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Transcript of 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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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 3
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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6 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 7
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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8 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 9
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
P A C T ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES:
◗ 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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10 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 11
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
P A C T ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES:
◗ 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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12 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 13
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
P A C T ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES:
◗ 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.”
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14 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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.”
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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 15
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
ENERGY SAVINGS: 20%less energy usage than a
comparably sized house builtto minimum code standards
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16 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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.”
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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 17
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
P A C T ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES:
◗ Air-sealed building envelope
(weatherstripped and caulked
around doors and windows, sealed
fireplace chase)
◗ Increased levels of insulation in attic
and exterior wall cavities
◗ High-efficiency gas furnace
◗ Compact fluorescent lights
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!”
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18 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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.
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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 19
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
P A C T ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES:
◗ High levels of insulation in the attic,
exterior walls, and basement
◗ Air-sealed building envelope
◗ 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)
ENERGY SAVINGS: 30%less energy usage than a
comparably sized home
built to minimum codestandards ($390 annually)
“The temperature in the house is more
consistent and there are no cold spots.”
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20 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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.”
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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 21
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
P A C T ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES:
◗ Air-sealed building envelope
(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.
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22 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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.
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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 23
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
P A C T ENERGY-EFFICIENT FEATURES:
◗ 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
◗ Compact fluorescent lights
◗ Energy Star refrigerator and front-
loading washing machine
ENERGY SAVINGS: 70%less energy usage than a
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.”
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Section 2Energy Efficiency Basics:
Tips, Techniques, and Products
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26 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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
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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 27
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.
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28 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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
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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 29
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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30 Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters
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
Source: Southface Energy Institute
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
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Pennsylvania Home Power Boosters 31
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
Source: Southface Energy Institute
Source: Southface Energy Institute
Seal and insulatedropped soffit
Sealbottomplate
Seal electricalpenetrations
Seal HVACpenetrations
Sealchases
Seal dropped soffit ceilings and utility chases
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