By Bruce Harley
Expert
Advice on Insulating and
Weatherizing Residential Homes
In this complete do-it-yourself guide to
home insulation and weatherization, engineer Bruce Harley offers
solutions that will make your home more comfortable in all seasons.
Using his troubleshooting advice, you’ll be able to identify the
hidden energy wasters and moisture problems that can do serious
damage in your home. Clear explanations, hundreds of photos, and
detailed illustrations will guide you step by step through the
process of upgrading both structures and systems. Implementing even
a few of these sensible solutions can result in real savings in your
energy bills.
This book brings you information on:
- finding and sealing sources of air leakage
- choosing the best insulation materials
- preventing costly moisture damage
- troubleshooting windows, doors, and skylights
- maintaining heating and cooling systems
- using electricity and heating fuel efficiently
- curing foundation problems
About the Author
Bruce Harley is an engineer who has been involved in energy
efficiency for the last decade. His field experience includes
testing, diagnosis, and remediation of air leakage, duct leakage,
airflow, combustion safety, and indoor air quality in residential
buildings, as well as efficiency testing and troubleshooting of
geothermal heat pumps. He has conducted training in energy-efficient
residential construction, building science, mechanical systems,
diagnostic techniques, and energy codes for designers, builders,
building officials, and tradespeople. He currently lives in
Stamford, Vermont, in an energy-efficient solar/electric house,
which he designed and built.
Introduction:
Why is energy efficiency so important? You
can't see energy efficiency, but it can make a big difference, both
for your budget and for the environment. Here's how. First,
increasing your home's energy efficiency puts money right back in
your wallet. The average American family living in a single-family
home spends $1,500 on energy for the home every year. How much of
that can you save? From a few dollars per year to more than 50%,
depending on the existing condition of your home and the level of
weatherization you undertake. And an investment in energy savings
not only reduces your operating costs but also helps shield you
against future price increases. In addition, the money saved
generally benefits the local economy, helping neighbors and local
businesses rather than oil and utility companies.
Of course, comfort is important, too. Weatherizing does not mean
turning down the thermostat and freezing in the dark. It means using
less energy for the same level of comfort -- or even more. My
customers are often amazed to discover how much more comfortable
they are when their energy culprits are found and fixed.
Indoor air quality is a big deal. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency studies have found that indoor air pollution levels are
typically two to five times worse than outdoor air pollution levels.
This book emphasizes the concept of the home as a dynamic system.
Chapters 1 and 3 cover the basics of energy, moisture, air quality,
combustion safety, and ventilation in houses. Other books may focus
only on energy savings, but careless weatherization can aggravate or
create moisture, air quality, and combustion safety problems. I try
to show you how to avoid those problems and provide guidance about
when to get professional help.
Building problems related to energy, moisture, and airflow can lead
to chronic paint problems. Condensation in wall and roof cavities
may lead to mold growth and structural damage. In cold climates, ice
dams on roof eaves and freezing pipes are commonplace; they are
often caused by hidden air leaks. The house system approach and
weatherization techniques that form the foundation of this book can
help you reduce or eliminate those problems.
Energy, moisture, combustion safety, health, and indoor air quality
are all interrelated. Although this book is intended to provide a
balanced, overall view of managing the interactions among these
factors, and to point out areas of concern, it is impossible to
anticipate all possible situations that could lead to trouble --
including structural failure, carbon monoxide poisoning, or chronic
indoor air problems. Because of the potential moisture issues
involved, you should not undertake any of the projects outlined here
unless you are sure that you have a sound, reliable roof and a solid
structural frame. If you feel that the descriptions and background
information offered here are not adequate to understand your
situation or do not cover the specifics of your home, hire a
professional who is skilled in building science, diagnostics, and/or
building performance to evaluate your home.
This book shows many practical ways to improve your home's energy
efficiency, ranging from small, simple projects to comprehensive
weatherization. The subject of energy conservation is too large to
fit into one book. I hope that this volume provides enough
information so the advanced do-it-yourself homeowner can make
substantial improvements. I also hope it will steer you to
professional help when that's appropriate. Weatherization can be
very satisfying. Although the results are largely invisible, the
increase in comfort and the decrease in monthly costs are well worth
the effort.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
How to Use This Book
1. Energy Basics
Understanding Heat Transfer
Defining the Thermal Boundary
Energy, Moisture, and Building Durability
Air Barriers and Indoor Air Quality
Weighing Costs and Benefits
2. Sealing Air Leaks
Air-Sealing Priorities
Attic Air-Sealing
Basement/Crawl Space Air-Sealing
Sidewall Air-Sealing
Weatherstripping Doors and Hatches
3. Ventilation Systems
Do I Need a Ventilation System?
Simple Ventilation Systems
Central Ventilation Systems
4. Insulating a House
Attic Insulation
Sloped Ceilings
Insulating Walls
Insulating Floors
Insulating Foundation Walls
5. Windows
Window and Energy Basics
Replacing Windows
Improving Existing Windows
6. Heating Systems
Simple Conservation
Furnaces
Heat Pumps
Electric-Resistance Heat
Hot Water and Steam Boilers
Upgrading or Replacing Heating Equipment
7. Air-Conditioning
Cooling Basics
Reducing Loads
Maintenance and Upgrades
New Air-Conditioning Systems
8. Heating Hot Water
Hot Water Conservation
Maintenance and Efficiency Upgrades
Replacing Hot Water Systems
9. Renovations
Air-Sealing
Insulation
Built-Up Walls and Roofs for High R-Values
Moisture Control
Mechanical Systems (Heat, A/C, Hot Water, Ventilation)
10. Appliances and Lights
Determining Consumption
Appliances
Lighting
Resources
List of Contributors
Index
Soft-cover, 9-1/4 x 11 in., 176 pages, with
color photos and drawings
Published 2002
ISBN: 978-1-56158-554-0
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