Recommendations
Ecohouse uses state-of-the-art equipment to evaluate the energy efficiency of your home or office. Based on this audit, we will recommend improvements that will yield the best results.
Typical soilutions often include:
Sealing Air Leaks
Air sealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to make your home more energy efficient and goes hand-in-hand with proper insulation. By sealing air leaks in the envelope of your home, you prevent unwanted heat transfer, greatly reducing your heating and cooling bills. A certain amount of fresh air is necessary to maintain adequate indoor air quality, therefore, it is recommended that you "reduce air leakage as much as possible and ... provide controlled ventilation as needed." (US. Dept of Energy)
Adding Insulation
Many homes are poorly insulated or missing insulation entirely. Installing high quality insulation in walls and attic spaces ensures your home has an effective thermal envelope.
Sealing Ductwork
Many homes have leaky ductwork and poor airflow. We may recommend sealing your home's duct system with mastic or metal tape, and balancing the duct systems to optimize airflow to all rooms. Insulating ductwork in attics, crawlspaces and some basements can help ensure that your home will be more comfortable.
Heating and Cooling Equipment Service and Replacement
Ecohouse evaluates the operating condition of all heating and cooling equipment in the home. You may benefit from new, properly-sized, high-efficiency equipment. Because of the overall improvements to the home's thermal envelope, the equipment installed is often smaller, saving even more money on annual heating and cooling bills.
Replacing Windows
New windows usually don't deliver as much energy savings as other home improvements. If it makes sense, Ecohouse recommends replacing old and leaky windows with Energy Star-approved windows to increase comfort and reduce energy expenses.
Upgrading Lighting and Appliances
Its easy to replace lighting in high use areas with low energy consuming lights, and upgrading old and inefficient home appliances to new ENERGY STAR-rated models.
Improving Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality
Good indoor indoor ait quality is important. An Ecohouse audit will determine how much air your house or business needs to maintain good indoor air quality.
Solar Energy Systems
We can help you evaluate the benefits of a photovoltaic (solar electric) system, navigate utility and federal incentives, and install a high quality renewable energy system for you.
Other Recommendations
Most homes can benefit from simple and effective measures that "tune-up" the performance of the home, such as insulating the hot water heater and hot water lines, restricting the water flow on showers, shading windows in the summer, and installing programmable thermostats. Ecohouse will advise you about these low cost solutions. Please contact us for further information on our services, to discuss your home and your goals, and to schedule a home energy audit.
