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Subscribe to our RSS feed!Deep Energy Retrofits are the quantum leap in energy efficiency as energy costs soar
I have been a student listening to the radical "energy preachers" for years and many of the presentations are examples of projects they did on the road to save energy, many of them their own homes. These were not mainstream remodeling projects but free thinking attempts at retrofitting buildings to obtain maximum efficiency as well as control costs.
Well, the last workshop was put on by the State of Massachuchetts and the main speaker was the famous (at least in this field of Building Science) Dr. Joeseph Lstibrurek. Dr. Joe is always a colorful and opinionated speaker but explains the complex interactions in building systems in a way that is easily understood. It seems that the deep energy retrofit (DER) concept may be moving from a radical idea towards mainstream remodeling!
Mildew in the attic seems to be a common problem in modern house construction
and a number of recent energy audits have focused on this issue. The reason is simple, warm moist air comes in contact with a cold surface and when it hits a surface that is below the dewpoint temperature you will have condensation.
The issues with this mildew and mold are not only the destruction of the wood roof deck and possibly some wood framing members but many folks have a sensivity to mold & mildew. It can be complicated to find the path of this moisture and detective work is required. We use tracer smoke and blower door testing to check suspicious areas. Measurement of air flow on exhaust fans also can result in clues and help pinpoint problem areas.
Video: Building Scientist Joe Lstiburek Speaks Clearly About Building Enclosures
One of North America's premier building scientists talks very practically and understandably about building enclosures.
Joe Lstiburek is one of the most influencial and colorful people working in the Energy Efficiency business.
He is one of North America's premier building scientists and talks very practically and understandably about building enclosures.
Check out his companies web site, www.buildingscience.com for some great info on how buildings work and problem areas.
New Hampshire rebate monies for Renewable Energy
New Hampshire is among the states that offer rebates for replacement of older heating equipment and upgrades to Renewable Energy Systems.
http://www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/RenewableEnergyRebates.htm
NEW HAMPSHIRE has up to a $6000 rebate for a bulk delivery Wood Pellet Boiler system! (until the funds run out)
Also some of the electrical utilities also have rebates.
5 Green retrofits that will save electrical energy
Is Your Insulation Working? Find Out with an Energy Audit.
Winter's coming. It's already heating season. So how do you save money on heating costs? You've got to own your heat. Simple as that. You've paid for all that warm air already, so it doesn't make much sense to waste it now.
A simple enough premise - it's the application that gets complicated. We (and most building science experts) strongly recommend air sealing and insulation as high priority measures to make your home use less energy, make you more comfortable, and make the planet happy.