Barron Park Resident Completed a Genie assessment January 2017 Completed upgrade project w/Genie Participating Contractor Completed and planning more energy and comfort upgrades

Motivations for Genie assessment High efficiency furnace installed in 2015 not delivering expected energy savings Modestly efficient air conditioner installed in 2015 outpacing energy generated by solar panels House was drafty in winter and inconsistently cooled in the summer Needed help prioritizing energy and comfort fixes to the house, which was built in 1961 with little to no insulation

Assessment Findings Holes in air ducts. Duct system had asbestos tape near registers, much of which had disintegrated Furnace pulling in air from attic, not outside Additional air leaks from attic and crawl space

Concerns & Solutions w/ Duct System Worked with Genie advisor to review assessment findings Received estimates from 3 Participating Contractors, reviewed w/ Genie advisor Arranged project with DG Heating and Air to abate asbestos, upgrade ducts and balance/enlarge duct system.

Post Project Updates Asbestos was professionally abated Enlarged both cold air returns and most floor registers for improved air flow and reduced utilization of furnace and AC New sealed and insulated duct system throughout home 2 stage furnace now runs mostly at quiet first stage Washable air filters in return ducts support air quality AC impact still TBD but expect improved comfort & efficiency

Recent Home Projects Outdoor Rinnai tankless water heater with remotely controlled recirculating pump (on line on Thursday!) Indoor Honeycomb shades Additional solar panels for plug-in hybrid (car to be purchased this summer) Earthquake bolt and brace for house foundation BEFORE picture:

Future Home Projects Insulating attic hatches and select attic locations such as skylights Fixing furnace air intake Sealing other floor and ceiling holes. Leaky attic hatch Leaky skylight

Additional Note We use inexpensive outdoor plastic or bamboo summer window shades to reduce house temperature during summer, delaying or eliminating use of AC

Neighbor Genie Success Story #1 Based on GENIE consultation Replaced 22 halogen spotlights with LEDs Unplugged sections of house-wide entertainment center Ordered a more efficient pool sweep Asked DirecTV for more efficient cable boxes Result: 30% electricity bill reduction in March versus prior year (pool sweep not yet installed)

Neighbor Genie Success Story #2 Based on GENIE assessment Identified air leaks from crawl space letting low quality air into the house Decided to replace aging hot water heater with tankless heater

Neighbor Genie Success Story #3 Based on GENIE assessment Used foam spray to plug air leaks near sink in kitchen and at various registers

Intro to the Palo Alto Cool Block Program Pilot community program to promote 3 benefits to Palo Alto at a block-by-block level Neighborhood resiliency Stronger community Reduced carbon footprint Palo Alto part of small state wide pilot program that includes SF and LA 25 blocks in Palo Alto are part of the pilot program

Ilima Way Cool Block Program Interested in learning more? Visit Coolblock.org and watch the videos on the home page. We’re working with the city to roll out Cool Block city-wide to support various city goals. We’re looking for people who want to be a Cool Block leader on their block, or participate in a Cool Block program run by a neighbor. Send me a message at hglann@gmail.com 14 out of 20 households on Ilima Way are participating; 6 did GENIE Assessments. We are reaching out to non-participating neighbors to ensure they are prepared for earthquakes. We’re also inviting them to our block party next Thursday