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Energy Retrofits
Over
the next 30 years scientists are saying we need to reduce
out greenhouse gas emissions by 50% to 80%. According
to the latest issue of Environmental Building News residential
energy use is responsible for 20% of U.S. carbon emissions.
The transportation sector contributes another 40%. Where
we choose to live, the way we choose to transport ourselves,
and how we build our houses will have a significant
impact on whether or not we meet the emission limits
suggested by our scientists.
According
to a 1998 EPA study about 290,000 buildings are torn
down each year, or about .2% of all residential buildings.
Even if we replace all these structures with carbon
neutral buildings we will only reduce our carbon emissions
6% by 2030. Hence the need for doing energy efficient
retrofits on the existing housing stock.
You can reduce your homes’ heat loss by 15% to
50% with simple air sealing techniques combined with
increased levels of insulation:
- Seal electrical outlets
- Seal plumbing and electrical holes in the building
envelope
- Install dampers in bath fans/kitchen range hoods
- Air seal duct work
If
you want to reduce your heat loss
by 50% to 85% you need to upgrade insulation levels
and mechanical systems throughout the house:
-
Install rigid foam insulation on the exterior walls
- Replace leaky old windows
- Upgrade wall insulation from R13 to R21or more
- Upgrade Ceiling insulation from R12/R30 to R60
- Cut air leaks dramatically
- Install a Heat Recovery Ventilator
- Upgrade heating systems to 90% plus efficiency
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