Energy Efficiency

← Back to Home Makeover archives

Week 5

The makeover team made significant progress this week in spite of the short Labor Day holiday! We only need a couple more days to complete some painting, trim work, sealing the crawlspace vents and other punch list items.

During the intital energy audit the team discovered that the Ferrell's were doing the best they could to manage their electric bill. They kept the window blinds closed and the drapes pulled in order to stop the sun's intense radiant heat from entering the home. Today, closing blinds and drapes is not necessary due to the energy efficient WeatherBarr windows and the Larson energy efficient storm doors that have been installed.

The team used a box blade to repair the lawn which was disturbed while installing the Geothermal header ditch. By next summer, you won't even know there are three geothermal loops in that location.

Wilco Siding and Gutters from Hopewell finished installing the foam-backed vinyl siding. Doing so completes an encapsulating thermal and moisture barrier consisting of foam insulation. Also, gutters were installed to divert water away from the perimeter of the home. Water diversion will help keep the crawlspace dry.

Repairs to the hallway ceiling were made and painting is complete. The ceilings in the main living and dining area were repainted to look like new.

The wood-burning fireplace is gone and the firewood has been given away. A backup generator was provided in the unlikely event of an extensive power outage. A GenerLink safety connection system was installed into the meter socket. The GenerLink provides a quick, easy and extremely safe connection method for hooking up backup generators to residential dwellings. Using a GenerLink protects both the homeowner and electric cooperative personnel from generator back-feed. They also eliminate the need for an expensive transfer switch. Visit www.generlink.com for more details.

After this week, we’ll be ready to bring in our team of Building Performance Institute building analysts for a final comprehensive audit. They will complete the final interior caulking and sealing package, blower door and duct blaster test. The final performance testing is scheduled for Sept. 23.