Session 3 Domestic Energy Uses

Recording from utility bills, use schedules and unusual observations Inventory domestic all energy use systems such as: Record domestic hot water system and times use Record domestic lighting systems and times of use Record domestic HVAC systems and times of use Record special applications of energy use Calculate with energy units and financial units in a spreadsheet – multi-billing period is desirable

Total US Energy Use by sector Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration Annual Energy Review 2009

What are the top three things one can do to personally reduce his/her carbon emissions? 1.Drive a more fuel-efficient car 2.Insulate/weatherize your home 3.Eat less beef 4.Measure your footprint at: Or other footprint calculator online and report back next week.

How much energy do we use in our homes? (What is our Energy Use Intensity)? A measure of the energy efficiency of a building Units of kbtu/ft^2/yr Source: Energy Information Administration, Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2005

Source: DOE, 2009 Buildings Energy databook How does the US use energy in homes?

Home energy saving opportunities 1.Whole house air leakage/infiltration 2.Air duct leakage 3.Insulation 4.Other common opportunities

Whole house air leakage Measured with a blower door Any leakage reduces the efficiency of your heating/cooling system Diagram courtesy of D.O.E. Energysavers booklet

Whole house air leakage (2) Source: Retrotec Door Fan Manual 2009

Air duct leakage Photo courtesy of DOE energysavers booklet

Air duct leakage(2) Source: PG&E (Proper procedures for charging A/C or heat pumps) The average forced air distribution system in California leaks about 30% Sealing a system to 5% leakage will reduce system energy consumption by 19%

Insulation

Insulation Opportunities 1.Inadequate insulation in ceiling,subfloor, and walls 2.Poor installation:gaps between batts and floor/roof joists 3.Missing/not coincident with pressure/air barrier (typical troublespots are showers/tubs and bay windows.

Quality insulation installation Source:DOE Building America 10.D.2 Redding Prototype House Progress Report 2006

Other common opportunities Inadequate duct insulation Low air handler airflow Furnace/AC over-sized Ducts not sized correctly for room loads

Home Energy Auditing What is an energy audit? An energy audit or assessment is a service where the energy efficiency of a house is evaluated by a person using professional equipment (such as blower doors, duct testers, and combustion analyzers), with the aim to suggest the best ways to improve energy efficiency in heating and cooling the house. The audit also identifies any health, safety, or comfort issues. See note page for additional information!

Home Energy Auditing (2) The product of an audit is a report that gives recommendations on specific energy efficiency improvements. The report may also “benchmark” your home or compare your home to similar homes in your region.

Home Energy Auditing (3) *Total annual savings do not add directly since each savings estimate assumes that all other features remain the same.

Saving energy by conservation, efficiency, Renewable generation The cheapest kwH is the one you don’t use. Real time energy monitoring can help people conserve energy use. Energy efficiency improvements are the next priority On site renewable energy generation should be examined after the above methods are explored.

Summary What we covered:  Energy use statistics & standards  Home energy saving opportunities  Home Energy Auditing  Saving energy by conservation and efficiency