Reducing energy use in the home is an integral part of addressing global climate change, energy security, and green economic growth.  Energy used in the residential sector is a significant contributor to green house gas emissions (GHGs).  In California for example, homes are responsible for 14% of GHGs, 32% of the state’s electricity consumption, and 36% of its natural gas consumption.  In response to this many homeowners are taking action to save both money and energy use through energy efficiency upgrades. 

Unfortunately many people take a piecemeal approach, addressing one issue at a time without considering and comparing the costs and benefits of each individual upgrade.  For example, we all know that replacing old single pane windows with newer energy efficiency ones will reduce energy use in both the summer and winter months.  But how much will be saved, and what is the cost and return on investment of such an upgrade?  Similarly upgrades such as insulation, sealing duct work, and purchasing Energy Star appliances will reduce energy cost, but how is one to decide where to invest their money first?

Home Performance Testing is a practice in which a full audit of the home is done before choosing energy efficiency upgrade projects.  The home is tested using a variety of high and low tech devises and a complete list of potential projects is presented in order of getting the most “bang for the buck”.  The goal is to assess the health, comfort, and energy usage of a home, recognizing that the home operates as a system rather than a discreet set of independent elements. 

Infrared photograph of a leaky attic hatch (blue sections represent air infiltration).

For example, the list below is from a recent audit of a home in Oakland California.  Potential energy efficiency upgrades are presented from most effective to least effective:

1)      Reduce home infiltration (sealing gaps in walls, etc.)  - $1400
2)      Attic Insulation: $1,100
3)      Floor Insulation:  $2,400
4)      Furnace and duct work: $1,700
5)      Window replacement: $400 - $625 each (4 – 10 windows)
6)      Wall insulation: $4,250

As you can see, this home had a number of energy efficiency issues to deal with.  The home owner decided to address the top four items first, knowing that in the future he has more projects to consider.  Surely doing any of the above projects would be a plus, but by carefully analyzing all of the sub-systems within the house, the homeowner could more effectively make decisions that reap the greatest benefits within his budget.

Home performance testing and contracting is a relatively new discipline.  Contractors are trained and certified to confirm that they are experts in this approach, understanding the most current building science and appreciating how the house operates as a system.  Before selecting a contractor you should make sure that he/she has been certified by the Building Performance Institute, the recognized nation leader for training and certification of home of performance contractors.

To view a set of videos on the process of Home Performance, click here (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_hpwes_video)

To get started looking for a Home Performance contractor Bing “Home Performance”, or start at the EPA’s Energy Star page on this subject (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home_improvement.hm_improvement_hpwes).

Bio:

Stuart Fishman is a sustainability consultant working in the San Francisco Bay Area. His goal is to help businesses implement strategies that realize the integrated bottom line of "People, Planet, and Profit." Stuart is a LEED Accredited Professional and active in many groups and communities trying to foster the implementation of sustainable business practices.  For more information visit Stuart's web site (www.ClearPathSus.com) or email him at SFishman@ClearPathSus.com.