Home Energy Assessments and Energy Efficiency Upgrades

1. Home Energy Assessments and Energy Efficiency Upgrades Dane George

2. Energy Advisors Service Organizations Home Energy Assessments Program Authority Maintain Computer Modeling Software Administers Rebate Program

3. Visit #1: Establish Existing Insulation Levels Survey Heating, Cooling, Hot Water & Ventilation Blower Door Air Leakage Test Discuss Upgrade Potential with Homeowner EnerguideRating House Report Visit #2: Inspection of Energy Upgrades Rebate Potential Elements of a Home Energy Assessment

4. Home Energy Assessments Primarily concerned with: Air Tightness Insulation Levels Heating Systems http://arrowelec.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/ 2010-conservation-pyramidsm.jpg

5. Heat travels by: convection (air movement) conduction (through materials) radiation (from objects) Where does the heat go? Keeping the Heat In, 2013 travels in all directions conducts through all surfaces insulation only slows it down

6. R-Value is the measurement of thermal resistance Proper installation is very important Insulation Information R-value decreases when insulation is compressed Convection can occur around insulation www.clydeanderson.com.au Keeping the Heat In, 2013

7. Wall types Concrete Stone/mortar Concrete block/mortar Basements Crawlspaces Insulation Options: Framing + Fiberglass Batts + Drywall XTPS Rigid Insulation Polyurethane Sprayfoam

8. Look out for signs of: Structural Damage: Cracks, Shifting Moisture: Dampness, Effluorescence Freeze Thaw Cycle (4 ft frost line in Nova Scotia) Basements and Crawlspaces

9. May or may not be a good option careful about freezing pipes no rebates available if the basement contains a heating systems or water pipes be sure to fasten insulation properly Basement and Crawlspace Ceilings http://www.energyvanguard.com

10. Major Source of heat loss and air leakage. Insulation Options • XTPS rigid insulation (cover with drywall or other fire barrier) • fiberglass batts (don’t forget, don’t compress!) • sprayfoam concrete/wood connection Basement Headers

11. Any floor overhanging an unheated space over garages under bay windows porches converted into living spaces Insulation Options: fiberglass Batts + XTPS rigid insulation polyurethane sprayfoam(careful if there is vinyl flooring) Exposed Floors

12. Insulation Options: exterior added insulation: rigid EPS insulation blown insulation: cellulose, mineral or glass fiber, may have trouble thoroughly insulating interior added insulation: fiberglass or denim batts, easy install during interior renovations Main Walls

13. Blown Insulation Considerations • condition of wall finish: may result in a “blow out” • plaster may contain asbestos • wood stove flue, avoid due to fire hazard Main Walls

14. Considerations • air leakage around windows is usually the biggest culprit • “storm” windows increase R-value and reduce air leakage • window installation is very important: caulking, sprayfoam, vapour barrier Windows www.inspectapedia.com

15. Considerations only Energy Star windows qualify for rebates low E coating prevents radiation from passing through multiple panes - 2, 3 or even 4 argon gas or similar heavy gas to prevent convection between panes insulating spacers between components Replacing Windows www.fsec.ucf.edu

16. Types sloped: scissor truss or cathedral flat roof attic Ceilings Insulation Options: Fiberglass Batts Blown Insulation www.inspectapedia.com

17. Insulation Options: fiberglass batts blown insulation (cheaper, but messy) Considerations: furnace/chimney flue fire hazard attic ventilation air leakage into attic from house vermiculite (may contain asbestos) Ceilings

18. Upgrades cautions: compressed insulation may result in ice damming water leaks damage to roof deck material condensation and mould growth on ceiling Ceilings

19. Blower Door Test • depressurizes the house • use your senses to discover drafts • measures air changes per hour (ACH) • estimates equivalent leakage area (ela) • avoid making the house too ‘tight’ without proper ventilation equipment Air Leakage Testing energyconservatory.com www.energyvanguard.com

20. Considerations • avoid making the house too ‘tight’ without proper ventilation equipment • exhaust fans such as dryers, bathfans and range hoods can cause backdrafting • may result in carbon monoxide poisoning • install a carbon monoxide detectors • Home energy assessment will provide a warning if house is too tight Air Leakage Testing http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-backdrafting.html

21. Air Leakage Testing http://www.nps.gov/

22. Common existing heating systems: • oil furnaces/oil boilers • electric baseboards • wood/pellet stoves Upgrade options: • ductless “mini-split” heat pumps • water-to-air, air-to-water, air-to-air heat pumps • new furnace or boiler with higher efficiency • natural gas – available only in some neighbourhoods Heating systems

23. Resources Efficiency Nova Scotia Programs for Home Owners Product Installation (light bulbs, tank wrap, pipe insulation, etc.) Home Energy Report Home Energy Assessments Appliance Retirement (do you have an old fridge or freezer?) Home Heating Solutions (Green Heat) Home Energy Assessment Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Keeping the Heat In Greenbuildingadvisor.com