What is missing in this conversation is the Whole House concept of home energy conservation. There are 5 basic steps for new and existing homes that need to be accomplished before we look at alternative energy sources:
1.) Tight building envelope - If your home leaks you are paying to heat and cool your neighborhood. Caulking or air-sealing all of the penetrations in the skin of your home is, usually without acception, the first step towards a healthy efficient home.
2.) Ducts in conditioned space - Duct leakage commonly is responsible for 15% of your energy bills. Sealing crawlspaces and attics will bring the HVAC system within the conditioned space. Energy loss is reduced because, even if the air handling system leaks it is in the house not outside.
3.) Insulation - Super insulation (R-50 Attic, R-30 Walls) is a tested and time proven method. There have been homes built in this fashion for over 40 years that are still models of comfort and efficiency.
4.) Good quality windows and doors - We tend to have more, bigger windows than we really need. Older homes with single pane and metal attached storms are good opportunities for window replacement. New homes can be designed with double pane, gas filled low "E" glass that is very efficient.
5.) Make-up air - This is an important piece of the Whole House puzzle. This is the home's source for fresh air. Most homes today leak enough to provide sufficient air changes per hour (ACH) , trouble is they loose energy in the process. A really efficient, tight home is no longer voluntarily ventilated and needs a filtered, controlled air change system. There are several methods to accomplish this. The best of them exchange out going air temperature with incoming air and are over 90% efficient.
Once these steps are completed Solar and Geothermal become a more reasonable proposition. The home's energy needs are greatly reduced and the system size and cost can be reduced as well. Using a trained energy rater to help you through this process will guarantee a safe, healthy and efficient home.
