• Save energy before making energy

    Broadly speaking, there are two categories of energy-saving improvements: replacement of energy-consuming items with more efficient models; and improvement of the building envelope by plugging leaks and increasing insulation so that the HVAC system does less work. Typically conserving energy by improving the building envelope is the best investment you can make and should be tackled first. Air sealing, correcting egregious insulation voids and converting to CFL lighting can reduce energy consumption by up to 30 percent.

    The picture at left shows an all too common sight during the winter in Connecticut. Ice dams are a telltale sign that the house is performing poorly.

    Consideration of investing in alternative energy systems (such as solar power, solar thermal and ground source heat pumps) should only be made after all achievable energy efficiency measures have been put in place. In fact, in Connecticut it is a requirement that homeowners address the building envelope issues as a condition of qualifying for various tax credits and rebates on the installation of renewable energy systems.

    Failure to address the building’s energy inefficiencies adequately is likely to result in over sizing the alternative energy system. According to Home Power Magazine every dollar you spend in making your home more energy efficient decreases the cost of your alternative energy system by approximately $3-to-$5. This is particularly important when considering a deep energy retrofit, where energy efficiency improvements are dramatic (70%+.)