Low Cost, No Cost Home Energy Savers Home Energy & Weatherization

Jeff Barber LEED AP architect

Housing & Environmental Design Specialist

Bob Schultheis Associate Extension Professional

Natural Resource Engineer

December 9, 2015

Energy Management for Home goals …

• save energy • provide comfort • assure safety and health

Conservation … - saves energy - saves $$$ Participants in the Montana Weatherization Assistance Program experienced 30% average savings*

$2660.00 average expense for measures

$567.00 average savings 4.7 year payback

* MT WAP

Home Energy Consumption

Space heating and

cooling 46%

Water heating

18%

Lighting 12%

Refrigeration 10%

Clothes drying

4%

Cooking 2%

Other Electric

8%

Typical Cold Climate Home Energy Use

Source: Montana Weatherization Training Center

home energy

A house energy “audit” guides weatherization priorities!

Priority weatherization measures …

An audit consists of 5 assessments:

• Building envelope evaluation

• Building insulation and air tightness

• Mechanical system assessment

• Occupant behavior assessment

• Electric base-load assessment

Factors that influence consumption

1. Climate and Home Site

2. Structure/Building Envelope

3. Occupant Habits and Behavior

3 categories …

Factors that influence consumption

Climate and Building Site

• Temperature • Precipitation • Wind • Solar • Orientation of home • Topography of site • Vegetation on site

Factors that influence consumption Structure/Building Envelope • Size and design of building • Building materials used • Insulation type and application • Use of vapor & air barriers • Air sealing methods • Type & quality of doors & windows • Fuel and heating system choice • Ventilation • Lighting selection • Appliance choices

Factors that influence consumption

• Temperature settings • Energy ethic and behavior • Appliance selection and use • Heating/AC system maintenance • Hot water usage • Building envelope maintenance

Occupant Habits and Behavior

Energy Audit

Blower Door

Inspection

Duct Blaster

Energy Audit Thermal Imaging

Pressure differential between rooms.

Top 5 Tips to Saving Energy at

Home

No Cost/Low Cost Solutions

1

Heating System - control heating

thermostat - try 68°F.

68°

1

Heating System – filter change monthly & keep system clean.

Air Filters MERV

Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV)

ASHRAE Standard 52.2 Efficiency in collecting very small particles

1

MERV 8 v. 10 1

MERV PARTICLE TYPICAL CONTROLLED SIZE (m) CONTAMINANT

1 – 4 >10.0 Pollen, sanding dust, textile and carpet fibers

5 – 8 3.0 – 10.0 Mold, spores, hairspray, cement dust

9 – 12 1.0 – 3.0 Legionella, lead dust, welding fumes

13 – 16 0.3 – 1.0 Bacteria, most tobacco smoke, insecticide dust, copier toner

17 – 20 0.3 Virus, combustion particles, radon progeny

MERV Ratings 1

Furnace/AC Filters change/clean monthly

1

Poorly sealed

filter access

panel

1

1

1

Heating System – do not block air flow.

radiator and register

1

Heating System – move warm air.

2

Control Air Leaks – start high

Seal

Air

Le

aks

2

Control Air Leaks – weatherstrip doors

2

Control Air Leaks – weatherstrip windows

2

Control Air Leaks – use sealants

3 Insulate and turn down water heater.

120°F for electric mid or warm for gas

3

Stop hot water leaks and insulate pipes.

4

Close off unused spaces and unplug unnecessary appliances.

Use tube fluorescent and energy

efficient compact fluorescent lights

(CFLs) in fixtures throughout your

home to provide high-quality and

high-efficiency lighting.

Fluorescent lamps are much more

efficient than incandescent

(standard) bulbs and last about 4

to 10 times longer.

5

Top 5 Tips to Saving Energy at

Home

Moderate/High Cost Tips

1

Windows – storm windows (Inside is best)

This option is low cost.

1

Windows – thermal curtains

Heating system tune-up and cleaning.

2

Heating system up-grade or replacement. 2

2 Heating System – Installation of duct mastic & insulation

Insulation –go for easy access

3

The higher the “R” value the greater the “resistance” to energy

flow – the better the insulator.

3

3

Insulation – type will depend on application

Insulation – rolls and loose fill

3

3

Insulation – glass fiber R 2.2 – 3.2/inch

3

Insulation – Rock Wool R 2.2 – 3.2/inch

3

Insulation – Polyurethane & Polystyrenes R 4.5 – 6.5/inch

3

Insulation – cellulose fiber - R 3.7/inch

Insulation – vermiculite R 2.2/inch

3

All weatherization measures can be applied to mobile homes.

1. Estimated energy consumption on a scale showing a range for similar models

2. Estimated yearly operating cost based on the national average cost of electricity.

4

Choose Energy Efficient Appliances

•Home Electronics

•Roofing

•Insulation

•Lighting Fixtures

•Thermostats

•Windows

·Appliances

•Home Office Equipment

•CFLs

•Heating & Cooling

•Ceiling Fans

•Ventilating fans

•Water Coolers

•Dehumidifiers

•Homes

• ENERGY STAR® 4

5

Consider after conservation. 5