Building Performance Consultants (BPC)
Residential Energy Audits
Saving the Earth
We all depend on using energy as part of our daily lives. But when we use products
that waste energy, we harm the environment. This is because most of the energy
consumed in our homes and offices is produced by burning fossil fuels like coal,
oil, and natural gas. When these fuels are burned, they release air pollutants
such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particles that contribute to smog,
acid rain, and respiratory disease. Another pollutant, carbon dioxide, contributes
to global climate change.
In 1995, an international panel of scientists concluded that the available
evidence now suggests that we are already witnessing the effect of human activity
on the global climate. Carbon dioxide emissions from energy use, including the
generation of electricity, are the largest world-wide contributor to global
climate change. Disruptions now linked to climate change include an increase
in the number of severe weather events, the spread of some diseases, more stress
on water resources, and the degradation of natural ecosystems.
Saving Your Money
Not only does the environment benefit from using energy-efficient equipment, your
wallet benefits too. By using energy-efficient products, such as those with the
ENERGY STAR label, you can avoid energy waste and save money on your utility bills.
Think of it this way--whenever you buy an energy-consuming product, it really has
two price tags. The first price tag is the initial purchase price. The second price
tag isn't so obvious--it's the cost to operate the product over its lifetime.
Because this second price tag is hidden in your monthly utility bills, it's easy to
overlook. But the second price tag can be large. For some products, it can be even
more than the initial price. So when you are comparing models, remember the second
price tag before you buy. Products with the ENERGY STAR label come with a smaller
second price tag, which means lower utility bills every month for years to come.
When we spend money on new appliances, heating and cooling equipment, or a new home,
we want to get the most for our investment. A smart way to make a good investment is
to think about energy efficiency. Energy-efficient products often have a little
higher initial purchase price than their inefficient competitors. But the higher
price is really an investment that will be paid back in utility bill savings for
years to come. In fact, investments in energy-efficient products can yield returns
higher than stocks, bonds, or many other alternative investments. For instance,
buying a high-efficiency refrigerator instead of a standard model can yield annual
"interest" of almost 25% on the initial investment.
Making Your Home More Comfortable and Livable.
Efficient homes do more than save money and reduce pollution. They're also more
comfortable and safer.
The familiar causes of discomfort -- humidity, drafts, cold windows in winter or
hot windows in summer -- are all lessened by improvements in energy efficiency.
It turns out that many efficient building components also enhance safety.
Insurance companies are even considering offering reduced premiums for homes
with these types of features.
For example:
- Compact fluorescent lamps last longer, reducing the hassle, cost, and risk of injury associated with lamp changes. CFL fluorescent torchiere light fixtures eliminate a serious fire hazard posed by the halogen fixtures they replace.
- Highly-insulating windows improve thermal comfort, reduce ultraviolet fading of furnishings, are a deterrent to burglars, and cut down on exterior noise.
- Horizontal-axis clothes washers remove stains more effectively and trim water bills.
- Efficient duct systems help eliminate pressure imbalances in homes that can precipitate indoor air quality problems such as back-drafting of combustion appliances or the entry of radon gas into the home.
- Well-insulated ceilings can prevent the formation of damaging rooftop ice dams, and the danger of dripping water or falling icicles.
- Well-insulated crawlspaces reduce the likelihood of frozen water pipes.
- A comprehensive effort to make the home's walls, ceiling, floor and windows more efficient pays off in terms of a smaller (and thus less expensive) furnace and air conditioner.
There are two basic types of home energy audits.
Type A Audit:
An auditor comes to your home and inspects all potential energy-loss areas. He or she reviews your energy use to better understand your needs. You are free to ask any questions you wish. The professional inspection and personal contact can give you a clear idea of which energy saving steps would be best for you.
Advantages:
Inspection is thorough and performed by trained professionals. Any questions can be answered on the spot.
Disadvantages:
Inspection may take more time than a type B audit.
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Type B Audit:
The utility's website provides an on-line form for you to fill in information about the size and style of your house; the number, size, and condition of windows and doors; the type and age of heating and hot water systems; the amount of insulation; etc. A computer analyzes the completed form and makes energy- saving suggestions and estimates potential savings.
Advantages:
The audit is easy to complete in your spare time, at your convenience.
Disadvantages:
The audit is not as specific, accurate, or thorough as a type A audit. You may not see what is obvious to a trained auditor.
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1. Complete Home Inspection
The energy auditor evaluates your house from top to bottom, checking for air leaks through cracks around doors & windows, measuring insulation, inspecting windows, doors, etc. It may take up to two hours.
2. Analysis of Energy Use
The auditor checks the efficiency of your heating/cooling and hot water systems, looking for ways to reduce energy waste. A review of energy bills and the family's energy-use habits may also be included.
3. Recommendations For Saving Energy
After the audit you will get a list of the most cost effective ways to save energy in your home, and estimated costs. These may range from taking no-cost steps (such as lowering hot water temperature) to making more substantial investments (such as adding insulation, installing a solar hot water system, etc.).
4. Estimates of Potential Costs and Savings
The audit will include a payback analysis of the recommended changes. This gives you an idea of how long it would take each change to pay for itself in fuel savings.
5. Lists of Contractors/Suppliers
BPC has in-house construction facilities to accommodate any repairs or construction.
Alternatively, you will be given a list of local suppliers and contractors who can
help you with suggested improvements.