When homeowners are looking for multiple home improvement services, they often prefer to work with one contractor. Building Energy offers homeowners a one-stop shop to handle a variety of home improvement services including heat pumps, solar, weatherization and construction.
When Lisa “Mitch” and Andrew first contacted Building Energy in February 2023, they wanted to learn more about heat pumps and solar for their recently purchased home in Barre, Vermont. They were interested in reducing their carbon footprint, lowering future operating costs, and maximizing their homes sustainability.
During the initial site visit to discuss heat pumps and solar, Building Energy recommended a comprehensive home energy audit to learn more about the home. Energy audits are a great first step to understanding a home and determining what could be done to make it more energy efficient and cost effective. In order to maximize the efficiency of a heat pump, Building Energy recommends a home be properly air sealed and insulated.
Energy Audit and Weatherization
The home energy audit was performed in April 2023 by Brent Mellen, one of Building Energy’s BPI Certified Auditors. Brent recommended a variety of weatherization and construction options to reach the homeowners’ goals of maximizing the home’s efficiency. By May, a plan was in place and the couple contracted with Building Energy for the following comprehensive weatherization projects:
· Bath Fan Upgrade
· Attic and Basement Air Sealing and Insulation. Cellulose insulation was used wherever possible in the home to utilize this recycled and environmentally friendly material.
· Installation of an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)
Construction
Mitch and Andrew’s house had the original “tuck-under garage” as well as a newer garage which was part of a 1987 addition made on the home. With the help of Brent’s audit, they agreed the best option in terms of efficiency was to convert the tuck-under garage into “conditioned space” transforming it to a well-insulated unfinished basement. Building Energy completed all the construction related tasks for this conversion.
The Results are in!
Building Energy is happy to report that as a result of the extensive weatherization and construction work completed, air leakage in the house was reduced by 70%! The insulation R Value levels were brought from the 70’s/80’s era, to not only meet but in some cases exceed current energy code levels.
Heat Pumps
Two heat pumps were installed and thanks to the weatherization projects completed and the garage conversion, they provide all the cooling needs and most of the heating needs for the home. The oil burner remained as a backup heating source. This heating plan is widely adopted by many of Building Energy’s customers who can vouch for its effectiveness in providing comfort and significantly reducing their energy bills!
Rebates
Building Energy works with Efficiency Vermont or Vermont Gas to make sure our customers receive all eligible rebates. Mitch and Andrew received Home Performance with Energy Star rebates for their insulation projects as well as Efficiency Vermont rebates for their heat pumps.
Solar and Back Up Battery
As planned, Mitch and Andrew checked back in with Building Energy in March of 2024 about installing solar and battery storage. Their power system design was a unique challenge because their electric utility company is not currently allowing any solar net metering for that area. Normally, we design a solar PV system to meet an annual load of a household, but for this application we had to consider seasonal and even daily loads. We looked at their usage patterns and designed a solar system that would maximize their self-consumption without over producing during the sunny months. Adding the battery was a key component because it allows them to charge up during the day and then use that stored solar energy in the evening before buying grid power. The battery also provides backup power during grid outages. The system we installed includes a sophisticated energy monitoring feature, so Mitch and Andrew are able to adjust their usage patterns and battery settings to optimize their savings. Andrew and Mitch have said: “We can get over 80 percent solar on a good production day. We did have at least one outage where the backup kicked in as expected.” That’s great news!
At Building Energy, we provide Building Solutions for a Sustainable Future! If you are or someone you know is interested in learning more about our insulation, heat pump, solar or construction services, send them our way!