Industry Update

Last year, Trumbull-Nelson’s Assistant Controller, Rob Healy, participated in a home energy audit. The energy audit was conducted with the goal of reducing his home’s utility expenses and carbon emissions. The home, located in East Plainfield, NH was originally constructed in the 1800’s and subsequently added onto throughout the years. He was very interested in determining what steps could be taken to limit energy loss, what the associated cost were for such corrective action. A comprehensive (11 page) report was generated upon completion of the audit.

In general, Healy’s house includes 1,390 square-feet of heated space with fiberglass insulation installed in some walls and floor areas, cathedral and slanted ceilings and attic space. Associated R-values range from R-5 to R-22. Windows are a mix of modern double pane and older single pane with storm windows, wood-framed, nominal U-0.49 (R-2.04); doors are wood or metal with R-values of R-3.0 and R-6.0 respectively.

During the prior year, Healy used 613 gallons of oil to heat his home.

The report summarized its findings and offered a picture of what savings Rob could realize in fixing thermal deficiencies within the home. While the report detailed a number of findings, the key conclusions were that Healy should:

• Insulate and air seal the basement and crawl spaces and install a vapor barrier wall and floor coverings. This step could save +/- 20% of heat cost.

• Re-insulate and air seal other small wall and ceiling areas accessible from the garage to realize an approximate savings of +/- 3% of heat cost.

• Seal the heating duct seams accessible in the basement to save +/- 6% of heat cost.

• In the future, consider adding a pellet stove or furnace to provide supplemental heat with a renewable fuel source that cost 20% less than oil.

Spray foam insulation in basement

The 2010 report suggested that such action could save Rob 29% of his annual heating energy. Certainly, with the higher energy costs we are all experiencing in 2011, an energy audit may be a good first step toward gaining some control of our home heating and cooling expense.

Follow-up note: Rob Healy has reported that his efforts to insulate and air seal various portions of his house in 2010 resulted in his using 150 fewer gallons of oil to heat his house.