Keyword Exclusive - More energy savings tips
by: Patrice D. Bucciarelli
Supplement to “Kentucky Living 2009 Energy Guide”
Calculate your home’s energy costs
What is a blower door test?
Kentucky’s electric co-op incentive
Insulation installation
What is Manual J residential load calculation?
Solar water heater financing
Energy efficiency resource listing
CALCULATE YOUR HOME'S ENERGY COSTS
Calculating energy consumption reflected in electric bills is a good first step toward becoming an informed energy consumer.
The Home Energy Calculator is a useful tool for consumers interested in estimated residential energy costs.
Typical example
A single-story home:
• built from 1999 to the present
• with double-pane windows
• with average air leaks
• with 4 occupants
• with 2,000 sq. ft. to be heated/cooled
• using electric heat set at 68 degrees
• using electric cooling set at 78 degrees
• using electricity to power:
-a water heater operating on medium setting
-1 big-screen TV
-all incandescent lighting
-1 refrigerator (pre-1993 model)
-cooking appliances
-automatic dishwasher
-clothes washer
-clothes dryer
Estimated cost annually: $3,299
Estimated cost monthly: $275
Estimates are not intended to be exact, and will vary according to a home’s structure, age of appliances, window types, air leak presence, and per kilowatt-hour costs in your area. Still, the calculator is useful for getting a snapshot estimate of your home’s energy costs.
Do your own calculations by going online to:
http://bluegrass.apogee.net/homesuite/calcs/rescalc/
Click on the TV Calculator to determine plasma, LCD, and standard television energy use, too.
NOTE: This software program works only with Internet Explorer.
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WHAT IS A BLOWER DOOR TEST?
A blower door test is the most effective way to discover air leaks in your home. It is especially useful in detecting air leaks in ductwork. Blower door tests are generally performed by professional energy specialists as part of an energy checkup or audit.
Types of tests
Uncalibrated blower door tests
Equipment:
• A large variable-speed fan with flexible side mounts installed into the frame of an exterior door
• A gauge to determine differences in indoor and outdoor pressure
How it works
• The fan pulls out indoor air and lowers inside home pressure
• The gauges measure the amount of air the fan extracts from the home
Objective
• To detect air leaks in the home
Calibrated blower door tests
Equipment
• A large variable-speed fan with flexible side mounts installed into the frame of an exterior door
• Gauges to determine differences in indoor and outdoor pressure
• A meter and hose to determine airflow
How it works
• The fan pulls out indoor air and lowers inside home pressure
• The gauges measure the amount of air the fan extracts from the home
Objective
• To find air leaks
• To determine a home’s overall tightness
Differences between calibrated and uncalibrated blower door tests
• Uncalibrated blower door tests can only detect air leaks.
• Calibrated blower door tests use multiple gauges to collect detailed data for computerized analysis. Professional energy specialists can use this information to quantify air leakage amounts and the effectiveness of air-sealing procedures.
Costs vary
To learn more
Your electric co-op cannot recommend a specific professional energy specialist, but it can provide a list of people who provide services in your area.
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KENTUCKY'S ELECTRIC CO-OP INCENTIVES
Electric cooperatives are also helping consumers improve energy efficiency through loan programs as well as rebates on a wide variety of equipment and energy-efficiency programs.
Utility Loan Program Salt River Electric Home Comfort Loan
Provides financing for:
Energy-efficient heat pumps
Electric thermal storage heater
Geothermal heating/cooling systems--6.7 percent interest rate for up to 5 years
Contact:
Customer Service, Salt River Electric
Bardstown, KY
(502) 348-3931
www.srelectric.com
Utility Loan Program
South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative For details contact:
Customer Service, South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation
Somerset, KY
(606) 678-4121 (800) 264-5112
www.skrecc.com
TVA Partner Utilities
Energy Right Heat Pump Loan Program
Promotes installation of energy-efficient heat pump systems Loan amounts and terms vary
Contact:
Ginger Lawyer, Tennessee Valley Authority
Energy Right Program
Nashville, TN (615) 232-6000
E-mail: gglawyer@tva.gov
www.energyright.com
UTILITY REBATE PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
Bluegrass Energy Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Incentives/rebates
Up to $200 for adding insulation or replacing windows
Up to $150 for duct sealing
Contact:
Roy Honican, Blue Grass Energy Cooperative
Nicholasville, KY
(859) 885-2162 (888) 546-4243
www.bgenergy.com
Clark Energy Cooperative Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Incentives/rebates
Up to $400 for weatherization measures
$100 for geothermal heat pumps
$100 for air source heat pumps
Contact:
Marketing Services, Clark Energy
Winchester, KY
(800) 992-3269 (859) 744-4251
E-mail: lhatton@clarkenergy.com
www.clarkenergy.com
Farmers RECC Residential Insulation Rebate Program
Incentives/rebates
Free energy checkup
Up to $200, depending on energy saved
Contact:
Energy Advisor,
Farmers RECC Glasgow, KY
(270) 651-2191 or (800) 253-2191 www.farmersrecc.com
Grayson Rural Electric Cooperative Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Incentives/rebates
Up to $400 for insulation upgrade, depending on energy savings
$100 for water heater upgrade
Contact:
Kim Bush
Grayson Rural Electric Cooperative
Grayson, KY
(606) 474-2125 (606) 474-5136
E-mail: custservice@graysonrecc.com
www.graysonrecc.com/
Jackson Energy Cooperative Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Incentives/rebates
Utility rebate program
Amounts vary
Contact:
Jackson Energy Cooperative
McKee, KY
(606) 364-1000 (800) 262-7480
E-mail: karencombs@jacksonenergy.com
www.jacksonenergy.com
Nolin RECC Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Incentives/rebates
Geothermal heat pump $300 for existing homes
Air source heat pumps $100 for existing homes
Insulation, windows, and doors up to $600, depending on energy saved
Contact:
Todd Drake, Nolin Rural Electric Cooperative
Elizabethtown, KY
(270) 765-6153
E-mail: tdrake@nolinrecc.com
www.nolinrecc.com
Owen Electric Cooperative Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Incentives/rebates
Geothermal heat pump $300
Air source heat pump $100
Electric water heater $100, 50 gallon or greater, .90 efficiency rating
*Equipment qualifications apply
Contact:
Customer Service, Owen Electric Cooperative
Owenton, KY
(800) 372-7612
E-mail: owenbill@owenelectric.com
Pennyrile Electric Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Incentives/Rebates
$50 to $200 for heat pumps for existing homes
$50 for water heaters for existing homes
* Equipment qualifications apply
Contact:
Customer Service Pennyrile Electric
Hopkinsville, KY
(270) 886-2555 (800) 297-4710
www.precc.com
Salt River Electric Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Incentives/rebates
For existing homes:
$100 for water heater conversion from gas system
$200 for electric heat pump or geothermal system conversion from gas system
$200 for electric heat pump to replace low-efficiency electric system
Contact:
Customer Service, Salt River Electric Cooperative
Bardstown, KY
(502) 348-3931
www.srelectric.com/
South Kentucky RECC Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Incentives/rebates
Air source heat pumps
Caulking/weatherstripping
Duct/air sealing
Insulation
Geothermal heat pumps
*Amounts vary
Contact:
Customer Service, South Kentucky RECC
Somerset, KY (606) 678-4121 (800) 264-5112
www.skrecc.com
Taylor County RECC Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Incentives/rebates
Insulation up to $400 per home
Air source heat pumps $200
Geothermal heat pumps $200
*Equipment qualifications apply
Contact:
Customer Service, Taylor County RECC
Campbellsville, KY
(270) 465-4101 (800) 931-4551
www.tcrecc.com/
TVA Partner Utilities Energy Right Water Heater Rebate Program
Incentives/rebates
For electric water heaters, 30 gallons or more, $50
Contact your electric co-op for specific details
Or contact:
Ginger Lawyer, Tennessee Valley Authority
Energy Right Program
Nashville, TN 37229
(615) 232-6000
E-mail: gglawyer@tva.gov
www.energyright.com
• Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency online at www.dsireusa.org/incentives and scroll down to “Kentucky” listings to learn more about these and other incentives.
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INSULATION, INSULATION!
Fiberglass batts
What you need
• Fiberglass batt insulation
• Protective eyewear
• A razor knife—also known as a utility knife
• Work gloves
Here’s how
• Use utility knife to cut batt to fit into spaces between studs in attic walls, knee walls, and ceilings
• Fit insulation as tightly as possible into those spaces
Fiberglass loose-fill or cellulose
Must be blown in using an insulation blowing machine (available on loan from home improvement retailers)
What you need
• Insulation material for the number of bags necessary to achieve desired R-value
• General recommended installation is between 12 and 14 inches to achieve R-value of 38 or higher
• Insulation blower machine
• Operating instructions are available from home improvement retailer personnel where equipment is available on loan
• Protective eyewear • Gloves
Spray-on foam insulation
• Generally must by installed by a professional dealer or installer
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WHAT IS A MANUAL J RESIDENTIAL LOAD CALCULATION?
It is critical that your new heating and cooling equipment be matched appropriately to your overall house size and several other criteria.
A Manual J residential load calculation allows your heating contractor to determine the correct size of equipment necessary to efficiently heat and cool your home.
Contractors perform the calculation by measuring your home’s:
• R-value
• Number of square inches of glass
• The interior cubic square footage
• Ductwork size
• Number of returns
Calculations are derived from measurements taken in:
• Basement or crawlspace
• First floor • Second floor
• Square footage of exterior walls
Computer software then determines appropriate equipment sizes based on these measurements. Manual J—so-called because contractors consulted a manual for measurement values prior to software development—reports are used to ensure heating and cooling equipment is neither too large nor too small to achieve desired indoor temperatures efficiently and cost effectively.
Before purchasing new heating and cooling equipment, energy specialists recommend that Manual J tests be performed:
• After identifying and sealing home air leaks
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SOLAR WATER HEATER FINANCING
Special financing for installing a solar water heating system is available to eastern Kentucky residents through the Kentucky Solar Partnership.
Program offers
Low-cost loans for solar water heater equipment and installation.
Loans may provide 100 percent financing of equipment and labor costs.
Approved loans require a 5 percent down payment.
To qualify
Solar collectors must be Solar Rating and Certification Corp. (SRCC) rated.
Kentucky counties being served
Loan applicants must reside in participating counties, including:
Adair
Bath
Bell
Boyd
Breathitt
Carter
Casey
Clark
Clay
Clinton
Cumberland
Edmonson
Elliott
Estill
Fleming
Floyd
Garrard
Green
Greenup
Harlan
Hart
Jackson
Johnson
Knott
Knox
Laurel
Lawrence
Lee
Leslie
Letcher
Lewis
Lincoln
McCreary
Madison
Magoffin
Martin
Menifee
Monroe
Montgomery
Morgan
Owsley
Perry
Pike
Powell
Pulaski
Rockcastle
Rowan
Russell
Wayne
Whitley
Wolfe
For details, contact:
Solar Water Heater Loan Program Kentucky Solar Partnership
Frankfort, KY 40601
(888) 576-6527
Fax: (606) 256-2779
E-mail: solar@kysolar.org
www.kysolar.org
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY RESOURCE LISTING
Your local energy cooperative has a wealth of energy saving tips to help you reduce energy bills and increase indoor comfort levels.
Kentucky’s electric distribution cooperatives
(If you are an electric co-op member, then one of these co-ops provides your electricity.)
Big Sandy RECC
(606) 789-4095
www.bigsandyrecc.com
Blue Grass Energy Cooperative
(888) 546-4243
www.bgenergy.com
Clark Energy Cooperative
(859) 744-4251
(800) 992-3269
www.clarkenergy.com
Cumberland Valley Electric
(800) 513-2677
www.cumberlandvalley.coop
Farmers RECC
(270) 651-2191
(800) 253-2191
www.farmersrecc.com
Fleming-Mason Energy Cooperative
(606) 845-2661
(800) 464-3144
www.fmenergy.net
Grayson RECC
(606) 474-5136
www.graysonrecc.com
Hickman-Fulton Counties RECC
(270) 236-2521
(800) 633-1391
Inter-County Energy Cooperative
(859) 236-4561
(888) 266-7322
www.intercountyenergy.net
Jackson Energy Cooperative
(606) 364-1000 (800) 262-7480
www.jacksonenergy.com
Jackson Purchase Energy Corp.
(270) 442-7321
(800) 633-4044
www.jpenergy.com
Kenergy Corp.
(270) 826-3991
(800) 844-4832
www.kenergycorp.com
Licking Valley RECC
(606) 743-3179
(800) 596-6530
www.lvrecc.com
Meade County RECC
(270) 422-2162
(877) 276-5353
www.mcrecc.com
Nolin RECC
(270) 765-6153
(888) 637-4247
www.nolinrecc.com
Owen Electric Cooperative
(502) 484-3471
(800) 372-7612
www.owenelectric.com
Pennyrile Electric Cooperative
(270) 866-2555
(800) 297-4710
www.precc.com
Salt River Electric Cooperative Corp.
(502) 348-3931
www.srelectric.com
Shelby Electric Cooperative
(502) 845-2845
www.shelbyenergy.com
South Kentucky RECC
(606) 678-4121
(800) 264-5122
www.skrecc.com
Taylor County RECC
(270) 465-4101
Tri-County Electric Membership Corporation
(800) 369-2111
www.tcemc.org
Warren RECC
(270) 842-6541
(866) 441-1430 In-Home Energy Evaluation Program
www.wrecc.com
West Kentucky RECC
(270) 247-1321
www.wkrecc.com
Electric generation & transmission co-ops
Big Rivers Electric Cooperative
(270) 827-2561
www.bigrivers.com
East Kentucky Power Cooperative
(859) 744-4864
www.ekpc.com
Tennessee Valley Electric Cooperative
(731) 925-4916
(866) 925-4916
www.tennesseevalleyec.com
Other resources
The Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence
Offers energy saving tips for homeowners and information about renewable energy topics.
(502) 564-7192
(800) 282-0868
www.energy.ky.gov/dre3/efficiency/kyenergyhome.htm
To learn more about Kentucky’s solar initiative and incentives:
Kentucky Solar Partnership
(502) 227-4562
(888) 576-6527
www.kysolar.org
The United States Department of Energy (DOE) offers detailed information about everything from insulation options and how to use them, to choosing heating and cooling equipment. www.energysavers.gov
For information about Energy Star, how it works, and how appliances and other items qualify for Energy Star ratings: www.energystar.gov
To read the Kentucky Living November 2009 feature that goes along with this supplement, go to Kentucky Living 2009 Energy Guide.
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