Healthy Homes Home Energy & Weatherization

Energy Management for Home goals … save energy provide comfort assure safety and health

Conservation … - saves energy - saves $$$ Participants in the Montana Weatherization Assistance Program experienced 30% average savings* $ average expense for measures $ average savings 4.7 year payback * MT WAP

Home Energy Consumption Source: Montana Weatherization Training Center

home energy

A house energy “audit” guides weatherization priorities!

P riority weatherization measures … An audit consists of 5 assessments: Building envelope evaluation Building insulation and air tightness Mechanical system assessment Occupant behavior assessment Electric base-load assessment

Factors that influence consumption 1. Climate and Home Site 2. Structure/Building Envelope 3. Occupant Habits and Behavior 3 categories …

Factors that influence consumption Climate and Building Site Temperature Precipitation Wind Solar Orientation of home Topography of site Vegetation on site

Factors that influence consumption Structure/Building Envelope Size and design of building Building materials used Insulation type and application Use of vapor & air barriers Air sealing methods Type & quality of doors & windows Fuel and heating system choice Ventilation Lighting selection Appliance choices

Factors that influence consumption Temperature settings Energy ethic and behavior Appliance selection and use Heating/AC system maintenance Hot water usage Building envelope maintenance Occupant Habits and Behavior

Energy Audit Blower Door Inspection Duct Blaster

Energy Audit Thermal Imaging

Pressure differential between rooms.

Top 5 Tips to Saving Energy at Home No Cost/Low Cost Solutions

1 Heating System - control heating thermostat - try 68°F. 68°

1 Heating System – filter change monthly & keep system clean.

Air Filters MERV Minimum Efficiency Rating Value (MERV) ASHRAE Standard 52.2 Efficiency in collecting very small particles 1

MERV 8 v. 10 1

MERVPARTICLE TYPICAL CONTROLLED SIZE (  m) CONTAMINANT 1 – 4 >10.0Pollen, sanding dust, textile and carpet fibers 5 – – 10.0Mold, spores, hairspray, cement dust 9 – – 3.0Legionella, lead dust, welding fumes 13 – – 1.0Bacteria, most tobacco smoke, insecticide dust, copier toner 17 – 20  0.3Virus, combustion particles, radon progeny MERV Ratings 1

Furnace/AC Filters change/clean monthly 1

Poorly sealed filter access panel 1

1 1 Heating System – do not block air flow. radiator and register

1 Heating System – move warm air.

2 Control Air Leaks – start high Seal Air Leaks

2 Control Air Leaks – weatherstrip doors

2 Control Air Leaks – weatherstrip windows

2 Control Air Leaks – use sealants

3 Insulate and turn down water heater. 120°F for electric mid or warm for gas

3 Stop hot water leaks and insulate pipes.

4 Close off unused spaces and unplug unnecessary appliances.

Use tube fluorescent and energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in fixtures throughout your home to provide high-quality and high-efficiency lighting. Fluorescent lamps are much more efficient than incandescent (standard) bulbs and last about 4 to 10 times longer. 5

Top 5 Tips to Saving Energy at Home Moderate/High Cost Tips

1 Windows – storm windows (Inside is best) This option is low cost.

1 Windows – thermal curtains

Heating system tune-up and cleaning. 2

Heating system up-grade or replacement. 2

2 Heating System – Installation of duct mastic & insulation

Insulation –go for easy access 3

The higher the “R” value the greater the “resistance” to energy flow – the better the insulator. 3

3 Insulation – type will depend on application

Insulation – rolls and loose fill 3

3 Insulation – glass fiber R 2.2 – 3.2/inch

3 Insulation – Rock Wool R 2.2 – 3.2/inch

3 Insulation – Polyurethane & Polystyrenes R 4.5 – 6.5/inch

3 Insulation – cellulose fiber - R 3.7/inch

Insulation – vermiculite R 2.2/inch 3

All weatherization measures can be applied to mobile homes.

1.Estimated energy consumption on a scale showing a range for similar models 2.Estimated yearly operating cost based on the national average cost of electricity. 4 Choose Energy Efficient Appliances

Home Electronics Roofing Insulation Lighting Fixtures Thermostats Windows · Appliances Home Office Equipment CFLs Heating & Cooling Ceiling Fans Ventilating fans Water Coolers Dehumidifiers Homes ENERGY STAR ® ENERGY STAR ® 4

5 Consider after conservation. 5