energy efficiency

Beat the peak

sbradford — Tue, 31 May 2022 17:07:14 +0000

Beat the peak

June 1, 2022

Sometime soon — perhaps sometime this month, but certainly in July and August — you’re likely to see a “peak alert” notice from your electric cooperative.

It could be an email or text or it could be on social media. Whatever form that alert takes, members across the state should know that while it’s not an emergency or a shortage of electricity, it IS an opportunity for them to save money.

“As we head into the summer months and hot, humid weather, we provide our members with peak alert notifications to help raise awareness of the power grid status, especially during busy periods in the mornings and evenings,” says John Metcalf, president and CEO of Mid-Ohio Energy Cooperative in Kenton.

What’s the peak?

It’s important that consumer-members are aware of those peaks because electric rates for the entire year are based on the highest points of usage during the year, referred to as “peak demand.”

On the hottest days of the summer, when air conditioners and heat pumps across the state are often turned up full blast (it also happens during the most frigid days of winter), the demand for electricity generation inches higher. When your co-op and Buckeye Power — the generation and transmission cooperative that provides the electricity your co-op brings to its members — see that demand heading toward a new peak, they do everything they can to avoid that peak that would trigger a higher rate for the coming year.

While reducing usage during those potential peaks won’t lower rates, it will keep future bills from going higher. Kevin Zemanek, assistant vice president of operations at Buckeye Power, says beating those peaks can save the co-ops $6.5 million to $7.5 million annually.

“As much as 25% of a member’s bill can be affected by those peaks that happen in six hours of the year,” says Ben Wilson, director of power delivery engineering at Buckeye Power. “If we’re able to hold them down through our various measures, it saves the co-ops money as they purchase electricity, and of course, the not-for-profit co-ops in turn pass those savings on to their members.”

All in it together

Those peak alerts the co-op sends out are one way to “beat the peak” — asking members to voluntarily reduce their consumption. Consumer-members can help by avoiding the use of high-energy appliances such as clothes dryers, electric ovens, dishwashers, and the like during those times, or by turning the thermostat up a few degrees to run those cooling units a bit less. Turning off unneeded lights and smaller appliances, while always a good idea to reduce your electric bill, also helps during those peak alerts.

Co-ops can also decrease some of that usage themselves, by controlling some individual water heaters or air-conditioning units. With the member’s permission, some co-ops will install a radio-controlled switch on one or both of the units, and as a potential peak approaches, Buckeye Power can send a signal that cycles those appliances on and off for a short period.

Behind the scenes

There are more than 100,000 water heaters and 15,000 A/C units around the state that members have allowed the co-op to enroll in the load management program — often in exchange for a rebate or bill credit (the programs differ around the state, so call your co-op to see if and how they participate). Most members who sign up for the program report that they have never noticed when the switching takes place.

While one remote switch on a single water heater may not make a huge difference, the overall impact of the program conserves a large amount of electricity — and saves everyone money.

“The reason we do anything is for the benefit of our members,” says Consolidated Cooperative CEO Phil Caskey. “Whether it’s load management, another rebate program, or anything else, our goals are to provide reliable service at a reasonable price and to improve the quality of life for the people we serve.”

How to use less

In times of extremely high electricity usage (usually during the hot afternoon and early evening hours in the summer), consumer-members can help reduce the overall volume and hold down future rate increases with some simple steps:

Defer tasks like doing laundry, running the dishwasher, or charging electric vehicles until after the peak alert has passed.
Use programmable thermostats, with the settings adjusted so your heating/cooling system syncs up with the off-peak rate period — or simply adjust the thermostat a few degrees upward (or downward in frigid weather).
Use automatic timers to run hot tubs, pool pumps, water heaters, and other appliances during off-peak hours.
Close window shades or curtains to keep your house cooler during the hottest parts of the day.
Take shorter showers.

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peak alerts

summer

electric grid

energy efficiency

Hello, sunshine!

sbradford — Tue, 31 May 2022 16:41:05 +0000

Hello, sunshine!

June 1, 2022

Pat O'Loughlin

Up Front

After a damp and chilly spring, most of us were more than ready for the arrival of bright days filled with warmth and sunshine. Your electric cooperative is ready for summer, too.

Every year at this time, we make sure we’re ready to keep your lights on and your air conditioning powered up — even on the hottest days of the year, when the demand for electricity is typically 20% to 30% higher than on an average summer day. In fact, the demand for electricity between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on those hottest of days can be more than double what it was just a few hours earlier. That means our power generators and distribution equipment needs to be ready for duty.

For decades, Ohio’s cooperatives have helped you save money by showing you ways to use electricity wisely and trim unnecessary demand — especially during those peak periods when systems are strained and costs are higher. It’s particularly important now, when we already can expect higher prices due to higher fuel costs.

We also recognize that because many older power plants across the country have shut down in recent years, our overall grid is more vulnerable during those peak periods. Rest assured that Ohio’s cooperatives have maintained a sufficient supply of generation to meet your needs every hour of every day of the year, but we are just a small part of the overall grid.

So when your cooperative issues a peak alert to let you know summer power is in particularly high demand, you can both save some money and keep our grid more secure by paying attention and doing even small things to reduce your usage (see our story about peak alerts here or on page 4 of the June 2022 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living).

Meanwhile, your cooperative will keep working to make sure we meet your needs. We invest in our existing power plants to make them as reliable and environmentally responsible as possible, and we’re also steadily adding new resources to our supply mix. A little later this summer, in fact, our next solar facility, located in Hancock County, will begin to contribute to powering your homes and businesses. It’s just another way we work to maintain a diverse, reliable supply of electricity to keep your lights on and your A/C cool.

Hope you all enjoy a great summer.

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Introducing the OurSolar program

hgraffice — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:30:50 +0000

Introducing the OurSolar program

May 26, 2016

Pat O'Loughlin

Up Front

Later this year, you’ll see Ohio’s electric cooperatives’ latest power generation project spring up, along with the OurSolar logo. We plan to install community solar projects in several locations around the state.

Ohio’s electric cooperatives have long supported an “all of the above” approach to power generation. We rely on traditional fossil fuel sources, such as coal and natural gas, for most of your power supply. Our generation mix also includes a diverse and growing set of renewable energy sources. Today, your cooperative receives power generated by hydroelectric facilities at Niagara Falls; wind turbines in Iowa; agricultural biodigesters; and Ohio landfills that collect methane. This year, we’ll begin to add solar-generated power to our mix.

We’ll install U.S.-manufactured solar photovoltaic panels at several cooperative locations. The OurSolar project offers solar power generation on a community basis, rather than on individual member rooftops. The community solar project approach not only reduces the cost of the project through economy of scale, but also avoids the headaches of home maintenance that rooftop solar systems can bring.

In total, we plan to add approximately one percent to our generation capacity through the OurSolar initiative. While the power generated by the project will cost more than our traditional sources, overall cost should remain relatively fixed over the expected 20-year life of the system, because it’s fueled by sunshine.

As those who live in Ohio are uniquely aware, during much of the year, solar power’s potential is somewhat limited by shorter daylight hours and cloudy skies. Over the years, however, we’ve learned that solar power provides an energy source that better matches your usage pattern, as opposed to power generated by wind.

Unfortunately, our wind turbines consistently produce twice as much power at night as during the day, while you use twice as much power during the day than you do at night. That’s a difficult problem to overcome.

Your electric cooperative will continue to work for you, providing a reliable, affordable, clean, and safe supply of electricity, both day and night.

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Here comes the sun: Bringing the power of the sun into your home

hgraffice — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:27:42 +0000

Here comes the sun: Bringing the power of the sun into your home

May 26, 2016

Mike Pramik

Power Lines

While many people endorse the benefits of solar power, the idea of their actually installing and maintaining a costly rooftop grid might never see the light of day.

Through a community solar program called OurSolar, members of Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives will soon be able to plug into the sun without the drawbacks of doing it themselves. As part of OurSolar, Buckeye Power is beginning to build new solar panel arrays at several locations around the state, bringing more emission-free energy to Ohio’s electric cooperatives.

“We know that we have lots of members who would like renewables to play a larger role in their energy supply,” says Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives Marketing Director Janet Rehberg. “This will give members the most affordable option.”

While Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives remains committed to traditional sources of power, such as coal and natural gas, the company continually seeks innovative ways to ensure a balanced approach toward energy production and generation.

“Our power portfolio reflects a growing interest in renewable energy sources,” says Ben Wilson, manager of power delivery engineering for Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives. “In addition to solar, sources include wind, hydropower, and biomass fuels.”

With a total capacity of 2.1 megawatts, the OurSolar project will become part of the diverse energy resources provided by Ohio’s electric cooperatives. Individual installations will range from 25 kilowatts to 600 kilowatts. A typical rooftop array is from 5 to 10 kilowatts.

Wilson says, “Systems will be installed at various locations across the state that offer a nice, open spot, without requiring much land; have sight to the sun; and are close to electrical facilities, so that they can be connected to the electric grid and deliver power to it.”

Wilson says that the expected cost of installation will be lower per watt than that of the typical rooftop project, averaging about half as much.

OurSolar also eliminates the drawbacks that come with installing solar panels on one’s home, such as aesthetics; high costs of installation and maintenance; and physical constraints such as trees and chimneys blocking the panels.

The first community solar system project will be in Delaware, Ohio. The entire project is expected to take a year to roll out across Ohio.

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Wash the energy waste out of your laundry

hgraffice — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:21:56 +0000

Wash the energy waste out of your laundry

May 26, 2016

Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless

Power Lines

Dear Pat: We have two kids, which means we do a lot of laundry — it never ends! What are some ways we can reduce our energy use in the laundry room? – Frank

Dear Frank: The average American family washes about 300 loads of laundry per year — all that laundry uses a lot of energy! However, there are some easy ways to reduce your energy use in the laundry room.

Consider purchasing more efficient appliances

One of the biggest changes you can make is to purchase a new ENERGY STAR®-certified washer and dryer. Washers with this certification use about 40 percent less water and 25 percent less energy than standard washers. ENERGY STAR washers can be top-loading or front-loading machines; however, front-loading machines are generally more water and energy efficient, helping offset any additional upfront costs. ENERGY STAR dryers use 20 percent less energy than standard dryers. Visit ENERGYSTAR.gov for more information about estimated water and energy use of all of their certified products.

Get out of hot water

The easiest source of energy efficiency in the laundry room is to stop using hot water. Almost 90 percent of the energy consumed by your washing machine is used to heat water — but most loads of laundry can be just as easily cleaned with cold water. Using cooler water is also easier on your clothes. If you need to use hot or warm water on a particularly dirty load of laundry, a well-insulated water heater will help decrease the costs of using warmer water.

Do fewer loads!

When possible, wash a full load of clothes. However, when you must do a smaller load of laundry, remember to adjust the water level settings on your machine.

Help your dryer out

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of drying time is to get as much water out of the clothes as possible in the washing machine — use a higher spin setting to wring the extra water out of your laundry. When you are ready to dry, remember not to overfill the dryer so there will be enough room for drying air to reach the clothes.

Use your dryer’s features

If your dryer has a moisture sensor, use it rather than guessing how long each load of laundry will need to dry. A dryer’s cool-down cycle uses the residual heat to finish drying your clothes, without using as much energy.

Dry like with like

Heavy fabrics, like towels and blankets, should be dried separately from lighter fabrics, like T-shirts. When using a dryer’s moisture sensor, the dryer will keep running until the wettest (and probably heaviest) item is dry. Rather than one towel extending the drying time for each of your loads of laundry, dry the towels together.

Live lint-free

Clean the lint trap on your dryer regularly to help air circulation. Periodically use a vacuum nozzle to clean the area under or behind the lint filter, where lint can also get caught. If you use dryer sheets, scrub the filter clean about once a month — dryer sheets can leave a film on the filter that reduces air flow.

Remember safety

Your laundry room extends from the back of the dryer, down the dryer duct, and all the way to the end of your dryer vent. Inspect your outside dryer vent regularly to make sure it is not blocked, and periodically work with a professional to clean your dryer ducts. Making sure the duct and vent are clear not only helps your dryer work more efficiently, but can also prevent a fire — more than 15,000 fires per year are sparked by clogged dryer ducts and vents. If possible, move the dryer closer to an exterior wall to shorten the length of the dryer duct and make sure the duct is as straight as possible — this helps reduce the opportunities for clogging and increases efficiency.

Use your solar-powered dryer

Going “old-fashioned” and air drying your clothes will definitely reduce your energy use! You can also tumble dry clothes until damp, then line dry them until fully dry — taking this step can prevent the “crunchy” feeling that line dried clothes can sometimes have.

There are many ways you can wash the energy waste out of your laundry routine. Try a few of these simple tips, and “load up” on the savings!

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solar power

energy efficiency

Is your ductwork delivering?

hgraffice — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 14:18:05 +0000

Is your ductwork delivering?

June 21, 2016

Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless

Power Lines

Dear Pat: I recently moved from a home with wall-mounted heaters to one with central heat and air, and a duct system. How can I ensure my ducts are working efficiently? — Carla

Dear Carla: Homes with central forced-air heating and cooling systems like furnaces, central air conditioners and heat pumps, use air ducts to deliver the conditioned (heated or cooled) air through the home. Ducts are often concealed in walls or in areas of your home you don’t go to often, like a crawlspace, so many people do not immediately think of them as an area to save energy.

You may have received flyers in the mail with offers for air-duct cleaning and claims that doing so will improve the air quality and efficiency of your home. However, duct cleaning may not always be necessary for air quality, and there is no indication that just cleaning your air ducts will improve your system’s efficiency.

Duct cleaning may be necessary if:

• There is visible mold in your duct system or there was a recent flood that caused mold or mildew in your home.

• There is something in the ductwork impeding airflow, like debris or an infestation. Major renovations or new construction can put construction debris into the duct system, so post-construction is an ideal time to consider duct cleaning.

• Your heating registers are releasing dust into the air.

• Home residents have allergies or asthma problems that have not been alleviated by other changes.

While duct cleaning may not always be necessary, regularly changing your air filters can help your heating and cooling system work more efficiently. How often you change them depends on how much your system runs, whether you have pets, and whether you periodically vacuum your air filters. For the average home, air filters should be changed four to six times a year.

Though duct cleaning may not do much for the efficiency of your systems, duct sealing is important for saving energy and lowering utility costs, particularly if your ducts are in unconditioned spaces, like a crawlspace or an uninsulated attic. In a typical home, 20 to 30 percent of heated or cooled air escapes through unsealed gaps and holes in the duct system, which can cost you money and make your home less comfortable. You wouldn’t put up with a leaking water pipe, so why should you put up with a leaking air duct?

The best way to assess the condition of your home’s ductwork is to have it tested by a professional home energy auditor who can conduct a Duct Blaster® test. If you can easily access your ducts, you might get by with a visual inspection, which will identify the larger holes and disconnections. Where ducts meet or where they connect to a heating register are common places to find leaks. A professional trained in ductwork can help you identify and fix the gaps and leaks you may not be able to see. Talk to your local electric co-op to find the right person for the job.

Once gaps and leaks have been identified, you can work to seal your ducts. Small duct leaks can be sealed with mastic, a type of caulk. Larger duct leaks and disconnections may require additional lengths of duct, mechanical fasteners, or special heat-resistant tape. Do not use duct tape — ironically, it is not designed to adhere well to ducts.

If you have ducts in unconditioned areas, like an attic or crawlspace, your ducts could be wasting energy by heating or cooling the surrounding air, even if there are no leaks in the ductwork. Insulation around the ducts can help reduce this energy loss. Consider adding insulation to the unconditioned space, such as in the attic or basement, which can further increase the efficiency and comfort of your home.

This column was co-written by Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless of Collaborative Efficiency. For more information on how to test and seal your ductwork, please visit www.collaborativeefficiency.com/energytips.

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energy efficiency

A co-op success story

hgraffice — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 13:46:45 +0000

A co-op success story

August 2, 2016

Nancy Grant

Features

Blazing hot days in August, bone-chilling cold days in February — what do those weather extremes have to do with the cost of electricity? More than the bottom line on your electric bill.

Explaining the connection is a big part of the workday for Kara Snyder, marketing and key accounts manager at Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in Oxford, about 40 miles north of Cincinnati.

At the center of Snyder’s conversations are little boxes containing radio-controlled switches that can be installed on certain kinds of water heaters and many air-conditioning systems.

“We spend a lot of time letting our members know that they can help us control our energy costs, and ultimately their own energy costs, by participating in one or both of our load management programs,” Snyder says.

During weather extremes, power grid operators use the switches to temporarily turn off power for the water heater or air conditioner, then turn it back on a while later. These slight interruptions help keep costs low for the entire co-op system, in a process called load management.

“Our members have responded and had a big impact on the outcome, which really shows the benefits of the cooperative business model,” Snyder says.

The story behind the switches

The supply of electricity must always be an exact match for the demand, which is the amount of electricity being used by all consumers at any particular time. Generating and transmitting exactly the right amount of power is a complicated job during every season because the demand for electricity goes up and down throughout each day and night and in all seasons.

Power grid operators are constantly deciding which power plants to run and how much electricity to produce. Up and down, down and up — whatever the demand, that’s how much electricity must be available.

During weather extremes, the demand for electricity, often referred to as the load, reaches a peak. As the demand goes higher and higher, and the load peaks, the cost to generate and transmit more power also goes higher.

Finding ways to keep costs down is a high priority for all electric co-ops because they operate on a not-for-profit basis, and costs must be passed on to consumers.

Buckeye Power, Ohio’s generation and transmission cooperative that provides power to the 25 electric co-ops serving Ohio, was one of the first electric utilities to get involved with managing the system load to keep costs low during winter demand peaks.

In the early 1970s, Buckeye Power developed a program that’s still used today to put radio-controlled switches on electric water heaters so they could be turned off temporarily for a few hours in the early morning and evening, and then turned back on later. Hot water stored in the tank is still available for use until the switch turns the water heater back on.

As the use of air conditioners steadily increased, Buckeye Power saw demand peaks in the summer. In 2009, the load management program was expanded to include switches for air conditioners, promoted under the name Cool Returns. During the afternoon, power is interrupted to the air conditioners for only eight to 12 minutes at a time, so homes stay comfortable.

Big savings, big benefits

Today, electric co-ops serve about 400,000 homes, businesses, and farms in 77 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Load management switches are installed on more than 100,000 water heaters and about 15,000 air conditioners.

“That’s an incredible success rate,” says Lisa Staggs Herrmann, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s manager of member and community relations. “It shows members’ commitment to holding down costs.”

And participation continues to increase, resulting in millions of dollars in reduced energy costs over the decades, says Craig Grooms, Buckeye Power’s vice president of market operations.

“Reducing demand is a very cost-effective way to limit the amount of power generation needed during peak load conditions, and that directly leads to savings for co-op members,” he says.

Nancy Grant is a member of the Cooperative Communicators Association and the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

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Weather

energy efficiency

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative

Buckeye Power

power generation

Co-ops can help members connect renewables to the grid

hgraffice — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 18:51:36 +0000

Co-ops can help members connect renewables to the grid

February 27, 2017

Jeff McCallister

Power Lines

There are lots of reasons that electric consumers may check into the possibility of generating some of their own power — after all, sunshine and wind are seemingly free, and modern technology has made it possible to use those resources at the household or building level in a way that’s never been possible.

But there’s much to consider before making that decision: economics — the real monetary potential of the system; safety — for both consumers and lineworkers trying to restore power during an outage; and reliability — ensuring a steady flow of electricity.

While installation contractors will have varying levels of expertise on those matters, your local electric cooperative has trained energy advisors on staff who are qualified to advise members when it comes to installing new systems.

“When members add these systems to their property, they need to stay connected to the grid, which means they’re still going to be members of their co-op, they’re going to get a bill from their co-op,” says Ben Wilson, manager of power delivery engineering at Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives, the power supplier and service organization for the state’s co-ops. “Our co-ops pride themselves on being experts who can educate their members on the economics and technical issues involved with these small-scale renewable interconnections. Members should take advantage of that expertise.”

Solar panels do not produce energy at night, and the wind doesn’t always blow. Short of effective and economical storage systems, which aren’t available yet, members need to remain connected to the grid. These properly interconnected generation systems allow members to power their homes or businesses with renewable energy, while still keeping the lights on using the co-op’s distribution system. Systems that are interconnected can then feed power back into the electric grid when the system produces more than the consumer needs.

Co-ops offer community solar as an alternative to interconnected systems

Small-scale renewable projects can be costly, unsightly, and potentially damaging to building structures. Consistent with cooperative principles, where doing things together is more efficient than doing things on our own, cooperatives launched a new community solar project in Ohio called OurSolar. Most electric cooperatives in Ohio offer community solar projects that members may subscribe to and thus avoid having to put up panels on their property. But the cooperative staff understands that some consumers will want to do it on their own.

That’s the reason co-op members who are interested in generation systems should contact their cooperative first. “The co-op can help you choose a system that includes the safety and power-quality components you will need to keep everyone — the members, co-op crews, and the rest of the community — safe,” Wilson says. “If a storm hits and a power outage occurs, for example, generation systems have to be able to properly disconnect from the electric grid to ensure that lineworkers are not injured or electrocuted while they’re restoring power.” As part of the process, the co-op and consumer-member will need to sign an interconnection agreement that will specify the technical aspects and financial requirements of the interconnected renewable system.

“Any member, large or small, that wants to generate and feed power back into the grid needs to understand the requirements for an interconnection,” Wilson says. “We want to support the member who wants to put 10 solar panels on a roof, the dairy operation with a large biodigester, the wind turbine at an industrial plant, and the member who simply wants renewable energy to supply a small part of their power needs without a significant financial investment. They all have interconnection requirements that make sure the delivery of power is safe and reliable.”

In addition to safety concerns, members who are interested in generation systems should contact their co-op to review applicable metering rates. When a member’s panels feed excess electricity back into the grid to be used elsewhere, their utility bill will be adjusted to reflect the additional power the system provided. Individual co-ops have their own policies and rates for how this is determined.

“The way we generate and use electricity is evolving,” Wilson says. “We want to work together with our member-owners to ensure a safe, reliable electric system. The co-op is here to help.”

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Choosing the right home air conditioner saves money and makes sense

hgraffice — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 18:22:19 +0000

Choosing the right home air conditioner saves money and makes sense

March 30, 2017

Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless

Power Lines

If you have an aging central air conditioner — even if it’s still working — it might pay off to look into replacing it sooner rather than waiting until it fails.

Replacing an inefficient AC unit with a more efficient model could significantly reduce your electric bill; new units are likely to be 20 to 40 percent more efficient than one from the 1990s. ENERGY STAR-certified systems are even more efficient. Replacing an aging system now, before summer starts, could help you avoid delays or price premiums.

How much money you save by replacing your current AC unit depends both on how often your AC runs and on your electric rate. If you’re in a hot climate and keep your home’s temperature in the low 70s, your cost of cooling will be substantial, and so will the potential savings from replacing your old unit with an efficient new one.

The best way to determine possible savings is to have an in-home assessment conducted by a qualified heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional or a certified energy auditor.

Electric co-ops are interested in reducing peak summer loads and offer information, rebates, or a list of qualified professionals. It’s a plus if the contractor has North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. Contractors should be knowledgeable about energy-efficient systems and have references.

Your contractor needs to size the system to your home. Ken Maleski, the residential advisor at Central Electric Cooperative in Pennsylvania, says a unit that is too small will not cool your home to the levels you want. If it’s too large, it may not dehumidify your home sufficiently, and it will cycle on and off more frequently, which can increase wear and tear on the system and shorten its life significantly.

In order to size the system, the contractor will need to look at the efficiency of the home by checking insulation levels. If you add insulation where it’s most needed, you may be able to install a smaller AC unit, and you should enjoy greater comfort and lower cooling costs. The HVAC contractor you hire should also assess your ductwork, which is often poorly designed, leaky, or inadequately insulated.

Replacing an aging air conditioner is a great way to improve comfort, cut energy costs, and reduce peak energy demand. Your co-op may be able to help, and you can learn a lot from the information resources available on our website and on the ENERGY STAR and energy.gov websites.

Pat Keegan and Amy Wheeless write for Collaborative Efficiency. For more information visit their website.

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energy efficiency

Windows to the world

hgraffice — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 17:35:51 +0000

Windows to the world

May 2, 2017

Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen

Power Lines

Homeowners looking to replace older, drafty windows to improve their home’s energy efficiency should examine all their options. New windows are often the most costly and least cost-effective energy efficiency investment you can make. There are, of course, sound reasons besides energy efficiency to invest in new windows, such as comfort, resale value, aesthetics, and even need.

Anyone considering window replacement should first think about end goals. If reducing energy costs is important, the investment in new windows ought to be weighed against other energy efficiency opportunities. An energy audit by a qualified professional is the best way to compare options.

Windows may not be the problem

The auditor can perform a diagnostic test to determine if old windows actually leak air. These tests often show that windows, even old ones, are not as leaky as they might seem, and that more significant air leakage happens elsewhere in the home. Storm windows or drapes can reduce heat loss (or gain) through the windows.

But if new windows are necessary, homeowners have a number of choices. Double-pane windows usually meet code, but the additional cost for triple-pane windows could be worth the investment in an area with extreme temperatures. Argon or Krypton gas between the panes also adds efficiency.

Take a look at low-E

Low-emissivity coating also can be added to the glass. “Low-e” coating reflects heat back into the interior space, which reduces heating bills and increases comfort.

The efficiency of the overall window is measured by its U-factor, which assesses the heat loss of the entire window. Lower U-factors are more efficient. The window framing material, the number of layers of glass, and the special coatings on the glass all contribute to the overall U-factor.

Another simple measure is to look for is the ENERGY STAR label. Only windows that are substantially more efficient than standard code requires receive that label.

Pay attention to the installation

Working with a professional is important. A poor installation can result in long-term damage, such as moisture problems that can create mold, mildew, and wall rot, which can prevent the window from operating properly or cause paint to peel.

Bids for new windows vary a great deal, so it’s worth requesting more than one and comparing qualifications, as well as price, for something that will change the look and comfort of your home for many years.

Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen write for Collaborative Efficiency, an energy communications company.

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energy efficiency