Want to learn more about retrofit options?
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LED Lightbulbs
Replace all existing lamps with LEDs
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Efficient Appliances
Replace existing appliances with high-efficiency versions. E.g EnergyStar rated appliances in the U.S.
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Electrify All Appliances
Replace all fossil-fuel fired appliances (e.g. stoves, dryers that use natural gas or propane) with electrified versions (e.g. induction stoves, heat pump dryer)
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Air Sealing of Cracks
Fill all cracks with expanding foam or other airtight sealants; best found with a blower door test and used to reduce air leakage.
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Weatherstripping
Apply weatherstripping to all doors and windows to reduce air leakage.
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Attic Insulation
Blow-in or insulation to an attic (or add additional batts).
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Wall Insulation
Use blown-in cellulose without taking the cladding or drywall off, fill cavities with insulation if doing a down-to-the studs renovation, and/or add additional continuous external insulation outside of the studs.
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Air Source Heat Pumps
Install an air source heat pump to provide all-electric heating and cooling at high efficiencies. COPs of 3-4 are common in heating mode and COPs of 4-5 are common in cooling mode. Air source units have outdoor units similar to an air conditioner and can be installed either as mini-splits (with individual head units placed in key rooms (as pictured), ducted into a central air system, or used with in-ceiling cassettes.
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Ground Source Heat Pumps
Provides all-electric heating and cooling using the ground as a heat exchanger. COPs of 4-5 are quite common.
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Condensing Gas Boiler or Furnace
High-efficiency condensing gas boiler or furnace (efficiency is usually 93-97%).
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Energy Efficient Windows
Replace existing windows with high-efficiency double or triple pane windows with the appropriate low-e coatings.
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Whole building air sealing
Apply a whole building air sealing solution. If renovating the siding, replace the main house wrap; if not use interior solution such as AeroBarrier.
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Heat or Energy Recovery Ventilation
Provides ventilation air but ensures that the conditioned exhaust air can be used to pre-condition incoming fresh air.
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Heat Pump Water Heater
All-electric water heating.with a COP of 3-5. When used in a basement, these units provide the additional benefit of dehumidifying the surrounding space. Units available today run on either 120v or 240v outlets.