Remodeling Considerations
Whether homeowners are planning to upgrade windows, doors, or roofing,
or build an entire new addition, they can make choices that positively
affect the use of energy in their homes. Forethought and planning in
connection with a project can also result in increased comfort, safety,
and health benefits. Moreover, when energy considerations are taken
into account, remodeling projects can help keep energy bills under control.
More Information:
Remodeling Tasks. Homeowners
can take advantage of new technologies, materials, and installation
techniques to improve their home’s energy performance.
Adding Recessed Lighting. Use airtight insulated ceiling
(IC) canister lights. These are sealed so that the warm or cool conditioned
air in the home does not leak into the attic or other unconditioned
spaces.
Replacing Windows. Install low-e (i.e. low emmisivity) windows
to decrease heat transfer across windowpanes. Ensure proper caulking
of windows, and consider awnings over south or west-facing windows to
block the heating rays of the sun during summer months (note, the awnings
will allow solar warming during the winter months when it is needed
and the sun is lower in the sky). Despite the claims of many retailers,
replacing the windows in a home is almost never the best way to increase
energy efficiency. However, if a homeowner is replacing windows for
aesthetic purposes or due to performance problems, then low-e windows
should be used.
Roofing Replacement. Change to lighter colored roofing shingles
to reduce unwanted radiant heating of the home.
Adding Wall (and Additional Attic) Insulation. Owners of older
(usually pre-1960s) homes may want to blow insulation into their walls.
Take advantage of (possible) economies of scale and consider having
additional attic insulation blown in at the same time.
Sealing Building Envelope. The “building envelope”
is the wall, windows, and doors that prevent the exterior environment
from entering the home. By sealing cracks or gaps in the building envelope
(e.g., spaces underneath exterior doors, cracks around windows) the
overall energy performance of the home will increase. Sealing can be
done with door flaps, silicon sealant, and caulk as appropriate. Ask
a salesperson at home supply retailers (such as Home Depot® or Lowe’s®)
for the materials that work best in any particular situation.
Exterior Door Replacement. Investigate the insulating value
(R-value) of the doors under consideration. Choose one with an R5 rating
or higher. If the door assembly includes glass, make sure it is low-e
in order to reduce heat transfer. Doors must be properly sealed with
caulking and weather stripping to create a tight building envelope.
Contractors - Home Performance with ENERGY STAR . Home Performance with ENERGY STAR is an initiative to train contractors who will facilitate whole-house energy improvements. The effort emphasizes house as a system thinking and one-stop problem solving for homeowners. While the program goal is saving energy. its approach focuses on addressing a variety of customer needs, from comfort to durability to health and safety.
For more information on this program please visit the Colorado Home Performance with ENERGY STAR website.
Additions. Additions are
an opportunity to get it right the first time. In addition to giving
consideration to the issues raised above about specific parts of the
remodeling project, some larger issues should also be addressed.
Orientation and Window Area. Windows should be located on
east and south walls, rather than north or west faces. If an addition
is positioned in a shaded part of a home, less energy will be needed
to cool the space during the summer. Overall, a lower percentage of
windows in relation to wall space will reduce energy loss from a home.
HVAC Assessment. Homeowners need an analysis of the existing
heating and cooling system to determine if it can support the new addition.
HVAC contractors and energy consultants, including some E-Star Energy
Raters, [link to About Energy Raters page] can perform this analysis.
Any replacement of HVAC appliances should be made with an eye towards
energy efficiency. So furnaces and air conditioners should carry the
ENERGY STAR® label [link to 208.254.22.7/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.]
(note, a furnace with the ENERGY STAR label will be rated 90%+ efficient
and an air conditioner 12 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) or
higher).
Bathroom Additions. If the addition requires an upscale to
the water heating system, choose one with the ENERGY STAR label. For
a gas water heater, the rating should be .60 (EF) (i.e., energy factor)
and for an electric .95 EF. Tub or showers should be installed with
proper insulation behind them. This may require a homeowner to communicate
these expectations specifically and succinctly to the plumber and insulation
contractors, as usually the plumber installs the fixture before insulation
is installed, thereby making access behind the tub or shower difficult
if not impossible. Homeowners should find a general contractor who is
qualified to perform both of these jobs and understands the importance
of a well-insulated tub or shower.
Insulation Upgrades and Economies. Additions usually require
ceiling insulation. It may be cost effective for a homeowner to have
the entire ceiling of the existing structure upgraded at the same time,
as certain costs such as material delivery and installer trip fees will
already be covered. Homeowners should consider structural insulated
panels (SIPs) and/or blown in insulation instead of regular batt insulation
for walls and ceilings. The insulation properties of SIPs and blown
in insulation is far superior to that of batt insulation.
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