[Juvysen]

Hi there. I live in a 60's split-entry ranch. It actually does fairly well for heating costs because the first floor is mostly underground (earth bermed?), but I'd love to retrofit the upstairs to make use of passive solar ideas. Anyone done this to their house? Suggestions? Great websites to check out?

thanks

 

[SleeplessMommy]

Passive solar - the use of the sun to heat space - is a great idea.

Since your house is already built, you can't adjust solar orientation.

The thing to do it work with what you have. It will be hard to get 100% of heating needs from the sun, but you may be able to decrease fossil fuel based heating usage.

* Insulation - An 100% passive solar house is hugely insulated compared to conventional construction. You can get great return on investment with increased attic insulation plus blown in cellulose for the walls. There is a federal tax credit - see my siggy!
* Air sealing - the typical 60's split level has many areas where heated air escapes and cold replacement air comes in. Air sealing can be very effective to reduce heating costs. It is important to have an energy audit done before the air sealing to make sure there are no indoor air quality or safety issues. PM me if you need the name of a good BPI-certified auditor.
* An additional benefit to insulation + air sealing is that when it comes time to replace a furnace or AC, you can save money by putting in a smaller unit.
* We use cordless cellular shades in our south facing windows. In heating season, we open them during the day, close them at night. A friend uses 1" silver faced foam panels. Insulated drapes are a great idea on non-south facing windows.
* If you have an AC needs during the summer, you reduce them with plantings of tall trees in the proper locations.
* In the long term, you may want to augment "passive solar" with solar radiant heating - this could work for you if the basement is no finished and your floors are not carpeted. It is especially easy if you currently have hydronic heating (radiators) not forced air.

very best regards,

- sleepless

 

[Juvysen]

Actually, we're lucky enough to have a good angle for the sun, I think. We're less than 10 degrees off from true south (on the back of the house). We've been thinking of putting on a sun-space porch or a greenhouse on the back (with some way to shade the top and open all the windows in the summer).

We've been meaning to get an efficiency audit. Any tips on finding a good auditor?

 

[SleeplessMommy]

This link will take you to New York's "Home Performance with Energy Star":
http://www.getenergysmart.org/Single...HomeOwner.aspx

And here is their resource map: http://www.getenergysmart.org/Resour...rtner.aspx?t=4

The number on thing is to make sure the auditor is BPI-certified - so you know they are properly trained. An independent auditor might be better than one that does retrofit work. You don't want them trying to sell you very expensive upgrades or new windows.