Making green choices for our new house

Today we will be getting an energy audit done on our new home. I am so excited about this (I know that makes me a complete dork)! Because our house was built in 1948, I expect to have some things that need to be repaired or upgraded. Last week the electrician that we had come to the house to do some work said that some of the 2-prong plugs that he switched out to 3-prong were most likely original to the house (!) and that it was a good thing that we changed them over as they were disintegrating. Yikes.

If you do not live in Connecticut and cannot participate in the Home Energy Solutions Program, I would check your state’s website to find out if there is a similar program. For $75 we have a technician coming into our house to do the following:

• Blower door testing and blower door guided air sealing is a scientific test that involves the use of a large fan (Blower Door) mounted in an exterior door to measure air filtration into your home. The CRI Technician will be able to seal most of the major sources of leakage while on-site.

Image from HES website

• As part of the Home Energy Solutions Program, your CRI Technician will install up to 25 CFL bulbs in your home (program guidelines are subject to change without notice). (We already have CFL lightbulbs in most of our lamps, but we need them for our two new lights)

• Duct Testing and Duct Sealing is a process that begins by using a large fan to pressurize your duct system and measure leakage through the system. Where leaks are found, your CRI Technician will apply duct mastic (a grey plaster type of material) and/or silver tape to seal leaky portions of your duct system. After the Technician has sealed all possible leaks, you will be provided with a Duct Air Flow report. This report will provide you with the necessary information to identify if any additional work is necessary to further improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
  

Image from HES website

• CRI will install low flow faucet aerators on your kitchen and bathroom sinks. Properly installed aerators will seal drips, saving water and the energy used to heat that water. CRI will install newer showerheads that come with a variety of settings and features for increased comfort and savings. Showerheads over 10 years old typically deliver between four – five gallons of water per minute. Since 1992, legislation has required manufacturers to produce only low-flow showerheads, which deliver 2.5 gallons per minute. CRI will install pipe wrap to insulate at least the first nine feet of pipe on your water heater to stem heat loss before it reaches the tap. CRI will wrap your tank with fiberglass insulation to keep an extra 30–40 percent of heat from escaping through the walls. If your tank is relatively new, it already has insulation on the inside and CRI will verify this.

• Part of the HES Program is identification of older, less efficient appliances. You may qualify for incentives (rebates and tax credits) for the replacement of older inefficient refrigerators, freezers clothes washers and dehumidifiers. Your CRI Technician will review the options with you at the conclusion of your appointment.

• With the HES Program, a CRI Technician will inspect the insulation in your home and discuss the results with you. If you need insulation, CRI will work with you to provide a list of qualified contractors to help. CRI can also assist you in getting detailed estimates to get the work done through its pre-screened network of qualified insulation contractors. This service also includes assistance with applying for rebates, information regarding possible tax credits, and a comprehensive quality assurance program to make sure the work is done correctly.

• Your CRI Technician will measure the airflow through your duct system when your heating or cooling system is operating. Based on test results, CRI will seal leaks or offer recommendations on how to improve the system.

• As part of CRI’s HES Program, we identify and recommend other services that may make financial sense for our customers. These additional services sometimes require the use of licensed subcontractors who specialize in specific technologies such as insulation, heating/cooling systems, electrical upgrades, etc. CRI maintains a list of licensed, pre-screened professionals that work closely with us in our delivery of energy efficiency programs throughout the state. We can arrange for one or more of these companies to provide you with additional information or a competitive estimate. There is no obligation to purchase these additional services, but if you decide to proceed, CRI will stay involved throughout the entire process to ensure that all work meets CRI’s strict quality control standards. CRI will also help you correctly complete and submit all necessary rebate forms where applicable.

• Through the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF), there are sizeable rebates available to homeowners who participate in Home Energy Solutions. The offers may be subject to availability, but currently include incentives for: increased insulation for attics and walls; purchase of ENERGY STAR Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and clothes washers; installation of a high efficiency natural gas water heater; and installation of high efficiency split heat pumps.

Can you believe they do all of this for $75???!!??

Have you taken advantage of any energy efficient programs in your state?