1. Button Up 101: A Workshop on the Basics of Home Energy Savings Please add your name to the sign-in sheet

2. Thanks to: Made possible by a grant from the NH Office of Energy and Planning with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 A special thanks to the creators of the Button-Up Vermont Model produced by Central Vermont Community Action Council In partnership with Efficiency VT & the VT Energy and Climate Action Network

3. 3 Button Up NH 101 Workshop Overview Simple Steps to Save Energy in the Home Increasing Your Home Energy IQ Next Steps to Button Up Resources for Your Home Energy Plan = Resources (accessible from BUNH website) Companion Button Up 201 Workshop: More advanced air sealing and DIY projects Working with a professional Related health and safety issues

4. Why Button Up New Hampshire? Fuel oil prices have increased over 50% in the past 5 years Many New Hampshire homeowners now spend over $4,000 year on energy! 4 New Hampshire homes use a lot of energy!

5. Test Your Home Energy IQ POP QUIZ! How much did you pay in home energy costs last year? What fuel heats your home’s hot water system? What is your house’s CFM 50 air leakage rate? What is CFM 50 ?! What is the single biggest user of electricity in your home? Turn to Your Neighbor: “The thing on my mind concerning my home’s energy is ____________”. “One action I have taken over the last year to reduce my home’s energy use is _____________”. Why? 5

6. Button Up with Simple Steps to Save Energy Simple, easy steps that make a difference: Look for sources of energy waste Make small, easy changes Inexpensive efficiency improvements Get help from Button Up resources and other experts 6

7. Simple Steps: Efficient Lighting Turn them OFF in unoccupied areas Replace lights with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)* or LEDs (light emitting diodes)‏ *Save and return spent CFLs for mercury recycling Purchase discounted lighting through nhsaves catalog Or use nhsaves rebate forms at retailers 7

8. 8 Simple Steps: Domestic Hot Water Set hot water temperature to 120 ◦ F at tap Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators Wrap warm pipes and electric tank Learn more about insulating hot water pipes and tanks in Button Up 201 Take shorter showers

9. Simple Steps: Turn Back the Thermostat Heat only the areas that are occupied Lowering your thermostat 10º for 8 hours a day will save about 11% on your heating bill A programmable thermostat makes it easy to set back the temperature at night and when away 9 HoursThermostat Setback per Day 55 10  15  20  85%11%16%21% 128%16%24% 2416%32%

10. Simple Steps: Reduce Vampire Loads A typical home has 40 devices that consume power, even when turned off About 10% of home electricity use Worst culprits: DVRs & cable boxes, TVs and audio systems, computers, printers, and chargers UNPLUG THEM if possible Plug devices into power strips and turn off when not in use or use “smart strips” Available through nhsaves or through retailers (rebate) The OFF button isn't always OFF! 10

11. 11 Simple Steps: Washing and Drying Clothes Wash and rinse clothes in cold water Wash full loads Air-dry clothes outside, if possible Next-Steps: Buy an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer $$ rebate available from nhsaves Saves on water, electricity and detergent

12. Images courtesy Patullo Consulting, Inc. 12 Simple Steps Summary Turn it off Turn it down Tune it up Buy smart

13. How much energy is your home using?! Monitor electrical use and vampire loads Use plug-in watt meters From nhsaves.com or from NH public libraries Track your energy consumption Look for monthly history information Or ask your supplier for a delivery record Calculate a “Home Heating Index” http://www.nhsaves.com/homeheating Need: 1+ year heating fuel consumption Square feet of heated spaces Lower HHI is better Boost Your Home Energy IQ 13 Use HHI to qualify for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR!

14. Home Energy IQ: Know Your Home Home Basics Square feet of heated space Access to attics, crawlspaces, kneewall areas, etc Heat and Warmth Heating fuels used: oil, wood, natural gas, propane, etc. Furnace? Boiler?  Piped or ducted distribution system? Insulation types and thicknesses in walls, attic and basement 14

15. Home Energy IQ: Play it Safe Install a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector At least one near sleeping areas Units that display CO concentration are better Make sure smoke detectors are functional Look for signs of interior moisture, combustion problems, structural issues, lack of ventilation, etc. If in doubt, hire a professional to assess energy as well as health and safety issues 15

16. Next Steps for Home Energy Performance Bigger Actions for Bigger Savings More time and effort Can be more expensive May have other impacts May require energy professional assistance Button Up partners can help with your Next Steps 16

17. 17 Next Steps: Purchase ENERGY STAR Appliances Use 10% - 50% less energy than standard appliances And lower vampire loads Biggest savings from: Refrigerators Clothes Washers Dehumidifiers www.energystar.gov has a list of efficient appliances Check nhsaves.com for appliance rebates

18. Image courtesy S.Lawton 18 Next Steps: Improve Heating Systems Have heating systems regularly cleaned and safety tested Change furnace filters regularly Seal and insulate ducts outside heated spaces Consider investing in a more efficient heating system After completing building envelope improvements Detached duct will be fastened and sealed

19. Moisture from air leaks can condense and promote mold growth in attics Image courtesy of Efficiency Vermont 19 Air leaks and lack of attic insulation wastes heat and cause ice dams Next Steps: Reduce Air Leaks Why heat the outside?!

20. Image: US EPA ENERGY STAR 20 Air Sealing Priorities: A ttic B asement C enter Next Steps: Reduce Air Leaks Common Leaks in New Hampshire Homes

21. 21 Next Steps: Reduce Air Leaks with Button Up 201 In Button Up 201 learn how to: Find hidden air leaks yourself Learn where and how to look for leaks Recognize issues from air leakage and air sealing Air seal in attics and around the house Using sealing foam and other materials Techniques for hatches, chimney chases, top plates, gaps, etc. Work with a professional energy auditor and/or performance contractor

22. Images courtesy Patullo Consulting, Inc. 22 Next Steps: Reduce Air Leaks How Professionals Find Air Leaks The blower door test is primary tool Quantifies air leakage -- “CFM 50 ” Prioritizes air sealing opportunities Also used to confirm air sealing Infrared imaging (thermography) Can be used with a blower door Also finds insulation voids Compare CFM 50 results with “Building Tightness Limit” Seal tight and ventilate right!

23. Additional Next Steps Add more insulation, after air sealing Attic Basement Walls Ducts and pipes Improve fresh air mechanical ventilation Upgrade window treatments Switch to more cost-effective, sustainable fuels Consider renewable energy options 23

24. Partner Resources: Meet the Partners Working together to help YOU with your home energy plan… 24

25. Partner Resources: myenergyplan.net Personal Energy Planner TM : Find ways to make your home more comfortable and save money Energy Project Connector TM : Find financial tools to help pay for the work And search for energy professionals: auditors, installers, etc. Green Homes Tourist TM : Learn from your neighbors by taking “virtual” (or in person) tours of NH homes that have completed energy projects. 25 FREE web tools to help reduce YOUR Energy Costs

26. 26 Search Contractors…View Homes & Energy Projects Partner Resources: myenergyplan.net Energy Project Connector Green Homes Tourist

27. Email us anytime at answers@unh.edu OR CALL TOLL FREE 1-877-EXT-GROW (1-877-398-4769) Call Center Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. If you have energy questions. We have Energy Answers 27 Partner Resources: UNH Cooperative Extension

28. Energy Advisors – A Statewide Service Provided by the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative Advisors are partnered with homeowners to personally assist them in taking the next step towards Buttoning Up their home Designed for homeowners who need extra assistance with: Coming up with a home energy plan and following through on it Becoming better acquainted with their home’s energy sources, equipment and current energy usage Understanding and accessing educational information Identifying and helping to sign up for additional weatherization services A limited number of Energy Advisors are available Sign up for an Energy Advisor by mailing the sign up card, by calling 603-536-5030 ext. 3 or through www.plymouthenergy.org Partner Resources: PAREI Energy Advisors 28

29. Additional Energy Resources There are many additional resources to fill in YOUR energy plan… 29

30. 30 Other Resources: NH Energy Efficiency Incentive Programs Weatherization Assistance Program through Community Action Programs - call 211 No-cost weatherization for income-qualified participants Home Performance with ENERGY STAR throughout NH - www.nhsaves.com Fuel consumption qualification process (HHI) Up to $4,000 in energy efficiency incentives BetterBuildings Program in Nashua, Berlin & Plymouth - www.betterbuildingsnh.com Technical and financial assistance helping building owners save energy

31. nhsaves: Utility Sponsored Energy Efficiency Order Energy Efficiency Tools & Supplies at Reduced Prices Calculate Home Heating Index & Qualify for Programs 31

32. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Case Study: Sunapee, NH Total Project Cost = $6,578 ($3,128 in out-of-pocket expenses & $3,450 in rebates) Estimated annual financial savings = $3000 / year Estimated fuel savings = 14,010 kWh and 2 cords of wood Payback period = (1.04 years for out-of-pocket; 2.19 years overall) Work performed: Air-sealed house Insulated attic, basement, rim joists New programmable thermostats Low flow water devices & pipe wrap 32

33. Other Resources: Professional Services Finding a Qualified Energy Auditors & Contractors myenergyplan.net -- Energy Project Connector NH Residential Energy Performance Assoc. (REPA) voting member – www.repa-nh.org NH BetterBuildings qualified energy professionals – www.betterbuildingsnh.com Look for: credentials, experience, appropriate tools, references and a fair price Consider: independent energy auditor vs. integrated home performance contractor Expect a clear, written contract 33

34. 34 Button Up New Hampshire! Where to Start Tomorrow: Start with Simple Steps to turn it off, turn it down, tune it up, and buy smart Take the Next Steps to increase home energy performance Enroll in a Button Up 201 workshop Use Energy Answers to get help get specific answers to your energy questions Work with a PAREI Energy Advisor to guide your progress Use myenergyplan.net to find financial tools & energy professionals and to create your energy plan Save energy, help the planet and have fun!

35. ACTIVITY: My Energy Commitment Share with Your Neighbor: Actions that make sense for you now And then… Please also fill out the workshop evaluation Look in the handouts for next steps Take advantage of partner resources 35

36. Thank You: Community Action Partnership Our Outstanding Presenters Bob Walker (SERG) and Paul Markowitz (BU VT) Funded by a grant from the NH Office of Energy and Planning, with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009