Energy Analysis Report

Homeowner: Georgia Yazzie
Date: April 1, 2008
Analysis Address: Piñon, AZ 86510

Services provided: General Energy Evaluation, Blower Door Test, IR Imaging 

• HVAC Inspection: When we inspected the hydronic forced hot air system we discovered two disconnected 14 inch trunk ducts, (which supplied both ends of the home) one on each of the units. There were some duct connections at the forced hot air units that are missing a water-based mastic seal which allows the duct system to perform to its true potential. We recommend having a reliable HVAC contractor inspect the system and perform any additional remediations that may be necessary. 
     

• Insulation Inspection: The additional installation of spray foam to the attic was a good idea as it helps remediate any deficiencies in the attic, however there are certain areas that have been sealed that should not have been. When originally designed, the house should have had 12 square feet of ventilation into the attic to provide for cooling in the summer. These vents have been plugged with expanding foam. In order for the house to reach its true zero net energy potential these vents must be cleared otherwise in the summer, the house will require additional cooling.
     

• Crawl Space: The crawl space in the home currently has a plastic liner laid on the ground however there are some areas where the liner has been disturbed. This could be causing the seams on the cork flooring to expand in the kitchen area due to increased moisture content in the sub-flooring. Additionally there is no insulation installed against the bottom side of the floor which is causing the floor temperature to drop to 40°F in the winter months. E3 Energy always recommends having R-30 fiberglass insulation installed in direct contact with the floor. The reason insulation must be in contact with the floor is because if it is not, convective loops will form reducing the efficiency of the insulation. 
     

• Blower Door Test: It has been estimated that 25%-30% of heating and cooling costs are due to conditioned air leakage. The blower door test result was 3463 CFM at 50 pascals. This leakage is equivalent to over an 18 inch x 18 inch hole in the envelope of the home. We found several areas where there was significant air infiltration. One major problem area is where the log posts have shrunk and pulled away from the wall. This should be remediated with an expanding foam seal and a piece of finish trim. Another problem area is over the wood burning stove where the glu-lam beams enter the wall. This could be resolved by either caulking where the beam meets the wall, or foaming the gap on the backside of the wall. Additionally, the base trim throughout the house allows significant air infiltration, thus cooling the house in the winter, and warming it in the summer. The base trim should be removed, and the gap sealed with expanding spray foam before reinstalling the trim.
     

• Thermal Bypass Issues: The front door is currently entirely metal as well as having several air leaks. While aesthetically pleasing, this is not energy efficient. This door should be replaced with a more efficient, Energy Star Rated, wood or fiberglass model. 
     

• Attic Access: There is currently no attic access panel in the linen closet. After an access panel is installed, we recommend adhering foam rubber weather stripping to the attic access panel which will prevent drafts. All attic and crawlspace access panels should have this foam gasket as well. Installing a rigid foam board product to the back side of the access door would help create a thermal break between the conditioned and non-conditioned areas. 
     

• Wood Stove Heating: Over the existing wood burning stove, there should be a ceiling fan installed. In the winter time this will force the hot air that rises to the ceiling, down to the floor where it is needed. Also, on both ends of the home, there should be a thermostatically controlled wood burning stove. This permits non-solar heating in the winter time, especially at night, allowing the home to generate heat without using the hydronic solar system. This conserves power during the winter when there is less solar energy collected.