Energy efficiency: Present and Future Paul Kando Midcoast Green Collaborative
More than twice the energy for the same result More than half the energy we use is WASTED Vaclav Smil, University of Manitoba
23 mpg 37 mpg 2000 50 mpg 2012 1990s
Working on the future building on a venerable past
ENERGY WASTE IN HOUSES: air leakage (30-65%) heat losses through the building shell water heating & storage ( 40%) uninsulated distribution pipes and leaky ducts moisture movement heating equipment inefficiency (10 70%) inefficient appliances wasteful lighting wasteful behavior too large for occupants The task: Eliminate the waste
0 35 HEAT LOSSES FROM AUDITED MAINE HOUSES Through Average Median High Low Air leaks from structure 35.4 % 34.7 % 66.2 % 2.4 % Walls 21.9 % 20.7 % 59.1 % 5.3 % Basement/ Cellar 17.1 % 16.1 % 75.4 % 0.6 % Windows and doors 14.4 % 13.8 % 42.1 % -10.2 % Attic and roof 9.0 % 7.9 % 28.1 % 3.2 % Utilities (pipes, ducts) 3.0 % 1.9 % 2.0 % 0.1 %
Way too big 2004
2014 Net cost: $11,981 + $ 3,797 for 2 heat pumps = $15,778
#2 fuel oil propane Average annual price increase 1990-2014 > 6.8% (35% less energy $4.00 $3.00 $2.00 $1.00 90 95 00 05 10 15 20
COMFORT Heat : Air temperature absorb or lose heat? Radiant temperature to or from you? Air movement to or from you? Moisture (relative humidity) absorb or lose? Task: Optimize @ minimum cost
The job is to (1) retard heat flow Insulate (2) block air flow (3) Block moisture movement Insulate & reflect The barriers must be in contact & we must do all 3.
2004 purchased; used 1250 gallons oil -- @$2.00 $2,500 independent energy audit air sealing, electric outlets, removed weight & pulley system from old windows new double glazed windows, interior storm windows insulated heating and hot water pipes sealed & insulated attic insulated basement walls removed/ rebuilt basement bulkhead entrance sealed & insulated basement ceiling insulated, weather-stripped outside doors added small attached sun space off kitchen 2012 oil use reduced to 800 gals. -- @$3.92 $3,136 these steps done before we moved in & financed as part of purchase savings from each step invested in next steps
2012 oil use reduced to 800 gals. -- @$3.92 $3,136 Pellet fireplace insert 5.2 T pellets $1,322 60 gal, oil @3.90 $ 234 $1,556 for heat 2013 -- 5.2 t pellets $1,322 59 gal. oil @3.89 $ 230 $1,552 for heat 2014 -- mini-split heatpump + solar PV panels 89 gal. oil @2.40 $ 214 (used only ~1/3) 4178 kwh @0.158 $ 660 $ 874 for heat 3/31 2005-2014 cumulative annual fuel cost reductions (vs.1250 gals. Oil) 2004-2014 spent on weatherization (self labor) spent on 2 heat pumps (heat & DHW) 2014 Solar PV system installed (net) 2015 Net cost to be recovered next winter $17,176 3,400 3,797 11,981 $ 2,002
Anyone can Identify & assess problems (energy audit) Commit 3 hours per week to improve the house Focus on monthly costs and savings (1) No-cost fixes (e.g. lower water temperature) keep track of and invest savings in more fixes (2) Low cost fixes (e.g. caulking, sealing electrical outlets) keep track of and invest savings in more fixes (3) Higher cost fixes as accumulated savings permit Monthly savings are permanent and cumulative: they add up to cover the cost of larger fixes (e.g. basement insulation) The key is DISCIPLINE to track, bank and reinvest savings
Estimated DIY unit costs and per unit energy savings (3200 sq.ft. house; 1,000 gal. oil/yr.) Task Remove window screens Set water heater to 120ºF Adjust door latch plates Switch gaskets LED; 6 hrs/day Outlet gaskets & caps Spray foam insulation Silicone caulk LED; 3 hrs/day Seal chimney chase LED; 1 hr/day Insulate heating pipes Interior storm windows Interior storm skylights Door weather strip Crawl space ceiling Basement ceiling Knee wall Attic floor Storm doors Ventilation system Roof Exterior walls Unit 1 1 1 switch 1 bulb 1 outlet 1 can 1 tube 1 bulb 1 chimney 1 bulb 1 foot 1 foot2 1 foot2 1 door 1 foot2 1 foot2 1 foot2 1 foot2 1 door 1 1 foot2 1 foot2 Cost $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0.10 $ 5.00 $ 0.19 $ 7.00 $ 4.00 $ 5.00 $40.00 $ 5.00 $ 0.31 $ 1.36 $ 2.30 $ 4.60 $ 1.48 $ 1.48 $ 1.38 $ 0.85 $100.00 $1,200 $ 2.00 $ 6.50 Permanent Monthly Annual Savings Savings $ 3.22 $ 38.64 $ 3.33 $ 39.96 $ 0.139 $ 1.67 $ 0.133 $ 1.60 $ 8.258 $ 99.10 $ 0.156 $ 1.87 $ 5.558 $ 66.70 $ 2.605 $ 31.26 $ 4.125 $ 49.51 $13.340 $160.08 $ 1.373 $ 16.48 $ 0.019 $ 0.23 $ 0.063 $ 0.76 $ 0.103 $ 1.24 $ 0.182 $ 2.18 $ 0.042 $ 0.50 $ 0.039 $ 0.47 $ 0.020 $ 0.24 $ 0.010 $ 0.12 $ 0.997 $ 11.96 $10.916 $130.99 $ 0.007 $ 0.08 $ 0.019 $ 0.23
The future: Passive house + solar = zero net energy
CONVENTIONAL CONSTRUCTION vs. A STATE OF THE ART SYSTEM APPROACH Optimized to profitably sell Optimized for maximum performance Parts lowest first cost Assembled lowest first cost, ease of sale maximum builder profit Heating system oversized Consequences externalized 20.3 kwh/sq.ft./year 69,223 Btu/sq.ft./year Maximum efficiency minimum operating cost Full cost accounting Nothing externalized 1.4 kwh/sq.ft./year 4,774 Btu/sq.ft./year >90% less energy than conventional
CONVENTIONAL vs. STATE OF THE ART SYSTEM APPROACH Even if 15% more expensive to build, a passive house building s lower monthly occupancy cost more than makes up the difference
A lot can be accomplished in houses, new and old
Smart microgrids
Power Smart microgrids
Many profitably energy-self-reliant communities already exist in our midst What are we waiting for? Wildpoldstried, D Pop. 2,600 400% annual E surplus sold
We must choose change But it is only the shell we have to break
www.midcoastgreencollaborative.org What are we waiting for?