Over the last several decades, we have heard about how our homes use energy and how the building industry has greatly improved our capability to conserve energy through construction. We have written many blogs that address this subject from just about every direction we can think of.
Energy efficiency in new home construction is governed by the implementation of Energy Codes designed to establish the energy consumption and performance of our new homes. But what about existing homes that were not constructed under the Energy Codes in place today? Where does a homeowner begin to know what questions to ask? Well, we’ve got you covered.
The Information Age
Gathering information and data about how your home is performing is the first step. With an understanding of how your home is performing, you can then make a plan, and plans are good. The best method of gaining the information is through a Whole Home Energy Audit.
David Byrnes of Green ID, (Green Integrated Design), a Rosie on the House Certified Partner, explains how a Home Energy Audit works and what it can tell us.
There are more than a dozen different facets of home performance covered in their audit. David begins a home audit by asking homeowners for background information including energy bills for the last year. This establishes a baseline. Then the experts at Green ID will start the home check. This is a comprehensive examination based on observation and testing designed to produce the data and information needed to zero in on your home’s energy issues. Nothing affecting the performance of your home goes unnoticed. Appliances are looked at for their level of efficiency. Insulation, particularly in the attic, is measured to determine its level of effectiveness. The air barrier between the attic and the home is also inspected for efficiency. Windows and doors are examined to determine the glazing and sealing effectiveness and if the doors’ weather stripping is adequate. The home’s ductwork design, construction, and integrity are also evaluated.
A series of testing equipment is then employed to collect more data. A Combustion Safety and Gas Leakage test is performed to determine carbon monoxide levels. This can identify how well the ovens, stoves, water heater, and furnace perform. You sure don’t want to tighten up your home with these gasses floating about.
A blower door test will indicate how leaky the home is and locate the leak sources. A similar test will be performed on the ductwork. This blower test specifically targets ductwork leakage. A static pressure test will determine how well air moves through the home. This test looks at the HVAC system as a whole, including ductwork and registers. Another type of pressure test is performed to determine air pressure imbalances room by room. These imbalances can cause one room to have more dust than another. Generally, these imbalances can make the HVAC system work harder than it needs to. This process is called pressure mapping a home and can reveal many interesting and intriguing pieces of information.
One test that most folks find interesting is the Thermal Camera Imaging. A camera detects variations in temperature and highlights areas where the insulation may not be adequate, from poor installation to foundation settlement over the years.
David mentioned that a Whole Home Energy Audit wouldn’t be complete if they excluded the pool pump. Testing its efficiency is a necessary step to getting the “whole house” picture.
These tests culminate in a thorough report detailing every facet of the home’s energy performance. The report will be reviewed with the homeowner, deficiencies noted, and only then is a plan of action developed. The plan will detail specific steps and costs so you can decide how to move forward.
Deficiencies
We asked David the most common deficiencies they discover in homes.
The number one issue is duct leakage. Over the years the ductwork’s seams may be no longer be sealed or poor construction techniques were applied. Often ductwork can become kinked, and duct sizes are not the correct size to move the amount of air needed in the home. Airflow adjustments are necessary to balance the airflow from room to room. This may require the use of additional ductwork and a jump duct. A jump duct is a way to get air circulation to the air return and facilitate good airflow from room to room.
The second most common find has to do with insulation. There are two things to consider here: adequate insulation and an air barrier.
Is there sufficient ‘R value’ (a measure of how insulation performs as a barrier to heat transfer), to maintain a comfort level in the home? Is there a lack of a sufficient air barrier between the attic and the living space? Air leakage here considerably devalues the effectiveness of insulation.
The third most common defect is perhaps the simplest. From Phoenix to Tucson, to Yuma, and all desert areas, sun exposure can be critical to heat gain in summer. Heat gained through the windows can make the air conditioner work harder than it needs to. By simply shading the windows, considerable savings can be realized.
A small investment in a whole home energy audit can save you thousands of dollars in energy savings in the long run and keep you more comfortable throughout the seasons. If you haven’t had one done, Rosie can’t recommend it more strongly. It should be the next investment in your home, especially before any significant investment in air conditioning, insulation, or other energy saving products or tactics.
###
CONTENT PARTNER: Green ID
By diagnosing air conditioning problems and home energy inefficiencies, Green ID helps homeowners create a healthier, more efficient, and more comfortable living space. A small local business in the Valley, they offer personalized attention to every home and guarantee more attention to detail than what you may receive from a large corporation.
PODCAST
Podcast Archive With Expanded Content and Resources
PHOTO CREDIT
- Shutterstock
