ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES

The energy conservation measures performed on a home are determined through an inspection of the home by a Certified Energy Auditor with final selection of measures selected by an Automated Energy Audit system that employs the use of Saving-to-Investment Ratio (SIR). The SIR procedure determines the length of time required for a measure to pay for itself based upon the amount of energy savings each task creates. The Weatherization Assistance Program uses Blower Door technology to identify air leakage in a home, determine measures to reduce the Air Changes in a home, and measure the final impact the Weatherization work has on a home. All measures performed on a home are designed to slow or stop the heat movement through the materials of the structure and reduce or stop the infiltration of outside air into the building structure through cracks, holes, and penetrations in the structure. An Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera is used in conjunction with the Blower Door to enhance the building diagnostics.

Employment of an Energy Conservation Measure is directly related to the type and extent of the energy loss in the structure. Caulking, weather-stripping, window and door repair/replacements are Air Sealing measures. These measures are used to stop or reduce the amount of air entering a structure. All air that enters a building must be heated or cooled to the design temperature. Reducing the amount of air entering a building reduces the load required to maintain the design temperature resulting in a reduction of energy consumption. Insulation is a measure used to reduce the amount of energy moving through the building materials. Reducing the amount of energy moving through the building materials increases the occupants ability to use the conditioned air longer. Furnace repair/replacement and water heater repair are measures used to directly reduce the consumption of a utility supplied energy source and insure the safety of the equipment.