Energy Efficient Myth Busters

Transcription

1 Energy Efficient Myth Busters The cold hard facts about energy efficient upgrades Steve Romme March 3,

2 Agenda Introduction Efficiency vs Optimization Myth Busting Summary Q&A 2

3 Introduction I am NOT An engineer, architect, physicist, chemist A builder, framer, plumber, electrician, HVAC specialist A rater/certifier I am A researcher, technologist and financial analyst who knows how to get the most for my money An financial-based environmentalist A plain talking independent guy, that doesn t mix words 3

4 92% 70% Energy Efficiency Higher efficiency rating $571/yr Energy $571 Mortgage $ 37 Total $608/yr Energy Costs Lower energy costs Cost of Ownership Lower net payment (energy bill + mortgage increase) $157/yr Energy $157 Mortgage $ 74 Total $231/yr Optimization Lowest total cost of ownership (mortgage + energy) Whole house analysis Tradeoffs insulation, HVAC, windows, or lights? 4

5 Know Your Potential Savings Utility Costs of Non-Optimized New Home 2,432 sq. ft. NG Energy Service Charge $453 Major Appliances $167 Lights-Fans $336 Water Service Charge $359 Plug Loads $492 Water / Sewer $448 Cooling $147 Hot Water $476 Heating $714 5

6 Know Your Potential Savings Conditioning Costs of Non-Optimized New Home 2,432 sq. ft. NG Infiltration $261 Slab Floors $16 Ventilation $70 Framed Floors $18 Above Grade Walls $233 Foundation Walls $67 Ceiling/Roof $49 Windows/Doors $154 6

7 Busting Myths! 7

8 Fuel Source Myth Energy costs don t vary much and geo always lowers utility bills Because utilities are regulated, energy costs are about the same across the state Geothermal systems or mini-splits will lower your monthly utility bill Insulation levels should be driven by climate zone (outside temp) Fact $60.00 $50.00 $40.00 $30.00 $20.00 $10.00 $0.00 Cost / Million BTU Costs from 2015 bills inflated to expected 2017/18 rates $49.51 $48.86 $39.31 $23.88 $15.28 Energy costs vary a lot, and electricity is expensive! If natural gas is available, it s nearly always a better choice An electric appliance has to be 6-8 times more efficient than gas Some small cooperatives have lower electrical rates Insulation levels should be optimized using climate and energy costs! $6.26 WE Elect Alliant Elect WPS Elect Med Elect Propane Nat Gas 8

9 Fuel Source Myth You should build about the same house no matter your fuel source We always blow R49 in the attic because it is optimal for our climate We always put a power vent tanked water heater in every house $700 Conditioning Costs by Component $500 $300 Propane Nat Gas $100 -$100 -$300 Fact Fuel source significantly changes where you invest! Energy savings is 2-3 times more when propane is used instead of gas Invest more in the building shell when you have propane or geo and less when you have gas Propane or electric only homes should consider more insulation and different mechanicals like tankless or heat pump water heaters 9

10 Myth Insulation The more R-value per inch, the better the insulation Spray foam is the best insulation because it has the highest R-value per inch Fiberglass has a lower effective R-value per inch in cold weather Fact HD Batt R21 Batt R19 Spray Cellulose R21 BIBs R23 2" EPS R7.84 2" Neopor R9 1" XPS Foam R5 1" Spray Foam R6.4 Cost / sq. ft. / R value Installed (includes framing factor) $0.043 $0.043 $0.064 $0.063 $0.087 $0.085 Foam is an expensive way to insulate 2-5 times more expensive than fiberglass batts $0.127 $0.158 $0.00 $0.04 $0.08 $0.12 $0.16 $0.20 Source: efree Advisors Wall Analysis 2017 Very low infiltration rates can be achieved with any type of insulation Air movement through fiberglass can lower its effectiveness Good installation is required with any insulation SPECIFY and INSPECT 10

11 Myth Air Sealing Building a tight house is expensive and risky To build a tight house you need lots of spray foam, SIPs, special windows, etc. Building too tight causes comfort and indoor air issues Infiltration $261 Fact Infiltration reduction is one of the biggest opportunity areas More energy is lost through infiltration than any other area Costs the least to capture savings Controlling infiltration is always better Can control vapor transmission Can control humidity levels Windows/Doors $154 Can more effectively manage indoor air quality Above Grade Walls $233 11

12 Home Size: Shell SqFt Myth Fact Air Sealing To build a tight house you need to use exotic materials and processes To build a tight house you need SIPs, ICFs, ZIP, or rigid foam Building conventional stick won t be as tight as other methods We have built extremely tight houses no matter the size or construction type 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 TF: 2x6/BIB/Sh/1" TF: 2x6/Batt/Sh/1" AF: 2x6/Batt/Sh AF: 2x8/Batt/Sh AF: 2x6/Cell/ZIP SIP 2, Air Leakage: CFM50/SqFt ICF Passive House Focus on Energy Code 12

13 Building used 2,423 sq. ft. 2-story Located in Oshkosh, WI WPS electric and natural gas City water/sewer Myth Buster Whole House Optimization Software used and base comparison REM/Design and SmartSpend software Code-built as defined by prescriptive path of Wisconsin UDC Code Financial assumptions Mortgage = 4% fixed, 30 year term Energy inflation = 4% elect, 6% gas WPS Energy Rates Electric costs = $.116/kWh, Gas costs = $0.62/therm, Annual fixed costs $453 13

14 Cost of Ownership Defined SmartSpend Report compares monthly costs Use building code minimum as Low-cost Build Subtract energy savings from added mortgage cost Positive first year is YES Negative first year, but positive 20 year is Maybe Negative first year and negative 20 year is NO! Windows example Performance Code of U.35 vs. U.30 and U.28 Vinyl 2 Pane Low Vinyl 2 Pane Basic Vinyl 2 Pane Prem Upgrade Description Performance Installation Cost Change $100 $500 Energy Change / yr. -$15 -$20 Mortgage Change / yr. $6 $29 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $9 -$9 20 Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $437 $163 Install cost difference vs low cost build (code) $100-$500 more Energy change vs code - $15-$20 less/yr. Mortgage change/yr. of $6-$29 based on added build cost First year net (energy savings less mortgage increase) 20 Year Total assumes energy inflation and fixed interest rate 14

15 Changes since 2015 Energy prices mixed Myth Busters Natural gas down almost 50% from a few of years ago Fixed monthly utility charges increased (2-3 times) Electric rate variation by utility increased Building materials and labor prices up Solar costs down What it means Less furnace upgrades and lower levels of insulation More electricity-based upgrades Solar electric is a good investment 15

16 Myth Busters Whole House Optimization Review Basements Above Grade Walls/Attics Windows HVAC Dehumidification Domestic Hot Water Lighting Solar Water Savings 16

17 Basement Floors Myth Insulating under basement slab saves money Fact Adding another inch or two of foam is cheap Once poured, you can t insulate the floor later Adding insulation under the basement floor costs money Mortgage costs always greater than energy savings We recommend 1-2 for comfort, but don t sell it as energy savings Never add more than 2 of foam, consider EPS Upgrade Description 1.5" XPS Foam 1" XPS Foam 1.5" XPS Foam 2" XPS Foam 3" XPS Foam 4" XPS Foam 2" EPS Foam 3" EPS Foam Performance Installation Cost Change $900 $600 $900 $1,200 $1,800 $2,400 $700 $1,000 Energy Change / yr. -$3 -$2 -$3 -$5 -$7 -$10 -$4 -$6 Mortgage Change / yr. $52 $34 $52 $69 $103 $137 $40 $57 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost -$49 -$32 -$49 -$64 -$96 -$127 -$36 -$51 20 Year Savings vs Low Build Cost -$921 -$614 -$921 -$1,191 -$1,805 -$2,382 -$655 -$925 17

18 Foundation Walls Myth Fact Using 3 of foam as code suggests is the best option The prescriptive code is R15 in Wisconsin They would not have implemented the code if it was not worth the money With natural gas pricing, less foundation insulation is better Cost of ownership increases as insulation levels decrease We use 2 foam to provide basement comfort and moisture protection For finished basements we use 1 outside and 1 inside, advanced framed with R11 batts Never cavity insulation without air sealing and interior sheet foam Code Unfin: 3"X / 8"C Unfin: 2"E / 8"C Unfin: 3"E / 8"C Upgrade Description Unfin: 2"X / 8"C Unfin: 1"X / 8"C Unfin: 1.5"X / 8"C Unfin: 2"X / 8"C Performance Installation Cost Change -$500 -$1,000 -$700 -$500 $0 -$800 -$500 Energy Change / yr. $7 $15 $11 $7 $0 $10 $4 Mortgage Change / yr. -$29 -$57 -$40 -$29 $0 -$46 -$29 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $22 $42 $29 $22 $0 $36 $25 20 Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $315 $594 $397 $315 $0 $549 $426 18

19 Myth Fact Box Sill/Rim Joist Areas Box sills don t have much effect on energy bills The box sills are a small part of the wall area They are in the basement or between floors, so they don t matter The box sill area is a significant contributor to lost energy and cold floors (first and second floors) We find this area as one of the leakiest in a home Leaks cause cold floors and condensation can form on the sheathing with low outside temps and higher indoor humidity Upgrade Description 2"Spray Batt 19 Batt 21 2"Spray 3"Spray 4"Spray 5"Spray Performance Installation Cost Change $400 $0 $0 $400 $700 $900 $1,200 Insulation Energy Change / yr. $3 $1 $0 $3 $0 -$4 -$8 Infiltration Energy Change / yr. -$28 $0 $0 -$28 -$37 -$37 -$37 Total Energy Change / yr. -$25 $1 $0 -$25 -$37 -$41 -$45 Mortgage Change / yr. $23 $0 $0 $23 $40 $52 $69 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $2 -$1 $0 $2 -$3 -$11 -$24 20 Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $461 -$37 $0 $461 $559 $477 $280 19

20 Myth Fact Sub-Slab Ventilation Sub-slab ventilation is only helpful when radon is a problem Most homes don t have a radon issue, so sub-slab ventilation is a waste Sub-slab ventilation systems cost a lot to run Sub-slab active ventilation helps dry basements Provides continuous ventilation of foundation and removes earthen gases for homeowner peace of mind Differing electrical draws for fans changes savings No Dehumid Low Watt Fan No Dehumid Standard Fan No Dehumid Low Watt Fan Upgrade Description Performance Installation Cost Change $300 $200 $300 Total Energy Change / yr. -$81 -$16 -$81 Initial Mortgage Change / yr. $17 $11 $17 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $64 $5 $64 20 Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $2,068 $247 $2,068 20

21 Myth Fact Above Grade Walls Advanced framing doesn t really save anything and you should always do more than just an R19 batt Advanced framing is harder to build and takes more labor Adding foam to the exterior is a no-brainer Advanced framed walls save money, added foam does not pay Advanced framed walls saved $700 on this home and increased R value 7% Adding sheet foam, ZIP or installing SIP or ICF has a negative return Upgrade Description 8': Sh / 2x6AF / 21Batt 8': Sh / 2x6AF / 19Batt 8': Sh / 2x6AF / 21Batt 8': Sh / 2x6AF / 23BIB 8': 1"X / Sh / 2x6AF / 19Batt 8': 1"Zip / 2x6AF / 21Batt 8" SIP 4" ICF Real Performance Installation Cost Change -$200 -$700 -$200 $1,000 $1,800 $2,700 $13,100 $15,600 Energy Change / yr. -$23 -$5 -$23 -$27 -$41 -$47 -$113 -$95 Mortgage Change / yr. -$11 -$40 -$11 $57 $103 $155 $750 $894 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $34 $45 $34 -$30 -$62 -$108 -$637 -$ Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $1,075 $986 $1,075 -$153 -$554 -$1,365 -$10,853 -$14,380 21

22 Attic Insulation Myth R49 blown attic insulation is always the best and its easy We have been doing this for years and never had an issue Fact R49 blown attic insulation is great for gas homes, but not enough for propane/geo homes Installation details are just as important as depth (in-attic walls, cavity ends, etc.) Propane and Geo homes justify more than R50 Upgrade Description Blown 50 Blown 38 Blown 50 Blown 60 Blown 75 Blown 100 Performance Installation Cost Change $100 $0 $100 $300 $600 $900 Energy Change / yr. -$5 $0 -$5 -$11 -$18 -$28 Mortgage Change / yr. $6 $0 $6 $17 $34 $52 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost -$1 $0 -$1 -$6 -$16 -$24 20 Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $69 $0 $69 $61 -$25 -$1 22

23 Myth Infiltration Making a house air tight is expensive and can cause problems You need special wall details, windows, doors, etc. If you get a house too tight it can t breath and it gets moldy Fact The tighter the better, if it s built right We target.08 cfm 50/ft 2 of shell area (near Passive House levels) We use plastic, tape, caulk and canned spray foam Key is to keep moisture in the home and allow drying to the outside in WI Upgrade Description efree Ultra Minimal efree Bas ic efree Ultra Extreme Performance Installation Cost Change $1,350 $600 $1,350 $1,350 $8,050 Energy Change excl Box Sills / yr. -$158 -$105 -$136 -$158 -$170 Mortgage Change / yr. $77 $34 $77 $77 $461 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $81 $71 $59 $81 -$ Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $4,276 $3,175 $3,456 $4,276 -$2,964 23

24 Above Grade Walls Summary Traditional 16 on center walls are not optimal Change to advanced framing and stop wasting material dollars and conditioning cost Add cavity insulation before rigid foam, ZIP, insulated wrap or spray foam Batt, BIB, and spray cellulose are all less expensive than rigid or spray foam Don t be afraid of batt, but specify, inspect and test! Only consider higher R value walls when natural gas is not available Best options are usually 2x8 wall with R30 cavity insulation, or 2x6 wall with sheet foam Air sealing, Air sealing, Air sealing Air sealing is more critical than wall thickness or insulation type Most air leaks are in and around openings or at top or bottom of walls 24

25 Myth Fact Windows Triple pane windows can save as much as 50% They are 2x more efficient than double pane, and will save you in the long run Better windows won t save much on natural gas Windows consume about $150/year on this house Whole window performance is more important than just U value Most brands have great windows and poor windows for Wisconsin Vinyl 2 Pane Basic Vinyl 2 Pane Basic Vinyl 2 Pane Prem Vinyl 3 Pane Basic Vinyl 3 Pane Extreme Upgrade Description Performance Installation Cost Change $100 $100 $500 $2,500 $8,200 Energy Change / yr. -$15 -$15 -$20 -$41 -$74 Mortgage Change / yr. $6 $6 $29 $143 $470 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $9 $9 -$9 -$102 -$ Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $437 $437 $163 -$1,356 -$6,673 25

26 Window Performance NFRC rating make performance comparisons easy Sweet spot right now U-factor (lower the better) SHGC (lower the better, except for passive solar) Visible Transmission (higher the better) Air Leakage (lower the better) Condensation Resistance 55+ (higher the better) New inside Low E coated double pane have low condensation resistance 26

27 HVAC Myth Fact Traditional HVAC The super-efficient systems provide better comfort and save money Variable furnaces with 98% efficiency and 18 SEER A/C units provide more even temperatures and save $100 s on your utility bills Comfort issues are usually due to shell failures or supply balancing Build the shell right, balance the supplies and comfort is just as good ECM blower motor saves more than increased fuel efficiency (95%) 2 Stage Air Heat (13) A/C Non-ECM (93%) Air Heat (13) A/C (95%) 2 Stage Air Heat (13) A/C (95%) 2 Stage Air Heat (16) A/C (98%) Variable Air Heat (13) A/C (98%) Variable Air Heat (18) A/C Hybrid (95%) 2 Stage Air Heat (15) A/C (96%) InFloor Heat (13) A/C Upgrade Description Furnace Performance 95% 93% 95% 95% 98% 98% 95% 96% Heat Pump Performance Cooling Performance Installation Cost Change $1,200 $300 $1,200 $1,900 $1,700 $3,200 $2,700 $16,400 Fuel Energy Change / yr. -$19 -$12 -$19 -$31 -$29 -$54 $96 -$22 Blower/Pump Energy Change / yr. -$78 $0 -$78 -$78 -$87 -$87 -$78 -$52 Total Energy Change / yr. -$97 -$12 -$97 -$109 -$116 -$141 $18 -$74 Mortgage Change / yr. $69 $17 $69 $109 $97 $183 $155 $940 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $28 -$5 $28 $0 $19 -$42 -$173 -$ Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $1,647 $98 $1,647 $1,202 $1,710 $735 -$2,711 -$16,433 27

28 Geothermal Geothermal Myth Fact Geothermal saves you 30%-50% on heating bills It uses the earth s constant temperature to heat your house It may cost a little more, but will save you in the long run Geothermal can save 30%-50%, but only against propane or electric Utility bills will be higher with geothermal or mini-splits than with natural gas Installation costs will be higher with geothermal than natural gas Mini-split installation costs can be lower, providing an opportunity to investigate Upgrade Description None Good Geo Air Heat Air Cool Premium Geo Air Heat Air Cool Good Geo Infloor Heat Air Cool Premium Geo Infloor Heat Air Cool Heating Performance Cooling Performance Net Installation Cost Change $0 $7,700 $9,100 $12,600 $14,000 Total Energy Change / yr. $0 $7 -$104 $12 -$99 Mortgage Change / yr. $0 $441 $521 $722 $802 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $0 -$448 -$417 -$734 -$ Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $0 -$7,523 -$5,808 -$13,138 -$11,423 28

29 HVAC Myth #3 Fact HRVs and ERVs save money Panasonic 110 with efree Ventilation Exchange air, while keeping the heat They are inexpensive and work right out of the box Any ventilation costs more, but we require it! Indoor air quality is critical and ventilation is the way to manage it We use existing exhaust fans and a damper fresh air inlet to the furnace ERVs can be justified when propane or electricity is used for conditioning We avoid uncontrolled fresh air intakes and HRVs that require balancing 110 with efree 150 with efree Honeywell VNT5150 Honeywell VNT5200 RenewAir EV200 Venmar AVS E15 ECM Venmar X24ERV Upgrade Description Performance 15% 15% 15% 65% 72% 78% 67% 84% Installation Cost Change $350 $350 $380 $1,600 $1,900 $1,900 $2,200 $2,700 Total Energy Change / yr. -$29 -$29 -$29 -$53 -$61 -$41 -$68 -$83 Mortgage Change / yr. $20 $20 $22 $92 $109 $109 $126 $155 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $9 $9 $7 -$38 -$48 -$68 -$58 -$72 20 Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $657 $657 $631 $134 $63 -$656 -$23 -$34 29

30 Myth Hot Water Heaters Water heaters aren t really important The plumber puts in whatever he usually does Fact Water heaters must have sealed combustion / consider tankless Never install electric tanked or B vent Consider higher efficiency models including tankless and even heat pump when using propane or electricity only Power Vent Gas Tank Power Vent Gas Tank Power Vent+ Gas Tank Vertex Gas Tank Takagi Gas Tankless AO Smith Gas Tankless Electric Heat Pump Tank Upgrade Description Gas or Electric Gas Gas Gas Gas Gas Gas Electric Performance Installation Cost Change $500 $500 $630 $1,830 $600 $1,530 $1, Year Installation Cost Change $1,000 $1,000 $1,250 $1,150 -$75 $850 $3,000 Total Energy Change / yr -$281 -$281 -$286 -$295 -$299 -$310 -$250 Initial Mortgage Change / yr. $29 $29 $36 $105 $34 $88 $86 20 Year Mortgage Change / yr. $57 $57 $72 $66 -$4 $49 $172 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $252 $252 $250 $190 $205 $163 $ Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $2,856 $2,856 $2,844 $2,283 $3,041 $2,656 $2, Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $5,848 $5,848 $5,738 $6,206 $7,757 $7,109 $3,995 30

31 Myth Lights LED lights are still expensive and not worth the investment There is no code requirement for lights, so I just install incandescent Fact LED generally pay for themselves quickly in high use areas Code requires 50% high efficacy bulbs (CFL/LED) We target 95% of usage for LEDs Usually about 2/3 of bulbs 5% Std/ 0% CFL/ 95% LED 5% Std/ 70% CFL/ 25% LED 5% Std/ 25% CFL/ 70% LED 5% Std/ 0% CFL/ 95% LED Upgrade Description Performance 67% 60% 65% 67% Installation Cost Change $600 $300 $500 $600 Total Energy Change / yr. -$222 -$200 -$214 -$222 Initial Mortgage Change / yr. $34 $17 $29 $34 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $188 $183 $185 $ Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $5,923 $5,612 $5,800 $5,923 31

32 Myth Fact Solar Wisconsin utilities killed solar with the rates in 2015 They eliminated the ability to earn a credit on your bill They penalized homes that added solar with added fixed costs Solar electric is far from dead Utility policies hurt justifications (WPS lowered rates, WE added fixed charges) Installation prices continue to fall, while production per panel increases Overall, small systems still make some sense in certain cases 4.5kW Roof Mount 6kW Roof Mount 8.6kW Roof Mount 12kW Roof Mount Upgrade Description None Total System Production - 4,917 6,600 9,460 13,200 Net Installation Cost Change $0 $9,856 $12,810 $16,856 $23,520 Total Energy Change / yr. $0 -$571 -$737 -$916 -$1,064 Initial Mortgage Change / yr. $0 $565 $734 $966 $1,347 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $0 $6 $3 -$49 -$ Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $0 $5,707 $7,273 $7,975 $4,745 32

33 Water Savings Myth Fact Nobody cares about water savings because you can t save much Water is nearly free and to save it means you lose performance Water and sewer costs are becoming important in many areas Water/sewer rates vary by community, but can be significant Costs are not significant when on a well/septic WaterSense is a good way to specify water savings with good performance Upgrade Description Water Sense Shower, Faucets & Toilets Water Sense Faucets Water Sense Shower Heads Water Sense Toilets Hot Water Recirc Line Water Sense Shower Heads & Faucets Water Sense Shower, Faucets & Toilets Water Sense Shower, Faucets Toilets & Recirc Line Installation Cost Change $400 $100 $100 $300 $1,000 $100 $400 $1,400 Water Change / yr. -$49 -$4 -$18 -$27 -$15 -$22 -$49 -$63 Initial Mortgage Change / yr. $23 $6 $6 $17 $57 $6 $23 $80 First Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $26 -$2 $12 $10 -$42 $16 $26 -$17 20 Year Savings vs Low Build Cost $1,344 $33 $548 $649 -$594 $695 $1,344 $713 33

34 Optimization 34

35 Optimization - Gas Saving $47 first month Saving $22,851 over 20 years Build cost increase just $8,150 over code Includes all advising and performance testing fees Monthly Mortgage vs Low Build Cost Monthly Energy vs Low Build Cost Monthly Payments vs Low Build Cost 20 Year Energy Savings vs Low Build Cost 20 Year Optimized Net Savings vs Build Costs Low Build Cost vs Low Build Cost Upgrade Description Comfort $6 -$3 $3 $1,154 -$6 $1,250 efree Consulting Fees $12 $0 $12 $0 -$2,864 $2,500 Shell $6 -$18 -$12 $6,590 $6,708 $1,250 Heating and Cooling $7 -$15 -$8 $5,300 $3,715 $1,500 Plumbing $5 -$25 -$20 $9,106 $6,653 $600 Lights $3 -$19 -$16 $6,611 $5,923 $600 Water Savings $2 -$4 -$2 $1,459 $1,344 $400 Major Appliances $0 -$3 -$3 $1,161 $1,377 $50 Solar $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Total $41 -$88 -$47 $31,382 $22,851 $8,150 35

36 Final Recipe - Gas Build Cost vs. Annual Energy vs. Low Component Description Specified Level Low Cost Build Cost Build Building Shell Basement Floor 1.5" XPS Foam $900 -$3 Framed Floors Blown 38 $0 -$7 Foundation Walls Unfin: 2"X / 8"C -$500 $7 Above Grade Walls 8': Sh / 2x6AF / 21Batt -$200 -$23 Box Sills 2"Spray $400 -$25 Windows Vinyl 2 Pane Basic $100 -$15 Exterior Doors Std Door $0 -$2 Attic Insulation Blown 50 $100 -$5 Air Infiltration efree Ultra $1,350 -$158 Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning Ventilation Panasonic 110 with efree $350 -$29 Heating and Cooling (95%) 2 Stage Air Heat (13) A/C $1,200 -$97 Geothermal None $0 $0 Dehumidification No Dehumid Low Watt Fan $300 -$81 Plumbing Domestic Hot Water Power Vent Gas Tank $500 -$281 Hot Water Conservation Water Sense Shower Heads $100 -$25 Water Saving Fixtures Water Sense Shower, Faucets & Toilets $400 -$49 Water Saving Appliances None $0 $0 Lights and Appliances Lights (% Std/CFL/LED) 5% Std/ 0% CFL/ 95% LED $600 -$222 Dryer Gas $50 -$39 Solar Solar PV (Electric) None $0 $0 Solar Thermal (Hot Water) None $0 $0 TOTAL EFFECT ON BUILD COST & UTILITY BILL VERSUS LOWEST BUILD COST $5,650 -$1,057 36

37 Optimization - Propane Saving $47 $61 first month Saving $22,881 $24,340 over 20 years Build cost increase just $8,150 $12,150 over code Includes all advising and performance testing fees Monthly Mortgage vs Low Build Cost Monthly Energy vs Low Build Cost Monthly Payments vs Low Build Cost 20 Year Energy Savings vs Low Build Cost 20 Year Net Savings vs Low Build Cost Optimized Build Costs vs Low Build Cost Upgrade Description Comfort $6 -$6 $0 $2,082 $152 $1,350 efree Consulting Fees $12 $0 $12 $0 -$2,864 $2,500 Shell $12 -$44 -$32 $15,777 $9,952 $2,550 Heating and Cooling $15 -$22 -$7 $7,860 $4,906 $3,100 Plumbing $15 -$29 -$14 $10,496 $4,787 $1,600 Lights $3 -$19 -$16 $6,611 $5,923 $600 Water Savings $2 -$4 -$2 $1,459 $1,344 $400 Major Appliances $0 -$2 -$2 $655 $140 $50 Solar $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 Total $65 -$126 -$61 $44,939 $24,340 $12,150 37

38 Final Recipe - Propane Build Cost vs. Annual Energy vs. Component Description Specified Level Low Cost Build Low Cost Build Building Shell Basement Floor 1.5" XPS Foam $900 -$8 Framed Floors Blown 38 $0 -$15 Foundation Walls Unfin: 2"X / 8"C -$500 $16 Above Grade Walls 8': Sh / 2x6AF / 21Batt -$200 -$47 Box Sills 4"Spray $900 -$92 Windows Vinyl 2 Pane Basic $100 -$31 Exterior Doors Std Door $0 -$4 Attic Insulation Blown 60 $300 -$21 Air Infiltration efree Ultra $1,350 -$317 Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning Ventilation Panasonic 110 with efree $350 -$41 Heating and Cooling Hybrid Non-ECM (93%) Air Heat (18) A/C $2,800 -$253 Geothermal None $0 $0 Dehumidification No Dehumid Low Watt Fan $300 -$81 Plumbing Domestic Hot Water Voltex Electric Heat Pump Tank $1,500 -$250 Hot Water Conservation Water Sense Shower Heads $100 -$33 Water Saving Fixtures Water Sense Shower, Faucets & Toilets $400 -$49 Water Saving Appliances None $0 $0 Lights and Appliances Lights (% Std/CFL/LED) 5% Std/ 0% CFL/ 95% LED $600 -$222 Dryer Propane $50 -$22 Solar Solar PV (Electric) None $0 $0 Solar Thermal (Hot Water) None $0 $0 TOTAL EFFECT ON BUILD COST & UTILITY BILL VERSUS LOWEST BUILD COST $8,950 -$1,472 38

39 Busting Myths You can t guess your way to the best investment Don t waste your customer s money Optimize, Specify, Verify, Guarantee Homes must be modeled and optimized to have the best return Always use an independent resource for facts and analysis Specify, inspect, test and then guarantee results Every house is different and should be optimized Because utility rates, building plans and building costs vary, each house should be optimized As costs and technology change, solutions change Optimal build next year will be different 39

40 How to Get Started Start optimizing home plans prior to bidding Provides firm specification for sub-contractors Avoids the high costs of option pricing Provides reliable building costs and home ownership costs Assure homeowners of getting the most for their money Specify, inspect and performance test every home We do this for builders, then guarantee energy bills for 5 years Find the right resource efree Advisors provides this service Other software programs exist to optimize, but they have some limitations BEOpt from DOE 40

41 Questions? Steve Romme 41