button up 101: a workshop on the basics of home energy savings please add your name to the sign-in...
TRANSCRIPT
Button Up 101:A Workshop on the
Basics of Home Energy Savings
Please add your name to the sign-in sheet
Thanks to:
Made possible by a grant from the NH Office of Energy and Planning with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
A special thanks to the creators of the Button-Up Vermont Model produced by Central Vermont Community Action Council
In partnership with Efficiency VT & the VT Energy and Climate Action Network
3Button Up NH 101 Workshop Overview
Simple Steps to Save Energy in the Home
Increasing Your Home Energy IQ
Next Steps to Button Up
Resources for Your Home Energy Plan
= Resources (accessible from BUNH website)
Companion Button Up 201 Workshop:More advanced air sealing and DIY projects
Working with a professional
Related health and safety issues
Why Button Up New Hampshire?
Fuel oil prices have increased over 50% in the past 5 years
Many New Hampshire homeowners now spend over $4,000 year on energy!
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New Hampshire homes use a lot of energy!
Test Your Home Energy IQ
POP QUIZ!
How much did you pay in home energy costs last year?
What fuel heats your home’s hot water system?
What is your house’s CFM50 air leakage rate?
What is CFM50?!
What is the single biggest user of electricity in your home?
Turn to Your Neighbor:
“The thing on my mind concerning my home’s energy is ____________”.
“One action I have taken over the last year to reduce my home’s energy use is _____________”. Why?
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Button Up with Simple Steps to Save Energy
Simple, easy steps that make a difference:
Look for sources of energy waste
Make small, easy changes
Inexpensive efficiency improvements
Get help from Button Up resources and other experts
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Simple Steps: Efficient Lighting
Turn them OFF in unoccupied areas
Replace lights with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)* or LEDs (light emitting diodes)*Save and return spent CFLs for mercury recycling
Purchase discounted lighting through nhsaves catalogOr use nhsaves rebate forms at retailers
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8Simple Steps: Domestic Hot Water
Set hot water temperature to 120◦F at tap
Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators
Wrap warm pipes and electric tankLearn more about insulating hot water pipes and tanks in Button Up 201
Take shorter showers
Simple Steps: Turn Back the Thermostat
Heat only the areas that are occupied
Lowering your thermostat 10º for 8 hours a day will save about 11% on your heating bill
A programmable thermostat makes it easy to set back the temperature at night and when away
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Hours Thermostat Setback
per Day 5 10 15 20
8 5% 11% 16% 21%
12 8% 16% 24%
24 16% 32%
Simple Steps: Reduce Vampire Loads
A typical home has 40 devices that consume power, even when turned off
About 10% of home electricity use
Worst culprits: DVRs & cable boxes, TVs and audio systems, computers, printers, and chargers
UNPLUG THEM if possible
Plug devices into power strips and turn off when not inuse or use “smart strips”
Available through nhsaves or through retailers (rebate)
The OFF button isn't
always OFF!
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Simple Steps: Washing and Drying Clothes
Wash and rinse clothes in cold water
Wash full loads
Air-dry clothes outside, if possible
Next-Steps: Buy an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer
$$ rebate available from nhsaves
Saves on water, electricity and detergent
Images courtesy Patullo Consulting, Inc.
12Simple Steps
Summary
Turn it off
Turn it down
Tune it up
Buy smart
How much energy is your home using?!
Monitor electrical use and vampire loadsUse plug-in watt meters
From nhsaves.com or from NH public libraries
Track your energy consumptionLook for monthly history information
Or ask your supplier for a delivery record
Calculate a “Home Heating Index”http://www.nhsaves.com/homeheating
Need: 1+ year heating fuel consumption
Square feet of heated spaces
Lower HHI is better
Boost Your Home Energy IQ13
Use HHI to qualify for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR!
Home Energy IQ: Know Your Home
Home Basics
Square feet of heated space
Access to attics, crawlspaces, kneewall areas, etc
Heat and Warmth
Heating fuels used: oil, wood, natural gas, propane, etc.
Furnace? <or> Boiler?
Piped or ducted distribution system?
Insulation types and thicknesses in walls, attic and basement
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Home Energy IQ: Play it Safe
Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectorAt least one near sleeping areas
Units that display CO concentration are better
Make sure smoke detectors are functional
Look for signs of interior moisture, combustion problems, structural issues, lack of ventilation, etc.
If in doubt, hire a professional to assess energy as well as health and safety issues
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Next Steps for Home Energy Performance
Bigger Actions for Bigger Savings
More time and effort
Can be more expensive
May have other impacts
May require energy professional assistance
Button Up partners can help with your Next Steps
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Next Steps: Purchase ENERGY STAR Appliances
Use 10% - 50% less energy than standard appliances
And lower vampire loads
Biggest savings from:Refrigerators
Clothes Washers
Dehumidifiers
www.energystar.gov has a list of efficient appliances
Check nhsaves.com for appliance rebates
Image courtesy S.Lawton
18Next Steps: Improve Heating Systems
Have heating systems regularly cleaned and safety tested
Change furnace filters regularly
Seal and insulate ducts outside heated spaces
Consider investing in a more efficient heating system
After completing building envelope improvements
Detached duct will be fastened and sealed
Moisture from air leaks can condense and promote mold growth in attics
Image courtesy of Efficiency Vermont
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Air leaks and lack of attic insulation wastes heat and cause ice dams
Next Steps: Reduce Air Leaks
Why heat the outside?!
Image: US EPA ENERGY STAR
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Air Sealing Priorities:
Attic
Basement
Center
Next Steps: Reduce Air Leaks
Common Leaks in New Hampshire Homes
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Next Steps: Reduce Air Leaks with Button Up 201
In Button Up 201 learn how to:
Find hidden air leaks yourselfLearn where and how to look for leaks
Recognize issues from air leakage and air sealing
Air seal in attics and around the house
Using sealing foam and other materials
Techniques for hatches, chimney chases, top plates, gaps, etc.
Work with a professional energy auditor and/or performance contractor
Images courtesy Patullo Consulting, Inc.
22Next Steps: Reduce Air Leaks
How Professionals Find Air Leaks
The blower door test is primary toolQuantifies air leakage -- “CFM50”
Prioritizes air sealing opportunities
Also used to confirm air sealing
Infrared imaging (thermography)Can be used with a blower door
Also finds insulation voids
Compare CFM50 results with “Building Tightness Limit”
Seal tight and ventilate right!
Additional Next Steps
Add more insulation, after air sealingAttic
Basement
Walls
Ducts and pipes
Improve fresh air mechanical ventilation
Upgrade window treatments
Switch to more cost-effective, sustainable fuels
Consider renewable energy options
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Partner Resources: Meet the Partners
Working together to help YOU with your home energy plan…
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Partner Resources: myenergyplan.net
Personal Energy PlannerTM: Find ways to make your home more comfortable and save money
Energy Project ConnectorTM: Find financial tools to help pay for the work
And search for energy professionals: auditors, installers, etc.
Green Homes TouristTM: Learn from your neighbors by taking “virtual” (or in person) tours of NH homes that have completed energy projects.
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FREE web tools to help reduce YOUR Energy Costs
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Search Contractors… View Homes & Energy Projects
Partner Resources: myenergyplan.net
Energy Project Connector Green Homes Tourist
Email us anytime at [email protected]
CALL TOLL FREE 1-877-EXT-GROW (1-877-398-4769)
Call Center Hours: Monday-Friday9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
If you have energy questions. We have
Energy Answers
27Partner Resources: UNH Cooperative Extension
Energy Advisors – A Statewide Service Provided by the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative
Advisors are partnered with homeowners to personally assist them in taking the next step towards Buttoning Up their home
Designed for homeowners who need extra assistance with:Coming up with a home energy plan and following through on it
Becoming better acquainted with their home’s energy sources, equipment and current energy usage
Understanding and accessing educational information
Identifying and helping to sign up for additional weatherization services
A limited number of Energy Advisors are availableSign up for an Energy Advisor by mailing the sign up card, by calling 603-536-5030 ext. 3 or through www.plymouthenergy.org
Partner Resources: PAREI Energy Advisors28
Additional Energy Resources
There are many additional resources to fill in YOUR energy plan…
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Other Resources: NH Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs
Weatherization Assistance Program through Community Action Programs - call 211
No-cost weatherization for income-qualified participants
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR throughout NH - www.nhsaves.com
Fuel consumption qualification process (HHI)
Up to $4,000 in energy efficiency incentives
BetterBuildings Program in Nashua, Berlin & Plymouth - www.betterbuildingsnh.com
Technical and financial assistance helping building owners save energy
nhsaves: Utility Sponsored Energy Efficiency
Order Energy Efficiency Tools & Supplies at
Reduced Prices
Calculate Home Heating Index &
Qualify for Programs
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Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Case Study: Sunapee, NH
Total Project Cost = $6,578 ($3,128 in out-of-pocket expenses & $3,450 in rebates)
Estimated annual financial savings = $3000 / year
Estimated fuel savings = 14,010 kWh and 2 cords of wood
Payback period = (1.04 years for out-of-pocket; 2.19 years overall)
Work performed:Air-sealed house
Insulated attic, basement, rim joists
New programmable thermostats
Low flow water devices & pipe wrap
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Other Resources: Professional Services
Finding a Qualified Energy Auditors & Contractors
myenergyplan.net -- Energy Project Connector
NH Residential Energy Performance Assoc. (REPA) voting member – www.repa-nh.org
NH BetterBuildings qualified energy professionals – www.betterbuildingsnh.com
Look for: credentials, experience, appropriate tools, references and a fair price
Consider: independent energy auditor vs. integrated home performance contractor
Expect a clear, written contract
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34Button Up New Hampshire!
Where to Start Tomorrow:
Start with Simple Steps to turn it off, turn it down, tune it up, and buy smart
Take the Next Steps to increase home energy performance
Enroll in a Button Up 201 workshop
Use Energy Answers to get help get specific answers to your energy questions
Work with a PAREI Energy Advisor to guide your progress
Use myenergyplan.net to find financial tools & energy professionals and to create your energy plan
Save energy, help the planet and have fun!
ACTIVITY: My Energy Commitment
Share with Your Neighbor:
Actions that make sense for you now
And then…
Please also fill out the workshop evaluation
Look in the handouts for next steps
Take advantage of partner resources
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Thank You:
Community Action Partnership
Our Outstanding Presenters
Bob Walker (SERG) and Paul Markowitz (BU VT)
Funded by a grant from the NH Office of Energy and Planning, with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009