Building Energy

Deep Energy Retrofit

To offset global warming, scientists have estimated that buildings world wide will have to reduce carbon output by 70%.  A “deep energy retrofit” is a renovation of a building structure that meets this goal. It is another way of saying "whole home energy remodeling". 

Deep retrofits are accomplished using modern building science and the newest, energy efficient products.  An example of a candidate for a retrofit would be a classic farmhouse that has so little insulation, that it becomes unaffordable to live in during the winter.

The first step in a retrofit is to get an energy audit. The audit report will provide the factual data necessary to make a plan on what needs to be accomplished. It acts as a roadmap for your energy improvements whether you are upgrading your attic insulation or attempting a complete energy retrofit. 

Typically, the entire thermal envelope must be rebuilt.  Often our clients choose to start with the attic and foundation.  The second step is improving the wall envelope including the windows.   A third step is upgrading the heating systems and adding solar power or hot water.

A deep energy retrofit is a sound long term investment. Clients of Building Energy are guided through the process with explanations, prioritizations, and evaluations based on a client's needs, budget, and time frame. We customize our retrofit plan to your home. 

Possible Steps Involved in a Deep Energy Retrofit

1. Energy Audit- Initial building analysis, reviews your building and makes you aware of all that you building needs to complete the deep energy retrofit, the costing, and savings for each measure. 
2. Insulation & Weatherization- perhaps the most important step of any retrofit project, Insulation provides the main barrier and highest energy and heat savings. Proper attic, basement and exterior wall insulation, with high quality high R-value/inch product will ensure the most reduction for your money. Air sealing and weatherization of penetrations, windows and doors will also greatly increase your building's thermal envelope. At Building Energy we specialize in high quality results due to high quality product and work. 
3. Windows & Doors- Replacing your windows and doors with energy star qualified, or energy efficiency & insulated doors and windows can dramatically reduce air loss and energy waste. If your windows are old, or inefficient you may be save up to 25% in heat savings. 
4. Heating Systems & Ventilation Systems- Analyzing your heating and ventilation are high priority as heating is often the highest energy use. An old inefficient furnace can be a very high usage item, while an efficient system coupled with proper insulation can save you hundreds on heating and cooling per year. 
5. Renewable Energy- If you are looking to achieve net zero, or greatly reduce your energy costs, than renewable energy such as Solar PV or Solar hot water systems are excellent options. Systems can be tailored to your building's or home's usage and needs. Building Energy has free site evaluations. You can read more on our Solar Systems page. 
6. Energy Efficient Appliances- Purchasing and upgrading appliances, fixtures and lighting to energy star rated or better will also make a notable improvement in your energy usage. Energy star rated items use around 15% less than standard items, and even changing your lights and fixtures can greatly reduce your energy bills.