HVAC is a huge part of the equation. It represents between 50-60% of your utility bills.
Each additional SEER improvement on your HVAC has a significant saving on your cooling costs, For example, if you upgrade to a new 16 SEER unit, it will be 60% more efficient than your old 10 SEER unit. Now, a 10 % leak in your return duct, drawing in hot attic air, will reduce the unit’s efficiency by 30 %. So, that new 16 SEER unit becomes only as efficient as an 11 SEER unit.
The D.O.E. estimates that the average home’s Duct system leaks up to 40% of conditioned air in to unconditioned spaces like the attic.
A typical home has a "3ft x 3ft hole" hidden in exterior wall penetrations, building cavities, wire penetrations, plumbing penetrations and open wall cavities that are open to the attic or outside. Most people are running the A/C with "a window wide open".
Air sealing is also a consideration when calculating the size of your new A/C unit. By addressing the duct and air leakage problems, that old 5 ton unit may need to be replaced with only a 4 ton. A common mistake is to install an oversized unit. This can result in the unit short cycling. Short cycling is the A/C equivalent of stop and start driving. The unit runs inefficiently because it cools the room without removing any of the humidity, it makes us feel clammy and uncomfortable.
Air Sealing also helps new insulation perform to its rated R value. In the right circumstance Foam is a great way to go; it brings the attic into conditioned space and seals up air leaks at the same time.
I identify everything that is wrong with your home from an energy point of view. My audit is great for identifying the most cost effective energy improvements for YOUR home, but it is of little value if you’re not going to act on the recommendations.
I am HERS certified. I take lots of photos, run measurements, perform diagnostic tests ,develop a HERS Index, develop cost options, run return on investment calculations on the items that make sense and then give you a copy of all the documentation and a proposal so you can decide what order and what choices you wish to pursue.
After all work has been completed, I repeat the blower door and duct blaster test to Quantify the improvements. This means you can qualify for Rebates and Tax Credits.
