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SavingThe PlanetOne HouseAt A Time

G r e e n E a r t h E q u i t i e s . C o m © 2010

Top 10 List For Energy Wise Home Renovation

Disclosure:All homes are different and cannot

be squeezed into a Cookie Cutter list.

However, the Physics of heat and moisture transfer remain constant

and a List of Concepts can be valuable as a “Beginning Point” of

thinking about a renovation project,Not an “End Point” which would

mean the End of Thinking! OK?



4 Areas Of Home Performance

1. Envelope

2. Comfort Systems

3. Safety & Air Quality

4. Water



The “Biggest HP Sin” = Failure To Address The Building Envelope

Possible Reasons:1. This is Hot Dirty Work

(Or Cold Dirty Work)(in tight places with spiders)

2. The Importance was not understood by Contractors or

especially Installers

3. It was not easily measurable by program managers and

grant writers



Everything Is Disproportionate About The Building Envelope!Lower Cost

Harder WorkMore Savings

Harder to Inspect(Relative to the other

ingredients of the Home Performance Package)

This Is NOT The Place To Skimp!Bottom Line:



Shell Seal The Attic

This is probably the biggest savings opportunity for the

cost involved. It is most often skipped because removing decades old insulation to

access these areas is no ones favorite work.

But if you ever expect to get to Net Zero, this part is

absolutely essential.



Seal The Floor

Seal the floor the same as the floor of the attic.

Especially look for big holes like at the tub, toilet

and shower. Caulk and Foam all the smaller cracks.

Covering the ground with 6 mil poly has been shown to save way more than it costs. = a good decision.



Shell Seal The Walls Including Those Holes Called Windows

Where Planes MeetIs Where The Mischief Is

Wall To CeilingWall To Floor

Specify Windows per Sun Exposure. Not just the same for the whole house.Seal them correctly to stop

not only water but also air and vapor

Detail from Green Building Advisor



Seal The DuctsActually it is better to put the existing ducts in the dumpster. Then re

design a duct system with proper air flow and

plenty of filter area with ACCA Manual D and

install it with as short a runs as possible and as

much inside the envelope as possible. Then seal it

to 2-3% leakage and cover the part in the attic

with mountains of insulation and install good

low static registers.

Like This

Dont Forget To Insulate

This Boot



Attic, Floor, Wall InsulationMore is better. You do expect

the house to last 100 years, dont you? Specify accordingly.

Minimize eave ventilation by placing it elsewhere

Consider re-insulating walls with exterior rigid insulation

Sealing the crawl space is a good idea. Sell your building

official first.



The Comfort SystemMini Split Heat Pumps

With SEER to 26Performance to 0 F& Zero Duct Loss& Ducted Options

You cant beat ‘em

You just have to ditch your American HVAC Supplier



Appliances& Lighting

Incandescents are so last century.

Avoid can lights except to save a marriage. IC & AT if you

must have themCFLs are on their way out.

LED’s are gaining market shareNot all Energy Star Appliances are created equal. Read the Labels

and Compare.Consider a TED for biofeedback

The Energy DetectiveControls may save more than the

appliances they control (photo & motion & power strips)



Safety & Indoor Air QualityAbout 400 people die each year of Carbon Monoxide

Poisoning.

Make SURE you dont contribute to this statistic.

CO testing should be done by your licensed & trained HVAC

contractor



Ventilation On PurposeSeal It Tight & Vent It Right

That means Mechanically on purpose.

Minimum is good bath fans on timers.

Better is HRV - ERV



Water

Water as LiquidSealingGrading

French Drain

Water as VaporVapor Barriers

Vapor can dry to the outside or the inside.

Make sure you have plan.



WaterHeating Water

Condensing Water HeaterHeat Pump Water Heater

Solar Water Heater

Water Heat Recovery Pipe

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WaterSaving Water

Two Stage ToiletsLow Flow Showers, Sinks

Low Usage Clothes & Dish Washers

Low Water LandscapeBuffalo Grass & Native PlantsDrip Irrigation

Rainwater catchment Buffalo Grass Developed at UC DavisMust be planted as plugs or stolons.



So There Is One Man’s Top 10I Hope It Makes You Think!

Thinking about YOUR house:

What would you add to the list?

What wouldn’t make your Top 10?

Put dollar estimates next to each of these.

Does cost change the Top 10?

This is the Tension where the Energy Wise House Flipper Lives

It’s a good thing

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