energy efficiency workshop survival skills for today’s energy market
TRANSCRIPT
Energy Efficiency WorkshopEnergy Efficiency Workshop
Survival Skills for Today’s Energy Market
Energy Efficiency Workshop
What we’re doing1. How we compare with other
areas of world
2. Factors affecting energy use
3. What various systems use
4. Energy tips & strategy
5. Resources
6. Trouble shooting high bills
Energy Efficiency Workshop
“The average [US] home emits twice as much green house gas as the average car,” says the Building Codes Assistance Project.
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Energy Efficiency Workshop
When Will We Improve?From: The Home Energy Efficiency Report
20081.Energy costs are perceived as a long-term,
burdensome problem2.Costs, return and payback periods can be
estimated 3.Income is sufficient4.A credible source of advice on the most cost-
effective improvements is available
Energy Efficiency WorkshopEnergy Efficiency Workshop
Determining power consumption patterns
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Three Critical Factors1. Texas Climate
Mostly hot, but cold too Humidity, rain, sun
2. Behaviors Thermostat settings, length of showers Energy Attitude
3. Home Envelope & Systems Building, insulation, ducts, vents, doors, windows Heating & Air conditioning, water heater,
lighting Swimming pools, hot tubs, irrigation, outdoor
lighting
Energy Efficiency WorkshopEnergy Efficiency Workshop
Hot & Humid
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Code not adopted in Texas yet
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Heating & Cooling Degree Days Average outdoor temperature:
Above 65°F = Cooling degree days Below 65°F = Heating degree days
Each degree the average daily temperature is above 65°F counts as one cooling degree day
Example: if yesterday was an average of 90 degrees, would count as 25 cooling degree days
Annual Cooling/Heating
Year Cooling
Heating
2008 2583 1713
2007 2250 1909
2006 2535 1571
2005 2094 1918
2004 2009 1890
January Cooling/Heating
Year Cooling
Heating
2009 6 440
2008 7 532
2007 0 663
2006 0 285
2005 6 422
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Work with ClimatePlant deciduous trees for shadeUse natural light when possibleConsider rainwater collection to
reduce well pumpingConsider heat impact of
driveways & other items nearby Consider heat gain from dark
building materials
Energy Efficiency WorkshopEnergy Efficiency Workshop
Different ways people use energy
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Some Behavior FactorsKnowledge – “energy IQ”AttitudeAge
Children, teensSenior adults
GenderIncomeMedical condition
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Energy Efficiency WorkshopEnergy Efficiency Workshop
Building and All Systems
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Drafty Homes
600,000+ cubic feet of air passes through the older Texas house daily
Enough to fill 3 Goodyear blimps
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Improve Home EnvelopeCalk & weather stripping
Exterior openings & attic doorConsider insulation
Recommendation: R-38 to R-49R-19 or less in ceiling – add
insulationNatural light tubular skylights
– with dimmersFire places - usually not very
efficientConsider glass doorsOutside combustion airClose damper when not in use
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Improve Home EnvelopeLow E windows for Texas climateWindows’ Efficiency rated
Specific window rating for this area
U-factor= resistance to heat gain (lower is better)
SHGC= Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (lower is better)
Wall to window ratio of 25% or less
Consider storm windows in existing homes
Solar screens on sun exposed
Energy Efficiency Workshop
5
PoolsHot TubsWells
Sewers
1
Heating &
A/C44%
2Water
Heating14%
3Refrigera
tor9%
4
Lighting &
Appliances
33%
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Heating & ACCurtains and blindsReplace A/C filter often (MERV 6+)Therm. at 78 summer and 68 winterInstall programmable therm.Seal ducts (UL rated tape)Check heating & AC annuallyConsider replacing 10 year+ central
systemHeat pump better than regular
resistance heatNew Unit 14 SEER or greater
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Efficient Heat-PumpMoves heat: out in summer, in during winter2-types: air & geothermal (water or ground)SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is
cooling efficiencyAir Source = 13-18 SEER (14+ Energy Star)Geothermal = 25-37 SEER (climate dependant)
HSPF Rating – Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is heating efficiency (8+)
EER Newer standard – Electrical Efficiency Rating – remove climate differencesWill become standardRating for room A/C
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Room Units & Ductless SystemsRoom/ Window units
One room at a time, but lower efficiency10+ EER (A/C for Energy Star rating)Heat-pump units (some A/C & heat NOT heat-
pump)Ductless Systems
Central compressor, each room has air handlerOutside unit smaller & quite operationRequires less installation space (refrigerant lines
only)Used overseas for yearsSome rated at 20 SEER
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Energy Tips – Water HeaterSet therm. at 120Consider timer, off when on vacationInsulate pipe above heaterInsulate hot water pipes in un-
insulated spacesPumped instant-hot system problemsReplace old heaters with more
efficientUse cold water to wash clothsUse low-flow shower headsFix leaky faucets
Energy Efficiency Workshop
New Water Heating TechnologiesTankless Water Heaters
Eliminates standby lossesRequire additional wiring (if electric)GPM flow rate may be limited
Heat-pump water heatersNot common – yetUse 1/3 to ½ electricityGE to release self-contained model soon
Solar water heatingMaking a comeback in sun-beltIf considering – do homework
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Source: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Energy Tips – RefrigeratorKeep freezer section fullClean air intake areaMake sure door seals are goodReplace pre-1993 with Energy Star
rated model (see frig calculator)Eliminate old garage refrigerator!
Adds $20+ monthly to billIf buying freezer avoid “frost-free”
Energy Efficiency Workshop
LightingUse CFL bulbs and save 2 ways
75% less electricityOperates at 90 degrees (not 300
degrees)Spot, 3-way, dimmable , bug-light
LED lightingUse now for decorative lightingMore LED’s coming for indoor & outGreenStar
Use motion sensors indoors and outdoor
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Source: U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Energy Savers based on $0.94 cost per kWh
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Appliance ConsiderationsUse Energy Star qualifiedAdvanced technologies10-50% less energy and
water$’s saved on utility bills
make up additional costFront loading washersSolar dryers good too
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Pools & Hot TubesSwimming pools
Adjust pool pump times for season
Avoid extended run time with non-essentials (water falls)
Hot tubsUse timers, all off during non-usePlace in weather protected areaUse insulated coverMake sure all sides (and bottom)
and insulated
8 A–7P
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Phantom Power UsersSome TV’sComputersCell phone chargersAppliances, alarm clocks, etc.Anything that is warm or shows a
light or a displaySome sewer systems, some controls
(water softener)
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Measuring UsageKill-A-Watt measure usage at
each appliancehttp://
www.p3international.com/products/special/P4400/P4400-CE.html
Utility automatic meter reading systemsCan see daily usage
Read meter daily for month and compare with temps
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Energy StrategiesLimited income in inefficient home
Create one efficient roomUse it during peak heating and A/C
seasonSpace heating vs. central system
1,500 watt heater uses less than central furnace
Never run central furnace & space heater
Use electric blankets in winterUse fans in summer
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Help Members understand usage
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Trouble Shooting High BillsWeather extremes are usual causeElements can run up a big bill
Central electric furnace 15,000 watts commonA/C and heater running at same timeWater heater element 4,500 watts (instant-hot
pump - worst)Electric space heater 1,500 watts
Pumps that run all the time are big monthly usersWater wells, swimming pools, hot tubs, irrigation746 watts per horsepower
Lose and leaky ductsMobile homes, gray duct tape, bad flex duct,
animalsExtra refrigerators = $20+ per month per unitRarely – shorts, faulty wiring
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Some Basics730 = total hours in an average month746 watts = one electric motor
horsepower746 X 1 hp X 730 = 544,580/1,000 =
544.58 KWH per monthKW = 1,000 watts at a point in time less
than one hour (demand) as measured by the meter Example: 4,500 watt element = 4.5 KW
KWH = 1,000’s of watts with hours in time included4,500 watt element X 1 hour = 4.5 KWH
KVA = same as kW, but includes power factor (volts X amps) transformers are sized in KVA
Energy Efficiency WorkshopEnergy Efficiency Workshop
A few websites to consider
Energy Efficiency Workshop
BEC Member ResourcesBandera Electric Cooperative
www.banderaelectric.comEnergy Star
http://www.energystar.gov/Alliance to Save Energy
http://www.ase.org/U.S. Department of Energy
http://www.energysavers.gov/Texas State Energy Conservation
Officehttp://www.seco.cpa.state.tx.us/
Energy Efficiency Workshop
Tax Credits 2009Item Specifications Credit Amount
Windows & Skylights Energy Star or IECC 10% up to $200 total
Storm Windows Meets IECC code 10% up to $200 total
Exterior doors IECC 10% up to $500
Storm doors IECC 10% up to $500
Metal & Asphalt roofs Energy Star 10% up to $500
Insulation IECC 10% up to $500
Central A/C SEER = 15+ $300
Air Heat -Pump SEER = 15+ $300
Geo-Thermal EER = 14-16 (depends)
30% up to $2,000
Water heaters Heat pump $300
Solar water heating SRCC 30% up to $2,000
Photovoltaic Meet building codes 30% up to $1,500
Energy Efficiency Workshop