Multifamily Weatherization:
Target Areas 20 counties in NE Florida
Application Process Properties Status as of Sept 2011 1 Finished 2 Starting 7 Applications pending DCA review 18 Inspections underway 10 Waiting additional paperwork 38 1,297 rental units
Inspection Process HERS Index of building s heating & cooling: -- lower the score, more energy efficient the home. Home Energy Rating System from RESNET BERS Standard of building s relative energy efficiency -- based on annual energy use. Building Energy Rating System from DCA
Energy Rater Comments Residents use portable fans to circulate air, especially when closing certain doors. Tenants complain how often they dust & clean; then we found a damaged attic air duct pulling air throughout. One tenant had monthly electric bills over $250 for a 2BR-unit. Many AC units were over 15 years old with brown & black ducts from dirt, mold, or mildew. When replacing split-system HVAC, matching proper duct size is important or problems will be more pronounced over time.
Old HVAC Systems Increased energy use & high utility costs can be caused by not properly matching a new system to the old or to the apartment size.
Old Duct Work Leaks or disconnected ducts can also be the cause.
Lowering Energy Use Dirty duct work & old HVAC system caused a high HERS Index of 131 for this rental unit.
Weatherization Works After weatherization, Southern Villas HERS Index went from a PRE rating of 136 to a POST rating of 70
Southern Villas
The Property Southern Villas is a 30-year-old affordable housing complex in St. Augustine for elderly & disabled residents.
Weatherization The purpose of weatherization is to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality for tenants and property owners.
Property Selection Prior to weatherization, locate property on pre-approved lists from DOE, USDA, or HUD. www1.eere.energy.gov/wip/multifamily_guidance.html
Evaluation Produce an Evaluation or NEAT National Energy Audit Tool Discuss leveraging for weatherization or other green features, if planned. Submit proposal to owner
Sampling Test 20% of units by size to produce list of energy conservation measures, repairs, and improvements as basis for a proposal.
DOE Priority Guidelines 1. Air Infiltration & Heat Waste Tighten building envelope repair, caulk, seal, and weather strip windows, doors, and floors. 2. Attic Insulation Upgrade attic insulation to R-38.
Priority Guidelines (cont.) 3. Dense-pack sidewall insulation If specified in NEAT Audit savings-to-investment ratio (SIR) 4. Solar window screens & film If specified in NEAT Audit 5. Smart Thermostat Request waiver for elderly tenants (ease of use).
Priority Guidelines (cont.) 6. Compact Fluorescent Light Replace incandescent bulbs in all units & fixtures 7. Duct Systems Seal & insulate to improve air loss & indoor air quality 8. Refrigerator Replacement Test for inefficiency, NEAT Audit review
Priority Guidelines (cont.) 9. Heating & Cooling Systems Confirm NEAT savings-to-investment ratio (SIR). Apply new technologies duct & pressure diagnostics, moisture migration, transition strategies for system efficiency. Critical review prior to contract bids; specify Manual J & Manual D submittals.
Priority Guidelines (cont.) 10. Water Heater Repair or replace, depending on age of system & remaining budget funds May address with pipe wrap & blanket insulation
Scope of Work Air seal / tighten building envelope Add cellulose attic insulation to R-38 Install Energy Star bath exhaust vents Install compact fluorescent light bulbs Seal & insulate duct systems Replace refrigerator, when testing requires Replace heating & cooling systems
Building Envelope A blower door tests for air leaks; seal openings in ceilings, floors, and exterior walls to reduce leaks.
Building Envelope (cont.)
Building Envelope (cont.)
Building Envelope (cont.)
Attic Insulation Increase insulation based on climate; focus on adequate ventilation.
Bath Exhaust Vents Install adequate ventilation to control moisture; prevent mold & mildew.
Smart Thermostat Program thermostats so users can lower temperatures to save energy at night or when away.
Compact Fluorescent Lights Change incandescent bulbs to CFL to save energy.
Duct Systems Detect & seal leaks prior to insulation.
Refrigerator Only energy efficiency determines need to replace refrigerator, not age or appearance.
HVAC Systems Proper sizing of HVAC system controls temperature for comfortable home environment.
HVAC Systems (cont.)
Satisfied Tenant
Local Contacts Locate your local weatherization agency: www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/wap/index.cfm DCA Program Manager: Norm Gempel Tel: (850) 488-7541 E-mail: norm.gempel@dca.state.fl.us
SJHP is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community development organization committed to safe, decent, and affordable housing. P.O. Box 1086, St. Augustine FL 32085-1086 Tel: (904) 824-0902 Fax: (904) 824-9635 Website: www.sjhp.org E-mail: blazar@sjhp.org