Retrofitting a 1960s Split-Level, Cold-Climate Home
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
National programs such as Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® and numerous other utility air-sealing programs have made homeowners aware of the benefits of energy-efficiency retrofits. Yet these programs tend to focus only on the low-hanging fruit: they recommend air sealing the thermal envelope and ductwork where accessible, switching to efficient lighting and low-flow fixtures, and improving the efficiency of mechanical systems (though insufficient funds or lack of knowledge to implement these improvements commonly prevent the implementation of these higher cost upgrades). At the other end of the spectrum, various utilities across the country are encouraging deep energy retrofit programs. Although deep energy retrofits typically seek 50% energy savings, they are often quite costly and are most applicable to gut-rehab projects. A significant potential for lowering energy use in existing homes lies between the lowhanging fruit and deep energy retrofit approaches—retrofits that save approximately 30% in energy compared to the pre-retrofit conditions. The energy-efficiency measures need to be nonintrusive so the retrofit projects can be accomplished in occupied homes.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Building Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC36-08GO28308; KNDJ-0-40342-05
- OSTI ID:
- 1215299
- Report Number(s):
- NREL/SR-5500-64353; DOE/GO-102015-4691
- Resource Relation:
- Related Information: Work performed by Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB), Norwalk, Connecticut
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CARB
Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings
SWA
Steven Winter Associates
residential
Residential Buildings
Building America
retrofit
1960 split level
cold climate
non-intrusive
30% energy savings
utility bill validation
dense-packed cellulose
closed-cell spray polyurethane foam
insulating from exterior
air barrier
moisture control layers
thermal barrier
improved comfort