Energy Efficiency Empowerment’s fifth completed project was carried out in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Housing Development Corporation. Our work began only after the original general contractor had finished, but as we know, not all construction projects go smoothly, and there was still some finishing and “cleanup” to be done.
We successfully reduced air leakage by 50%, properly installed insulation in the attic, added a hot water heat pump—a much more cost-effective option than an electric resistance heater—and addressed some other health and safety issues that were urgently needed.
By removing the chimney and sealing and insulating the remaining structure in the attic, we hope to have improved attic performance. A major discovery in the attic was a large hole around the HVAC plenum, which connected the vented attic to the conditioned space. Details like this often go unnoticed but can have significant consequences for energy loss.
PHDC’s vision already included framing the brick walls on three sides of the building to add insulation, installing a 96% efficient furnace, and incorporating low-flow water fixtures. When Energy Efficiency Empowerment began its work, the Home Energy Score was 4. Through our additional energy efficiency improvements, we helped raise it to 7, achieving an additional 22% reduction in energy use and $670 in annual savings for the future homeowner.
These efficiency enhancements were made possible with support from the Buildings Upgrade Prize.
