• What is Deep Energy Retrofit

  • A Deep Energy Retrofit is a comprehensive, plan-driven approach to renovating a home to become highly energy efficient and a more healthful living environment. The Deep Energy Retrofit (DER) takes a whole-house, systems approach to the retrofit program. By applying up-to-date building sciences and a broad-based scope to address all aspects of the home, a DER can achieve transformative energy improvements (with savings of 50-to-70 percent, or more) while also substantially improving the health of the living environment. The DER plan specifies concrete performance targets that are verified through “test-in, test-out” measurements.

  • The following graphic illustrates the problems that often exist in “legacy” homes – homes built before 1990. The older the home, typically, the more pronounced the problems

  • Building envelope poorly defined & insulated
    *Basement not insulated
    *Insulation voids & gaps
    *Under insulated envelope
    *Insulation degradation over time

    Numerous air leakages
    *Poorly installed insulation
    *Pressure effects (stack effect)
    *No sealing at critical building intersections
    *Leaking doors & windows

    Inefficient building components
    *Low U-value windows, poorly installed
    *Inefficient fireplaces & chimney air leakage
    *Roof and ventilation system poorly performing
    *Moisture control systems & drainage often not present

    Oversized heating system with severe duct leakage
    *Poorly sealed basement/crawlspace
    *Moisture problems
    *Mold problems

    Variable indoor air quality – poor ventilation when required
    *Radon
    *Interior combustion appliances

  • A Deep Energy Retrofit upgrades and modernizes the home’s energy systems and critical building envelope components. The following diagram illustrates the scope of the changes made to a “legacy” house as part of the DER process.

  • Reconfigure building envelope

    • Include basement & attic
    • Super-insulate with radiant barriers
    • Seal all air leakages
    • Foam seal critical building intersections

    Upgrade building components

    • Triple-glazed R-5 windows
    • EnergyStar roofing
    • EnergyStar appliances & lighting
    • Retrofit fireplace with biofuel heater

    Right-size heating system, ducts and domestic hot water system

    Evaluate renewable energy systems & install if feasible

    Identify & take advantage of passive energy savings opportunities

    Eliminate moisture and vapor infiltration & mold

    Mechanically regulate indoor air flow for healthy living (whole-house ERV or HRV)

    • Install system to remove radon gas