Reduce Load for Energy

Information by State  Print version   In This Section Identifying Energy Efficiency Techniques in Rehabilitation Projects   Energy Saving Techniques   Identifying Major Energy End-Uses   Key Strategies to Increase Energy Efficiency   Awareness and Training Strategies   Operation and Maintenance Program Strategies   Reduce Load for Energy Strategy   Installing Energy Efficient Technologies   The Emerging Technology Option   Selecting Cost-Effective Technologies   Sample Strategy

In addition, grantees can also implement techniques that will decrease the amount of energy to heat and cool their homes. General strategies include:

• Increase insulation in basements, floors, walls, and attic to reduce thermal loads on heating/cooling equipment;
• Replace old broken windows with high efficiency windows;
• Reduce solar gains in summer (e.g., improved shading); and
• Reduce air leakage.

For example:

• In cold climates, the combination of large south-facing windows, thermal mass for heat storage, and good insulation can greatly reduce or eliminate the need for supplementary heating.
  
  
• In hot climates, correct use of shading, and draughts induced by solar 'chimneys' can make conditions comfortable with minimal use of air-conditioning.

Passive solar design techniques tend to be simple and inexpensive. The basic principle of passive solar design is to increase the amount of glazing area (windows or glass doors) on the south side of the house and decrease it on the other sides, particularly the north and west sides. North-facing windows tend to lose excessive amounts of heat in winter, while west-facing windows gain too much heat on summer afternoons. Passive solar design does not require a house to have extremely large areas of windows if the house is well insulated. In fact, large expanses of glazing can cause the home to overheat even in winter.