Paybacks

When modeling improvements, we put the turn key price to do the improvements in REM/Rate. The software gives us numbers that we utilize to determine simple payback, return on investment, present value and net savings. We are the only company that I know of that does this for their customers. Simple payback is what most people look at. I am very conservative when I do one of these because I do not want to over-promise.


When labor and indirect costs are entered, it gives paybacks, that to some may appear long. It is my belief that the entire cost of the improvement be entered, even if this lengthens payback. When a home has gone for a long period of time without improvements to the energy systems and there are multiple things to be addressed, the costs increase the simple payback. I want the homeowner to know everything going into a retrofit.

Now, what is really important to understand is that comfort and happiness is something that is not measured in a comprehensive home energy audit. If you want to be happy and comfortable in your home while cutting your CO2 emissions, then the economic portions of the report do not carry as much weight. Every home and homeowner is unique. A homeowner with low bills/consumption compared to someone else with a different lifestyle but a similar size/age home has an effect on numbers as well.

Please keep in mind that this report is intended to be a living, breathing book. I want to be your energy and comfort consultant for life. At any time, I will produce the additional reports needed if the scope of the job changes or if you want to see different scenarios. I will also produce test out pages for you to add if you proceed with a retrofit.

In closing, if we do a retrofit at your home, we will test out at the end of the project and during the project if needed. We report our findings to you and our Quality Assurance is performed by a third party. Our goal is 100% satisfaction. You can rest assured that we will perform to the highest level of integrity and you will be amazed. Thank you very much!

What I do

I spend about 4 hours going over your home with "a fine tooth comb".  I utilize various tools like a compass, duct blaster, blower door, thermal camera and smoke pencil.  These are just a few of the tools I utilize.

I use building science, to evaluate the "systems" of your home.  Insulation and sealing is a system,  Ductwork is a system, Mechanical equipment is a system.


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.

Magna Tite, great product!

If you want to retrofit your leaky, ineffiicient, single pane, metal frame windows.......here is your product.  It is alot cheaper than replacing windows.  It creates an air barrier.  They really work well.  I have tested with a thermographic camera and temperature sensor.  One of my customers installed them as well.  It will bring your cooling loads down. 


http://www.soundproofing.org/how_to_windows.htm




http://www.soundproofing.org/how_to_windows.htm%20product%20for%20retrofitting%20single%20pane%20metal%20frame%20windows

Nanosolar

Dear Energy Smart Partners:

Here is a company that will change the world.  I have been watching them since 2007.  They are not a public company yet, but they are finally producing thin film solar.  I am gojng to buy stock in this company when they go public and I hope to encorporate this product into my home energy retrofits some day soon!  Check this link out and get on their e-mail list!

 http://www.nanosolar.com/

http://www.nanosolar.com/

Home Performance Contracting

I wanted to post some intersting links for you to look at.  I am attaching info about The Federal Tax Credits,  Home Performance with Energy Star & Oncor Program.  These are Financing Incentives, Tax Credits and Rebates available to you for doing an Energy Retrofit.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_hpwes

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

I want to know from you, the readers what you would like me to cover in this blog?
Can you send me suggestions? 
I would like to cover Building Science, Air Conditioning, Insulation, Windows, Great Products, Ductwork, Foam Homes, Safety, Energy Savings and more but I want your feedback.  Iwant this to be a customer-based forum.

Thank you!