Question
What are the best ways to reduce my electric and propane consumption for heating and air conditioning? What should we do first?
My wife and I are considering solar energy and geothermal dual fuel heat pumps to reduce our dependency on our electric company and propane supplier. But i am wondering if the first step should be to reduce the total energy requirements by replacing our windows and less efficient appliances if necessary. Then evaluate the cost/benefit of alternative energy sources based on lower electric and propane needs - rather than buy a larger array of solar cells or higher capacity geothermal units. What would you suggest?
Answer
I am assuming you are talking about an existing home. I would start with the easy inexpensive things. Your energy is divided into two uses - your baseload which is your lighting, appliances, water heater, etc and then your heating and cooling load. Heating and cooling typically makes up about 50% of you energy and is the area where you can make the most impact.
A good way to start is to get a good comprehensive energy audit - use a certified contractor from BPI or similar program. Typically in an older home you will find the HVAC ducts, boots, connections are leaky - seal up these leaks with mastic. This can be checked by a duct blaster test. Next, address your air leaks - a blower door test can tell you how much air leakage you have. Start at the top in the attic air sealing - seal around all plumbing and wiring penetrations, seal around the chimney, seal at all top plates, back up knee walls, etc. From there move to the crawl space and lastly the exterior walls. Check weather-stripping on all windows and doors. Install an attic tent at your attic access and insulate the back of any attic doors. Only after air sealing - add more insulation.
Solar energy, geothermal and renewables are all great - but first concentrate on improving your thermal envelope - these are all low cost - high return items and easy to perform. These measure should reduce your energy usuage between 20% and 40%. After these you can move on to baseload improvements like appliances.
Be sure whomever performs the air sealing will take proper safety measures and check all combustion zones and install a CO detector. Good Luck.
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