1. Barron Park Resident Completed a Genie assessment January 2017
Completed upgrade project w/Genie Participating Contractor
Completed and planning more energy and comfort upgrades

2. Motivations for Genie assessment
High efficiency furnace installed in 2015 not delivering expected energy savings
Modestly efficient air conditioner installed in 2015 outpacing energy generated by solar panels
House was drafty in winter and inconsistently cooled in the summer
Needed help prioritizing energy and comfort fixes to the house, which was built in 1961 with little to no insulation

3. Assessment Findings Holes in air ducts.
Duct system had asbestos tape near registers, much of which had disintegrated
Furnace pulling in air from attic, not outside
Additional air leaks from attic and crawl space

4. Concerns & Solutions w/ Duct System
Worked with Genie advisor to review assessment findings
Received estimates from 3 Participating Contractors, reviewed w/ Genie advisor
Arranged project with DG Heating and Air to abate asbestos, upgrade ducts and balance/enlarge duct system.

5. Post Project Updates Asbestos was professionally abated
Enlarged both cold air returns and most floor registers for improved air flow and reduced utilization of furnace and AC
New sealed and insulated duct system throughout home
2 stage furnace now runs mostly at quiet first stage
Washable air filters in return ducts support air quality
AC impact still TBD but expect improved comfort & efficiency

6. Recent Home Projects
Outdoor Rinnai tankless water heater with remotely controlled recirculating pump (on line on Thursday!)
Indoor Honeycomb shades
Additional solar panels for plug-in hybrid (car to be purchased this summer)
Earthquake bolt and brace for house foundation
BEFORE picture:

7. Future Home Projects
Insulating attic hatches and select attic locations such as skylights
Fixing furnace air intake
Sealing other floor and ceiling holes.
Leaky attic hatch
Leaky skylight

8. Additional Note
We use inexpensive outdoor plastic or bamboo summer window shades to reduce house temperature during summer, delaying or eliminating use of AC

9. Neighbor Genie Success Story #1
Based on GENIE consultation
Replaced 22 halogen spotlights with LEDs
Unplugged sections of house-wide entertainment center
Ordered a more efficient pool sweep
Asked DirecTV for more efficient cable boxes
Result: 30% electricity bill reduction in March versus prior year (pool sweep not yet installed)

10. Neighbor Genie Success Story #2
Based on GENIE assessment
Identified air leaks from crawl space letting low quality air into the house
Decided to replace aging hot water heater with tankless heater

11. Neighbor Genie Success Story #3
Based on GENIE assessment
Used foam spray to plug air leaks near sink in kitchen and at various registers

12. Intro to the Palo Alto Cool Block Program
Pilot community program to promote 3 benefits to Palo Alto at a block-by-block level
Neighborhood resiliency
Stronger community
Reduced carbon footprint
Palo Alto part of small state wide pilot program that includes SF and LA
25 blocks in Palo Alto are part of the pilot program

13. Ilima Way Cool Block Program
Interested in learning more? Visit Coolblock.org and watch the videos on the home page.
We’re working with the city to roll out Cool Block city-wide to support various city goals.
We’re looking for people who want to be a Cool Block leader on their block, or participate in a Cool Block program run by a neighbor.
Send me a message at
14 out of 20 households on Ilima Way are participating; 6 did GENIE Assessments. We are reaching out to non-participating neighbors to ensure they are prepared for earthquakes. We’re also inviting them to our block party next Thursday