Home energy surveys and audits

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7 September 2009 Home InSight Solving the Case of the Mysterious Home Condition 1 RESNET National Home Energy Audit Standard Home Energy Surveys & Audit

description

A progression of home energy audits available to meet a homeowners information needs as they make home performance improvements. There is an audit available for any point on the learning curve.

Transcript of Home energy surveys and audits

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RESNET National Home Energy Audit Standard

Home Energy

Surveys & Audit

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Two Categories

• Home Energy Surveys– In-Home– On-Line– Diagnostic

• Comprehensive Home Energy Audit

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Home Energy Survey:Purposes

• Determine General Condition of Home

• Assess Homeowners’ Willingness to Improve Home Energy Performance

• Applies to All Home Energy Surveys– On-Line– In-Home– Diagnostic

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In-Home Energy Survey:Scope

• Visual inspection of home’s energy features

• Documentation of general condition, – Building Envelope Features & Ages– Equipment types, including characteristics & ages– Appliance Characteristics– Lighting Characteristics

• Review of utility use & billing history (where available)

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In-Home Energy Survey:Activities

• Interview• Estimate Generalized Energy End-Uses

– Base, Heating, and Cooling

• Inform Homeowner Where to Find Pros• Complete a Standardized Form

– Observe Energy Components– Make Measurements or Estimates, as appropriate

• Generalized Energy Savings Estimate– An Audit is Needed to calculate energy savings

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In-Home Energy Survey:Interview

• Collect Comfort Complaints

• Hear Energy Billing Concerns

• Assess Potential to Move to a Comprehensive Home Energy Audit

• Determine Interest in Potential Home Energy Performance Improvements

• Share No/Low Cost DIY Improvements

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In-Home Energy Survey: Energy End-Uses Estimates

• Produce generalized estimate of end-uses– Base, heating, and cooling

• Request energy bills from homeownersOR

• Request permission to get data from utility companies

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In-Home Energy Survey:Professional Referrals

• Inform homeowner where to find pros who do– Diagnostic Home Energy Surveys– Comprehensive Home Energy Audits– Qualified home performance contractors

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In-Home Energy Survey:Standardized Reporting

• Complete Standard RESNET-Approved Form

• Show general range of energy efficiency based on specific criteria– Insulation– Equipment age– General condition– Energy Use & Costs

• Example: DOE’s Home Energy Saver– http://hes.lbl.gov

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In-Home Energy Survey:Component Observations

• Insulation Values at Walls, Floors, & Ceilings• Living Space Area (square footage)• Approximate house age• HVAC Equipment Type, Model, & Location• Ductwork Type, Location, Insulation Values, &

Joint Condition• Foundation Type: Crawlspace, Basement, or Slab

• Common air leakage sites

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In-Home Energy Survey:Component Observations

• Major appliance age & efficiency (dishwashers, refrigerators, etc)

• Light fixture number and types• Portable Lamps• Evidence of Condensation• Exhaust Fan Presence, Location, & Their

Vent Terminal Location• Combustion appliance presence, type,

condition, and installation

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In-Home Energy Survey:Out of Scope

• Diagnostic testing – e.g. air infiltration, IR camera

• Quantification– Air Infiltration – Duct Leakage– Ventilation

• Combustion Appliance Testing

• Accurate energy savings

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In-Home Energy Survey:Report Contents

• Data Collected During Survey• Whole-House Solutions Overview

– How a house works as a system– How to prioritize improvements

• Quality Installation of HVAC Equipment– Equipment sizing– Duct Sealing– Refrigerant Charge– Airflow

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In-Home Energy Survey:Report Contents

• Improving Building Envelope (walls, ceilings, & floors)

– Air Sealing– Insulation Levels

• How to Get a Comprehensive Energy Audit• Overview of ENERGY STAR products• Other Benefits Besides Energy Efficiency

– Health, Safety, Building Durability, Comfort– Lower Carbon Footprint

• Discussion of Combustion Safety Concerns• Safety Notices

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In-Home Energy Survey:Report Contents

• Generalized Improvement Opportunities– Thermal Envelope– Mechanical Equipment– Lighting– Appliances

• Limitations– Detailed Statement of Work is not prepared

• Must be prepared by certified professionals• Diagnostic testing may be required to determine it

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On-Line Energy Survey

• Essentially same as In-Home Energy Survey

• Performed by Homeowner at a Website

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Diagnostic Energy Survey:Content

• Includes an In-Home Energy Survey• Possible Testing w/ Recorded Results

– Air Infiltration through walls, ceilings, & floors– Duct air leakage– Combustion Safety– Other Optional (e.g., IR Camera)– Tests are only completed if safe to do so

• Statement of Work may be provided• Again, calculated savings are not provided

– Requires a Comprehensive Audit

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Comprehensive Audit:Purpose

• Cause Improvements to be Made to House

• Includes– Evaluation– Performance Testing– Proposed Improvements

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Comprehensive Audit:Evaluation

• Review Data from Previous Surveys/Audits• Additional Testing & Evaluation, As Required• Combustion Safety Testing• Computerized Simulation Analysis of House• Calculate Energy & Environmental Savings

To

• Create Scope of Work

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Comprehensive Audit:Limitations

• Energy Use Information Does Not Constitute Any Warranty of Energy Cost or Savings

• Inspections– Not Technically Exhaustive– Won’t Identify Concealed or Latent Defects– Do Not Cover the Scope of a Home Inspection

• Structure, Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Etc.• Focus is on Energy Only

– Not Applicable to Building Design & Construction Features (other than those for energy)

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Standard

• Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)

• RESNET Standards– Chapter Seven

• 700 RESNET Standards for Home Energy Audits

• http://www.NatRESNET.org/audit/default.htm

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Options ComparedHome Energy Options Compared

On-LineSurvey

In-HomeSurvey

DiagnosticSurvey

EnergyAudit

LocationHomeowner Survey on Computer XProfessional Home Site Visit X X X

Home InspectionHomeowner Interview X X X XVisual Inspection of Energy Features X X X XDiagnostic Testing X XDiscussion of Combustion Safety Concerns X X XIssue Safety Notices, as Needed X X X

Home Inspection ResultsDocumentation of General Condition X X X XGeneralized Improvement Opportunities X X XScope / Statement of Work Note A X

Post Survey/Audit ReviewReview of Energy Use & Bills X X X XEstimate of Generalized Energy Use X X XCalulation of Energy & Environmental Savings XReferral List of Home Performance Pros ? X XGuidance to Appropriate Home Performance Pro XShare No/Low Cost DIY Improvements X X X XRange of Energy Efficiency of Installed Features X X X XWhole-House Solutions Overview X X X XExplain Quality Installation of HVAC System X X X XExplain How to Improve Walls, Ceilings, & Floors X X X XOverview of ENERGY STAR Products X X X XShare Other Benefits Besides Energy X X X X

Project SupportImprovement Project Support Negotiated Negotiated

Home Performance ProfessionalHome Energy Survey Provider XHome Energy Survey Professional XDiagnostic Home Energy Survey Professional X XCertified Home Energy Rater X X XNote A. A Diagnotic Survey professional may, but is not required to, issue a statement of work

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Comparison of Options:Location

Home Energy Options ComparedOn-LineSurvey

In-HomeSurvey

DiagnosticSurvey

EnergyAudit

LocationHomeowner Survey on Computer XProfessional Home Site Visit X X X

• Homeowner– DIY completion of survey at a website– Great start on journey to home improvement

• Professional– Objective about what is present– Understands how energy features work together– Can answer specific questions– Begin “Building Consultant for Life” Relationship

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Comparison of Options:Home Inspection

Home Energy Options ComparedOn-LineSurvey

In-HomeSurvey

DiagnosticSurvey

EnergyAudit

Home InspectionHomeowner Interview X X X XVisual Inspection of Energy Features X X X XDiagnostic Testing X XDiscussion of Combustion Safety Concerns X X XIssue Safety Notices, as Needed X X X

• Visual Inspection can part of Home Inspection– Provide Data for Buyer to use on-line survey– Can complete In-Home Survey for Buyer

• In-Home Survey is Modified Home Inspection– Useful for exploring range of opportunities

• Diagnostics Help Set Improvement Priorities

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Comparison of Options:Results

Home Energy Options ComparedOn-LineSurvey

In-HomeSurvey

DiagnosticSurvey

EnergyAudit

Home Inspection ResultsDocumentation of General Condition X X X XGeneralized Improvement Opportunities X X XScope / Statement of Work Note A XNote A. A Diagnotic Survey professional may, but is not required to, issue a statement of work

• Visual Inspection Highlights Opportunities• Diagnostic Testing Helps Set Priorities• Comprehensive Audits

– It’s Consultation for Improvement Activities– Allows exploration of Improvement Options– Testing after Improvements Validate Results– Assistance with Working w/ Contractors

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Comparison of Options:Post Survey/Audit Review

Home Energy Options ComparedOn-LineSurvey

In-HomeSurvey

DiagnosticSurvey

EnergyAudit

Post Survey/Audit ReviewReview of Energy Use & Bills X X X XEstimate of Generalized Energy Use X X XCalulation of Energy & Environmental Savings XReferral List of Home Performance Pros ? X XGuidance to Appropriate Home Performance Pro XShare No/Low Cost DIY Improvements X X X XRange of Energy Efficiency of Installed Features X X X XWhole-House Solutions Overview X X X XExplain Quality Installation of HVAC System X X X XExplain How to Improve Walls, Ceilings, & Floors X X X XOverview of ENERGY STAR Products X X X XShare Other Benefits Besides Energy X X X X

• Post Survey/Audit Review:Imperative! (Client gets smarter)

– Client is Overwhelmed at Beginning– Client Flooded w/ Information During Home Visit– Client Needs Time to Absorb What it All Mean

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Comparison of Options:Improvement Project Support

Home Energy Options ComparedOn-LineSurvey

In-HomeSurvey

DiagnosticSurvey

EnergyAudit

Project SupportImprovement Project Support Negotiated Negotiated

• Most Energy Improvements not Pursued– Client Overwhelmed– Client Overcome by Sticker Shock– Multiple Contractor Proposals Conflict

• Client Needs Help w/ Contractors– Statement of Work (SOW) to fit Client: Iterate!– Need to explore contractor options w/ Consultant– Ideally, Consultant is a Liaison for Both Parties

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Comparison of Options:Survey/Audit Professionals

• Home Energy Survey Professional– Conducts In-Home Energy Surveys

• Diagnostic Home Energy Survey Professional– Conducts Diagnostic Home Energy Surveys

• Certified Home Energy Rater– HERS Rater

Home Energy Options ComparedOn-LineSurvey

In-HomeSurvey

DiagnosticSurvey

EnergyAudit

Home Performance ProfessionalHome Energy Survey Provider XHome Energy Survey Professional XDiagnostic Home Energy Survey Professional X XCertified Home Energy Rater X X X

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Home Insight’s StrategyOn-Line Survey

• Provide Link on Website for Everyone– www.HomeInSight.biz– To the only one available right now

• Department of Energy’s Home Energy Saver• http://hes.lbl.gov

• Provide Data to Buyer’s so They Can Do It– Provide Inspection Data– Encourage them to get Billing Data

• Quote Diagnostic Survey to Buyers– Follow-Up 2 Months after Closing

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Home Insight’s StrategyIn-Home Survey

• Data Collected as Part of Home Inspection– Allows Buyer to Do On-Line Survey– Advantage: Avoids Cost During Purchase Process

• Offered as Alternative over Diagnostic Survey– Starts Improvement Process at Lower Cost– Allows Homeowner Time to Understand– Referral on Website for Professional Referrals– Provide Quote for Diagnostic Survey

• On-Site Inspection (as a separate inspection)

– ~1 Hour/1000 sqft + 1 Hour (3.0-Hour Minimum)

– Cost similar to a Home Inspection

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Home Insight’s StrategyDiagnostic Survey

• Essentially a Assessment

• On-Site Visit– Twice the Length of a Home Inspection

• 2 Hours / 1000 sqft + 1 Hour (5-Hour Minimum)

– Cost similar to Home Inspection + Fee/Test• Testing: Air Infiltration/Duct Leakage/Combustion Safety• Additional Fees for Assistants above ~4000 sqft• Discount w/ Previously Completed In-Home Survey

• Post Survey Review– ~1.5 hr On-Site Revisit or Webinar w/ All Owners

• Success Depends on Undivided Attention

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Home Insight’s StrategyComprehensive Audit

• Can Help Clients Start Improvements w/ Diagnostic Survey Report Only– HERS Rating is Expensive & Unnecessary to

Prioritize Improvements

• When to Use Complete Comprehensive Audit– Remodeling– HERS Rating for Resale Purposes– Cost-Benefit Analysis– Mortgage Loans

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Home Insight’s StrategyProject Support

• In-Home Survey– Referral to Website for Qualified Professionals

• Diagnostic Survey Comprehensive Audit– Survey Does Not Provide a Scope of Work

• Product of a Survey is a Prioritized Scorecard• When a Scope of Work is Requested, it’s an Audit

• Comprehensive Audit– Consulting

• Throughout Entire Project, Including Test-Out

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Home Insight’s StrategyProject Support

• Scope of Work is Iterated– Iteration is Needed Because Homeowners

Understanding improves over Time – Must fit Homeowner’s goals & financial abilities– Contractors recommended after Initial Iterations– More Iterations Needed after Proposals Received– Revisions as Project Progresses

• Consulting Fees– Homeowners: Hourly Fees– Contractors: Percentage of Total Invoice

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Energy Surveys & AuditsIn Conclusion

• Home Energy Surveys & Audits are More Useful when Action is Taken– Focus Must be on What Homeowner Can Do– Focus Must Address Homeowners’ Urgent Needs– Consultant Must Educate Homeowners over Time

• Process Starts with First Steps– Initial Homeowner Curiosity & Research– Incremental Surveys Lead to Improvement– Engagement can start at any Level