Top 10 List For Energy Wise Home Renovation Disclosure: All homes are different and cannot be squeezed into a Cookie Cutter list. However, the Physics of heat and moisture transfer remain constant and a List of Concepts can be valuable as a “Beginning Point” of thinking about a renovation project, Not an “End Point” which would mean the End of Thinking! OK? G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
© 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
4 Areas Of Home Performance 1. Envelope 2. Comfort Systems 3. Safety & Air Quality 4. Water
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
The “Biggest HP Sin” = Failure To Address The Building Envelope Possible Reasons: 1. This is Hot Dirty Work (Or Cold Dirty Work) (in tight places with spiders) 2. The Importance was not understood by Contractors or especially Installers 3. It was not easily measurable by program managers and grant writers G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
© 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Everything Is Disproportionate About The Building Envelope! Lower Cost Harder Work More Savings Harder to Inspect (Relative to the other ingredients of the Home Performance Package)
Bottom Line: This Is NOT The Place To Skimp
!
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Shell Seal The Attic This is probably the biggest savings opportunity for the cost involved. It is most often skipped because removing decades old insulation to access these areas is no ones favorite work. But if you ever expect to get to Net Zero, this part is absolutely essential.
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Seal The Floor Seal the floor the same as the floor of the attic. Especially look for big holes like at the tub, toilet and shower. Caulk and Foam all the smaller cracks. Covering the ground with 6 mil poly has been shown to save way more than it costs. = a good decision.
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Shell Seal The Walls Including Those Holes Called Windows Where Planes Meet Is Where The Mischief Is Wall To Ceiling Wall To Floor Specify Windows per Sun Exposure. Not just the same for the whole house. Seal them correctly to stop not only water but also air and vapor
Detail from Green Building Advisor
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Actually it is better to put the existing ducts in the dumpster. Then re design a duct system with proper air flow and plenty of filter area with ACCA Manual D and install it with as short a runs as possible and as much inside the envelope as possible. Then seal it to 2-3% leakage and cover the part in the attic with mountains of insulation and install good low static registers.
Seal The Ducts Dont Forget To Insulate This Boot
Like This
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Attic, Floor, Wall Insulation More is better. You do expect the house to last 100 years, dont you? Specify accordingly. Minimize eave ventilation by placing it elsewhere Consider re-insulating walls with exterior rigid insulation Sealing the crawl space is a good idea. Sell your building official first. G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
The Comfort System Mini Split Heat Pumps With SEER to 26 Performance to 0 F & Zero Duct Loss & Ducted Options You cant beat ‘em You just have to ditch your American HVAC Supplier G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
© 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Incandescents are so last century. Avoid can lights except to save a marriage. IC & AT if you must have them CFLs are on their way out. LED’s are gaining market share Not all Energy Star Appliances are created equal. Read the Labels and Compare. Consider a TED for biofeedback The Energy Detective Controls may save more than the appliances they control (photo & motion & power strips)
Appliances & Lighting
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Safety & Indoor Air Quality About 400 people die each year of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Make SURE you dont contribute to this statistic. CO testing should be done by your licensed & trained HVAC contractor
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Ventilation On Purpose Seal It Tight & Vent It Right That means Mechanically on purpose. Minimum is good bath fans on timers. Better is HRV - ERV
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Water Water as Liquid Sealing Grading French Drain Water as Vapor Vapor Barriers Vapor can dry to the outside or the inside. Make sure you have plan.
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
www.renewability.com/power_pipe/index.html
Water Heating Water Condensing Water Heater Heat Pump Water Heater Solar Water Heater Water Heat Recovery Pipe
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
Water Saving Water Two Stage Toilets Low Flow Showers, Sinks Low Usage Clothes & Dish Washers Low Water Landscape Buffalo Grass & Native Plants Drip Irrigation Rainwater catchment
Buffalo Grass Developed at UC Davis Must be planted as plugs or stolons.
G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
Š 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time
So There Is One Man’s Top 10 I Hope It Makes You Think! Thinking about YOUR house: What would you add to the list? What wouldn’t make your Top 10? Put dollar estimates next to each of these. Does cost change the Top 10? This is the Tension where the Energy Wise House Flipper Lives It’s a good thing G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m
© 2010
Saving The Planet One House At A Time