N. Payne Street in Alexandria, VA

Description

Single-family townhouse located in historic Old Town Alexandria. This 1865 structure had been renovated in the late 70’s and purchased by its current owner 25 years ago. The home features, two bedrooms, two and a half baths, full basement, skylights, study and country kitchen along with rear garden and parking spot.

Overview

This Payne Street family had a number of issues that they wished addressed by ERM.

Questions

• Why does the furnace run constantly in winter and the air conditioner run constantly in the summer?
• Why are the gas and electric bills increasing every month?
• Why is the kitchen so cold in the winter?

ERM Energy Solutions

• Energy Audit by CGE Solutions – Independent Energy Auditor – 4.5 Square Foot Hole In House
• Weatherized the entire house – basement insulation, weather-striping exterior doors, new study skylight, kitchen floor insulation, seal all opens, installed new basement door, repaired and closed all storm windows, insulated and weather-striped attic hatch, insulated all plugs and switches.
• New HVAC systems – Hybrid Duel Fuel High Efficiency Cooling and Heating, high efficiency hot water tank, insulated, duct cleaning, duct sealing, programmable thermostat and electric space heater in kitchen
• New low flow bathroom toilet, new energy saver fixtures, repair faucets and, rain barrel

ERM Construction Services

• New electrical service for home, new front and rear lighting, bathroom lights
• Construction of parking pad off rear ally of property, water proofing and brick repair
• Grab bars in master bathroom, regrout of tile floors, new utility hatch for tub
• Drywall repair and painting throughout house

Conclusion

The Payne Street residence became greener, safer, and much more comfortable. The families energy bills reduced by more than 35% so far and it has not been a full years since the energy work was undertaken. The homeowner was able to take the 30% tax credit for the new energy efficient heating system off their federal tax return for 2009. Together with the tax incentives and the savings on their energy costs, the homeowner will be realizing a 6.75-year payback on their Hybrid HVAC system with an overall return on their investment for the entire project of 5.4%. These calculations do not take into consideration energy inflation.

Oakley Street in Alexandria, VA Back to Top

Description

This single family home is located in a quiet neighborhood in Alexandria. The home consist of the original structure dated back to the 1960’s and a new addition on the rear of the structure which expanded the properties kitchen and master bedroom areas. The home is approximately 4000 sf, has no insulation in the exterior walls of the original home, but the new addition is insulated. There are two separate HVAC systems in the house, one is nearly 20 years old and very energy inefficient, and the other is new to the addition 5 years ago.

Overview

With the primary energy system ending the term of its life what can this family do to reduce its energy costs and make the home more comfortable. An addition into the attic area for a study is being considered and is part of the energy upgrade of the heating and cooling systems.

Questions

• What are the first steps in determining the needs of the current house and the planned expansion areas in analysis of the energy retrofitting of the building?
• What are the most efficient heating and cooling systems on the market today that can be considered for this home?
• Please provide us with the numbers for the payback and the return on our investment for the work proposed on our energy systems.

ERM Energy Solutions

• Energy Audit by CGE Solutions – Independent Energy Auditor – 2.3 Square Foot Hole In House
• A comprehensive energy program for the home of weatherization and replacement of the heating and cooling systems
• Weatherization to include – new insulation, weather-striping, sealing, and repair of windows and storms
• Proposal for Geothermal – 400% more energy efficient than the most efficient conventional system in the market
• Solar hot water for assist of geothermal hot water system
• Duct sealing and cleaning for the entire house to improve air delivery system from 55% to 97%

ERM Construction Services

• Coordinate local architect to design attic expansion, hire engineer to produce all necessary drawings
• Work with home owners in space layout, energy considerations, and usability of proposed space
• Oversee all approvals and permitting as well as manage the construction process for the homes expansion

Conclusion

The proposed energy efficiency work on this home will result in substantial saving each year on their utilities. The weatherization program proposed reduced the HVAC tonnage required for the home down by more than $3000, which more than paid for that work. The addition of Geothermal with horizontal borings will save the process money and time due to the homes raised level from the street. The tax benefits to the homeowner will exceed $12,000 overall. The projected energy savings on one level is 60% with a repayment in 8.4 years and a return on their investment of 12.3%.

Talk to our Energy Staff Back to Top

Charles Juris - Manager

cjuris@ermcc.com
Phone 571-269-4383
Fax 703-706-0010