Homeowner Takeaways from this Hanover BGE Energy Audit

• Rodent Infestation: Not detected
• Crawl Space: Not applicable
• Attic: Needs insulation improvements and air sealing throughout

Long-Term Problems if Left Unchecked

• Persistent hot and cold spots
• Increased energy bills due to inefficiency
• Ineffective heating and cooling, leading to higher HVAC wear and tear

Recommendations for this Hanover homeowner included:

By implementing these recommendations—improving insulation, sealing air leaks and ducts, and enhancing ventilation—you will transform your Hanover split-foyer home into a more comfortable and energy-efficient haven. Addressing these issues will not only reduce your energy bills but also create a healthier, more sustainable living environment for your family..

• Air Sealing:

  • Current leakage: 2130 CFM50
  • Recommended reduction: 1704 CFM50
  • Benefits:
    • Increased Comfort: Reduces drafts and uneven temperatures, creating a more comfortable indoor environment.
    • Energy Savings: Decreases energy loss, leading to lower heating and cooling costs.

• Insulation:

  • Attic: Increase to R-49
    • Benefits:
      • Improved Temperature Regulation: Better insulation helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
      • Reduced Energy Costs: More efficient insulation reduces the need for heating and cooling, cutting energy bills.
  • Rim Joist: Insulate with fiberglass batt
    • Benefits:
      • Enhanced Comfort: Improves the thermal boundary, reducing drafts and cold spots near the floor.
      • Energy Efficiency: Minimizes heat loss at the rim joist, enhancing overall home energy efficiency.
  • Cantilevers: Add high-density foam insulation
    • Benefits:
      • Eliminates Thermal Bypasses: Ensures insulation continuity, preventing hot and cold spots.
      • Improved Comfort: Reduces temperature fluctuations in the overhanging floors, enhancing comfort.

• Ducts: Seal and insulate to improve airflow and efficiency

  • Benefits:
    • Improved Air Quality: Sealed ducts prevent contaminants from entering the HVAC system, improving indoor air quality.
    • Enhanced HVAC Efficiency: Properly insulated and sealed ducts reduce energy loss, making the heating and cooling system more efficient.

• Water Heater: While no specific recommendations were made for temperature adjustment in this report, lowering the temperature to 120°F generally has the following benefits:

  • Benefits:
    • Energy Savings: Reduces the energy required to heat the water.
    • Safety: Lowers the risk of scalding, ensuring a safer home environment.

• Ventilation: Install mechanical and local ventilation for improved air quality

  • Benefits:
    • Improved Indoor Air Quality: Ensures a steady supply of fresh air, reducing indoor air pollutants.
    • Energy Efficiency: Proper ventilation helps manage moisture levels and reduces the load on heating and cooling systems.

Potential Energy Savings with Improvements

• Air Sealing:
  • Reduction in air leakage from 2130 CFM50 to 1704 CFM50
  • Estimated annual savings: $37.06
• Attic Insulation:
  • Increase insulation to R-49
  • Estimated annual savings: $65.85
• Rim Joist Insulation:
  • Insulate with fiberglass batt
  • Estimated annual savings: $13.53
• Cantilever Insulation:
  • Add high-density foam insulation
  • Estimated annual savings: $5.72
• Duct Insulation and Sealing:
  • Insulate and seal ducts
  • Estimated annual savings: $20.12
• Water Heater Temperature Adjustment:
  • No specific savings estimated in the report, but generally expected to lower costs.

Potential Energy Savings with Improvements:

• Air Sealing:
  • Reduction in air leakage from 3261 CFM50 to 2282 CFM50
  • Estimated annual savings: $38.97
• Attic Insulation:
  • Increase insulation to R-49
  • Estimated annual savings: $38.42
• Kneewalls Insulation:
  • Add fiberglass batt and air barrier to R-13
  • Estimated annual savings: $4.48
• Crawl Space Insulation:
  • Seal and insulate, add foam insulation
  • Estimated annual savings: $11.74
• Duct Insulation:
  • Insulate to R-10
  • Estimated annual savings: $20.12
• Water Heater Temperature Adjustment:
  • Adjust to 120°F
  • Estimated annual savings: $21.81