Answer
Aug 04, 2020 - 08:15 AM
Such large home projects provide excellent opportunity for efficiency improvement through wall, attic and basement insulation and closing of air leaks. Other opportunities include high performance windows and a new HVAC system or parts of it. The best time to consider these options is before the demolition begins. Hire an architect or contractor who has experience with high efficiency building standards such as Passive House, Net Zero, or LEED. Let them know that high energy efficiency is a priority and ask about past high efficiency projects they’ve done. Ask for specific numerical indicators of energy performance of their past projects, such as HERS rating, Energy Scorecard and the annual cost of heating the house.
Schedule a preliminary site visit with one of these experts before any demolition has[HB1] been started so that they can perform a baseline evaluation, review your project plans, estimate possible energy savings, and recommend additional energy efficiency upgrades. The earlier the better. Customers typically receive an estimate of the savings and incentive amount after the preliminary site visit.
If conducting a blower door test, make sure it is completed before demolition begins. Once construction is underway, contact the energy expert to schedule your insulation inspection (if you are installing new insulation). Please ensure you schedule this inspection to take place once the insulation work is complete but before the wallboard has gone up.
As your project nears completion, set up a final site visit with the energy expert. They will finalize all the details on your project. After the final inspection is processed, you’ll receive an incentive completion notification via email. Within 8–10 weeks of your final inspection, you’ll receive an incentive check in the mail.
Contact Green Newton at info@greennewton.org for a list of vetted energy experts (HERS raters) and attend a Green Newton home efficiency Q and A monthly meeting.