Residential Comfort Tactics: Recent Episodes
Eric Gans -Certified Home Energy Auditor
Ways to make your house more comfortable! We broadcast information and ideas to homeowners that are interested in learning about building science principles, how to save energy at home and the keys to better home comfort. We all live in buildings that are usually uncomfortable and use up too much energy. Get expert guidance . Find your pathway. Learn - in easy to understand ways - how to tighten up your home and take advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act coming in 2023 and on...
This podcast episode from "Home Comfort Tactics" delves into the story of a homeowner in Rockville, MD, named Alex, who faced a perplexing condensation issue in their new home. Despite numerous consultations with experts, the problem persisted, causing discomfort and energy inefficiency.
The host, an experienced energy auditor, was approached to help resolve this "Dew Point Dilemma." Through a detailed inspection involving an energy audit and the use of cutting-edge technology, the host uncovered several issues contributing to the problem, including poor insulation, unsealed air leaks, and a significant temperature clash near a bay window that led to excessive condensation.
The resolution involved upgrading insulation, sealing air leaks, bridging the temperature gap, and reducing indoor humidity levels, aligning with recommendations from Energy Star and Pepco. This comprehensive approach led to a remarkable transformation in the home's comfort and energy efficiency, resulting in a 43% reduction in air leakage and about a 40% decrease in gas usage compared to the previous year.
The episode highlights the importance of perseverance, technology, and professional audits in solving home comfort issues, encouraging listeners facing similar problems to seek a professional energy audit.
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In this episode of Home Comfort Tactics, we dive into the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEEHR) program, a cornerstone of the Inflation Reduction Act to make homes more energy-efficient. We explore how the program's $4.5 billion fund is helping low- and moderate-income households afford crucial upgrades like heat pumps, electric stoves, and insulation through point-of-sale rebates. Through the story of Emily, a single mom looking to replace her water heater, we illustrate the program's impact and straightforward application process, emphasizing its role in fostering a greener, more equitable future.
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What you may find a little different about my approach to explaining the Inflation Reduction Act HOMES Rebate program is that I try remembering when I was a homeowner and a window contractor. I did not know or understand anything about the whole-house approach or how it could change how I think about comfort and energy use in my home.
When some of the critical concepts started to click for me, I was blown away by it all, and I got excited about finding ways to explain it to others. Most of the time, people are intrigued by it all, and it makes so much sense to them. I go into households regularly where the homeowners have lived there for years, sometimes decades, and the problems leading to their struggles were less than $1000 to fix.
You can learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act. It is not only about the rebates for homeowners to upgrade insulation but also about how it will change how you look at the inside of your home. Whole house assessments, the many working parts of your home to keep you safe and comfortable, and how and where you should improve insulation. These things will not only come to the forefront, but they will bring a wave of enlightenment as we all begin the journey of understanding how to all do our part to fight against climate change.
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Overview of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376):
Two years ago, the United States government introduced the Inflation Reduction Act, a bold move with a whopping $8.8 billion earmarked specifically for Home Energy Rebates.
It is a significant investment in Home Energy Rebates and should highlight the importance of getting these improvements made to your home.
I provide you with an introduction of two major programs: the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEEHR).
You can find more information here: https://hometrustremodeling.com/the-amazing-new-bill
Source:
"Residential Rebates in the Inflation Reduction Act" Fact Sheet, December 2023.
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Thank you for listening!
If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.
Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home Performance
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I am a Certified Energy Auditor in Maryland. I have had several revelations over the past several years, and this important one is about replacement windows. I am a contractor and a homeowner who fixates on personal comfort in my living space.
I like to share my experiences with home comfort and remodeling so that you can make decisions that are light years ahead of my own!
Despite my initial belief that replacing windows and HVAC systems would improve home comfort and energy efficiency, these changes did not yield the expected results.
In 2012, I noticed that several window companies in my area were being fined for falsely advertising energy savings.
My first big realization came when I learned that windows accounted for only 10 percent of a home's air leakage during my Energy Auditor certification in 2017.
I became a home energy auditor and conducted an audit in 2018 where the homeowner believed drafty windows were the issue. However, the blower door test revealed that the windows were not the primary source of air leakage.
Considering a comprehensive energy assessment before investing in window replacements would be best.
00:00 Home Comfort Starts with Listening to This Story
00:27 New House & New Window Replacement Job
00:46 My Own Comfort Journey Was Long
02:11 Replacement Windows Were Not the Answer
03:36 Building Science is the REAL DEAL
04:41 She Swore Her Windows Were the Issue
06:51 Everything You Need to Know About Replacement Windows
If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.
Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home Performance
If you are looking to join a growing community of energy auditors, please visit our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384354076839150
Here is a group for homeowners looking for more information about the Inflation Reduction Act Rebates https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesrebatesprograminfo
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If you live in Maryland and want to learn more about the insulation R-values you need in the different areas of your home, this video podcast can help. You need to measure insulation through a slightly different lens. Rather than focusing on which insulation is better, achieving the recommended R-value for specific areas of your home's shell is more critical.
There are two essential things to familiarize yourself with regarding R-value.
First, the R-Value in "Lay" Terms. We measure insulation by its R-value. Insulation has one job - to resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation resists heat transfer.
00:00 Introduction
01:29 Two Things to Remember About R-Values
02:17 Getting an Insulation ROI
04:04 Insulation's Seasonal Responsibilities
05:00 Typical Boundary (Insulation) Locations Around a Home
07:43 Should You Remove Existing Insulation?
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Getting a home energy audit is one of those things that many do not fully comprehend the benefits of until the assessment is complete. At that time, a well-trained energy consultant will be able to walk you around your home and illuminate issues that you have likely been walking right past for many weeks, months, or in some cases YEARS! Don't wait any longer and empower yourself TODAY to make your home more efficient, sustainable, and comfortable.
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Continue your journey to better home comfort with part two of my fall bucket list of things you can do to make your home more comfortable.
I have helped hundreds of Maryland homeowners attain a better quality of life regarding their home comfort.
This podcast's mission is to break through to homeowners and help shape a new way to think about your living space, which can transform your quality of life.
I know because I went through the process myself and can honestly say it has helped us. But I absolutely would not have been able to do it without the knowledge, and that is what I want to pass on to you.
- & 7. Get an energy audit this fall along with an assessment of your HVAC ducts
- & 9. Go for full crawl space encapsulation and air seal/insulate your attic all the way!
- Block, seal and insulate overhangs around your home.
00:00 Introduction and Recap
01:28 #6 & #7 - The Grant Family Energy Audit
06:03 #8 & #9 - My Personal Journey Towards a More Comfortable Home
11:26 #10 Properly Seal and Insulate Overhangs Around Your Home
If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.
Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home Performance
If you are looking to join a growing community of energy auditors, please visit our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384354076839150
Here is a group for homeowners looking for more information about the Inflation Reduction Act Rebates https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesrebatesprograminfo
Learn more at homeairleakagetest.com
Watch this stuff on YouTube
Start your journey to better home comfort with my fall bucket list of things you can do to make your home more comfortable.
I have helped hundreds of Maryland homeowners attain a better quality of life regarding their home comfort.
This podcast's mission is to break through to homeowners and help shape a new way to think about your living space, which can transform your quality of life.
I know because I went through the process myself and can honestly say it has helped us. But I absolutely would not have been able to do it without the knowledge, and that is what I want to pass on to you.
- seal up open crawl vents
- seal can lights from the attic or install LED kits from inside
- make sure the flue in fire place is closed when not in use
- seal/insulate the open areas of the basement rim joist
- add insulation and weatherstrip to you attic access points
Learn more at homeairleakagetest.com
Watch this stuff on YouTube
We learn to get to the root of the problem in grade school, and it can apply to many aspects of our lives including issues around the house that don't get the correct diagnosis and reappear. I used this podcast episode to touch on a few key points related to a recent situation that unfolded between May and June 2023. The homeowner in Rockville Maryland had drywall tape peeling at the turn of the season (colder to warmer), which was happening year after year. He was fed up with the problem this time after remodeling the bathroom and hoping the problem had been fixed. He decided to have one firm out that chose not to do the complete energy audit and as a result, also misdiagnosed the issue...almost sending the customer down another wrong path. Luckily, he called me, and I insisted on the energy audit. The systematic approach of a comprehensive energy audit is what this home needed. Although the problem was complex, it makes much sense why it would not go away.
00:00 Introduction Case of the Peeling Drywall Tape
00:23 Ready to Try Something New: Enter The Energy Audit
01:08 Confirming the Root Cause First-Hand
01:48 Full Description of the Reason for the Issue
02:28 The Improvements - Repair-Air Seal-Correctly Insulate
02:52 Got a Problem You Need Help With? eric@hometrustremodeling.com
If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.
Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home Performance
If you are looking to join a growing community of energy auditors, please visit our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384354076839150
Learn more at homeairleakagetest.com
Watch this stuff on YouTube
We learn to get to the root of the problem in grade school, and it can apply to many aspects of our lives including issues around the house that don't get the correct diagnosis and reappear. I used this podcast episode to touch on a few key points related to a recent situation that unfolded between May and June 2023. The homeowner in Rockville Maryland had drywall tape peeling at the turn of the season (colder to warmer), which was happening year after year. He was fed up with the problem this time after remodeling the bathroom and hoping the problem had been fixed. He decided to have one firm out that chose not to do the complete energy audit and as a result, also misdiagnosed the issue...almost sending the customer down another wrong path. Luckily, he called me, and I insisted on the energy audit. The systematic approach of a comprehensive energy audit is what this home needed. Although the problem was complex, it makes a lot of sense as to why it would not go away.
00:00 Introduction Case of the Peeling Drywall Tape
00:23 Ready to Try Something New: Enter The Energy Audit
01:08 Confirming the Root Cause First-Hand
01:48 Full Description of the Reason for the Issue
02:28 The Improvements - Repair-Air Seal-Correctly Insulate
02:52 Got a Problem You Need Help With? eric@hometrustremodeling.com
If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.
Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home Performance
If you are looking to join a growing community of energy auditors, please visit our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384354076839150
Learn more at homeairleakagetest.com
Watch this stuff on YouTube
I will tell you right now - this study proves that you should not replace your windows if you want to make your home more comfortable! This study shows that replacement windows only reduce drafts by 6% compared with other, less expensive retrofit plans, including sealing the attic and other important places like the top of the foundation wall in a basement or crawl space.
I am a former window contractor, and it was exciting to have an excellent opportunity to test this Silver Spring home in three stages of improvements to the envelope or shell of the house.
I tested before any work was done. Then, I tested after air sealing and adding insulation and then I tested again after all of the old window configurations were replaced with new, high-performance vinyl windows.
THE RESULTS WERE ASTOUNDING!
Test in: 4187 CFM
Test after air sealing attic and basement: 2042 CFM (51% Reduction)
Test after installing all new windows: 1805 CFM (6% Reduction)
00:00 A Little Background on this Window and Insulation Expert
02:29 Windows are Not the Source of Your Comfort Problems
04:07 First Air Leakage Test on House Windows January 2022
06:11 How Much do Windows Account for Air Leakage in a Typical Home?
06:38 January 2023 - Air Sealing, Insulation & New Windows in Silver Spring Maryland
08:28 Birds-Eye-View of Air Sealing an Attic
09:46 Second Air Leakage Test on House with Air Sealing & Insulation Completed May 2023
11:09 Third Air Leakage Test on House with Windows Replaced June 2023
If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.
Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home Performance
If you are looking to join a growing community of energy auditors, please visit our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384354076839150
Learn more at homeairleakagetest.com
Watch this stuff on YouTube
Air leakage in your home is the number one reason for comfort problems and high energy bills.
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Performing a home energy audit without proper testing equipment or training is not possible, however every homeowner can look for these five signs to decide if getting a comprehensive home energy audit is worth the investment.
In order to decide if you need a comprehensive home energy audit, it is helpful to have a general idea of it's overall function.
According to the EPA Local Residential Energy Efficiency website, existing residential homes typically offer several opportunities for energy efficiency improvement.
Since each home is unique due to additions, personal touches and different levels of upkeep, opportunities may differ from home to home, even within the same neighborhood.
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If you just bought a home - congrats! Chances are very high that you got a home inspection during the process, and it has a list of things you need to do to keep it up to "code". But I am willing to bet that the list lacks many essential items to make your home super cozy and energy efficient.
Here is a link to the podcast file: https://residentialcomforttactics.buzzsprout.com
Thank you for watching!
If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.
Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home Performance
Learn more at homeairleakagetest.com
Watch this stuff on YouTube
This week we discuss the importance of choosing the right energy auditor to maximize your available incentives. We touch on encapsulating your attic compared with not and some of the advantages you get - going either way. Overall, it was a fun episode with several good nuggets of information, including a little bit about roofing.
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In this episode Kyle and Eric discuss raccoons in an attic and how that can drive up an energy bill. We also get into the benefits of getting your HVAC ducts checked through a home energy audit.
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In our fourth week together, Eric and Kyle dive into the show and revisit some of the exciting things that happened to us related to Home Performance in the past week.
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Maryland homeowners turn to their HVAC contractors when the temperature inside heats up. But, it stops there after HVAC people install the machine and controls. They have very little to do with the comfort level in your home. It's a good practice to focus on the shell around your home. A well-sealed and insulated shell can play a big part in adequately controlling the climate inside your living space on a hot summer day.
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In this third podcast episode, Eric and Kyle team up to discuss how they got into the industry, which leads to healthy conversations about air sealing, blower door testing, HERS Rating, the hospitality industry, and replacement windows. Join us to talk about building science and learn new ways to think about how you improve your home.
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In this episode, we're shining a light on a little-known program that's making a big difference for Maryland homeowners. The Pepco Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program offers comprehensive energy audits and financial incentives to help homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient. Despite the program's potential to save homeowners hundreds of dollars a year on energy bills, many Maryland residents don't even know it exists. In this episode, we'll hear from a Maryland homeowner who took advantage of the program and was able to get their insulation replaced at no cost with the purchase of an efficient heat pump. We'll also share some helpful tips for homeowners looking to improve their home's energy efficiency and save money in the process. So if you're a Maryland homeowner looking to find out more about the Pepco Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program and how to maximize the incentives available to you through the program, this episode is for you!
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Fall is the time for not only pumpkin spice and raking leaves, but also to take the opportunity to button up a few key places around your home while the weather is nice.
Learn about 5 things you can do around your house to make for a more comfortable winter and save energy at the same time!
The 5 Things
- Target Recessed Lights
- Seal the Attic Floor
- Seal Ducts
- Treat the Attic Access
- Chimney Balloons
Do you have a question for Eric? Contact me directly using this link. I am here to help.
Thanks for stopping by!