceilings • Attics • Roofs • HVAC Systems & Ductwork • Domestic Water Use • Lighting • Appliances • Garages

14. Diagnostic Assessment Gas Leakage Testing Envelope Infiltration Duct Leakage Airflow Testing Zonal Pressure Testing Carbon Monoxide Testing Worst Case Depressurization Testing

15. Analysis • Recommended improvement measures • Energy savings • Cost effectiveness • Interaction with other measures

16. Contractor Scopes of Work Prompt Attention Health & Safety Licensed Trade

17. An audit should lead to action • "The challenge is to affect behavior permanently. Information and education are key elements to change knowledge into action… Expert advice, through audits, may be necessary to help people become aware of possible energy savings and measure the impact of their behavior.” -- World Business Council on Sustainable Development

18. Thanks • Questions? • www.txhero.org • fitz@txhero.org