Home Remodeling for Energy Efficiency
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Energy Efficient Remodeling Ideas
Home remodeling in Austin, Texas has been significantly affected by energy costs, the U.S. economy and real estate market. These economic factors are creating incentives for people to implement home improvements like weatherstripping, attic and wall insulation, and repairing HVAC systems. Many people who would normally build new houses are choosing to upgrade their current dwellings; and the Austin home remodeling business is growing rapidly.
The increase in gas and electricity costs provides a powerful incentive to include energy conserving design features, Energy Star appliances and HVAC systems and green building practices in the remodeled home. From a historical perspective, this is a big change for Central Texas, which has enjoyed temperate weather and cheap energy. But the recent increases in electricity and natural gas prices -- coupled with record-setting heat in the Summer -- have changed Texans' attitudes about energy efficiency. These changes are being manifested in new home construction, but also motivates Austin home remodelers to increase attic insulation, repair HVAC units, and install CFL and LED lighting.
This lens is a discussion of energy saving remodeling concepts, products and services for Central Texas homes. In the spirit of renewable resources, we have a preference for re-using existing building materials, salvaging windows and doors, and . We'd like to start conversations among consumers, vendors, heating and cooling system experts to exchange information about the rapidly changing environment for green building materials and energy efficient HVAC systems in the Austin area.
Future blog topics will include home energy efficiency recommendations including
- Green building design and green remodeling strategies
- Recycling building materials for energy efficiency
- Efficient HVAC, air conditioning and heating systems
- Maintaining AC, heating and HVAC systems to save energy
- Window tinting for energy conservation
- Energy-efficient windows and doors
and we expect to expand this list as we discover more opportunities for saving energy, introducing higher efficiency heating and AC units, and implementing green home operational practices. We look forward to reader input and comments.
The increase in gas and electricity costs provides a powerful incentive to include energy conserving design features, Energy Star appliances and HVAC systems and green building practices in the remodeled home. From a historical perspective, this is a big change for Central Texas, which has enjoyed temperate weather and cheap energy. But the recent increases in electricity and natural gas prices -- coupled with record-setting heat in the Summer -- have changed Texans' attitudes about energy efficiency. These changes are being manifested in new home construction, but also motivates Austin home remodelers to increase attic insulation, repair HVAC units, and install CFL and LED lighting.
This lens is a discussion of energy saving remodeling concepts, products and services for Central Texas homes. In the spirit of renewable resources, we have a preference for re-using existing building materials, salvaging windows and doors, and . We'd like to start conversations among consumers, vendors, heating and cooling system experts to exchange information about the rapidly changing environment for green building materials and energy efficient HVAC systems in the Austin area.
Future blog topics will include home energy efficiency recommendations including
- Green building design and green remodeling strategies
- Recycling building materials for energy efficiency
- Efficient HVAC, air conditioning and heating systems
- Maintaining AC, heating and HVAC systems to save energy
- Window tinting for energy conservation
- Energy-efficient windows and doors
and we expect to expand this list as we discover more opportunities for saving energy, introducing higher efficiency heating and AC units, and implementing green home operational practices. We look forward to reader input and comments.
Window Remodeling for Energy Efficiency
Window Replacement Alternatives
Window replacement can be an expensive component of house remodeling, and it's important to calculate the total cost vs. cost savings before deciding to replace all the windows in your home. In climates with extremes of hot or cold temperatures, it's often the case that the energy savings justify replacement; and this is even more likely as energy costs escalate.But in temperate climates where the major heating or cooling season is very short, the energy savings math may not justify replacing the windows. If the 12-month energy loss through the windows is relatively small, the payback period for recouping the replacement cost could be many years. This is especially true if your current windows are in fairly good condition -- no major air leaks to allow heat infiltration.
There are two main challenges to window improvement: Keeping the heat out in the summer, and keeping it in during the winter. Here in Texas there is a LOT of sunlight and heat trying to get through our windows in the summer, and keeping this out can really cut our air conditioning bills. In the winter, conversely, we generally want the sun and heat to come in the windows.
Energy Efficient Air Conditioning
AC System Features and Operating Tips
Modern air conditioning systems are designed for performance, low energy consumption, quiet operation and high reliability. These AC units achieve these capabilities through the use of complex electronic and mechanical subsystems -- and high efficiency oil, gas or electrical power systems and heat pumps. All of these components are controlled by sophisticated microprocessors and software that enable you to organize and control the air conditioner operation bt zone, temperature, time of day, day of the week, and mode (heating or cooling).There are several industry-standard metrics for measuring energy efficiency in HVAC systems. These include:
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rations (SEER) -- which measures the efficiency of air conditioners and heat pumps. The higher the SEER value the better; and many AC manufacturers produce systems with SEER ratings between 12 and 21.
Annual Fuel Utilization Effiency (AFUE) -- the standard for measuring the fuel efficiency of oil- and gas-fired furnaces.
The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace. Manufacturers are currently making furnaces with AFUE ratings from 80% to over 96% efficiency.
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) -- a performance measurement of the effectiveness of heat pumps when operated in HEAT mode. HSPF ratings go from 1 to 10; and the higher the HSPF rating, the better the efficiency. Several heat pump manufacturers are now offering systems with HSPF scores of 9.5 -- extremely cost effective.
When looking for an energy efficient air conditioning system, you should size the system to fit your home and lifestyle. The ability to create zones for areas of the house with different use patterns creates a tremendous opportunity for energy savings; and in many cases means you can choose a smaller AC system than was possible a few years ago. It's also important that the individual AC subsystems -- air handler, fan coil, evaporator coil or heat exchanger -- are compatible in capacity and energy efficiency ratings. Use the SEER, AFUE and HSPF ratings to compare systems within a manufacturer's product line, and among different brands. An authorized HVAC system dealer can assist you in selecting the air conditioning system that best meets your cooling requirements, energy use goals and budget.
Heating Systems for Central Texas
Yes, It Does Get Cold Here!
It's hard to think about heating after the record Summer we had here in Central Texas -- 65 days over 100 degrees -- but as winter approaches we need to make sure our HVAC systems are serviced and prepared to operate in heater mode. This is also a good time to schedule a professional heating contractor visit, to check the HVAC unit for any malfunctions, perform necessary heater repairs, and clean the fan coil and heat pump enclosure if necessary.
In Austin it's not uncommon to have 70 degree weather in February, but we frequently get cold evenings with temperatures in the twenties -- and even close to zero some years. In addition to protecting your home's plumbing system and piping from freezing temperatures, it's a good idea to check your HVAC system and ducting to ensure they can deliver the heat you need on these cold nights. As cold weather approaches, try out your heater to make sure it is functioning properly: Turn the thermostat to HEAT and raise the temperature setting to 80 to see if the heat comes on. Then walk around the house to see if warm air is coming out of the heating ducts in each room of your home.
These simple checks will enable you to prepare for cold conditions, and detect any problems and repair any HVAC malfunctions before the cold weather is here.
In Austin it's not uncommon to have 70 degree weather in February, but we frequently get cold evenings with temperatures in the twenties -- and even close to zero some years. In addition to protecting your home's plumbing system and piping from freezing temperatures, it's a good idea to check your HVAC system and ducting to ensure they can deliver the heat you need on these cold nights. As cold weather approaches, try out your heater to make sure it is functioning properly: Turn the thermostat to HEAT and raise the temperature setting to 80 to see if the heat comes on. Then walk around the house to see if warm air is coming out of the heating ducts in each room of your home.
These simple checks will enable you to prepare for cold conditions, and detect any problems and repair any HVAC malfunctions before the cold weather is here.
Home Remodeling: Heating and Cooling
HVAC Systems and Ducting Options
In new construction there are a lot of heating and AC options. You can choose the type of fuel (oil, gas, electric), central air or individual room air conditioners, and there are many types of spot heaters and central heating units. Most significantly, you can design and install systems and ductwork wherever it is needed.
In remodeling your choices are restricted somewhat by the current home design and space available for new HVAC components. For homes without central air conditioning and heating, it may be prohibitively expensive to retrofit ducting into the existing structure. This may lead remodelers to favor ductless heating and AC systems which do not require intrusive heating ducts to be installed.
A house remodel is also a good time to evaluate how many heating and cooling zones you home needs. And frequently multiple HVAC systems can be consolidated into a single unit with multiple thermostatically controlled zones -- providing even more potential for energy savings. Modern HVAC subsystems with highly efficient SEER ratings can pay for themselves in a very short period of time.
In remodeling your choices are restricted somewhat by the current home design and space available for new HVAC components. For homes without central air conditioning and heating, it may be prohibitively expensive to retrofit ducting into the existing structure. This may lead remodelers to favor ductless heating and AC systems which do not require intrusive heating ducts to be installed.
A house remodel is also a good time to evaluate how many heating and cooling zones you home needs. And frequently multiple HVAC systems can be consolidated into a single unit with multiple thermostatically controlled zones -- providing even more potential for energy savings. Modern HVAC subsystems with highly efficient SEER ratings can pay for themselves in a very short period of time.
Green Home Remodeling
Window Upgrades and Recycling
In our current economic slump more people are looking at remodeling their homes instead of buying or building new houses. The good news is -- there are are many things you can do to remodel your house for energy efficiency. By adopting green building practices during the design and home remodeling process, you can save money on construction costs and operating costs of the completed house.
In most homes windows, glass doors and skylights are the greatest source of heat loss (or gain in warmer months). HVAC systems need to work very hard to counteract this heat loss, and reducing heat transfer through your home window glass should be a high priority for energy conservation and cost savings.
There are basically hree ways energy is transmitted through your windows:
1. Infiltration -- air leakage through the window framing or poorly sealed edges. This allows cool air to escape in the summer and warm air to leave the house in the winter. If the infiltration is severe, the drafts will make you feel even colder.
2. Conduction -- heat transfer from the interior to the exterior of the glass. Single pane glass is not a good insulator, and heat is conducted from the warm side to the cool side of your windows. The greater the difference between the exterior and interior temperatures, the more the heat transfer through the glass.
3. Radiation -- sunlight and heat from the sun enter your windows during daylight hours, and the heat in your home is radiated outward during the evening. Solar gain can be a significant driver of air conditioning load -- particularly in southern states and homes with wet-facing windows.
There are several ways to reduce infiltration and conduction in a green home remodeling project:
- Replace single-pane windows with recycled double-pane windows
- Caulk all joints surrounding the window frame to prevent infiltration
- Install weatherstripping on window and glass door openings to prevent air loss
- Apply tinted film to window glass to reduce solar gain
- Install high R-value window treatments to reduce heat conduction
In most homes windows, glass doors and skylights are the greatest source of heat loss (or gain in warmer months). HVAC systems need to work very hard to counteract this heat loss, and reducing heat transfer through your home window glass should be a high priority for energy conservation and cost savings.
There are basically hree ways energy is transmitted through your windows:
1. Infiltration -- air leakage through the window framing or poorly sealed edges. This allows cool air to escape in the summer and warm air to leave the house in the winter. If the infiltration is severe, the drafts will make you feel even colder.
2. Conduction -- heat transfer from the interior to the exterior of the glass. Single pane glass is not a good insulator, and heat is conducted from the warm side to the cool side of your windows. The greater the difference between the exterior and interior temperatures, the more the heat transfer through the glass.
3. Radiation -- sunlight and heat from the sun enter your windows during daylight hours, and the heat in your home is radiated outward during the evening. Solar gain can be a significant driver of air conditioning load -- particularly in southern states and homes with wet-facing windows.
There are several ways to reduce infiltration and conduction in a green home remodeling project:
- Replace single-pane windows with recycled double-pane windows
- Caulk all joints surrounding the window frame to prevent infiltration
- Install weatherstripping on window and glass door openings to prevent air loss
- Apply tinted film to window glass to reduce solar gain
- Install high R-value window treatments to reduce heat conduction
New Guestbook Comments
Please let us know what you
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ZolaInAustin
Jan 12, 2012 @ 11:26 am | delete
- I would like more info on AC repair -- my old central air system can't remember the temp settings.
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RatingTexas
Jan 12, 2012 @ 9:33 pm | delete
- Zola, We will probably be coming up with a special lens on HVAC repair, emphasizing what can be done by (untrained) homeowners and how to keep your AC system and heater functioning at peak efficiency to reduce energy costs. Thanks for the suggestion.
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Zola Holt
Jan 12, 2012 @ 10:42 am | delete
- Interesting article on energy efficient home improvement ideas. #greenbuilding #hvac
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RatingTexas
Jan 12, 2012 @ 9:35 pm | delete
- Thanks for the props, Zola. We appreciate your support and will have more info on Green Building and HVAC service in future lenses.
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RatingTexas
Jan 12, 2012 @ 9:43 am | delete
- Let us know what additional topics you'd like to see covered in this Home Remodeling for Energy Efficiency lens.
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by RatingTexas
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