home energy saving

8/19/2019 Home energy saving

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HOMEENERGY

◗ SUCCESS STORIES INSIDE

SAVINGS

PENNSYLVANIA HOME POWER BOOSTERS

A Guide to


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Saving◗ Perform a do-it-yourself home energy audit to identify air leakage (drafts), lack of insulation, and

inefficient lighting (page 26).

COST: Free PROJECT TIME: Two hours ANNUAL SAVINGS: Identify savings potential of

25% or more ($400)

◗ Turn water heater temperature down to 1200 and install a water heater insulation jacket (page 51).

COST: $12 to $15 PROJECT TIME: 30 minutes ANNUAL SAVINGS: $25 to $50

◗ Install water-conserving showerheads and faucets (page 51).

COST: $15 to $30 PROJECT TIME: One hour ANNUAL SAVINGS: $75 to $125

◗ Air seal air-handling ducts in unconditioned spaces with mastic (page 30).

COST: $40 PROJECT TIME: Half day ANNUAL SAVINGS: $70 to $140

◗ Replace frequently used incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights (page 59) .

COST: $40 to $60 PROJECT TIME: Ten minutes ANNUAL SAVINGS: $30 (CFLs will last for up to seven years)

◗ Install a programmable thermostat; set back temperature in winter to 550 when sleeping or away

from the home and to 780 during the summer (page 43).

COST: $50 to $100 PROJECT TIME: Two hours ANNUAL SAVINGS: $70 to $140

◗ Caulk around windows and door frames and weatherstrip windows and doors; air seal all accessible

plumbing and electrical penetrations in the building envelope (page 29).

COST: $100 to $200 PROJECT TIME: One day ANNUAL SAVINGS: $100 to $150

◗ Upgrade attic insulation to R-49 (page 34).

COST: $250 to $750 PROJECT TIME: One day ANNUAL SAVINGS: $60 to $80

Based on a survey of retail product prices and national average home energy costs. Actual savings will depend on

the size and features of your house, as well as local retail product prices and energy costs.

Getting Started: Begin Saving Energy and Money Now


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Contents

Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ ii

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1

Success Stories

Tamasin Sterner and Richard Senft ........................ Lancaster....................................................................................................................................6

Kathleen and Paul Gaberson ...................................... Forest Hills .................................................................................................................................8

Lyn and Anne Pherigo .................................................... Whitehall ................................................................................................................................. 10

Vivian VanStory.................................................................... Philadelphia .......................................................................................................................... 12

George and Charlotte Britton .................................... Lafayette Hill ......................................................................................................................... 14

John Blackwell ..................................................................... Pittsburgh...............................................................................................................................16

Michael and Tracey Sgrignoli ..................................... Middletown .......................................................................................................................... 18Michael and Stacey Stepp............................................ Steelton ................................................................................................................................... 20

Todd and Shayne Garcia-Bish .................................... Prospect .................................................................................................................................. 22

Energy Efficiency Basics: Tips, Techniques, and Products

Home Energy Audit ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................26

Building Envelope ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28

Insulation .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................33

Windows ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................39

Heating.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 43

Cooling.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 47

Water Heating ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................51

Appliances ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................55

Lighting.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................59

Home Office ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 62

Financing

Energy-Efficient Mortgages .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 64

Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Loans .......................................................................................................................................................... 65

Rebates .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 68

Low-Income Assistance Programs ...................................................................................................................................................................................68

Community-Based Energy Assistance Organizations ..........................................................................................................................................68

Resources ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................70


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Acknowledgments

Authors: Christopher Sherry and Chad Medcroft

Safe Energy Communication Council

1717 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 106

Washington, DC 20036(202) 483-8491

Photos: Chad Medcroft (case studies), all others courtesy of National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Illustrations: Courtesy of Southface Energy Institute

Design: Freehand Press

Washington, DC

Many homeowners, builders, energy professionals, and organizations shared not only their data and experiences,

but also their enthusiasm for the numerous benefits of energy efficiency. Without their help, this book would

not have been possible.

The authors wish to thank the families and individuals that welcomed us into their homes to share their energy efficiency

successes first hand. We would also like to thank Bernie Campanella, Tony Kimmel, Bob Nape, Jim Richard, David Shiller, A.J.

Stones, and the New England Solar Energy Association for providing us with these success stories.

We would like to thank the following individuals for reviewing draft versions of the manuscript: Mike Barcik, Southface

Energy Institute; Kate Offringa, Efficient Windows Collaborative; Harvey Sachs, American Council for an Energy-EfficientEconomy; David Shiller, Conservation Consultants, Inc; Tamasin Sterner, Pure Energy; and Subid Wagley, Northeast Energy

Efficiency Partnerships. Scott Denman provided editorial guidance throughout the drafting of the manuscript.

Southface Energy Institute, the National Fenestration Rating Council, and the Efficient Windows Collaborative graciously

allowed us to reproduce illustrations and graphics.

The Safe Energy Communication Council would like to recognize the generous support of the following organizations for

making this report and the dissemination of its findings possible: U.S. Department of Energy, the Howard Heinz Endowment,

an anonymous donor, Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture), and the George Gund Foundation.

Photo credits: Steven Strong (cover), Warren Gretz (cover, p. 1, p. 26, p. 28, p. 51), Karen Doherty (p. 33), Dave Parsons (p. 39),

Donald Aitken (p. 43), Sara Farrar (p. 47), and D&R International (p. 59).


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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 1

Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters enables you to

quickly and easily tap into the opportunities

provided by increasing the energy efficiency of your

home. An average household pays $1,700 a year in energy

bills. Making your home more energy efficient can reduce

these costs by up to 50%. But the real payback from

improving energy efficiency is a more comfortable and

healthy home with a higher resale value. Energy-efficient

homes not only use less energy; they are higher quality

homes that are more pleasing to live in. In short, energy

efficiency is a good investment, both from

financial and quality-of-life standpoints.

Energy efficiency can be incorporated into

a home from the start by paying attention

to design and construction details. The

prescriptions may be varied, but all result in

the construction of a higher quality home.

Energy efficiency can also be improved

substantially in existing homes. Inefficient

homes are often uncomfortable and

sometimes even unhealthy to live in. Easily

achievable energy efficiency improvementswill generally solve most home comfort

problems while reducing energy bills and

increasing home resale value.

Through simple, understandable descrip-

tions and real-life success stories,

Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters

demonstrates how to:

◗ Save money

◗Improve comfort

◗ Increase the resale value of your home

◗ Improve monthly net cash flow through energy-

efficient mortgages and loans

◗ Help the environment by reducing pollution

◗ Reduce maintenance costs and service call backs

Introduction

Home Energy Expenditures

Note: 1. Includes small electric devices, heating elements, motors, swimming

pool and hot tub heaters, and outdoor grills.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Building Technology,BTS Core Data

Book , 2001.

Space Heating 29%

Space Cooling 11%

Water Heating 15%Lighting 6%

Refrigeration 10%

Clothes/Dish Washing 5%

Cooking 5%

Electronics 5%

Computers1%

Other 13%1


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2 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters

Introduction

◗ Prevent home damage due to moisture and pests

◗ Improve indoor air quality

Using the Guide to Home Energy SavingsPennsylvania Home Power Boosters provides real-life

stories of individuals who successfully reduced energy

usage and improved the comfort of their homes. Their

testimonials and lessons learned underscore the fact that

improving home energy efficiency is easily achievable

and cost effective.

The following pages provide step-by-step guidelines forimproving the energy efficiency of heating and cooling

systems, lighting, and appliances. You will also find

strategies for sealing air leaks and increasing insulation in

walls, floors, and ceiling. Each section provides an overview

of typical problems encountered in inefficient homes and

provides a guide to improving energy efficiency, including

a project checklist of measures that should not be ignored.

At the end of the booklet, a comprehensive

list of resources will guide you to

organizations that provide energy

efficiency services and can help you

through the process of improving the

energy efficiency of your home. The

rewards, as outlined below, will be a home

that is more comfortable, less expensive to

live in, more valuable, and healthier and

safer for you and your family.

More Comfortable

Inefficient homes are poorly air sealed and

insulated and rely on inefficient or

improperly sized heating and cooling

systems. The result is drafts and cold spots

next to walls and windows, and heating and

cooling systems that cycle on and off

frequently or run for extended periods to

maintain indoor temperatures. Because of

these problems, inefficient homes may often

feel uncomfortable even when the heater or air conditioner

is running. The quality construction details in an energy-

efficient home reduce air leakage (felt as drafts in extreme

cases) and radiant heat loss from occupants to surfaces, suchas windows and walls (eliminating spots that are cold even

with the heat on). As a result, occupants feel warmer in the

winter and cooler in the summer in an energy-efficient house.

Increased Value

Energy efficiency improvements will increase the resale

value of your home. A recent national analysis, published

in the Appraisal Journa l , found that every one-dollar

reduction in annual household energy costs increases the

selling price of a home by $20. This translates to a $2,000increase in the value of a home for every $100 in annual

energy savings. Energy-efficient mortgages are available

that provide preferred financing for the purchase or

refinance of energy-efficient homes and the cost of home

improvement projects that improve energy efficiency. As a

result, borrowers can enjoy a more comfortable home while

improving monthly net cash flow.

Home Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Note: 1. Includes small electric devices, heating elements, motors, swimming

pool and hot tub heaters, and outdoor grills.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Building Technology,BTS Core Data

Book , 2001.

Space Heating 32%

Space Cooling 10%

Water Heating 15%

Lighting 6%

Refrigeration 9%

Clothes/Dish Washing 5%

Cooking 5%

Electronics 5%

Computers 1%

Other 12%1


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Introduction

Higher Quality

Energy-efficient homes employ quality design features and

are built according to construction best practices. The

quality construction and attention to detail in energy-efficient homes improves the durability and longevity of

the home. In energy-efficient new homes, quality

construction reduces service callbacks to address moisture

and comfort problems often experienced shortly after

residents move in. Air sealing and proper ventilation

reduces the potential for moisture damage to building

materials, such as framing and insulation. The attention to

detail required in the construction of energy-efficient

homes is also often reflected in the high quality of non-

energy related details throughout the home.

Healthier to Live In

Inefficient homes often suffer from moisture problems, such

as condensation on windows and the growth of mold and

other biological contaminants. Poorly air-sealed homes are

usually overly dry in the winter and overly moist in the

summer. These extremes in relative humidity can be

unhealthy. Air sealing prevents uncontrolled air movement

through the building envelope, which can transport

moisture and pollutants into the interior of a home. Proper

air sealing and adequate mechanical ventilation will help

maintain interior humidity levels at a healthy median. Many

energy-efficient homes have sealed combustion heating

and water heating systems, eliminating the risk of

backdrafting of dangerous combustion gases, such as

carbon monoxide.

Better for the EnvironmentImproving home energy efficiency reduces the environ-

mental impact of a home by reducing the pollution created

by electricity generation and home fuel combustion. Each year,

the average household produces 13 tons of carbon dioxide, a

greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Electricity

use, in particular, creates large amounts of pollution. The

electricity used annually by an average Pennsylvania house-

hold is responsible for the creation of 65 pounds of sulfur

dioxide and 24 pounds of nitrogen oxides, which contribute

to acid rain and smog. In Pennsylvania, average household

electricity usage is also responsible for the creation of a quarter

ounce of high-level nuclear waste each year.

Getting Started The inside cover provides a list of quick and easy measures

that will result in significant energy savings and improve the

comfort and quality of your home. Refer to the checklists at

the end of each success story and topical section in the

following pages for additional suggestions. Many organizations

and programs are available to help you with expert advice

and professional energy efficiency services. These resources

are listed by topic at the end of the text to help you find the

information and services you need. Good luck!


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Section 1Residential Energy Efficiency

Success Stories


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Most people don’t like to take their work home

with them. But for energy efficiency professional

Tamasin Sterner, her home has become a shining

example of her work.

Tamasin and Richard Senft bought their 3,000 sq. ft. house

in 1997 because it was built well and carefully maintained.

After reviewing the previous owner’s energy bills and

inspecting the inefficient oil-fired boiler, Tamasin realized that

the house was an energy hog, but she also saw a lot of

promise. “We wanted an energy-efficient and comfortable

house, so we knew we had to do major house air sealing

and replace the inefficient boiler,” explained Tamasin.

Beginning with an energy audit, Tamasin used a blower

door test to check for air leakage and pressure tested

the air-handling ducts to check the seals. The tests

revealed major air leakage in the attic and the basement

and leaky ducts. Not surprisingly, she also found that the

50-year-old boiler, which had been backed up with an

electric heat pump, was extremely inefficient and

expensive to operate.

Using a weatherization contractor and their own handy

work, the new homeowners began to address the most

obvious air leaks first. The couple removed twenty eight

1950s-style square recessed lights that were a major

Tamasin Sterner and Richard Senft • Lancaster, PA

source of air leakage, a common problem in older

houses. These were replaced with surface-mounted

fixtures and fitted with compact fluorescent bulbs,

resulting in greater energy efficiency and a reduction

in heat loss. An old whole-house fan was also removed

since it was oversized and also a source of air leakage.

Tamasin and Richard managed to reduce air leakage

further by sealing off the laundry chute, which acted as

an air chase, and by sealing the chimney chase, which

leaked air from the basement to the attic.

To further improve thermal performance, the slopes and

knee walls of the attic were air sealed and insulated using

expanding foam and rigid foam board insulation. Then

cellulose insulation (R-40) was blown into the attic.

Insulation was added to the block wall between the garage

and the first floor. Air leakage in the basement and crawl

space was addressed by air sealing the walls from the

outside and wet-spray cellulose insulation (R-19) was blown

onto the interior walls of the crawl space. A ventilation fan

(35 CFM, with a variable speed controller) was installed in

Cold drafts that were previously felt

throughout the house were eliminated.


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the crawl space to provide continuous fresh air. After all of

these improvements, the cold drafts that were previously

felt throughout the house were eliminated.

Other problems still remained after Tamasin and

Richard moved into the home. The exterior walls, which

are comprised of brick and plaster, had no insulation.

To cut energy losses, an insulation contractor was hired

to blow cellulose insulation into the wall cavities

through the basement rim joist and down from the

soffits to improve the insulation value of the exterior

walls. The gable end walls were also filled with blown

cellulose by drilling holes in the plaster walls from

inside the house. Together, these measures have

dramatically reduced heating needs and allowed for

the purchase of a much smaller boiler.

As with most houses built during the1950s and,

unfortunately, many built today, the heating and cooling

systems were oversized to accommodate for a lack of

optimal insulation. After improving the building envelope

through air sealing and added insulation, Tamasin and

Richard were ready to replace the inefficient 50-year-old oil

boiler that took up most of the basement. They gained an

entire room when it was replaced with a high efficiency (95%

AFUE), direct-vent condensing gas boiler. “When we have

visitors, the first thing I show them is our boiler. It is the sizeof a suitcase and hangs on the wall,” said Tamasin proudly.

The new boiler heats the entire house and all the domestic

hot water through an indirect water storage tank, replacing

not only the old oil boiler but also the electric heat pump

and hot water heater. This translates into big energy savings.

The natural gas bill now averages only $60 per month,

despite the fact that gas is used for heat and hot water and

fuels a clothes dryer, range, fireplace, and a grill.

Tamasin and Richard continue to use the electric heatpump for cooling on the hottest of summer days. To

improve cooling efficiency, they sealed all of the air-

handling ducts, insulated the ducts by covering them with

blown cellulose in unconditioned spaces, and installed

new gaskets and seals on the registers. Now the cooled

air goes exactly where it is needed the most, rather than

leaking into unconditioned spaces.

To keep electric bills low, they have purchased Energy Star

appliances for the two home offices, kitchen, and laundry

room. These include computers, a copier, a refrigerator, and

a front-loading washing machine. All of these appliancesexceed federal efficiency standards by 15% to 110%,

resulting in lower operating costs each month. “We are

proud of our appliances and feel good about having a low-

impact home. We invest in energy efficiency because we

believe it is the right thing to do,” explained Tamasin. That’s

also why they have chosen to purchase cleaner electricity,

generated in part by renewable energy, from a green power

provider. Even though they pay a small premium for cleaner

electricity, their electric bill averages only $85 per month.

Tamasin and Richard estimate that they have reduced

annual energy costs by 35% and will continue to reap

the benefits from these investments for years to come.

Explaining that the benefits are more than financial,

Tamasin concluded, “Now our house is comfortable all

year. We tend to stay home when we have days off instead

of going away, because we love our home.”

I M

P A C T ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES:

◗ Air-sealed building envelope (attic,

chimney chase, and laundry chute)

◗ Increased levels of insulation in

attic, crawl space, and exterior walls

◗ Air-sealed and insulated air-

handling ducts

◗ High-efficiency direct-vent

condensing gas boiler

◗ Compact fluorescent lights in

surface-mounted ceiling fixtures

◗ Energy Star refrigerator, washing

machine, computers, and copier

ENERGY SAVINGS: 35%

($610 annually)


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Kathleen and Paul Gaberson wasted no time

making major changes to their three-bedroom

brick house in the suburbs of Pittsburgh once it

was purchased in 1994. Many of the changes began ascosmetic improvements or necessary replacements, but

with foresight and wise decision making, the

renovations also resulted in substantial improvement

in the energy efficiency of their home. Now, in addition

to having a higher resale value, their house is more

comfortable and more affordable to live in.

One project that was high on the list was a window

upgrade. “Our single-pane aluminum windows were

losing lots of heat,” reported Kathleen. The heat inside

was easily transferred through the aluminum and thin

glass to the outside. In 1995, they replaced nearly all of

the windows with double-pane, vinyl-clad insulated

windows with low-emissivity (low-e) glass. Once

installed, sealed, and weatherized, the new windows

reduced heat loss much more effectively than the

previous ones. As a result, the Gabersons no longer

experience cold drafts and are able to turn the

thermostat down without sacrificing comfort.

In 1998, the Gabersons were ready to add a deck and french

doors to the back of the house, so they contacted local

contractor A. J. Stones, who specializes in energy-efficient

building and remodeling. After consulting with A. J. about

the project, Kathleen and Paul decided it was also an ideal

time to add insulation, increase natural daylight, and improve

the ventilation of the house.

Since A. J. had to knock out part of the rear dining room

wall to install the new french doors, it was the perfect

opportunity to add more than three inches of cellulose

insulation to the wall cavity. He also added twelve inches

of insulation in the attic, boosting its R-value to 44. After

living through a couple of winters with the increased

levels of insulation and hearing her neighbors complain

of rising gas prices, Kathleen said, “Our gas bills did not go

up despite the rise in fuel costs. We have a more

Kathleen and Paul Gaberson • Forest Hills, PA

comfortable home that’s cooler in the summer and

warmer in the winter.”

One of the main objectives of the renovation was to

increase the natural light in the generally dark house. This

was achieved by adding skylights with energy-efficient

insulating glass to the living room and by installing french

doors that open to a sunny, southern exposure. Once the

renovation was complete, the Gabersons also chose to

replace many incandescent lights with compact

fluorescent lights. Together, these changes have produced

a brighter and more pleasant living area while reducing

lighting costs by more than 50%.

When A. J. suggested some ways to increase natural

ventilation, the couple took his advice. “We don’t like to use

air conditioning when we can avoid it,” explained Kathleen.

Ridge ventilation was installed on the roof to reduce heat

buildup in the attic, ceiling fans were carefully located to

increase air circulation, and skylights were added. Now cool

“We have a more comfortable home

that’s cooler in the summer and

warmer in the winter.”


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air from downstairs flows through the house, and warm air

is allowed to exit through the skylights, which can be opened

on hot days, creating a natural ventilation current. Happy

with the results, Kathleen reported, “Last summer, we didn’t

have the air conditioner on for more than a few days.”

Kathleen and Paul invested in energy efficiency for two

reasons: a concern for the environment and a desire to

save money on energy expenditures. When deciding to

purchase a new appliance or renovate a room in the

house, the Gabersons simply factor in the life-cycle energycosts and select the most appropriate energy-efficient

products. Their gas furnace is more than 15 years old but

it is still fairly efficient, because, as Kathleen observed, “We

change the filter regularly and have it inspected and

cleaned every year.” On the other hand, the Gabersons

recently replaced the washer and dryer with Energy Star

models once they determined the potential annual water

and electricity savings.

After all of these improvements, Kathleen calculated themonthly energy savings to be roughly 30%. They currently

pay an average of $49 per month for electricity and $54

per month for natural gas. These costs take into account

the fact that the couple pays a premium on their

electricity bill to support renewable energy development.

“We like knowing that we are making less of an impact

on the environment,” said Kathleen. At the Gaberson’s

home, it certainly shows.

I M


◗ Double-pane, vinyl-clad insulated

windows with low-e glazing

◗ Increased levels of insulation in

attic and wall cavities

◗ Daylighting, natural ventilation

(skylights with energy-efficient

insulating glass)

◗ Passive solar heating (french doors

that open to a sunny, southern

exposure)

◗ Compact fluorescent lights

◗ Natural cooling (ridge ventilationinstalled on the roof, ceiling fans

carefully located to increase air

circulation, skylights to create

air current)

◗ Energy Star washing machine

and dryer

ENERGY SAVINGS: 30%

($370 annually)

“We like knowing that we are making

less of an impact on the environment.”


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Lyn and Anne Pherigo retired a few years ago and

decided to move into a smaller house just outside

of Allentown. Since the Pherigos paid less than $100

per month in energy bills for their previous 2,900 sq. ft.

home, they were no strangers to the concept of energy

efficiency. The couple was pleasantly surprised, however,

when they found an Energy Star townhouse that could

save even more in energy costs. Houses that meet Energy

Star standards are designed to use at least 30% less energy

than houses built to meet the Model Energy Code.

Lyn and Anne are glad to expound on the benefits of

buying an Energy Star house. “When we purchased our

townhouse, we were impressed by the quality

construction, floor plan, and the location,” said Lynn.

“However, after a few months we were happily surprised

by the savings gained from a combination of superior

construction, higher insulation levels, and advanced

energy-conserving heating and cooling systems.” Buying

an Energy Star home has paid off. The Pherigos pay an

average of only $60 per month for both gas and electricity

service for their new 1,900 sq. ft. home.

As Lyn suggests, the difference between an energy-

efficient house and an energy hog is found in the

details. During the construction of the townhouse, the

building envelope was thoroughly air sealed before

any insulation was added. After framing was

completed, drywall was installed and all the seams in

the building envelope were caulked, including around

Lyn and Anne Pherigo • Whitehall, PA

window and doorframes. Expanding foam insulation

was used to fill any large gaps. Once the building

envelope was completed, an independent contractor

was hired to perform a blower door test to measure

air leakage and guarantee proper energy performance.

Most houses built today are constructed with 2 x 4

framing, which restricts the amount of insulation that can

be fit into the wall cavity, limiting the insulation value to

R-13. Since the colder climates of eastern Pennsylvania

require higher levels of insulation, the Pherigo’s builder

used 2 x 6 framing for the exterior walls to allow room for

thicker wall cavity insulation (R-19). Insulation in the

garage ceiling (R-19), below the basement slab (R-11), and

in the attic (R-38) helps keep the house warm in the winter

and cool in the summer.

The Pherigo’s Energy Star home is equipped with double-

pane, gas-filled, low-e, vinyl-framed windows. These

features provide nearly four times better thermal

performance than single-paned windows. This translates

into lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.

The difference between an energy-efficient house and an energy hog is

found in the details.


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The house also features an insulated front door, with an

adjustable sill for a tighter seal, and a storm door.

With higher levels of wall insulation and a properly air-

sealed building envelope, the builder was able to install

smaller heating, cooling, and hot water systems. This

resulted in a lower purchase price for the home and lower

operating costs. A high-efficiency gas furnace, central air

conditioner, and an energy-efficient gas water heater keep

the Pherigos comfortable year round for less money.

To ensure maximum energy efficiency, air-handling ducts

were properly air sealed and insulated during construc-

tion. Hot water pipes were insulated to reduce water-

heating costs. The couple expects to reduce heating and

cooling costs even more by installing a recently

purchased programmable thermostat.

When Lyn and Anne moved into the new house, they

decided to replace most of their older appliances. Using

the Energy Guide and Energy Star labels, the couple was

able to select some of the most energy-efficient appliances

on the market, including a self-cleaning flat-top radiant

range, a water-conserving washing machine, and efficient

computers and printers for the home office. Their electricity

bill averages only $32 per month, less than most apartment

renters would expect to pay.

The Pherigos are thrilled with the new Energy Star home

and don’t plan to move again anytime soon. “With the

possibility of energy prices increasing, I would encourage

all home buyers to actively pursue any and all energy-

saving features,” said Lyn.

I M


◗ Air-sealed building envelope

◗ Air-sealed and insulated air-hand-

ling ducts

◗ High level of insulation in walls (2 x 6

framing of exterior walls allowing for

thicker wall cavity insulation)

◗ Double-pane, gas-filled, low-e, vinyl-

framed windows and sliding glass door

◗ Insulated front door with adjust-

able seal

◗ High-efficiency natural gas furnace,

central air conditioning unit

◗ High-efficiency hot water heater,

insulated hot water pipes

◗ Energy Star appliances, computers,

and printers

ENERGY SAVINGS: 30%less energy usage than a

comparably sized home

built to Model Energy Codestandards ($215 annually)

Smaller heating and cooling systems

were installed, resulting in a lower

home purchase price and lower operating costs.


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Vivian VanStory moved into her new 1,280 sq. ft.

rowhouse in 1985 and has enjoyed its affordability

and location in the heart of North Philadelphia ever

since. She was aware at the time that the house was

designed and built to maximize use of the sun’s free

energy. Now that she is accustomed to having a

comfortable, bright home that is also energy efficient, she

can’t imagine it any other way.

A year before she moved in, the National Temple Non-

Profit Corporation started developing a block of 23

rowhouses, including Vivian’s house, with a grant from

the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD). The original goal was to revitalize

the dilapidated urban neighborhood by offering new

houses at affordable prices. During planning, the

project’s architect, Bob Thomas, suggested that instead

of merely offering affordable new housing, energy-

efficient technologies and passive solar features should

be incorporated into the design to make energy costs

more affordable.

To incorporate passive solar and energy-efficient features

into the houses at no additional cost, Thomas utilized

innovative and cost-effective design strategies. The backs

of the houses face almost due south to take full advantage

of the winter sunshine. From Vivian’s backyard, one cansee her large, south-facing, double-paned windows;

clerestory windows; and Trombe walls, which contain

heat-collecting panels. These passive solar features

provide natural daylight to every room in the house,

making it bright and cheery year round. The main

objective, however, is to collect and absorb the winter

Vivian VanStory • Philadelphia, PA

Passive solar features provide natural

daylight to every room in the house,

making it bright and cheery year round.


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sun’s heat throughout the day and then radiate the stored

heat at night. The heat is quickly dispersed throughout

the house using a natural ventilation system to provide a

warm and comfortable environment.

The house was designed with R-30 insulation in the

cathedral ceilings and R-25 insulation in the exterior walls,

which were constructed using eight-inch concrete block

insulated with four inches of rigid foam board insulation

and covered with a fiberglass stuccolike material. During

construction, all door and window frames, floor andceiling junctures, and electrical and plumbing

penetrations were caulked to reduce air leakage. Vivian’s

house also has an airlock entry that prevents heat from

escaping when the front door is opened. In the winter,

these measures allow the house to retain the sun’s heat

in the evening and through the night, until the sun rises

again the next morning.

During the summer, clerestory windows can be opened,

reducing the need for air conditioning by venting warmair from the house. This provides natural cooling by

creating air movement through the house and

removing interior heat buildup. The concrete walls and

light-colored roof also help to maintain a comfortable

interior temperature during the summer months.

Vivian rarely turns the lights on during the day, because

her clerestory windows and spacious cathedral ceilings

provide plenty of natural daylighting and a pleasant

atmosphere. “With a solar home, you don’t feel closed in,”

I M


◗ Passive solar heating and daylighting

(heat-collecting Trombe wall; south-

facing, double-paned windows;

clerestory windows)

◗ Air-sealed building envelope (door

and window frames, floor and ceiling

junctures, plumbing and electrical

penetrations, air lock entry)

◗ High level of insulation in exterior

walls

◗ Light-colored roof (to reduce

cooling load)

ENERGY SAVINGS: 60%

less energy usage than a

comparably sized housebuilt to minimum code

standards

remarked Vivian. Instead, she explained that she feels free,

as if she were in the outdoors. This freedom also manifestsitself through lower energy bills.

Altogether, Vivian is paying 60% less for energy compared

to a similarly sized house built to minimum code

standards. Since she fully understands the benefits of

living in an energy-efficient, passive solar home, Vivian is

thrilled to share her knowledge and experiences with

others. Every year she does just this by opening her home

to the public during the American Solar Energy Society’s

National Tour of Solar Homes.

“With a solar home, you don’t

feel closed in.”


18/80


After the children left home, George and Charlotte

Britton decided to move into a smaller house. This

prompted George to begin thinking about

designing and building a solar home. The Brittons

wanted a house that incorporated ecological values and

also enabled them to be as independent as possible

from the utility companies. “I was willing to make some

changes in my home to make a difference,” said George.

After four years of reading and learning about solar

architecture, the Brittons purchased some land and

found a builder to turn their design into reality. The result

is a beautiful 2,900 sq. ft. passive solar house that uses

20% less energy than a similarly sized conventional

house built to minimum code standards.

Construction began in early 1984 with a limited budget,

since the couple decided to finance the house without a

mortgage. This required the Brittons to use intelligent

design practices, rather than relying on the use of

expensive new technologies.

The site is situated on a hill with an eight-degree slope

to the north. This enabled the Brittons to bury the north

wall of the house in fifteen feet of earth, which effectively

cuts a quarter of the potential heat loss through exterior

walls and directs the cold northerly winds over the roof.

To compensate for the lack of windows on the north

side of the house, clerestory windows were placed high

George and Charlotte Britton • Lafayette Hill, PA

on the south side to provide ample daylight in the

interior rooms.

To reduce heating and artificial lighting requirements,

George incorporated passive solar design principles into the

house. During the heating season, large double-pane

windows and sliding glass doors on the south side allow for

maximum solar gain throughout the day while tile floors

and a Trombe wall (a dark colored concrete block inner wall

designed to store heat energy) radiate the stored heat at

night. Once the sun goes down, the Brittons use window

quilts to keep the heat inside and supplement the sun’s heat

with a stone fireplace. Recently added storm doors and door

sweeps also help to reduce heat loss. During the warmer

months, strategically positioned window overhangs block

the high summer sun and prevent overheating. Deciduous

trees on the south, east, and west sides also partially block

the summer sun to reduce cooling loads.

The walls of the Britton’s house were constructed of eight-

inch concrete block, one-inch rigid foam board insulation,

and a five-inch outer stone wall. The stone is replaced with

“I was willing to make some changes in

my home to make a difference.”


19/80


cedar siding and fiberglass insulation

above eight feet. Due to the limited

budget, the cathedral ceilings were

constructed with 2 x 6 rafters and

insulated with six inches of fiberglass

batt insulation.

When the house was planned, natural

gas service was unavailable, so the

house was supplied with electric

heating and cooling (air-source heat

pump) and electric hot water. In 1999,

after re-evaluating their energy costs,

the Brittons determined that using only

electricity was not the best strategy.

They began to replace some of the older, inefficient

electric appliances with propane models, including ahigh-efficiency propane furnace, range, and dryer. They

also invested in a solar hot water heater, which provides

about 75% of household hot water. Together, these

investments have cut their electricity bill by nearly 50%,

which is impressive considering the couple now pay a

premium for electricity that is partially generated by

renewable energy.

In light of the success, the Brittons are still at it. George

has just completed an energy audit to find out about thepotential for even more savings. In hindsight, the Brittons

would have done a few things differently. According to

George, the cathedral ceiling should have been

constructed using 2 x 12 rafters to allow room for

additional insulation. The installation of a geothermal heat

pump, instead of an air-source unit, would have provided

more energy-efficient mechanical heating and cooling.

The Brittons can’t imagine what their lives would be like

had they not built a passive solar house. As a folk singerand songwriter, George was so inspired by the project that

he wrote a song about his solar home called “Me and Old

Doc Sunshine.” In the song, he sings, “While my neighbors’

heating bills go soaring to the sky / That good old sun will

keep me warm while I’m just standing by.” At 85 years

young, George continues to inspire the rest of us.

I M P A C T

ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES:◗ Earth-bermed north wall

◗ Daylighting (clerestory windows)

◗ Passive solar heating (south-facing

double-pane windows and sliding

glass door, heat collecting Trombe

wall and tile floor)

◗ Window quilts

◗ Natural cooling (window overhangs

and shade trees)

◗ Solar hot water heating system

◗ Energy-efficient furnace, range, and

dryer


comparably sized house builtto minimum code standards


20/80


As a longtime native of Pittsburgh’s North

Side, John Blackwell has experienced

some hard winters. For more than 22 years,

he has heated his 1,500 sq. ft. rowhouse with twooutdated gas space heaters and the kitchen

stove. Not surprisingly, the rooms in his 90-year-

old, six-room house were cold and drafty

throughout the winter.

In October of 2000, John’s house was

weatherized and insulated, and a new high-

efficiency furnace was installed, thanks to

energy efficiency services provided by

Conservation Consultants, Inc. (CCI) and

Equitable Gas. Now the drafts are gone and his house is

warm and safe. When asked if he can feel the difference,

John said, “Sure, 100 percent. No more heavy blankets

and no more sitting in the living room, cold.”

CCI is a non-profit organization that provides essential energy

services and education to local residents through its Green

Neighborhood Initiative (GNI). Through a partnership with

Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, Equitable Gas, and

NorthSide Bank, CCI created a repair fund to enable

homeowners on a limited budget to repair leaky roofs, wiring

problems, or safety issues that prevented them from

receiving utility-provided weatherization services. John was

one of the first recipients of services from the fund.

Using a referral from Equitable Gas, CCI contacted John

to see if he would qualify for the GNI program. Once

approved, CCI performed a home energy audit, replacing

some incandescent lights with compact fluorescent

lights, testing the refrigerator for energy use, sealing

some electrical outlets with gaskets, and caulking major

leaks in the building envelope to reduce air leakage. CCI

John Blackwell • Pittsburgh, PA

also noted that John’s gas space heaters had broken

ceramic burners and defective controls, making the

heaters unsafe and inefficient.

Using the newly created repair fund, CCI was able to replace

the broken space heaters with a new high-efficiency

natural gas furnace (92% AFUE). For safety reasons, the

heating contractor also advised against using the kitchen

stove to heat the house. That’s no longer necessary, since

the new furnace heats the entire house exceptionally well.

“It’s much warmer in here than it was before. I don’t have

to walk around all bundled up,” reported John.

Two weeks after the energy audit by CCI, Equitable Gas

sent energy efficiency contractors to weatherize the

house under the Low-Income Usage Reduction Program

(LIURP). The contractors began by adding eight inches of

insulation to the attic, raising the R-value to 30, and

cellulose insulation was blown into the exterior wall

cavities to a level of R-14.

Focusing on the building envelope, the contractors

replaced two broken windows and an exterior door and

then sealed them properly with weatherstripping, caulk,

and door sweeps. Finally, the fireplaces were closed off

and sealed, since they were major sources of air leakage

and heat loss. “You can’t imagine what a gift it was to get

“No more heavy blankets and no more

sitting in the living room, cold.”


21/80


a new furnace and then to have the house weatherized

too!” exclaimed John.

CCI is making additional improvements to John’s house

that will improve comfort in the summer, as well. CCI

recently determined that the roof was leaking and

made plans to replace it using the Repair Fund. The

new roof will incorporate a reflective silver-white

coating to avoid excess heat gain in the summer,

lowering cooling bills.

Now that another winter has gone by, John is content

knowing that his energy upgrades provided comfort even

on the coldest days. And although it is too soon to calculate

actual energy savings, the new high-efficiency furnace and

weatherization is expected to result in a 35% reduction in

natural gas consumption, saving $600 annually.

I M



(weatherstripped and caulked

around doors and windows, sealed

fireplace chase)

◗ Increased levels of insulation in attic

and exterior wall cavities

◗ High-efficiency gas furnace


ENERGY SAVINGS: 35%reduction in natural gas

consumption ($600annually)

“You can’t imagine what a gift it was to

get a new furnace and then to have the

house weatherized too!”


22/80


When Michael and Tracey Sgrignoli

were in the market for a new home

in 1998, they analyzed the costs of

moving into a larger house. “It really wasn’tan option for us to consider a larger home

that was not rated highly efficient,” concluded

Michael. After a thorough search, the couple

purchased a 2,160 sq. ft Comfort Home in

Middletown. The new home is more than

twice as large as the previous one but uses

roughly the same amount of energy.

The builder provided a package of energy-

efficient products, services, and the Comfort Home energy guarantee, which ensures 20% to 30% savings

on heating and cooling costs compared to comparably

sized homes built to minimum code standards. These

energy savings are achieved by paying special attention

to details during the design and construction phases.

The archi tect, builder, and subcontractors worked

together to ensure built-in energy efficiency and comfort.

For example, higher levels of insulation were specified in

the attic (R-40), the exterior walls (R-21), and between the

unfinished basement and first floor (R-19). This enabled

the subcontractor to install a smaller Energy Star gas

furnace (92% AFUE). Likewise, with the increased thermal

performance of the building envelope, the use of a smaller,

highly efficient central air conditioner is sufficient for

summer cooling. To maximize the operational efficiency

of the heating and cooling systems, a programmable

thermostat was installed, which adjusts the temperature

based on the preferences of the homeowners and

indicates when the air filters require replacement.

Michael and Tracey Sgrignoli • Middletown, PA

Large south-facing windows were included in the house

design to provide passive solar heating in winter. High-

performance double-pane, vinyl-clad windows with low-

emittance (low-e) coatings were selected because of their

high thermal resistance. Compared to single-pane

windows, which are generally the weakest thermal link

in the building envelope, the new windows save the

Sgrignolis approximately $200 each year in avoided

heating and cooling costs.

To reduce air leak age and maximize comfort, al l

penetrations in the building envelope were air sealed

during the construction phase. This included sealing the

seams in the exterior sheathing, filling the gaps around

plumbing, heating, and electrical penetrations, sealing all

mechanical chases passing through unconditioned spaces,

and sealing air-handling ductwork.

Tests were then performed to ensure that the house

performed as expected. Blower door tests (which pressurize

and depressurize the house to measure air leakage) were

used to verify the tightness of the building envelope,

infrared thermography was performed to ensure that no

insulation gaps existed, smoke tracer tests were conducted

to check the air-tightness of the ductwork, and air flow

measurements were used to confirm the proper

performance of the HVAC system.

The Sgrignoli’s new house is twice as

large as their old one but uses roughly

the same amount of energy.


23/80


What did all of these energy efficiency improvements

achieve? According to Michael, “The temperature in the

house is more consistent and there are no cold spots.”

He added that with the high levels of insulation and high-

performance windows the house “tends to hold heat a

lot better in the winter” and in the summer “when it cools,

it stays cool.” To demonstrate their commitment to

providing a quality energy-efficient home,Comfort Home

offers a one year “comfort” guarantee and a three year

heating and cooling energy usage guarantee.

With a recent addition to the family, the Sgrignolis are

glad they moved into a larger house. And with combined

gas and electric bills adding up to just $109 per month,

they are very happy with their decision to buy an energy-

efficient home.

I M


◗ High levels of insulation in the attic,

exterior walls, and basement


◗ Air-sealed air-handling ducts

◗ Passive solar design (south-facing

double-paned, vinyl-clad windows

with low-e coatings)

◗ Energy Star high-efficiency gas

furnace and central air conditioner

◗ Programmable thermostat

◗ Energy-efficient appliances (refrig-

erator, dishwasher, self-cleaning gas

range with pilotless ignition, gas dryer)


comparably sized home

built to minimum codestandards ($390 annually)

“The temperature in the house is more

consistent and there are no cold spots.”


24/80


Michael and Stacy Stepp and their two children

live just outside of Harrisburg in a 1,600 sq. ft.

three-bedroom ranch house. For the past eight

years, the Stepps heated the house with two portablekerosene heaters, because the furnace was broken and

they couldn’t afford to replace it. Recently, Stacey called

the Dauphin County Weatherization program for help in

replacing this dangerous and expensive system.

The county weatherization program approved the

Stepp’s request for assistance and visited the home to

perform an energy audit, including an evaluation of the

broken furnace. “Our old furnace ran for hours and

sometimes didn’t shut off. I couldn’t sleep safe and

sound,” explained Michael. The improperly vented

exhaust from the furnace also left the house covered

with black soot. With financing from the Weatherization

Assistance Program (WAP), administered by the

Pennsylvania Department of Community Affairs, the old

furnace was replaced with a smaller, more energy-

efficient oil unit.

The building envelope of the house was air sealed to

reduce air leakage and improve comfort. Michael and

Stacey’s house had a terrible draft throughout the year from

broken windows and numerous gaps around windows,

doors, electrical outlets, and plumbing penetrations. The

energy efficiency contractors were able to identify these

areas of air leakage by conducting a blower door test. They

repaired broken window panes, installed two new double-

pane insulated windows, added interior storm windows,

sealed and weatherstripped around the doors and

windows, and caulked and applied insulating foam to all

other cracks and gaps that were found.

Michael and Stacey Stepp • Steelton, PA

Adequate levels of fiberglass batt insulation were found

above the ceiling tiles and in the exterior wall cavities,

which provided good thermal protection once the

building envelope was properly air sealed. Inspection

showed, however, that the door between the house and

the unheated garage was improperly insulated. It was

replaced with an insulated wood door and a door sweep

was added to reduce air leakage.

In the interior of the house, the contractors concentrated

on ways to improve the energy efficiency of the Stepp’s

heating, cooling, and hot water systems. Rather than replace

the gas water heater, they chose a more cost-effective

approach of turning the water heater thermostat down to

120˚F, wrapping the water heater with an insulation jacket,

“Our old furnace ran for hours and

sometimes didn’t shut off. I couldn’t

sleep safe and sound.”


25/80


and reducing hot water needs by installing faucet aerators

and a water-conserving showerhead. To further reduce air

leakage and improve heating and cooling efficiency, return

air-handling ducts to the furnace were added to equalize

the air pressure in the house, and the penetrations housing

window-mounted air conditioners were air sealed.

For the Stepps, the Weatherization Assistance Programwas a lifesaver during a tough time, especially

considering the extreme temperatures encountered

throughout the previous winter. Michael said he wished

they had called when the furnace first broke eight years

ago. Then he added, “I’m just thankful to be safe now.”

Despite increasing energy prices, the Stepp’s energy bills

have dropped or remained the same as a result of the

energy efficiency services they received. More importantly,

Michael and Stacey can now sleep soundly knowing thattheir children are safe.

I M



(caulked and weatherstripped

windows and doors, sealed around

window-mounted air conditionersand other penetrations)

◗ Air-sealed air-handling ducts

◗ Energy-efficient oil furnace

◗ Double-pane insulated windows,

storm windows, insulated wood

door with door sweep

◗ Water heater set to 120˚F and

wrapped with insulating jacket

◗ Water-conserving showerhead and

faucet aerators

ENERGY SAVINGS: 10%lower energy costs despitehigher energy prices

With financing from the Weatherization

Assistance Program, the old furnace

was replaced with a smaller, more

energy-efficient unit.


26/80


When the members of Camp

Lutherlyn in western Pennsylvania

needed someone to develop a

Sustainable Lifestyle Program, Todd Garcia-

Bish answered their prayers. “I felt called to

teach others how to take care of what God

created,” said Todd. “This is not so much a

job as a way of life,” he explained. As part of

his new position, Todd began to plan Terra

Dei Homestead, a residence and demon-

stration house designed to promote

environmental sustainability through

resource conservation and energy efficiency.

Two hundred and fif ty straw bales were

stacked to form the east, west, and north walls of the

house. The straw bales provide superior insulation

performance (R-50) and are safely sealed between plaster

and stucco, which sharply limits air leakage while

providing excellent fire resistance and protecting the

bales from moisture and pests. Straw also insulates the

floor and blown cellulose (R-40) insulates the attic.

The high levels of insulation provided by the straw bale

walls, combined with the house’s passive solar design,

minimize the need for mechanical heating and cooling.

The south side of the house features175 sq. ft. of double-

paned, low-e windows to provide passive solar heating

in the winter. In the interior of the house, Todd chose to

cover the floor with tiles made from recycled glass. The

tiles, along with a brick wall in the sunspace, act as thermal

mass, collecting and storing solar energy during the day

and releasing it as heat at night. According to Todd, “On a

clear day, the house is solely heated by the sun for eight

hours, even if temperatures are below freezing.” Insulatedreflective blinds are lowered once the sun goes down to

help retain heat within the house.

During cloudy winter days, passive solar heating is

augmented with a Finnish masonry heater. Since the

house is well insulated and the fireplace is highly efficient,

Todd and Shayne Garcia-Bish • Prospect, PA

a fire that burns for just two hours will heat the house for

twelve hours. In the summer, Todd and Shayne simply

open the passive cooling doors located below the south-

facing windows to let the natural breeze cool the house,

eliminating the need for an air conditioner.

As a result of the passive solar design of the house and

other energy-efficient choices, the Garcia-Bish’s electric

bill averages a mere $38 per month. Most of the lighting

fixtures contain compact fluorescent bulbs, which use

75% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. Major

appliances include an energy-efficient refrigerator and a

front-loading washing machine, both of which are Energy

Star models. Some appliances at Terra Dei Homestead run

on propane, including an electric ignition stove, a high-efficiency furnace, and an instantaneous water heater.

These appliances save energy by design. For example, the

instantaneous hot water heater heats water only when

needed, rather than storing the heated water in a tank.

This eliminates standby losses and helps to keep the gas

bill under $10 per month.

Straw bale walls provide superior

insulation performance.


27/80


Todd has employed severa l water conser vati on

technologies into the design of the homestead to reduce

energy and water usage. A water-conserving showerhead

reduces the use of water and the propane used to heat

water for showering. In addition, the use of a waterless

composting toilet cuts water usage by 33%. These toilets

are becoming increasingly common because they are

odorless and sanitary, as well as ecologically sound. A

graywater recycling system was designed to reuse

wastewater from the sinks, shower, and washing machine

for watering the garden and indoor plants.

Many recycled materials were incorporated into the

construction of the1,300 sq. ft., one-bedroom ranch

house. Polystyrene insulation board manufactured with

recycled content was placed along the exterior of the

foundation footer and extending out horizontally from

the base of the footer. This allowed for a shallower

footing, which required less concrete. The roof was

salvaged from unused cabins and then placed on a postand beam frame. The living room and bedroom are

covered with carpeting made from recycled plastic soda

bottles and the padding underneath is made from

recycled tires. Cabinets were made on-site without the

use of laminates, and the paint used in the house was

made from recycled materials, minimizing the

outgassing of volatile organic compounds into the air.

Together, these features created a healthier indoor

environment. “The indoor air quality at Terra Dei is very

high because of the materials chosen,” explained Todd.

I M


◗ Straw bale exterior walls

◗ Passive solar heating (south-facing

double-paned, low-e windows with

insulated reflective blinds, tile and

brick collect and store solar energy)

◗ Natural ventilation (passive cooling

doors)

◗ Energy-efficient Finnish masonry

heater

◗ Instantaneous hot water heater,

water-conserving showerhead


◗ Energy Star refrigerator and front-

loading washing machine


comparably sized house built

to minimum code standards

The benefits the Garcia-Bishs receive from living in an

energy-efficient home go well beyond the obvious

monetary savings. “The major benefit that we receive from

Terra Dei Homestead is the piece of mind in knowing that

we are making a positive difference in our world,” said

Todd. With more than 1,000 visitors each year, the couple

is changing the way people think about the use of natural

resources and the benefits of energy-efficient design, one

person at a time.

“On a clear day, the house is solely

heated by the sun for eight hours, even if

temperatures are below freezing.”


28/80


29/80

Section 2Energy Efficiency Basics:

Tips, Techniques, and Products


30/80


Ahome energy audit is an excellent way to assess

your current household energy usage and

determine the best options for increasing theenergy efficiency of your home. Whether you choose to

follow simple do-it-yourself steps or hire a professional

with sophisticated equipment, a home energy audit will

pinpoint where your house is wasting energy and

evaluate the efficiency of heating, cooling, hot water, and

lighting systems.

Do-It-Yourself Energy Audits

The first step in a do-it-yourself energy audit is to identifyair leakage sites, which in extreme cases may be felt as

drafts. On a windy day, do a walk-through of your house

while carrying a smoke pencil and watch for places where

the smoke wavers horizontally, indicating areas of air

infiltration. Note the location of any cracks, holes, or other

sources of air leakage to locate and prioritize where the

house requires air sealing. Pay special attention to the

most common air leakage sites: along the baseboard and

edge of flooring, junctures at the wall and ceiling, band

joists and sill plates, electrical outlets and switches, gapsaround plumbing penetrations, chases containing

ductwork and plumbing that travel through

unconditioned spaces, chimneys, attic access hatches, and

window and door frames (see Building Envelope section).

You should also record the type and amount of insulation

found throughout the house to identify additional energy

savings opportunities (see Insulation section). Don’t forget

to check for insulation around the hot water tank, ductwork,

and hot water pipes.

You can find more information on conducting your own

home energy audit from the following sources:

◗ Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Clearinghouse (EREC)

(800) DOE-EREC (363-3732)

www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/

◗ Home Energy Saver (Lawrence Berkeley National

Laboratory)

HomeEnergySaver.lbl.gov The free Energy Advisor on-line program allows you

to calculate your home’s energy usage and identify

detailed energy savings opportunities.

Professional Energy Audits

For a more detailed and precise assessment of home energy

savings opportunities, contact a local professional energy

auditor. A comprehensive energy audit will cost $200 to

$500, depending on the level of detail, and will usually payfor itself within a year or two through energy savings. An

energy auditor will use sophisticated equipment to

measure energy performance, such as a blower door, duct

blaster, infrared camera, infrared thermometer, and furnace

efficiency meter. This equipment will accurately identify

problem areas of air leakage, inadequate insulation,

excessive moisture, inefficient heating and cooling systems,

and poor air quality, which often cannot be detected by a

Home Energy Audit


31/80


Home Energy Audit

visual inspection alone. The energy auditor will then suggest

ways to rectify these problems, allowing you to increase

the comfort of your home while reducing energy bills.

Finding an Energy Auditor

For homeowners and renters with a limited income, contact

your local utility or community energy organization (listed

in the Financing section) to see if you qualify for a subsidized

home energy audit through the Low-Income Usage

Reduction Program (LIURP). Otherwise, ask the local

weatherization office to refer you to a local energy auditor,

or search one of the following national networks of certified

energy auditors:

◗ Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)

1-760-806-3448

www.natresnet.org/dir/raters/pennsylvania.htm

◗ National Home Energy & Resources Organization

1-888-876-9445

www.national-hero.com

◗ Building Performance Contractors Association (BPCA)

www.home-performance.org/bpca/access.htm#PA

Also, check the local yellow pages under the category

Energy Conservation or Insulation. Once you have located

an energy auditor in your area, ask about their previous

experience and check references.


32/80


Each year, an average house wastes up to 30% of

energy used for heating and cooling as air movesthrough gaps, penetrations, and cracks in the exterior

shell of the house, commonly referred to as the building

envelope. Air leakage in a poorly air-sealed house may be

equivalent to leaving a window wide open 24 hours a day.

Energy loss due to air leakage can account for up to 50% of

heating loads and a significant portion of cooling loads.

Reducing energy loss by properly air sealing the building

envelope offers one of the greatest opportunities for low-

cost energy savings and improved comfort.

Air Sealing PrioritiesIt is best to focus on air sealing the attic first.

The attic door, hatch or pull down stairs, and

attic knee wall doors (in finished attics) are

prime air leakage culprits. Chases for duct work

and plumbing that pass through uncondi-

tioned spaces and recessed lighting fixtures are

also key sites of air leakage between the inte-

rior of the house and the attic.

In the walls, air leakage primarily occurs at the

top and bottom plates and through the rough

openings (hidden by drywall and casings)

around windows and doors. Air leakage is also

common at the rim joist (between the foun-

dation and the first floor) and the band joist

(between floors in multistory houses). In the

floor, major air leakage sites include electrical wiring and

plumbing penetrations and around tub and shower drains.

In order to determine where you are losing heating and

cooling dollars due to air leakage, begin with an energy

audit of your house (see Energy Audit section). Conducting

an energy audit will enable you to prioritize energy

efficiency improvement projects.

Always start with the biggest gaps when air sealing (from

chases that a person could crawl through to holes that a

Air Leakage Sources

Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 1999.

Floors, Walls, andCeiling 31%

Ducts 15%

Fireplace 14%

PlumbingPenetrations 13%

Doors 11%

Windows 10%

Fans and Vents 4% Electric Outlets 2%

Building Envelope


33/80


Building Envelope

mouse could crawl through) and work your way down to

the smallest cracks and seams.

Home Improvement Opportunities

◗ Plug any large gaps in the attic floor, attic knee walls,

and basement with rigid foam board insulation and/

or expanding foam insulation.

◗ Air seal and insulate the access door or hatch to the attic.

In finished attics, air seal and insulate any knee wall doors

that lead into unconditioned portions of the attic.

◗ Caulk along the baseboard and the edge of flooring

and where the ceiling meets the wall.

◗ Air seal and insulate all air-handling ducts in

unconditioned spaces (typically in the attic or

basement). Use mastic (a non-toxic paste), rather than

duct tape, to seal ductwork.

◗ Air seal all duct boots to drywall or floor using caulk

or mastic.

◗ Air seal around all plumbing and wiring penetrations

in walls, floors, and ceilings using expanding foam

or caulk.

◗ Remove recessed lighting fixtures and replace with

surface-mounted fixtures after air sealing the former

penetration in the drywall. If installing new recessed

fixtures, use only UL-approved airtight, IC-rated lighting

fixtures that meet ASTM E283 requirements.

◗ Air seal any exterior penetrations, such as for cable and

electric service lines, phone service lines, or lighting

fixtures using caulk or expanding foam.

◗ Caulk around window and doorframes, and

weatherstrip around windows and doors. Install doorsweeps and consider installing storm windows over

single-pane windows.

◗ Close fireplace dampers when not in use, and air seal

around all chimney penetrations. Use sheet metal and

high-temperature (4500 F), fire-rated caulk.

◗ Air seal around the hot water heater and furnace flues.

Use UL-approved metal collar and high-temperature

(4500 F), fire-rated caulk.

◗ Air seal gaps around all exhaust fans and recessed light

fixtures using caulk.

◗ Seal electrical switch and outlet boxes to drywall using

caulk, or install foam rubber gaskets behind outlet and

switch plates.

◗ Seal light fixture boxes to drywall using caulk.

◗ Air seal kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans to

drywall using caulk.

Easiest Achieved During Construction

◗ Air seal seams at the sill plate and foundation, rim joist

and subfloor, bottom plate and subfloor, band joist and

top plate, and band joist and subfloor using caulk (or a

sill gasket between the sill plate and foundation and

the bottom plate and subfloor).

Attic Knee Wall

SealAtticlivingspace

Seal

Hardboard

Unwantedair leakage

Attic Ventilation

Knee wall

Seal

outletbox todrywall

Seal all edges of rigidfoam insulation

Attic space

Desiredventilation

Source: Southface Energy Institute


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Building Envelope

◗ Air seal all penetrations through the top and bottom

plates of exterior walls. Also, air seal the top and bottom

plates of partition walls that intersect with

unconditioned spaces, such as the attic and thebasement. Air seal any penetrations through the end

stud of partition walls that intersect with exterior walls.

◗ When installing drywall on exterior walls, air seal

seams between the drywall and framing around the

perimeter of the wall by installing a continuous

rubber gasket behind the drywall, or applying a

continuous bead of caulk. Don’t forget to install a

gasket or caulk around rough openings for windows

and doors, and air seal between the drywall and

framing at the end stud of partition walls thatintersect with exterior walls.

◗ Air seal around rough openings for doors and windows

using backer rod and caulk or low-expansion foam.

◗ Air seal all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC penetrations

and chases that move through unconditioned spaces.

◗ Air seal dropped-soffit cabinets and shower ceilings

using sheet material (plywood, sheet metal, or rigid

foam insulation board) and caulk or expanding foam.

Once sealed, insulate.

◗ Insulate and air seal behind bathtubs and showers

located against exterior walls. Air seal drain penetrations

using rigid foam board insulation and expanding foam.

Air Sealing Products and ApplicationsSeveral products have been designed to reduce air leakage.

Use the following information as a guide for selecting the most

appropriate products for your energy efficiency projects. Most

home improvement stores carry a wide selection of air-sealing

products. Specialty air-sealing products are available from the

Energy Federation Incorporated, (800) 876-0660, www.efi.org.

Caulk —Caulk is best for cracks and gaps less than one-

half inch wide. Generally, more expensive silicone caulks

will adhere better and last longer.

Backer Rod—This flexible foam material is used to provide

a backing for wide or deep cracks to be sealed with caulk.

Expanding Foam—This is used to fill larger cracks and

gaps up to two inches wide. Expanding foam is very sticky,

so wear gloves. Do NOT use near flammable applications,

such as flue vents. A high-temperature, fire-rated caulk is

recommended for these applications. Choose products

that are marketed as safe for the ozone (those

manufactured using low levels of HCFCs).

Rigid and Flexible Ductsrigid duct flexible duct


Register

Seal

jointsin boots

Seal boots to sheet goods (drywall, subfloor)with caulk, mastic or spray foam

Seal metal or flex to boot or elbow with masticNever puncture innerliner. If repair is needed,install a coupling andseal properly

Strap inner liner andouter insulation

Use wide straps to support flex ductspaced at 5 foot intervals

Run lines straightusing metal elbows atbends and corners

Masticboot seams

Mastic beforeattaching flexduct


35/80


Building Envelope

Rope Caulk —This is great for temporarily sealing window

assemblies during the heating season.

Weatherstripping—Weatherstripping materials are amore permanent solution used to reduce air leakage

around moving parts of windows and doors.

Weatherstripping comes in both compression type (uses

foam to create seal) or V-strip (metal or vinyl sealed to the

edge around windows and doors, which is longer lasting).

Door Sweeps—Door sweeps are installed on the bottom

of exterior doors to prevent heat loss and cold drafts. Door

sweeps with a felt strip or plastic bristles work best.

Gaskets—Gaskets are used as a means of air sealing

drywall to exterior framing and air sealing the joints

between sill plates and the foundation and bottom plates

and the subfloor.

Indoor Air QualityAn air-sealed house with proper controlled ventilation

provides superior indoor air quality compared to a drafty

house with uncontrolled ventilation. Many sources of

indoor air pollution may be found in today’s homes atunacceptably high levels, including radon, formaldehyde,

tobacco smoke, asbestos, lead, carbon monoxide (from

ranges, fireplaces, and heating systems), and volatile

organic compounds used in building materials and

furnishings. Exposure to these pollutants may lead to

serious health problems.

Air quality problems in homes and apartments can be

resolved through three steps: (1) eliminate or control the

sources of pollution; (2) increase ventilation through naturaland mechanical means; and (3) install air cleaning devices.

To learn more about indoor air qual ity, contact the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), at (703) 356-4020,

or visit www.epa.gov/iaq/homes.html.

Air sealing prevents uncontrolled air movement through

the building envelope, which can transport moisture and

pollutants into the interior of a home. A leaky building

Walls and Band Joist

Caulk bottom plateto subfloor

Tape orcaulk exteriorsheathingseams

Rafterbaffle

Soffit vent

Atticventilation

Sheathing –OK to extendsheathingbelow sill plate

Caulk drywall totop and bottomplates

Sill gasket ordouble-bead of caulk

Caulk band joistto subfloor and plates

Caulk bottom plateto subfloor

Chases and Dropped Soffits



Seal and insulatedropped soffit

Sealbottomplate

Seal electricalpenetrations

Seal HVACpenetrations

Sealchases

Seal dropped soffit ceilings and utility chases


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32 P

home energy saving

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