27 Questions
What is the benefit of replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows in warm climates?
Reduced heat gain
What is the purpose of installing white window shades, drapes, or blinds in warm climates?
To reflect heat away from the house
What type of coatings should windows have in colder climates to reduce heat loss?
Low-emissivity (low-e) coatings
What is the benefit of closing curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day in warm climates?
Reduced heat gain
What is the purpose of installing awnings on south- and west-facing windows in warm climates?
To reduce heat gain
What is the benefit of installing solar control films on south-facing windows in warm climates?
Reduced solar gain
What is the benefit of installing exterior or interior storm windows in warm climates?
Reduced heat loss by 25 to 50 percent
Which organization provides information on energy-efficient windows?
Energy Star
Who supported the development and distribution of this Best Practices report?
The U.S. Department of Energy
What is the purpose of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and the Foundation for Community Association Research?
To conduct research and act as a clearinghouse for information on innovations and best practices
What year was the copyright for this report issued?
2014
What is the condition for reproducing the Best Practices Reports?
The document must be reproduced in its entirety
What is the purpose of the Declaration of Principles?
To ensure the accuracy of information provided
What percentage of energy dollars can be saved by reducing air leaks in a home?
10 percent or more
What is the main reason to caulk, seal, and weather-strip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside?
To reduce energy waste and lower energy bills
Where do about one-third of air leaks in a home occur?
Through openings in the ceilings, walls, and floors
What percentage of a typical utility bill is attributed to heating and cooling?
44 percent
What is the environmental impact of heating and cooling systems?
They have a negative effect on the environment
Which of the following is NOT a common area of air leakage in a home?
Kitchen appliances
What can be done to reduce air leaks in a home?
Caulking, sealing, and weather-stripping all seams, cracks, and openings
What is the main goal of the Building America Program?
To reduce home energy use by 30 to 70 percent
What is the approach used by the Building America Program to design and construct houses?
A systems engineering approach
What is one of the benefits of the Building America Program for homebuilders?
Reduced callbacks and claims
What is another goal of the Building America Program?
To reduce construction time and waste
How can homebuilders benefit from the Building America Program?
By offering more options for the same price
Who are the teams formed by the Building America Program comprised of?
Teams of architects, engineers, builders, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, community planners, mortgage lenders, and contractors
What is another benefit of the Building America Program for homeowners?
Lower energy bills
Study Notes
Energy Efficiency Best Practices
- Energy efficiency is crucial, as air leakage can waste a substantial amount of energy dollars.
- Caulking, sealing, and weather-stripping seams, cracks, and openings can reduce energy bills by 10% or more.
- Common areas of air leakage include dropped ceilings, recessed lighting, attic entrances, electric wires and boxes, plumbing utilities, water and furnace flues, ducts, door sashes and frames, chimneys, warm air registers, window sashes and frames, baseboards, coves, and interior trim.
Heating and Cooling
- Heating and cooling account for 44% of a typical utility bill, and have a negative impact on the environment.
- Windows can cause air conditioners to work two to three times harder, making it essential to consider replacing single-pane windows with double-pane windows with high-performance glass.
- In colder climates, windows with low-e coatings can reduce heat loss, while spectrally-selective coatings can reduce heat gain in warmer climates.
- Installing white window shades, drapes, or blinds can reflect heat away from the house.
Building Green
- The U.S. Department of Energy's Building America Program aims to reengineer the American home for energy efficiency and affordability.
- The program works with the residential building industry to develop and promote efficient building processes and technologies that save millions of dollars in construction and energy costs.
- Building America helps homebuilders lower energy bills, reduce callbacks and claims, and offer more options for the same price through cost-saving system trade-offs.
Case Study: Heron's Cove Condominium
- Heron's Cove Condominium is a 406-unit condominium association in Montgomery Village, Maryland, that has taken steps to conserve energy.
- The association participated in Pepco's energy-saving program, replacing lights with energy-saving bulbs, and retrofitting common areas with low-energy lighting.
- The association encourages owners to consider window and exterior door replacements to help contain heating costs.
Learn how to reduce energy bills by identifying and addressing common areas of air leakage in homes and buildings. Discover the importance of caulking, sealing, and weather-stripping to achieve energy efficiency.
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