Energy Efficiency Survey, an Eye Opener!
Recently we posed an Energy Efficiency Survey on our website to gather information to see how the general public assesses energy efficiency as a whole. The questions were as follows:
What is the most Important Energy Efficiency upgrade that will yield the best return on investment:
1)           Install a Programmable Thermostat         ( )
2)           Add Insulation to the Building Structure   ( )
3)           Install a new HVAC System                     ( )
4)           Seal Drafts in the Building Envelope        ( )
The majority said "Add Insulation to the Building Structure". Although that is a good answer it is not correct. The second choice was "Install a Programmable Thermostat". Again, not correct. The third choice was to "Install a new HVAC System". By now you have the hang of it…not correct! Even though almost 50 % of your energy use is attributed toward heating and cooling. Okay this is a no brainer now, and you guested it "Seal drafts in the Building Envelope"
Let's examine. Why do you think that is the most important? Very simple answer. In the summer the heat wants to come inside and in the winter time the heat wants to leave. So we solve the problem by sealing the drafts or leakage coming from the building envelope or shell of the structure. Just think what happens in the winter if you left a window open. The heat wants to leave. If you left that same window open in the summer you can feel the heat wanting to come in. Gaps around windows and doors are prime examples. More often than not, you can see openings around doors and windows. Just turn the lights off during the day and look at the light penetrating around the doors. Windows are different. Older double hung windows become loose. Single pane are the worst. Look at the curtains move when the windows are closed. No, it is not a ghost!
 Other areas are around electrical outlets and recessed lighting in cathedral ceilings. Put your hand there and feel the cold air coming in. Fireplaces are vacuums because of the chimney. It is negative pressure and will suck the air out of the room. Look for holes in the floors and ceiling. This is typical around pipe and duct penetrations from unconditioned or unheated spaces. Drafts can be sealed with weather stripping, caulking or insulation.
Once you have sealed the drafts definitely add more insulation. Once you have secured the building envelope then and only then will a new HVAC system and components (T-Stat) work as designed. You can install the most efficient HVAC system on the market but if 30% is being sucked out of the building a lot of energy is being wasted. There is a caveat to this scenario. If your HVAC System is broke and must be replaced, of course you  replace it and then deal with the building envelope. But that wasn't the purpose of the survey.Â
Dave Borgaro is the Chief Energy Consultant for East Coast Energy Consultants, Inc.
Visit us at www.eastcoastenergyconsultants.com.
Recently we posed an Energy Efficiency Survey on our website to gather information to see how the general public assesses energy efficiency as a whole. The questions were as follows:
What is the most Important Energy Efficiency upgrade that will yield the best return on investment:
1)           Install a Programmable Thermostat         ( )
2)           Add Insulation to the Building Structure   ( )
3)           Install a new HVAC System                     ( )
4)           Seal Drafts in the Building Envelope        ( )
The majority said "Add Insulation to the Building Structure". Although that is a good answer it is not correct. The second choice was "Install a Programmable Thermostat". Again, not correct. The third choice was to "Install a new HVAC System". By now you have the hang of it…not correct! Even though almost 50 % of your energy use is attributed toward heating and cooling. Okay this is a no brainer now, and you guested it "Seal drafts in the Building Envelope"
Let's examine. Why do you think that is the most important? Very simple answer. In the summer the heat wants to come inside and in the winter time the heat wants to leave. So we solve the problem by sealing the drafts or leakage coming from the building envelope or shell of the structure. Just think what happens in the winter if you left a window open. The heat wants to leave. If you left that same window open in the summer you can feel the heat wanting to come in. Gaps around windows and doors are prime examples. More often than not, you can see openings around doors and windows. Just turn the lights off during the day and look at the light penetrating around the doors. Windows are different. Older double hung windows become loose. Single pane are the worst. Look at the curtains move when the windows are closed. No, it is not a ghost!
 Other areas are around electrical outlets and recessed lighting in cathedral ceilings. Put your hand there and feel the cold air coming in. Fireplaces are vacuums because of the chimney. It is negative pressure and will suck the air out of the room. Look for holes in the floors and ceiling. This is typical around pipe and duct penetrations from unconditioned or unheated spaces. Drafts can be sealed with weather stripping, caulking or insulation.
Once you have sealed the drafts definitely add more insulation. Once you have secured the building envelope then and only then will a new HVAC system and components (T-Stat) work as designed. You can install the most efficient HVAC system on the market but if 30% is being sucked out of the building a lot of energy is being wasted. There is a caveat to this scenario. If your HVAC System is broke and must be replaced, of course you  replace it and then deal with the building envelope. But that wasn't the purpose of the survey.Â
Dave Borgaro is the Chief Energy Consultant for East Coast Energy Consultants, Inc.
Visit us at www.eastcoastenergyconsultants.com.
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