Surovell Energy Audit Report Final

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Building Performance Report

BPI Certification #CAN09650


Performed: January, 23rd 2009

Prepared for:
Prepared by:
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd. Pete Wildprett
Alexandria, VA 22308 Continuum Energy Solutions
5645 D General Washington Dr
703-587-7872 Alexandria, VA 22312
E-Mail [email protected] Phone: 703-354-0262
Email: [email protected]
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Summary of Findings
BPA date: January, 23rd 2010 Conditioned sq ft: Approx 3900
Building type: Residential Conditioned volume: 35,100 ft3
Year Built: 2005 House orientation: South West

Thank you for choosing Continuum Energy Solutions as your BPI certified home energy auditor. Our goal is to
assist you in knowing your home’s true energy usage and true efficiency potential. This report is designed to be
an informative guide on your home’s energy consumption profile. If you have any questions about your home
energy performance report, please call our office at 703-354-0262.

Initial Request Summary


During our onsite discussion, the home was described as efficient, the windows and doors in good quality
without many air leaks, but some cold issues in the first floor office and basement area were noted. The attic
needs air sealing and has R-45 blown fiberglass. The client was curious to see how it would stand up to an audit
and what improvements, if any, could be done to make improve building performance.

Home Performance Rating:

1. Building air infiltration rate (B)


2. Attic insulation (A )
3. Wall insulation (A)
4. Lighting and appliances (A)
5. Air conditioning system (A)
6. Heating System (A)
7. Domestic water heater system (A)

Building Air infiltration rate: Rated (B)

Natural air infiltration rate: 0.43 Natural air changes per hour.
ASHRAE standard: 0.35 Natural air changes per hour

Natural Air
changes/ hr 0.13 0.2 0.35 0.43 0.8

Tightness
Very EEBA** ASHRAE Your
Very leaky
tight* homes Standard Building
*Requires continuous ventilation
**Energy Efficient Building Association

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Comments:
Inefficient buildings experience higher air changes per hour than the ASHRAE (American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating & Air-Conditioning Engineers) natural building ventilation standard. Leaky buildings are
uncomfortable, unhealthy and costly because they lose conditioned air regularly. Conversely, very tight houses
create unhealthy indoor air quality conditions as they trap moisture and other toxic gases in the living space.
Healthy, energy efficient homes are tight enough not to lose conditioned air while at the same time providing
enough ventilation to maintain healthy and comfortable in-door-air quality.

According to our blower door test, this building experiences .43 air changes per hour under natural conditions.
This is a concerned air change rate per hour when compared to ASHRAE standard of 0.35 air changes per hour.
During the blower door test we registered 4065 CFM50 (Cubic Feet of air movement per Minute at 50 Pascals
of pressure). Based on the BPI (Building Performance Institute) and ASHRAE standards, this number falls in
the range of a fair house with opportunity for improvement. Air sealing in the attic and wall spaces will improve
your energy efficiency by reducing the amount of conditioned air escaping to the outside, especially through
floor joists, outlets and exterior door jambs (estimated open area 539 sq. in.).

Recommendations:

• Air seal top plates with spray foam


• Install attic stairway tent
• Install weather stripping on stairway hatch
• Air seal with boxes the 4 recessed lights in the master bedroom

Note: It is recommended to complete all of the above improvements together or in the same week. Following
the improvements, a blower door test must be performed to determine both the effectiveness of the
improvements, and that an appropriately safe level of air flow still exists. If these improvements are
completed by CES within ninety days, we will perform the test out audit free of charge.

Attic Insulation: Rated (A)

Combined Attic size: Main attic 1600 sq ft.


Existing Insulation type: Blown Fiberglass & Fiberglass Batts
Existing R Value: R-45, essentially
Walk able Attic: Walk able, with caution
Roof type: Asphalt Shingle
Roof Condition: Good 2005
Ceiling type: Flat ceiling

Comments:
A well insulated attic reduces heat loss in the cold season and during the warm season reduces heat transfer
from hot attic space in to the conditioned space of the building. Adding insulation to your attic reduces heating
bills in winter and electricity bills used for air conditioning during warm weather, but only if installed in 100%
of the necessary areas (like a bucket of water with a small hole in the bottom, this is still a critical leak over
time).
Note: Any attic air seal work must be completed before adding attic insulation.
A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.
__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Wall Insulation: Rated (A)

Estimated wall insulation value: R-19


Existing Insulation type: Fiberglass Batts R-19
Outside temperature during test: 50ºF
Inside temperature during test: 70ºF
Total above grade wood frame wall surface: 3,511 sq. ft

Comments:
According to our infrared thermal scan inspection the external walls are adequately insulated. All exterior walls
were inspected.

Recommendations:
• We recommend air seal behind outlet and switch covers with foam pads to reduce air infiltration. CES
can provide this service for $5/outlet, though they can be purchased at Home Depot and are an ideal
home project.
• Air seal and weather strip the basement door & window
• Weather strip and insulate the crawlspace hatch
• Air seal basement band board and foundation wall holes

Lighting and Appliances: Rated (A)

Lighting: replace incandescent bulbs with appropriate CFL’s


Refrigerators: (Good)
Washer Dryer: (Good)

Comments:
Compact fluorescent bulbs provide up to 75% reduction on electric usage and last longer than the regular
incandescent bulbs. They emit less heat and we recommend replacing the existing incandescent bulbs in all light
fixtures with CFLs.

Recommendations:
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs.
• Replace vent cover on exhaust vent for kitchen stove

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Air Conditioner/HVAC/Heat Pump: Rated (A)

Summary
Units are on the west side of the house, Units are free from debris and in good condition but need their
compressor line insulation replaced approx 6 ft.

Type Nordyne
Serial Number: JSD030206535

Model Number: JS3BC-030K9 2 ½ Ton

Manufactured: 2005

Type Nordyne

Serial Number: JSD030103704

Model Number: JS3BC-036K9 3 Ton

Manufactured: 2005

Domestic Water Heater System Rated (A)

Location: Basement CAZ


Fuel type Natural Gas 2005
Size: Approx 50 gal.
Energy usage 40,000 BTU/HR.
Tank insulation: None

Recommendation:

• Insulate as much hot water piping as possible 30 ft.+ and first 5 ft of cold water piping with ¾ in pipe
insulation ($3 per ft)
• Insulate with quality water heater blanket ($65)
• Replace insulation on compressor lines ($3/ft)
• Have gas leak found outside on coupling to generator repaired soon.
• Have two gas leaks found in the Combustion Area Zone (where the furnace and water heater are
located) on main gas coupling and furnace coupling repaired soon.

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Air infiltration thru an electrical socket from Air infiltration thru a recessed light
unconditioned crawlspace below

Air infiltration thru the baseboard from the A well insulated attic 15 inches of blown fiberglass
unconditioned crawlspace below and well insulated ducts

15 inches of fiberglass being crushed down with Attic hatch needs weather stripping and attic
storage items, loss of R-value stairway cover ( attic tent )
A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.
__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Air seal top plates in attic Install attic stairway cover

No weather stripping on basement door ( day light ) Same door cold air

Door needs air sealing and weather stripping Same door cold air

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Air seal hole in pipe with foam Hole in pipe

Repair ridged foam board & air seal with foam Heat loss & air infiltration thru foam board

Back side of same area inside crawlspace Inside crawlspace needs air sealing

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Reinstall or tighten up duct insulation Seal hole in crawlspace with ridged foam board

Vapor barrier doesn’t extend to foundation wall Reinstall insulation in 2 areas

Remove paint cans in crawlspace harmful VOC’s Replace vent cover for stove exhaust needs screen

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Reinstall insulation Window needs air sealing

Basement band board needs foam board blocking Air infiltration from basement band board

Replace insulation on compressor line Replace insulation on compressor line


A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.
__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Summary of Recommendations and Cost Pricing Int.


Air seal top plates in attic 100 ft. ($2/ft.) $ 200
Install attic stairway tent – high quality manufactured $ 195
Install attic stairway weather stripping $ 45
Air seal with boxes 4 recessed lights with difficult access ($110 ea.) $ 440
Air seal electrical outlets and switches with foam outlet insert ($5 ea.)
Air seal and weather strip the basement door & crawlspace door – insulate back side. $ 130
Air seal band board in basement with ridged foam board blocks and spray foam $ 200
Repair ridged foam board and air seal with foam holes in basement by furnace & air
$ 200
seal window with foam, seal off hole in crawlspace wall with ridge foam board
Add water heater quality insulation blanket $ 65
Add ¾” pipe insulation to the first 5’of cold water pipe and as much of the hot water
$ 105
piping in the crawlspace as possible ($3 ft.) 35 ft. plus
Reinstall hanging insulation for two batts in crawlspace (suspension alligator teeth) $ 20
Replace insulation on AC compressor lines ($3/ft.) $ 15
Replace vent cover on exhaust for kitchen stove with an animal guard cover (site
specific – will review during remediation)
Tighten up insulation on duct work in the crawlspace with zip ties. (approx 50 ft) $75
Seal duct joint with mastic in basement and crawlspace ($15-$25 per joint depending on
difficulty and size) ( approx 30 plus joints or more)
Replace poly on ground of crawlspace and extend up the walls 6-8” & seal 1430 sq ft. $ 575

Additional recommendations

The house is built over an unconditioned crawlspace 75% and has cold air leaking thru the cracks in the floors
and walls on the first level; this is a comfort issue and has some cold areas in the front office. It is possible to
extend the building envelope into the crawlspace and make it conditioned space (heated/cooled) you would
have to seal off the vents to the outside, put down 20 mil poly sealed to walls & piers, and insulate the
foundation walls then make some small vent holes in ducts. Or, remove the insulation in the crawlspace from
the bottom of the floor and spray foam it with ½” of closed cell poly foam effectively sealing the bottom of the
house and then reinstall the existing insulation. The spray foam will also lessen floor creaking.

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

We strongly encourage completion of all recommendations to reduce your utility bills. You may hire us,
another contractor or complete the improvements yourself, but improvements resulting from the Building
Performance Assessment will not be realized until this work is completed. If all or most of the air sealing and
insulation improvements are completed (within 90 days), we will provide a free test out energy audit.

If you would like CES to provide the services above, please indicate the specific line items requested by
initialing next to the line and faxing the completed, signed page to our office at (703) 354-6011. Scheduling
will begin once we have received the deposit by credit card over the phone or our website form, or by check
through the mail.

Scott Surovell Continuum Energy Solutions


7739 Tauxemont Rd. Metro Gutter & Home Services, Inc.
Alexandria, VA 22308 5645-D General Washington Drive
Home 703-587-7872 Alexandria, Virginia 22312
703-354-0262 / 703-354-6011 Fax

We propose to furnish material and labor, complete


In accordance with the following specifications:
All jobs require a 50% deposit upon approval with the remaining 50% due upon completion. If deposit is given by credit
card, all payments will be recharged on the day of the identified timetable. If payment is made by check there is a $35.00
fee for returned checks. Balance is due upon completion. Payments made after 10 days will be subject to collections, $25
late fee, plus 2% monthly interest on unpaid balances. Customer has 3 days right of rescission. Corporation has the right
to withdraw this proposal at any time before commencement of work. After payment is received in full, Customer has a 5-
year warranty on new installations. All warranties are void if corporation does not receive payment in full within 30 days.

Credit Card #________________________ Expiration date: _________ 3 digit Code ___________

_______________________ ______________ _
Customer Signature Date

*If preferred, specific credit card information may be called in to the office.

The following are Terms and Exclusions, which apply to all estimates given.

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Section 61-3-3 of the Code of the County of Fairfax, VA Chapter 61 and Building Provisions requires that all
written contracts for home improvement work include the following:

1. Continuum Energy Solutions is a division of Metro Gutter and Home Services. Metro Gutter and Home
Services is a certified and licensed contractor as shown below and will comply with all state and local
requirements for building permits, inspections, and zoning.

2. Estimated time frames for all jobs do not include delays from events beyond our control such as
inclement weather. In the case of inclement weather, Continuum Energy Solutions has the right to temporarily
suspend work for the safety of the employees. Delays raised by such events do not constitute abandonment of
work, but may change the time frame for completion. Continuum Energy Solutions will inform the customer via
telephone if such an occurrence will take place and when to expect the continuation of the job.

3. Any modification to a contract must be made in writing, and signed and approved by a manager of
Continuum Energy Solutions within FORTY-EIGHT (48) hours before work is scheduled to begin.

4. Consumer may cancel a job, which is scheduled to begin if SEVENTY-TWO (72) hours notice is given
and received in writing to Continuum Energy Solutions.

5. If paying by credit card: Continuum Energy Solutions accepts Visa, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover.

Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc. LICENSE & INSURANCE INFORMATION:

Licenses: Insurances:
Maryland Home Improvement Commission Sheehan Insurance Group, Inc.
500 North Calvert Street Erie Insurance Group
Baltimore, MD 21202 Agent: Mark Sheehan
Certificate holder: 15018 Washington Street
Kent H. Baake PO Box 764
Contractor/ Salesman Haymarket VA 20168
License #96329 Certificate holder:
Metro Gutter and Roof LLC
DBA< Metro Gutter
Liability and Medical # Q41 0950520
Automobile Liability # Q05 0940028

Fairfax County of Tax Administration Brown & Brown Insurance


Business, Professional and Occupational License Euclid Center
(BPOL) for Ordinance 47223B09: Personal Service 2195 Euclid Avenue Suite 8
Certificate holder: Bristol VA 24201
Kent Baake/Metro Gutter and Home Services Inc. Worker’s Compensation #WC7228213
License #0340779

Licenses: Licenses:
Virginia Washington D.C.
Board of Contractors Class A Basic Business License
Contractor’s License Business License Center
Certificate holder: Room 1100
Kent H. Baake 941 Capitol Street, N.E.
Metro Gutter & Home Services Washington, D.C. 20002
License #2705111836A AES/HIC License #69007667

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Cost Savings 
We estimate the air sealing, insulation, duct remediation, and other items will reduce the monthly
heating/cooling bills by an average of 20-25%. It is difficult to place a dollar amount on actual savings due to
the partial work that has been done (previous bills cannot provide a baseline). The monthly bills will drop by
at least 10%-15% at a minimum, but again, we expect to see the savings return to be an even higher level.

Again, the rank order is given here as a guide. We recommend in general focusing first on cost-effective
options that deal with the envelope (insulation and air sealing) and then moving toward mechanical system
replacements.

Electricity
Your base load for electricity to produce conditioned air space is $175/month, with average cooling increase of
$50 during the season.

Gas
Your base load for gas heating/hot water/cooking is $15.73/month, with average spikes of $125.00, and peaks
of $282.00. This is a significant spike in heating costs for the season.

We estimate a 25% to 30% reduction in both the average electricity bill during the cooling season, and gas bill
during the heating season. This amounts to approx $180/yr in electrical bill savings, and $400/year in gas
heating savings.

This Concludes Your Building Performance Assessment Report.


The Following Additional Information Is Provided For Your Reference.

Building Performance Assessments


(Supplemental Information)
What and Why
Our report is designed to provide you with a thorough analysis of the energy use of your home in order for you
to make informed decisions about the improvements to undertake. We also place emphasis on the major issues
that are most often a concern for homeowners: indoor air quality, moisture and humidity, storm water runoff,
envelope seal, and the condition of heating and cooling equipment. We provide observation, analysis, and the
appropriate recommendations.

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Areas Typically Addressed - by Priority

Passive Air Movement and Active Leaks – Sealing the air envelope in a safe manner reduces the loss of heat/cold
through convection. This occurs as the infiltration of unconditioned air through cracks, chases, and separations in the solid
structural areas of the home (where the walls meet the roof, for example). This can account for upwards of 40% of heat
loss and gain, making it the single biggest issue for most homeowners.

Insulation - the insulation in your home reduces heat/cold loss from the inside of your home to the outside through
conduction. Typically composed of foam, fiberglass, cellulose or other such materials, the control of heat flow is essential
to controlling your utility costs and maintaining comfort. Chances are the standards have significantly increased since the
home was built.

Moisture - water in all forms is a serious enemy of any home. Leaks and high ambient humidity tend to be the two
challenges that can lead to rapid destruction of the home through rot and mold.

Landscaping and Shading - the landscaping contributes to the function of the home through shading, wind blocking,
drying of the walls and storm water runoff control.

HVAC, Safety and Air Quality - the most neglected area of most homes, HVAC design, installation and maintenance
is a critical area of focus. We also test efficiencies of the gas-fired equipment to ensure safe operation. The heating and
cooling systems are the critical component of thermal comfort and air quality, and are by far the largest part of your utility
bill.

Openings - the windows and doors control the entry of light into the home. They are also the manual ventilation system
of the home.

Base Load - the daily use of electricity, gas and water in the home is a critical component of your overall cost of
ownership. Refrigerators, microwaves, televisions, showers, washers and lights all contribute significantly to the base load
and are targeted area for improvement.

An Informed Client
We recognize that the vast majority of customers have limited experience with architecture and the related
disciplines that are behind the construction of your home. Our goal is to clearly describe not only the financial
value of any improvements that may be needed, but also the role they play in the soundness of your home and
why maintaining those aspects of your home are important.

Follow Up
After you read the report, we are available to answer your questions by email or phone. Our primary goal is to
make certain that you are confident about the choices we offer, and receive all of the information you need to
make informed, confident decisions.

Perspective - Your Home as a System


Your home functions as a system, much like your car or any other complex machine. It controls the flow of
heat, light, water and air into and out of the interior as well as their movement within the interior. By
controlling these flows, you are able to create a comfortable and safe environment for you and your family.

Parts Affect Each Other


When any part of the system breaks down, it impacts several other functions of the home. One example is a
small hole in the roof. Rain not only damages the home and destroys the wood structure in the roof near the
hole, but also soaks the insulation and encourages mold growth that contaminates the air. Over time, a large

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

leak can collapse the insulation, disrupt airflows and compromise the temperature control in that section of the
home.

Capital Project Recommendations – Reasoning

• Insulation works primarily by reducing transfer of heat through convection or cool air movement past
warm surfaces (and to a lesser degree heat transfer between solid objects when it sits between those
objects-like the foam in a metal door). Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia as the standard
for energy efficient design use the international energy code from 2006. For attic, this means bringing
the insulation rating to R-49 or higher. If we find that adding insulation to your attic will bring you in
line with current energy code, you will be able to do so cost-effectively. For walls above and below
grade, the value of insulation is determined by return on investment, given the costs and potential
difficulties.

• Air sealing is important to increasing comfort and should be considered to reduce the overall house
leakage and uptake of air brought through walls and cracks of the home. By reducing airflow between
spaces, water vapor flow, hot air flow and stack effect are all reduced. Air sealing is accomplished
using foam, caulk, metal sheet and foam board to fill holes and cracks. Once sealed in this way, these
leaking areas become air tight, reducing the overall infiltration of the home.

• Heating equipment efficiency is reasonably straightforward. If you improve efficiency from 80% to
90%, you will reduce the overall costs for heating by 10%. Whether this is cost-effective to do
immediately depend on several factors, including the need to replace the furnace, the overall heating
costs, and the condition of the insulation and air sealing of the home.

Windows and Doors

• Window replacements are practical and produce noticeable results only in instances where windows are
severely drafty or have extraordinary solar gain (sun exposure). Solar heat gain from windows
accounts for between 30% and 35% of cooling costs and 10% of heating costs. If they are very leaky,
then the impact on heating can be as high as 30 to 40%. Doors may also be weather-stripped and storm
doors should be tightened to increase the R-value of the door assembly when significant drafts are
present.

Supplemental Reduction Guide


The following is a list of good ideas to reduce your energy usage (i.e. bills and impact). Many of them
require little or no expense and very little time.

• Light bulb replacements (with compact fluorescents) have a simple payback of 1-6 months and a first
year return on investment of upwards of 300%. Expand the use of CFLs where practical.
• Appliances should be replaced, as needed, by Energy Star models. All partially used appliances, such
as a second refrigerator, should be eliminated if possible or downsized if possible.
A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.
__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

A change from a standard model to an energy star refrigerator can yield an average return on
investment of 8% to 10%.
• Set the thermostat of the hot water heater to "low", as close to 120F as possible, but no lower (lower
encourages bacteria to grow). This saves 2-5% on the annual hot water bill.
• Plumbing fixtures (shower heads in particular) should be swapped for lower flow (1.5 gallon per
minute) fixtures.
• Make sure that radiators, registers (a.k.a. vents), and/or baseboard heating units are clean and
unobstructed.
• Open drapes during day (on East, South and West - facing windows) to increase solar heat gain during
the heating season, and close them during the day during the cooling season.
• Try 1-2 degree lower temperature settings during the winter, higher in summer.
• Use fans to circulate air. Ceiling fans not only cool you down during the summer, but they also help
circulate the warm air that has risen towards the ceiling during the winter.
• Clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator. Dust on these coils reduces the efficiency. Gently wipe
the refrigerator coils with a damp cloth.
• Wash clothes in cold water, air dry clothes.
• Turn off lights, computers, monitors, printers when not in use.
• Unplug extra fridge (garage, basement).
• Run dishwasher, washer with full loads.
• Use power strips/surge protectors for computer/office equipment as well as A/V components. When the
components are not being used, turn the strip off. (Many of today’s electronics consume electricity even
when “off”. Eliminate these “phantom” loads.)

Introduction to Building Science/Glossary

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Air Change Rate-A measure of how


quickly new air replaces existing air in
A building. Optimally every 3 hours.

Building Envelope-The outer shell of


a house that separates the
conditioned space from the
Unconditioned space.

Insulation R-Value-A measure of


insulation effectiveness in stopping
Heat flow or conduction. The higher
The R-value, the less heat transfer.

Rim Joist-The part of a house where


The foundation and framing meet. Is
Often a source of air leakage.

Stack Effect-The process that causes


Air to move through a building.
Warmer air rises up and escapes at
the top, forcing cold air to enter from
Below.

Top Plate-The top of an interior wall


Where it meets the attic. Is often a
Source of air leakage.

Infiltration - the movement of air into and out of your home due to wind and temperature differences between the interior
and exterior.
Air Leakage - see infiltration
Air Sealing - a set of materials and techniques for improving your home that stops the infiltration.
Insulation - any material that slows the flow of heat between two spaces. Typically fiberglass, foam, cellulose or a
combination of materials designed with this purpose in mind.
Base load - the amount of water, gas and electricity you consume each day to run your home. This does not include
heating and cooling usage.
Thermal / Thermal losses - refers to heat and heat lost due to leakage or missing insulation, etc.
Insolation - the degree or level of sunlight that falls on a given area.
Microclimate - the immediate environment around an area in question. For example, a valley has a microclimate (warmer
in winter) different from the hillsides (windy, cold in winter) that create it.
Return on Investment - the amount of money you earn resulting from money invested. Usually this is calculated on a
yearly basis. If you spend $100 today to earn $10 per year, then you have a 10% annual return on your investment.
Payback - refers to the period of time you must earn a return on investment before the earnings equal the original amount
spent. If you earn 10% return on investment, it typically takes 10 years to "break even" or earn the payback. This
calculation usually ignores interest costs and inflation.
Efficiency - is a measure of how cheaply a device does its job. A 90% efficient furnace means you get 9 units of heat for
10 units of energy; an 80% efficient furnace provides only 8 units of heat for those 10 units of energy (gas and electricity).
AFUE - a measure for furnace efficiency that is short for "annual fuel utilization efficiency" and is determined in
accordance with ASHRAE Standard 103. Range is 0% to 100%.
ASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers.
AHRI 210-240 defines SEER - or "seasonal energy efficiency ratio", the standard measure of efficiency for cooling
equipment. Range is currently between 10 and 21. SEER 20 is twice as efficient as SEER 10.
AHRI - Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute.
COP - "Coefficient of Performance" identifies peak performance of a mechanical system; usually applies to heat pumps. If
1 unit of energy is used to create 4 units of heating in the house, the COP is 4.0.

A LIST OF SOME OF OUR FAVORITE INFORMATION SOURCES

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE)


www.aceee.org ACEEE (sometimes called A-C-triple-E) is a nonprofit
Collaborating with other groups to research and advocate the
Benefits of energy efficiency.

American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)


www.acore.org ACORE (A-core) is a non-profit focused on
Bringing renewable energy to the American mainstream.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers


(ASHRAE)
www.ashrae.org (ash-ray) is the association of engineers that set
Recommendations and performs research for the HVAC sector.
Standard 62.2 –2003, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
In Low-Rise Residential Buildings sited on page 9.

Alliance to Save Energy (ASE)


www.ase.org ASE is a non-profit advocating strategy for energy
Efficiency.

American Solar Energy Society


Www.ases.org

American Wind Energy Association


Www.awea.org

Database for State Incentives for Renewable Energy


www.dsireusa.org DSIRE (desire) is unquestionably the best web
Site listing federal, state, local and utility incentives for renewable
Energy and energy efficiency. A must-visit for anyone interested
In the financial incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy
Technologies on any level.

DC Department of Environment
Www.ddoe.dc.gov lists programs for District residents.

Energy Star
www.energystar.gov web site for the EPA’s Energy Star program. Outstanding
Source of information regarding energy efficiency.

Green Building Institute


Www.greenbuildinginstitute.org. GBI is an unique non-profit with the mission
Being to, “foster sustainable building practices through education and example.”

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory


Www.lbl.gov. LBL is a national lab conducting research for the Department
Of Energy.

NREL
Www.nrel.gov National Renewable Energy Laboratory is a national lab
A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.
__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011
Scott Surovell
7739 Tauxemont Rd.
Alexandria VA 22308

Conducting research for the Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency


And Renewable Energy.

ORNL
Www.ornl.gov Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a national lab conducting
Research for the Department of Energy.

RMI
Www.rmi.org The Rocky Mountain Institute is a non-profit organization
Conducting research and advocating cutting edge and market driven energy solutions.

A Division of Metro Gutter and Home Services, Inc.


__________________________________Licensed, Insured and Bonded______________________________________
5645-D General Washington Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312 Phone 703-354-0262Fax 703-354-6011

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