Energy losses can be caused by inefficiencies in the systems which make up the whole building. These systems include the building's conditioned space, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, insulation, and the water system.
Studies have shown that duct leakage can account for between 25% and 40% of the energy put out by a central air conditioning system. Duct systems are typically located in attics or crawlspaces, therefore unsealed ductwork allows contaminated air to be brought into the living area. This air can be contaminated by soil gases, mold, combustion by-products, insulation particles, and asbestos found in older homes. Insulation particles can be contaminated by mold produced by condensation as well as droppings left behind by pests living in attics or crawlspaces.
If you are considering replacement of an HVAC system with a more efficient system, you must also consider upgrades to the ductwork or you will find your investment to be no more efficient than your previous system. This is mainly due to leaky duct work, which depending on the age of the ductwork may be able to be sealed and not replaced with minimal investment. The original lay out of the duct system can be another issue that can effect the system's efficiency. Layout can also affect the comfort levels causing rooms to be colder or hotter.
Installation of a programmable thermostat and following recommended settings can save a home or business owner on average $180 per year, which has a year-and-a-half savings to investment ratio.
Over the years, building codes have changed to upgrade insulation thickness and R-values, which have helped increase overall efficiency. Replacing or improving crawlspace or attic insulation can be an economical improvement, which will show immediate returns on investment. Replacing wall insulation is a more difficult upgrade unless you are completing a major remodel.
Electrical systems can be evaluated to determine viable improvements. The easiest improvement a homeowner or business owner can make is to replace incandescent light bulbs with Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). Studies have shown CFLs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and typically last 10 times longer as well. CFLs come in several shapes, sizes, wattages, and colors for different applications. Another electrical improvement is upgrading light fixtures to Energy Star compliant fixtures.
Water system improvements can help with all utilities as a whole. Upgrading outdated fixtures with low flow fixtures can reduce water consumption as well as electricity and/or gas comsumption. Replacing an inefficient electric water heater with a tankless hotwater heater can help reduce consumption as well.
Energy Efficiency Consultants, LLC, through diagonsic testing and careful evaluations, can develop ways to improve the efficiency of your home or business. After the completion of the analysis, we will provide you with recommendations of improvements and estimated costs to complete the improvements. Energy Efficiency Consultants, LLC can work with you to complete the recommended improvements or work as a 3rd party with a contractor of your choice.
Typical Home Air Loss and Gain Diagram
A) Leaking duct connections
B) Return leaks
C) Furniture covering registers
D) Duct tape failure and leaks at unit return filter
E) Fallen insulation or duct work
F) Leaks in the supply lines or connections
G) Kinks in duct work restricting flow
Replacing old 3.5 gpf toilets with a newer 1.6 gpf models throughout a home can reduce annual consumption by 14,000 gallons. There are also models with a dual flush option which can save up to 17,000 gallons for the same home.
Replacing older shower heads with newer 2.5 gpm or lower model can lower water consumption. Newer models have air assist which make the output fill like a 3.5 gpm shower head.
We are a authorized dealer of Rinnai tankless hot water heaters.
Replacing your old electric water heater with a natural gas tankless heater can have a $390 per year savings. This is based on having your hot water heater set between 110 and 120 degrees.
