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Home / Did You Know? / Energy Efficiency |
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 Energy Efficiency measures |
A great variety exists of possible EE measures.
EE measures may concern:
· Energy generation;
· Energy transmission and distribution;
· Energy consumption;
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| Energy efficiency of buildings |
Better Insulation will save up to 50% or more on your heating and cooling costs...
Your heating and cooling systems are among the top energy users in your home or small business -- and regardless of which season it is, even the slightest gap around windows or doors can make it difficult to maintain uniform temperatures throughout your home. That means your heating and air conditioning systems will work for longer periods of time, wasting energy and money.
A good insulating system includes a combination of products and construction techniques that provide a home with thermal performance, protect it against air infiltration, and control moisture. You can increase the comfort of your home while reducing your heating and cooling needs by up to 30% by investing just a few hundred dollars in proper insulation and weatherization products.
Caulking and Weatherization
Weatherizing your home is a way to seal isolated air leaks. These leaks can occur in any home, but it's not unusual to find them in older homes where shifting and settling has resulted in tiny openings or cracks. There are different a variety of effective weatherization techniques.
Weatherization involves sealing narrow spaces through which air can travel. A: Around roof flashing vents and pipes. B: Plus any cracks in foundation, stucco, siding or bricks. C: Where foundation meets walls. D: Where different materials meet.
Caulking is probably the quickest and easiest measure you can take to seal your home from cold air infiltration. In fact, it's so effective that it can usually pay for itself in energy cost savings in less than one year.
As a general rule, you can apply caulk wherever two different materials meet or are joined. Unfilled gaps around windows, doors, and vents let in more cold air than you probably realize. Consider this: Just an 1/8-inch opening around two door frames could let in as much cold air as a 12-inch window open 6 inches all winter long!
Caulking comes in a variety of materials, most of which require a caulking applicator. Your hardware dealer can explain the features and benefits of different varieties.
Weatherstripping is similar to caulk in terms of the purpose, but it's not a substance that comes in a tube.
Windows and doors that are badly worn, have very large gaps or allow light to pass through the edges (doors) are probably beyond caulking and weatherization fixes. You may have to replace them.
· Generally, you should insulate open cavities of the walls, floors and ceilings adjacent to your home's living spaces.
· Caulking is probably the quickest and easiest measure you can take to seal your home from cold air infiltration. Unfilled gaps around windows, doors, and vents can let in as much air as leaving a window open.
· Weatherstripping is also an effective way of keeping the heat inside your home.
The real benefits from implementation of the energy efficiency measures in buildings you can see on the graph bellow. There are shown some typical examples of real audited sites in Bulgaria.
Insulation Tips
· Consider factors such as your climate, building design, and budget when selecting insulation R-value for your home.
· Use higher density insulation, such as rigid foam boards, in cathedral ceilings and on exterior walls.
· Ventilation plays a large role in providing moisture control and reducing summer cooling bills. Install attic vents to help make sure that there is one inch of ventilation space between the insulation and roof shingles. Attic vents can be installed along the entire ceiling cavity to help ensure proper airflow from the soffit to the attic, helping to make a home more comfortable and energy efficient.
· Do not block vents with insulation, and keep insulation at least 3 inches away from recessed lighting fixtures or other heat-producing equipment unless it is marked "I.C." - designed for direct insulation contact.
· As specified on the product packaging, follow the product instructions on installation and wear the proper protective gear when installing insulation.
The easiest and most cost-effective way to insulate your home is to add insulation in the attic. To find out if you have enough attic insulation, measure the thickness of insulation. If there is less than R-19 (6 inches of fiber glass or rock wool or 5 inches of cellulose) you could probably benefit by adding more.
If your attic has ample insulation and your home still feels drafty and cold in the winter or too warm in the summer, chances are you need to add insulation to the exterior walls as well. This is a more expensive measure that usually requires a contractor, but it may be worth the cost if you live in a very hot or cold climate.
Some typical examples concerning energy efficiency in buildings
1. Isolation of the windows
2. Replacement of the old bulbs with the new energy efficiency bulbs
3. Isolation of the walls
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