Whole House Approach to Improving Energy Efficiency
A drafty home, rooms that are too hot or too cold, and high energy bills are all common issues for homeowners. Installing a new heating or air conditioning system, buying replacement windows, or adding more insulation may fix part of the problem. But the way to better results is through an integrated "whole-house" approach that looks at your house as a system.
Certified Energy Efficient.com, is a group of small businesses in Michigan offering a comprehensive, whole-house approach to improving energy efficiency and comfort at home, while helping to protect the environment.
HERS Energy Raters participating in our locally sponsored program can help you cost-effectively improve your home’s energy efficiency. These specially-trained Energy Raters evaluate your home using state-of-the-art equipment and recommend comprehensive improvements that will yield the best results.
Diagnosing the Problem
Rather than focusing on a single component, such as single-paned windows, an old air conditioning system, or leaky ductwork, a participating HERS Energy Rater will assess how improvements to some or all of these components can work together to provide:
fewer drafts
consistent temperatures across rooms,
better ventilation and humidity control, and
lower utility bills
Common Recommendations
Sealing Air Leaks and Adding Insulation
Many air leaks in homes are fairly obvious, such as around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. But others, like those in attics, around chimneys, and through recessed lighting fixtures, are often the more significant sources of energy loss in a home. Sealing air leaks is critical to improving the overall efficiency of your home and will make your heating and cooling system perform better. Along with air sealing, your HERS Energy Rater may recommend that you add insulation. Many older homes are not well-insulated, and some have no insulation at all. Properly installed insulation in walls, floors, and attics provides for more even temperatures throughout the house and results in a quieter, more comfortable living environment that is easier to heat and cool.
Sealing Ductwork
Many homes have leaky ductwork and poor air flow, resulting in stuffy and uncomfortable rooms — regardless of the thermostat setting. The HERS Energy Rater may recommend sealing your home’s ducts with mastic, metal tape or spray-on sealant, and balancing the duct system to optimize air flow to all rooms. Insulating ductwork in attics, crawlspaces, and some basements can also help to ensure that your home will be more comfortable.
Improving Heating and Cooling Systems
If your furnace or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, your HERS Energy Rater may recommend that you replace it with a unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR label. Installed correctly, these high-efficiency units can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs. But when it comes to heating and cooling equipment, bigger is not always better. A properly-sized unit will make your home more comfortable by providing more consistent temperatures and better humidity control.
Upgrading Lighting and Appliances
Energy used for lighting and appliances can account for half of your home's total utility bill. As a result, the Energy Rater may recommend ENERGY STAR qualified products, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, electronic equipment, light fixtures, and compact fluorescent bulbs. An energy- and water-efficient hot water heating system may also be recommended.
Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEM) and Energy Improvement Mortgages (EIM)
EEM’s are for new homes, and EIM’s are for existing homes. These are Fannie Mae and FHA programs. Participating HERS Energy Raters can assist you in finding a lender that understands the EEM and EIM process. Financing your homes energy improvements can easily be included in your homes mortgage if you understand how the process works.
Energy Raters can help make your home more comfortable, and energy efficient. Home buyers are becoming more aware of energy costs associated with owning a home and will be willing to pay a premium for an energy efficient home.
Once you’ve taken steps to increase your home's efficiency, you may also want to consider adding renewable energy systems, such as solar electric (photovoltaics) solar hot water, or wind power to further reduce your utility bills.
Certified Energy Efficient endorsement
Homes that receive the Certified Energy Efficient endorsement can be both new construction or existing homes. New construction criteria must meet the Energy Star Guidelines and includes an Infrared Scan in conjunction with a Blower Door Test. Existing homes can also be rated for their energy efficiency. Your HERS Rater will follow the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) guidelines for existing homes. Once rated you will receive a detailed Improvement Analysis Report showing you your homes current HERS score and the HERS score your home could receive after all improvements have been made.
