Energy Conservation First

by Tim Gould

Renewable energy such as solar hot water, photovoltaics, and wind are very popular these days. There is no doubt that more and more of us will use renewable energy in the future. Nevertheless, energy conservation, which is considerably less sexy, should almost always be considered first when attempting to save energy. Energy conservation is generally less expensive to undertake and provides a better return on investment than renewable energy.

Conventional home construction in New England has unfortunately for the most part left us with leaky and inadequately insulated homes. For example, conventional wall framing is typically not sealed and often allows outside air to travel through fiberglass batts thereby reducing the manufacturers rated R-value. Owners of exposed homes in high wind areas can attest to the fact that fiberglass insulated walls with only house-wrap isn't enough.

The good news is that homes both new and old can be improved to conserve energy and save money. Identifying air leaks in the attic and the basement is the best place to start due to the stack effect as described in January's energy article. Some points of air leakage are found at: chimney and duct chases, attic hatches, plumbing vent stacks, electrical penetrations, recessed lighting boxes, gaps between the framing and sheathing, and gaps in framing at the wall plates.

Many older homes have no top plate on the top of walls allowing air to flow freely up through the wall into the attic-even through fiberglass insulation. In the basement, the band joist where the sill meets the foundation is a location where cold air can infiltrate during the winter months. Sealing all of these air leaks will add up to significant savings.

Identifying and sealing air leaks just the first step to take when one begins to address energy use for their home. A number of other conservation measures that take into account individual circumstances such as boiler or furnace efficiency, current level of insulation, type and condition of windows, and ventilation among others need to be addressed before one should move on from energy conservation to renewable energy options.

© 2008 Tim Gould. All rights reserved.