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Mass Save whole house energy audit

Discussion in 'Everything Else (off topic)' started by raybonz, Oct 1, 2017.

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  1. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    Recently we had the Mass Save energy audit done on our home and below is what was done:

    The good:
    • Replaced all incandescent and CFL lamps in and around my home (not supposed to replace CFL's because they meet the guidelines but they did anyways). This included 5 3-way lamps and candelabra based ceiling fan lamps too.
    • Replaced both of my heating thermostats with Honeywell 5-2 setback t-stats
    • Checked oil boiler FHW heating efficiency (70%)
    • Checked attic insulation and found they can add 5" of blown insulation
    • Mass Save will draft seal for free and add insulation and they pay 75%
    • We qualify for $2200.00 in heating\hot water rebates for an energy star approved system
    • Loans are interest free for 7 years
    The bad:
    • We had mold in our attic and it cost us $2200.00 to remediate (done)
    • Insulation can't be done until mold was corrected
    In the works:

    • Had 5 contractors bid on heating\hot water done
    • Insulation should be done with next 2 weeks
    • Heating system and hot water will be done by the end of this year
    • I decided to upgrade my 4 flood lights and replaced both fixtures and bought 4 90W equivalent lamps from the power company for $10.00. Installed and find they work very well and use 1/5th the energy of the old halogens
    Summary:

    If you haven't already done this I recommend having this free audit done. Reality is you already pay every month for this service. I will still burn wood but probably a little less and more as supplementary to oil.. The peace of mind is worth the price of admission..
     
    raybonz, Oct 1, 2017
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  2. SKEETER McCLUSKEY

    SKEETER McCLUSKEY

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    got the house done about 5 years ago,just applied for my 2 shops
     
    SKEETER McCLUSKEY, Oct 1, 2017
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  3. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    Sounds like quite a project Ray.
     
    Backwoods Savage, Oct 1, 2017
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  4. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    Yes it has kept us busy but the goal is to be worry free when retirement comes around.. With an energy efficient system heating system heating with wood and oil makes sense to me.. Energy efficiency has always been important to me.. If you can get a free energy audit it takes around 4 hrs. and will cost you nothing.. Well worth the time!
     
    raybonz, Oct 1, 2017
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  5. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    Thats great Ray. What was the cause of mold, roof leak, lack of insulation...?

    We had ours done a few years back with the blower door test. The air sealing made a huge difference and they sealed up a few places in the basement to the first floor wall space. They added insulation to the attic.

    I replaced the recessed cans in the kitchen with the plug in led's with foam gasket so no more air leaks up through the cans. They were remodeling cans and not sealed.
     
    fishingpol, Oct 1, 2017
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  6. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    I'm going to look into the rebates for the wicked smaht thermostats soon. Also interested in an automatic boiler reset to manage the boiler temp on milder days. That alone can be 10%+ savings I've read.
     
    fishingpol, Oct 1, 2017
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  7. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    Think it was caused by a 2nd floor heating pipe that burst years ago and possibly condensation caused by some ice damming? They will be installing, 5" of blown insulation, 50 Propavents plus some insulation damming and adding a roof flapper vent plus installing insulated vent hoses too.. Also replacing weather stripping.. My cost $445.00.. Great deal!
     
    raybonz, Oct 1, 2017
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  8. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    Boiler reset is a big energy saver Jon.. Looking at Buderus boiler and Riello burner with SuperStor 45 gallon indirect hot water tank here..
     
    raybonz, Oct 1, 2017
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  9. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    That is good. Especially propa vents to keep the air flow going.
     
    fishingpol, Oct 1, 2017
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  10. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    My understanding is during warmer weather the boiler reset will adjust the boiler temp from ~180 degrees to ~120 degrees.. BTW the Superstor SS tank only loses 1/2 degree per hr. plus lifetime warranty..
     
    raybonz, Oct 1, 2017
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  11. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    Wow. Is the boiler reset a standard feature on new boilers? I think they run the circulator for a bit longer too with lower water temp.
     
    fishingpol, Oct 1, 2017
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  12. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    Well for the Buderus boiler it is part of an option called Logamatic 2107.. The savings can be significant plus enhanced boiler life.. I have done loads of research..
     
    raybonz, Oct 1, 2017
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  13. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    Boiler replacement will be coming down the pike for me in the next year or so.
     
    fishingpol, Oct 1, 2017
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  14. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    My boiler is 30 years old and I have until the end of the year to qualify for $2200.00 ($1700.00 for boiler early replacement plus $500.00 for DHW) in rebates so I am doing this now.. Goes away at the end of the year..
     
    raybonz, Oct 1, 2017
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  15. fishingpol

    fishingpol

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    Mine is close to that vintage. Simple and trouble free. I just changed the Extrol expansion tank from 1998.o_O Still good but really was due.
     
    fishingpol, Oct 1, 2017
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  16. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    I replaced my expansion tank a few years ago.. (3rd time).. They last at least 5 years.. I have done most repairs myself however the boiler will not last forever..
     
    raybonz, Oct 1, 2017
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  17. savemoney

    savemoney

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    I had my heating system completely replaced. Went from forced hot air (oil) to baseboard hot water (propane) 95% efficient. Didn't get the Maine rebate because the plumber we hired was not enrolled in their program. However, he charged us a whole lot less than we could have had it done by the companies who have enrollment in the program. My old furnace worked and ran like new, but it took up too much space. Plus, I needed to get rid of that ductwork for the remodel. No regrets on spending the money. All the interior is now new. All the plumbing and all the appliances and fixtures. All the inside walls, floors and ceilings are new in this living space and much of it is new upstairs.
     
    savemoney, Oct 1, 2017
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  18. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    This is also a good option and this deal on ebay is very good..

    Taco SR501-OR-4 Zone Switching Relay | eBay
     
    raybonz, Oct 1, 2017
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  19. Canadian border VT

    Canadian border VT

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    replaced my boiler with buderus 10 years ago dhw and bhw thing has been dead on reliable! still tests at 89% efficiency and oil isn't supposed to get that high.. only burn 300 gallon hho a year!
     
    Canadian border VT, Oct 1, 2017
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  20. raybonz

    raybonz Moderator

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    Excellent! Are you using regular controls ? Do you have an outdoor reset controller?
     
    raybonz, Oct 1, 2017
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