Energy Audits
Energy Retrofits
Green Guidance
Green Philosophy
Energy
Retrofits
Once the energy audit has been completed, we present our findings, along with recommendations for improvement. We quantify upfront costs, payback over time, and quality-of-life impact. We prioritize our recommendations starting with the “low-hanging fruit”—low-cost, high-payback items. These most cost-effective recommendations can typically reduce energy costs by as much as 20 to 30 percent. More extensive “Deep Energy Retrofits” can yield far greater savings and improvements.
Air sealing the building shell is often simple, and inexpensive retrofits can yield significant savings. Typical remediation steps often include:
- Insulation installation and upgrades
- Combustion appliance service and upgrades
- Window and door repair or replacement
- Weather stripping installation
- Repairs and upgrades to the building shell to remedy moisture and soil gas infiltration
- Direct installation of energy saving products approved by Efficiency Vermont, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, electric hot water heater jackets, pipe insulation, etc., at no cost to the customer
- Other light construction projects pertaining to building performance
Deep Energy
Retrofits
For clients looking for more profound energy savings or those already considering a whole home renovation, a Deep Energy Retrofit may make sense. Deep Energy Retrofits can achieve energy savings of 50 to 70 percent, by taking a comprehensive, holistic approach to energy generation and conservation. In addition to the remedial steps listed above, Deep Energy Retrofits often include:
- Removing interior and/or exterior wall coverings and adding high-R value spray foam insulation with appropriate steps taken to reduce thermal bridging and air seal all conditioned spaces
- Installing high performance windows and doors
- Installing new energy efficient appliances
- Installing a heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) to ensure proper air circulation and indoor air quality
- Adding new alternative energy sources, such as passive solar hot water, photo voltaic solar panels, geo-thermal heating and cooling, and wind-based power generation
Sisler Builders is well-versed in the technology and building methods used to achieve such dramatic energy reductions. The use theirexpertise to educate clients and help them arrive at solutions that carefully balance financial, environmental, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
Efficiency Vermont provides detailed energy audit and retrofit information.
Building Performance Institute also provides more detailed energy audit and retrofit information.