Home Energy Assessments and

Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Dane George

Home Energy AssessmentsProgram Authority

Maintain Computer Modeling Software

Administers Rebate Program

Energy Advisors Service Organizations

Elements of a Home Energy AssessmentVisit #1:-Establish Existing Insulation Levels-Survey Heating, Cooling, Hot Water & Ventilation -Blower Door Air Leakage Test-Discuss Upgrade Potential with Homeowner-Energuide Rating-House Report

Visit #2:-Inspection of Energy Upgrades-Rebate Potential

Home Energy Assessments

http://arrowelec.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/2010-conservation-pyramidsm.jpg

Primarily concerned with:

-Air Tightness

-Insulation Levels

-Heating Systems

Where does the heat go?

-travels in all directions

-conducts through all surfaces

-insulation only slows it down

Heat travels by:

-convection (air movement)

-conduction (through materials)

-radiation (from objects)

Keeping the Heat In, 2013

www.clydeanderson.com.au

Insulation Information- R-Value is the measurement of

thermal resistance

- Proper installation is very important

- R-value decreases when insulation is compressed

- Convection can occur around insulation

Keeping the Heat In, 2013

Basements CrawlspacesWall types

-Concrete

-Stone/mortar

- Concrete block/mortarInsulation Options:

-Framing + Fiberglass Batts + Drywall

-XTPS Rigid Insulation

-Polyurethane Sprayfoam

Basements and CrawlspacesLook out for signs of:

-Structural Damage: Cracks, Shifting

-Moisture: Dampness, Effluorescence

-Freeze Thaw Cycle (4 ft frost line in Nova Scotia)

Basement and Crawlspace Ceilings

http://www.energyvanguard.com

May or may not be a good option

-careful about freezing pipes

-no rebates available if the basement contains a heating systems or water pipes

-be sure to fasten insulation properly

Basement HeadersMajor Source of heat loss and air leakage.

Insulation Options

-XTPS rigid insulation (cover with drywall or other fire barrier)

-fiberglass batts (don’t forget, don’t compress!)

-sprayfoam concrete/wood connection

Exposed FloorsAny floor overhanging an unheated space

-over garages

-under bay windows

-porches converted into living spaces

Insulation Options:

-fiberglass Batts + XTPS rigid insulation

-polyurethane sprayfoam (careful if there is vinyl flooring)

Main WallsInsulation Options:

-exterior added insulation: rigid EPS insulation

-blown insulation: cellulose, mineral or glass fiber, may have trouble thoroughly insulating

-interior added insulation: fiberglass or denim batts, easy install during interior renovations

Main WallsBlown Insulation Considerations

-condition of wall finish: may result in a “blow out”

-plaster may contain asbestos

-wood stove flue, avoid due to fire hazard

WindowsConsiderations

-air leakage around windows is usually the biggest culprit

-“storm” windows increase R-value and reduce air leakage

-window installation is very important: caulking, sprayfoam, vapour barrier

www.inspectapedia.com

Replacing WindowsConsiderations

-only Energy Star windows qualify for rebates

-low E coating prevents radiation from passing through

-multiple panes - 2, 3 or even 4

-argon gas or similar heavy gas to prevent convection between panes

-insulating spacers between components

www.fsec.ucf.edu

Ceilings

www.inspectapedia.com

Types

-sloped: scissor truss or cathedral

-flat roof

-attic

Insulation Options:

-Fiberglass Batts

-Blown Insulation

CeilingsInsulation Options:

-fiberglass batts

-blown insulation (cheaper, but messy)

Considerations:

-furnace/chimney flue fire hazard

-attic ventilation

-air leakage into attic from house

-vermiculite (may contain asbestos)

CeilingsUpgrades cautions:

-compressed insulation

-may result in ice damming

-water leaks

-damage to roof deck material

-condensation and mould growth on ceiling

Air Leakage TestingBlower Door Test

-depressurizes the house

-use your senses to discover drafts

-measures air changes per hour (ACH)

-estimates equivalent leakage area (ela)

-avoid making the house too ‘tight’ without proper ventilation equipment

energyconservatory.com

www.energyvanguard.com

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-backdrafting.html

Considerations

-avoid making the house too ‘tight’ without proper ventilation equipment

-exhaust fans such as dryers, bathfans and range hoods can cause backdrafting

-may result in carbon monoxide poisoning

-install a carbon monoxide detectors

-Home energy assessment will provide a warning if house is too tight

Air Leakage Testing

Air Leakage Testing

http://www.nps.gov/

Heating systemsCommon existing heating systems:

-oil furnaces/oil boilers

-electric baseboards

-wood/pellet stoves

Upgrade options:

-ductless “mini-split” heat pumps

-water-to-air, air-to-water, air-to-air heat pumps

-new furnace or boiler with higher efficiency

-natural gas – available only in some neighbourhoods

Efficiency Nova Scotia Programs for Home Owners

- Home Energy Assessment

- Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

- Keeping the Heat In

- Greenbuildingadvisor.com

- Product Installation (light bulbs, tank wrap, pipe insulation, etc.)

- Home Energy Report

- Home Energy Assessments

- Appliance Retirement (do you have an old fridge or freezer?)

- Home Heating Solutions (Green Heat)

Resources