Home Energy Audits and Energy Saving Services in NY

2012 Energy Conservation Code Raises Energy Standards

Wed, April 25 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Chaumont, NY - Developed by the Washington, DC-based International Codes Council, the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will be used by federal agencies like the National Park Service, Department of State, U.S. Forest Service and the Veterans Administration. The IECC will eventually be used by many state and municipal building departments all across the country.

Even though the 2012 IECC focuses on new and commercial construction, green building experts, such as Dr. Energy Saver®- a nation-wide network of energy specialists, predict that this new building code will have a major impact on upgrading the energy performance of existing houses. Alex Wilson, founder of BuildingGreen, Inc. and executive editor of Environmental Building News, is certain that the new code will have a major impact on home energy performance.

“Simply having code language finalized doesn't mean that a code is in force,” Wilson explains. “But any time a new building code is adopted, designers, builders, and building owners change their practices. I’m hopeful that we will see a residential version of this code in the not-too-distant future.”

Highlights from the new Energy Conservation Code that will impact existing home performance

More airtight construction. Blower door tests are already performed on houses during a standard home energy audit, to measure and detect energy-wasting air leaks. The IECC calls for mandatory blower door testing on new buildings. In colder climate zones, airtight construction techniques should yield a blower door reading equivalent of just 3 air changes per hour (at 50 Pascals pressure). This tight construction standard reinforces the need to stop energy-wasting air leaks with expert air-sealing work.

Higher insulation levels. The new code stresses the importance of insulation in all areas of a building, from basement to attic. For existing houses, the best opportunities for insulation upgrades are in basement, crawl space and attic zones.
Well-sealed ductwork. Leaky ductwork wastes energy by increasing HVAC system run time. The IECC proposes a maximum leakage of just 4cfm (cubic ft./min.) for every 100sq.ft. of floor area. Even though it’s easy to seal ducts when a house is first built, this work is often neglected or entirely omitted. That’s why duct sealing improvements remain very important for existing houses.

More efficient lighting. Recognizing advancements in efficient lighting technology, the new code calls for at least 75% of a new building’s lighting to be “high efficacy.” Thanks to the widespread availability of low-watt compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and even more efficient LED lights, this standard is just as easy to achieve in existing houses as it is in new construction.

Contact Dr. Energy Saver today to schedule your home energy audit or estimate for any of their services, which includes: crawl space encapsulation, replacement windows, ductwork, and air conditioning! They are your trusted air conditioning contractor in Carthage, NY and more!

Make Every Day Earth Day With Dr. Energy Saver

Mon, April 16 2012, 00:00:00 -500

For more than 40 years now, we have set aside April 22nd, Earth Day, as a time to increase awareness and appreciation of the earth’s natural environment. Around the globe, individuals, communities and businesses volunteer in large ways and small to protect our resources, to foster learning and educational activities, all in the effort to save our planet.

Whether focusing on recycling, saving energy, indoor air quality, water pollution, sustainability and a myriad of other topics, people are eager to take action to help out around this time of year. They join community clean-ups, turn out the lights, walk vs. drive, and engage kids in workshops and festivals to do their part. And it all helps.

But not for long. To be effective, actions and results, need to be sustained for the long haul. Saving energy is topping the list of environmental protection because its effects are felt in so many ways. Dr. Energy Saver® focuses on saving energy all the time. Not for a day, or a week. All the time. It’s your prescription for lower energy bills®. As home-energy experts, Dr. Energy Saver shows you what you can do in your home to save energy while simultaneously reducing your energy bills, and improving your comfort and health . . . every day of the year.

We aim to provide you with cost effective solutions. In order to do just that, we first like to conduct a home energy audit. Here, we utilize a blower door test and evaluate your whole home—quite different from the typical audit performed by other companies. We then are able to properly diagnose the cause and recommend the best solution. Sometimes our homeowners are surprised to see what’s really causing the problem!

Once complete, we prioritize a list of solutions customized for your home!

Contact Dr. Energy Saver today to schedule an estimate for any of our many services including a home energy audit in Carthage, Canton, Massena, Watertown, and all surrounding cities and towns.

Weatherization and Home Health: Crawl Spaces, Air Sealing, Ductwork in New York

Mon, April 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Energy efficiency and a healthy home are so intertwined that a conversation of one demands inclusion of the other. After all, considering the time we spend inside our home, we are bound to be affected by its conditions. And affected we are. Total-home weatherization is the best defense against potential health hazards and problems. Here’s a look at how the connection between home health and energy efficiency works. We at Dr. Energy Saver offer the resources and tests to identify and solve your home’s specific problems.

Many homeowners may not realize the link between their home’s condition and unnecessary expenses such as: medical bills, high energy bills, illness, and more! As a company offering a whole-house approach to energy efficiency, comfort and health—Dr. Energy Saver performs a home energy audit to first identify the sources of your home’s problems and discomfort. Next, we suggest the repairs or upgrades to better seal and ventilate your home, decrease the moisture and relative problems, and make way for adequate duct function.

One of the greatest contributors to an unhealthy home and family is the existence of damp and musty environments such as those in basements and crawl spaces, poorly managed rainwater or groundwater, and plumbing leaks are sources of excess moisture in the home. Moisture leads to mold and mildew growth which can cause irritations of the skin, nose and throat, and respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, and nasal and sinus congestion.

Weatherization defense to control moisture includes crawl space encapsulation; diverting water from the foundation via drainage techniques, sump pump installation and dehumidification.

It’s clear that a more energy-efficient home leads to a healthier one. Understand the connection, make the necessary adjustments, and reap the rewards.

Federal and state initiatives continue to implement an integrated, whole-house approach to addressing the connection between energy efficiency and health allowing more homeowners than ever to benefit. Indoor air quality is a great concern for leading organizations and we aim to improve the quality of the air in your home.

We proudly offer crawl space encapsulation, air sealing and ductwork in Carthage, Canton, Massena, Watertown, Fort Drum, Potsdam, and more!

Energy Savings and Deregulation in Greater Watertown, NY

Mon, March 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Energy deregulation allows for people to choose a company to supply their power. Before deregulation, the entire supply and distribution of electrical power was very monopolistic. People were given a rate that they had to pay for all of their energy usage, and had no other options.

Benefits of Deregulation

The shift towards deregulation has helped to create competition in the electricity industry. Electric companies now compete for business with other companies in their state, and homeowners have the option to choose the supplier with the best package and price.

The introduction of a competitive market is meant to help homeowners like you to pay a more affordable price for the valuable energy you need for your home. Energy deregulation is different in every state, so below is some information about energy deregulation in NY.

Deregulation in New York

The competition is on- and New Yorkers always love a good competition. What better way than competing for energy savings? That’s exactly what deregulation allows alternative suppliers to do. Suppliers now have the opportunity to offer their own terms, prices, and services. You can choose which supplier best meets your needs and move forward with them, instead of your current utility. Some suppliers include, Cheap Electric, Inc.; Columbia Utilities Power, LLC; Entergy Solutions, Hudson Energy Services LLC; and more!

Savings are important because NY ranks as the second most expensive electric cost in the country! It averages between 3 and 7 cents more than the national average.

In addition to deregulation, you can talk with an energy specialist about having a home energy audit performed on your home to show any home efficiency problems. By making some prioritized upgrades or repairs, your usage will go down and you’ll know you’re only paying for what you need and at a rate you have chosen.

Home Energy Audit

Although energy deregulation can save homeowners money on their monthly energy bills, it is certainly not the only way for them to save! Local energy experts provide home energy savings throughout New York. A great way to start saving is scheduling a home energy audit.

How an Audit Works

During a home energy audit, an expertly trained contractor will perform a series of tests to pinpoint areas in your home where energy loss occurs. After pinpointing the inefficient areas, the energy saving contractor will discuss with you their findings and help you figure out the most effective and efficient way to upgrade your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort.

In addition to saving you money on your monthly energy bills, upgrading your home with energy efficient appliances can earn you tax rebates to further increase your savings! So don’t hesitate!

Contact Dr. Energy Saver Watertown today to schedule your personalized home energy audit in Ogdensburg, Watertown, Carthage, Canton, Massena, Theresa, Norfolk, Gouverneur, and surrounding areas.

Dr. Energy Saver Franchise Founders To Present At HVAC Comfortech 2011

Thu, September 8 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Dr. Energy Saver® founders, Larry Janesky and Tom Casey, Jr. are preparing to make waves at this year’s HVAC Comfortech—as part of HVACR Week. We at Dr. Energy Saver Watertown are so thankful to be a part of a franchise that truly aims to help others and improve our own abilities.

Larry and Tom will be hosting seminars, Larry’s class entitled “The Highest Calling” is named after his most recent published novel.

We want to invite you to attend this spectacular week! Where you can learn of influential products and services, hear from distinguished speakers, and network with fellow contractors.

HVAC Comfortech is being held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN from September, 21-23, 2011.

Read more about Dr. Energy Saver at HVAC Comfortech.

We are your local Dr. Energy Saver trained and prepared to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient! Contact us today for a free estimate for our many services including air sealing and heating and cooling in Watertown, NY and nearby locations!

Department of Energy Releases Campaign to Save Money by Saving Energy

Wed, July 27 2011, 03:14:14 -500

Chaumont, NY - A new awareness campaign undertaken by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) echoes what Dr. Energy Saver® has been advocating since the company's inception in 2009. The DOE's "Save Money by Saving Energy" initiative emphasizes the benefits of investing in energy-saving improvements thus enabling homeowners to spend less on utilities allowing them to spend more on other things that family members enjoy.

In addition, the DOE is promoting home energy audits, using programmable thermostats to reduce heating & cooling costs by more than $100/yr., and plugging in power strips to cut energy losses from phantom loads. The DOE describes the home energy audit on their Energy Savers Website:

"A home energy assessment, also known as a home energy audit, is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An assessment will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time."

Dr. Energy Saver®, a nationwide network of contractors with expertise in assessing and improving home energy performance, is also dedicated to making home energy savings accessible to every homeowner interested in saving energy and money on utility expenses.

Larry Walters, the CEO of Dr. Energy Saver®, points out that homeowners who have invested in energy-saving improvements are able to enjoy benefits that go beyond saving money.

"There's no doubt that lower utility costs are a major incentive for making energy-saving improvements," explains Walters. "but we also like to point out that homeowners can expect other rewards, like improved year-round comfort and a healthier, safer home. Air sealing and insulation upgrades greatly reduce the likelihood of damage from mold and ice dams," Walters continues, "and surveys done by the National Association of Home Builders have shown that "greener" homes have greater resale value."

About Dr. Energy Saver Watertown

Like the DOE, Dr. Energy Saver Watertown has a full-featured website where homeowners can learn more about the different features, components and conditions that govern home energy performance. From basic lighting upgrades and weatherstripping details to low-e glass energy efficient windows, solar photovoltaics, tankless water heaters and attic insulation-- the territory of home energy performance is fully covered.

In fact, the book authored by company founders Larry Janesky and Tom Casey does an excellent job of explaining the "whole-house" approach to energy savings that building scientists advocate as the optimum strategy for improving home energy performance.

Contact the experts at Dr. Energy Saver Watertown to learn more about how to save money and save energy to make for a more comfortable home environment! These experts are your resource for a home energy audit in Chaumont.

Finding the Furnace That Fits your Fancy

Fri, July 8 2011, 09:16:23 -500

Furnaces have become increasingly more expensive to operate. As operating costs increase it is important to think about upgrading your furnace to one that is more efficient.

Furnace Overview

A furnace is a heater for your entire house. A large fan inside of the furnace pumps the air into the ductwork system, which is then transported throughout your home. The fan also sucks cold air into the furnace through the return ducts, producing more heat for your home.

Furnaces are typically designed to burn a specific type of fuel. The three main types of furnaces are gas, oil, and electric.

Gas Furnaces

Gas furnaces can work reliably for years. Unfortunately they may not be the most efficient. Gas furnaces usually won't exceed 80% efficiency for producing heat from fuel.

A sealed-combustion furnace is an efficient option to your standard furnace. The combustion process is more controlled because the combustion chamber is sealed. Air is drawn from outside the house for the combustion chamber. The gases that are produced from the combustion process are released through a small pipe into the atmosphere.

Sealed-combustion furnaces have an AFUE rating of at least 90%. They maximize their fuel intake to produce the most heat possible in your home. In addition to saving you money, a sealed-combustion furnace can help you prevent against backdrafting.

Oil Furnaces

Oil furnaces are fairly dependable and easy to service. The price to operate them has increased over the years as the demand for oil has skyrocketed.

An ENERGY STAR® rated oil furnace can save you a lot of money long term. They will always come with an AFUE rating of at least 85%. In addition, they will use ⅓ the amount of fuel as your inefficient oil furnace does.

Electric Furnaces

The heating aspect of an electric furnace is its coil that will heat up as electricity passes through it. They are usually the most expensive to operate of all three types of major furnaces. Electric furnaces are often believed to be a "greener" alternative to gas and oil furnaces, but this is not true. The electricity that powers electric furnaces comes from a power plant that runs off power generated by either gas or coal.

A more efficient alternative to an electric furnace could be an electric room heater. These heaters are traditionally portable, but they can also be permanently installed.

They generate heat through convection and radiation. This way is more efficient because you don't need a big fan to generate the power necessary to push heat throughout your entire house.

Recap

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your old inefficient furnace. Upgrading your furnace to a more efficient furnace will help you lower your energy bills and lower your furnace's operational costs.

Dr. Energy Saver® Watertown is your furnace installation contractor in Watertown and its surrounding areas. If you have any questions regarding how upgrading your furnace can save you money on your energy bills, contact Dr. Energy Saver Watertown today.

Window Performance Relies on Proper Window Installation

Wed, July 6 2011, 12:30:45 -500

Windows are one of the primary places where conditioned air can escape your home during those hot summer months causing you to run that air conditioner for prolonged periods of time. Energy efficient windows can save homeowners money on energy costs long-term. They can also improve the look of your home, and add value to your home should you decide to put your home on the market for resale. Replacing warn out windows is often best left to a professional window replacement contractor, although many handy do-it-yourself homeowners have the knowledge, skills and tools to install the windows themselves.

Consider a Do-It-Yourself Installation

Many homeowners have the necessary skills and know-how to properly install replacement windows. If you are thinking about installing your own windows, there are some very important factors to consider before beginning the installation process. Although it is recommended to hire a trained professional, here are some tips.

Whatever the window style, windows typically install using the same methods. It is critical that you take careful measurements of your rough window openings to ensure that you end up with the proper window sizes.

The other two important factors to consider for a successful installation are leveling, and ensuring that your window remains square to allow for proper operation of its moving parts. If you have basic home improvement knowledge, skills and tools, you can install your own windows. New modern windows are already assembled, and ready for installation. Your new windows will almost always have to be custom fitted for the opening, as window openings move over time.

Improper Installation Problems

Improper installation can lead to frame distortion and cold air infiltration. Gas-filled windows can start to leak through cracks and high-performance windows become inefficient and ineffective. Another very important consideration is the fact that with Do-It-Yourself installation; there is no warranty. If you choose to install the replacement windows yourself, be sure to measure each opening separately for an accurate measurement, as this is critical for top window performance.

Consider Hiring a Professional Window Contractor

Many homeowners simply do not have the time or the skills necessary to install replacement windows on their own. There are many benefits to having a professional window contractor help you with this process.

A professional window contractor will listen carefully to your needs, and provide the necessary and appropriate suggestions and work. Hiring an expert provides the peace of mind you need when entering into the realm of window replacement.

A contractor can guarantee that the quality installation will by satisfactory to the homeowner, ensuring that the window installation is done correctly so you can enjoy the benefits of your newly installed windows immediately. It is always a good policy to ask for references before hiring a contractor.

Contact the energy and window experts at Dr. Energy Saver™ Watertown today for more information about window replacement in Watertown and all local areas.

Keeping Energy Costs Low While Keeping Cool

Wed, July 6 2011, 02:10:47 -500

We all look forward to summer, but we also know just how costly it is to cool our homes during the hottest days of the year. Keeping that air conditioner running steady during the summer months can raise your energy bills significantly, but there are ways to help keep those costs lower, while keeping your home nice and cool.

Keeping your home cool and comfortable during the summer doesn't have to be expensive. There are many ways to help keep out the heat, such as shading and insulation. Using ventilation to remove hot air from your home is another option that can also help to reduce those high energy costs and keep you and your family cool and comfortable.

Shading Can Help Keep Heat Out

Shading can help keep the heat out and the cool air inside. By placing shades on east and west facing windows, you can keep those hot sun rays from entering your home, causing your air conditioner to cycle more than it should. Heat from the sun will enter through windows, and by keeping them shaded homeowners can reduce heat absorption up to 80%.

Insulation Can Reduce Heat Flow and Keep You Cooler

Homeowners can save money and stay cool by reducing the amount of heat flowing in and out of their home. There are many important factors to consider when choosing insulation for your home, such as the R-value. A higher R-value, the better it will insulate; saving the homeowner more money. It is best to consult with a professional if you are considering renovating or building as they can help you make the best decision based on your needs.

Ventilation Is the Most Energy Efficient Way to Keep Cool

Ventilating your home with breezeways and openings is considered the least expensive and best way to keep cool in your home, and save money. If you live in an area of extreme summer temperatures, natural ventilation may not be enough. Fans may help, but they won't actually decrease the indoor temperature, only provide a breeze. In these types of climates installing a roof ventilation system may help to reduce the use of your air conditioning unit to some degree. Ventilated roofs are cooler than unventilated roofs and can make a significantly cooler difference.

Overall, AC units are most beneficial to reduce extremely high indoor temperatures.

Considering Air Conditioning Units

Choosing the right air conditioner for your needs is important. You will want to carefully consider how many rooms you plan to keep cool, as well as the size of these rooms. There are many different types of air conditioning units on the market. It is important to research the different types of air conditioning units before making your purchase, and look for deals in the off season. Look for a high ENERGY STAR® rating, as well. Make sure to check those filters and clean them regularly for maximum efficiency.

Evaporative Water Cooling Systems

Evaporative water coolers may be an alternative to air conditioning units, depending on where in the country you live. These units are designed to work in areas with lower humidity, can be about half the cost of air conditioning units, and use much less energy.

Air Conditioning Contractors Can Help

An air conditioning contractor can help you make the best decision when it comes time to purchasing your unit. They can help you by providing valuable information and answer all of your questions. They will provide an estimate and help you get the right air conditioning unit based on your specific needs.

Dr. Energy Saver™ Watertown is your resource for home cooling and air conditioning options. They are not only your air conditioning contractor in Watertown, but also your energy expert!

Dr. Energy Saver Watertown offers Energy Loans through GJGNY Program

Tue, July 5 2011, 04:33:52 -500

Watertown, NY - Dr. Energy Saver™ Watertown is pleased to be a part of the Green Jobs- Green New York Program (GJGNY) to help New Yorkers receive loans for home energy upgrades, and find reliable and certified energy experts.

The energy experts at Dr. Energy Saver make every effort to provide New York homeowners with quality home energy services that reduce monthly energy expenses.

Through NYSERDA's Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Program, homes can receive special savings that come when their house is up to the Home Performance standard. Dr. Energy Saver Watertown works hard with every homeowner ensure affordable and reliable energy services and upgrades.

The GJGNY Program provides small businesses, non-profits, and multifamily homes with savings through energy efficient additions.

About Dr. Energy Saver™ Watertown

Dr. Energy Saver Watertown offers a wide range of services from installing home insulation and radiant barrier, to HVAC systems and replacement windows. They cover all your energy needs. Dr. Energy Saver strives to be a reputable business that values their customers and getting the job done right. Contact them today to save money and receive a home energy audit in Massena and surrounding areas.

Detecting Home Energy Wasters

Fri, January 28 2011, 12:18:35 -500

In times of soaring fuel prices and an overall feeling of financial instability, green, energy efficient homes are no longer just a fashionable trend among the environmentally conscious. Energy efficient buildings are in the back of everyone's mind. They are a priority in every single level of the society: from government and local authorities, to the wish list of every American currently struggling to keep up with rising energy bills.

While the building industry is quickly picking up on this trend and investing heavily on the construction of greener homes, the owners and managers of existing homes are yet to catch up.

Because until the early 90's energy efficiency wasn't exactly a priority, the average home in the U.S still consumes 2 to 3 times more energy than needed, and it might come as a surprise to you that a home built in the late 80's isn't much more energy efficient than a home build 80 or even a 100 years later.

And unless homeowners take charge of controlling their energy consumption right now, rather than let it control them, things will only get worse. Energy prices tend to only increase over the years, as our non-renewable energy sources are depleted. In a matter of years you might be paying 2 or 3 times more than you pay now.

Foreseeing this event, the federal government is giving energy efficient retrofitting of existing homes a huge push, through a number of incentive programs which include a significant Energy Tax Credit for the purchase of energy efficient products and improvements. These Tax Credits will be available to qualifying homeowners up to the end of 2011.

There was never a better time to invest in energy efficiency. Dr. Energy Saver™ Watertown is a company specialized in home energy savings in Watertown and energy efficient retrofits in nearby areas. We will help you sort out through the "green noise" and false energy efficiency claims with a comprehensive home energy audit in Watertown, NY, that will evaluate your home features and your family's needs and habits to come up with a plan that will prioritize projects that will give you the best savings per dollar invested.

Our whole house approach to energy saving, checks your home for Ten Energy Savings Vital Signs. The video below explains this approach.

The Truth About Energy Efficient Window Replacement

Fri, January 28 2011, 11:43:33 -500

You get them along with coupons on the mail every now and then. You get them with your Sunday paper. You will definitely see many of them if you flip the Yellow Pages and at a home show, or even a big hardware store.

Claims of 30 to 40% savings in energy bills with energy efficient window replacement in NY are everywhere. But are they true?

Well, energy efficient windows do save energy, provided that all the other energy saving priorities are taken care of first.

Truth is that, while energy efficient windows are always a desirable asset to a modern home, all energy loss through windows and doors in the living area amount to only a small percentage of the overall energy loss in a typical home. The bulk of the energy losses are usually happening in other areas, and these should be prioritized, before you think of window replacement.

Specially considering how expensive window replacement can be, and the fact that all the other energy efficient improvements combined will bring you much more savings and cost you much less.

In addition, because of the way the air moves in buildings, replacing windows without taking care of other areas might actually increase your energy consumption. Yes, you read it correctly: window replacement done improperly and at the wrong time can actually cause your energy bills to go up.

Before you think about shopping for new windows for your NY home, it is a good idea to give us a call and let us perform a comprehensive home energy checkup. Our technicians will use state-of-the-art technologies and procedure to show you exactly how your home and family consumes energy and the best ways to significantly cut energy costs while improving comfort.

We can improve the performance of your current windows with small affordable improvements, or we can help you shop for the best energy efficient windows and doors, which may also qualify for Federal Tax Credits.

The video below show you how to sort through the hype and many ways to cut energy loss through windows, with or without window replacement.

Get Energy Savings in New York with Dr. Energy Saver

Thu, December 16 2010, 01:33:29 -500

Chaumont, NY - Energy savings is a local commodity with the help from Dr. Energy Saver™-- the nation's leading home energy savings expert. Dr. Energy Saver Watertown, NY, offers homeowners the right energy answers, tips and solutions to boost monthly energy savings.

The energy specialists at Dr. Energy Saver have received extensive training at the headquarters in Seymour, Conn. In addition, they have received the reputable advice and resources provided by their network.

Any homeowner in and around Chaumont, NY is encouraged by Dr. Energy Saver to contact them to schedule a home energy evaluation. This consists of meeting one of the Dr. Energy Saver experts while receiving the diagnosis of the problem areas and suggest to perform the necessary repairs or installations.

Contact Dr. Energy Saver Watertown, NY today and schedule a free estimate for energy savings in New York. From repairing ductwork, replacing windows and doors, to finding the best insulation-- Dr. Energy Saver will help each local homeowner receive monthly energy savings and live in a more comfortable and efficient home.