Two Ithaca companies, Taitem Engineering and Snug Planet, have been awarded a $300,000 contract by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).   The goal of the contract is to optimize and promote technologies that can dramatically improve the energy performance of existing homes.  The contract team also includes Dow Building Solutions, a leading manufacturer of insulation and weatherproofing materials.

The contract is based on the “deep energy retrofit” approach.  Deep energy retrofits involve adding a layer of rigid insulation or spray foam to a home’s exterior walls to improve airtightness and reduce heat loss.  Attics and basements are also sealed and insulated to levels well above building code.  New windows may be installed, and heating, ventilation, and hot water systems may be upgraded.

Deep energy retrofit pilot projects in New York and other Northeastern states have reduced heating energy use by 60-75%.  However, the cost of the work remains a barrier for many homeowners.  Adding exterior foam insulation to walls, which also requires replacing siding and modifying window and door trim, is typically the most expensive part of a deep energy retrofit.  The team will seek ways to reduce this cost using Dow Building Solutions’ Thermax insulation board and Weathermate tapes and flashing systems.

In addition to isolating and improving the steps of the installation process, the team will oversee and monitor full retrofits on four homes.  The team is seeking homeowners interested in participating in the study, which will take place over the next two years.  Contract funds, materials donated by Dow Building Solutions, and “Home Performance with Energy Star” incentives will offset some of the costs of the work; homeowners will be expected to contribute at least half the funding for their projects.

“To meet climate protection goals, we need to dramatically reduce energy use in existing buildings.  If we can bring the cost of deep energy retrofits down, we’ll have a solution that can be applied to almost every house in the state,” says Jon Harrod, president of Snug Planet. “We’re excited to have the opportunity to develop this technology so that it can be brought to scale.” 

Harrod adds that the contract includes funds for outreach and training for contractors interested in offering deep energy retrofits to their customers.

“Applying advanced building techniques to older homes can help New Yorkers improve energy efficiency in their homes while saving money and cutting energy use,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., NYSERDA President and CEO. “Building upon the work we started last year, we are pleased to work with Taitem Engineering and Snug Planet in making the deep energy retrofit process more affordable while at the same time improving the related technology and materials.”

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