Do-It-Yourself Energy Efficient Projects

1. Do-It-Yourself Energy Efficient Projects Adriana Galue Wolfgang Custom Finishes 2008

2. HOME ENERGY STATS • Biggest energy consumers • Space heating – 34% • Appliances and lighting – 34% • Refrigerator – 8% • Water Heating – 13% • Electric A/C – 11%

3. Energy Losses • Conduction loss through solid materials • Wet ground increases conductive loss (water great conductor of heat) • Conduction and radiation loss through framing and window frames • Convection forces air out roof (light fixtures, ceiling fans, etc)

4. First Step – Gather Info • Home Energy Audit • Figure out where energy is being wasted ($300 - $500) • Look at utility bills • Ask about your concerns, comfort issues • Visual inspection (top to bottom) • look for leaks, Check for insulation, Inspect windows, Inspect appliances • Perform blower door test / IR – how leaky is the house • A good rating is 1000 – 1500 CFM • Perform Duct blast test - • May lose 35% of heat through ducts • Make recommendations and hire professional retrofitters

5. Second Step - Weatherize • Seal leaks • Caulk all leaks / Seal windows and doors, outlets, plumbing penetrations • Seal ceiling penetration (recessed lighting, attic access doors) • HOW TO SEAL • Large leaks use backer rod (larger than 3/8”) • Liquid foam (window and door installation, gaps and cracks 1/8” – ½”, Big Gap – ½” – 1”) • Caulk – Silicone is the best • Weather stripping – many types depending on application • Light switch / outlet cover gaskets • Door Sweeps • Seal HVAC Ducts with Mastic sealant

6. Third Step - Insulate • ONLY INSULATE AFTER SEALING AND INSTALL CORRECTLY • Reduce heat loss - Attic 30%, Walls 16-20%, Floors 5-15%, Foundation, Windows • Call building department for code and increase by 30% • Call local builders, check EPA energy star • Where to use • Attics – loose fill, blankets, liquid foam • Walls – loose fill, blankets (if new), liquid foam • Floors – Blankets (moisture barrier against floor) and liquid foam • Foundations – rigid board rated for burial • Exterior sheathing – roofs and exterior walls

7. Fourth Step - Windows • Plastic window coverings –reduce air infiltration • Internal and external storm windows – made of plastic or glass • Insulate - Create an airspace between window and storm window • Window replacement - Very expensive • Casement windows best option • Want • Low U factor - reciprocal of R value, want 0.3 or lower • double pane better to reduce conductivity of heat • low-e coating (low emissivity) – microscopically thin layer of tin of metallic oxide that reduces heat flow • gas filled (argon or krypton) – increase R-value by 0.5 • type of sash (not metal, want wood, vinyl, or fiberglass) • warm edge space to insulate edge of class • heat mirror film (like a third pane) • low infiltration (air-tight) - Want under 0.3 • Want higher condensation rating (between 0-100) • heat gain coefficient to match application - want 0.4 to 0.55 or higher in intermediate climates • good visible transmittance (clear glass = 90%), want over 60% • energy star qualified

8. Fifth Step - Other • Energy Star appliances (water heater first) • Minimize lighting –CFL’s, LED’s • Behavioral changes (hand-wash dishes, clothes line) • Use radiant barriers / window shades • Natural ventilation • Utilize fans to cool vs mechanical cooling • Programmable thermostat • Reduce Phantom loads

9. Conclusion • Always go for energy efficiency prior to renewable energy technologies • Simple projects can add up to great savings • Look at projects that can do on own with simple materials and a little labor