Capture Air Leakages
Behind Walls
Interpreting Infrared Images requires industry specific training for energy efficiency analysis.
Superior results using Infrared technologies in building performance analysis, a cost effective tool requiring industry specific training programs. Infrared image interpretation is more complicated than meets the eye fooling untrained users into believing that they can see through walls.
Infrared images capture surface temperatures of materials imaged as well as the effect of the materials beneath the surface. Referred to as, Thermal Imaging, the real value comes from user training, materials science and interpretative skills
The image above helps Energy Auditor identify Air Leakage in the building shell as moderated by exterior building material's range of reflective properties. Materials sampling of the area's insulation and exterior shell along with framing of the structure identifies thermal bridging between material in contact.
Combining IR imaging with blower door testing identifies air leakages that are not obvious with camera used alone. Moisture detection is another IR feature requiring a highly trained user. IR images of moisture in materials can be easily misinterpreted and proper materials validation identify problems that can destroy a building.
Thermal imaging standards include best practices for temperature and moisture differentials, wind, time, solar gains, R Values, angle of use and more.
In building Performance and Energy Analysis Infrared Thermal Cameras and training that comes with them continue to provide reliable sources of building performance improvement. IR savings are realized at every stage of the project from analysis and project outcome to improved comfort and annual energy savings that keep coming year after year.
By Gail McMaster
Image courtesy of Flir, Inc
PUC Releases Updated Electric Price Estimates.
HARRISBURG –According to Press Secretary, Jennifer Kocher, The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today released its quarterly comparison between current market prices for electric generation and capped rates currently paid by consumers. The PUC said that the numbers validate the importance of current and future steps to mitigate potentially significant electricity rate increases.
According to the estimates, the market trended upward this quarter by about 2 percent for residential consumers when compared to the June electric price estimates. The Commission emphasizes that wholesale prices are subject to constant change and can be volatile. The prices may stabilize or trend upward in the future. Therefore, the Commission will continue its actions to mitigate potential rate increases. For customers, energy conservation and efficiency are recommended long-term strategies that should provide benefits regardless of where market prices trend in the future.
The charts released today show differences between capped rates and estimated market prices at the end of the second, third and fourth quarters of 2008 and the first, second and third quarters of 2009 for the five companies still under rate caps. Rate caps for PPL Electric Utilities Inc. expire Dec. 31, 2009, while the rate caps for Metropolitan Edison Co., PECO Energy Co., Pennsylvania Electric Co., and Allegheny Power Co. expire Dec. 31, 2010.
The Commission intends to post quarterly updates on their website: www.puc.state.pa.us, with the next update planned for January 2009. Select “Electric” from the pull-down menu and select “Electric Price Estimates.”
Wayne Williams,
Ph.D., Director of the PUC Bureau of Conservation, Economics &
Energy Planning (CEEP), said the calculations released today estimate
the increases consumers would see, on average, if rate caps expired
today.
Director Williams
noted that these estimates identify current market prices in the short
term, in comparison with capped rates, and do not in any way represent
a Commission projection of future prices when the remaining rate caps
expire.
This illustrates that if current market trends continue, consumers may be able to achieve better prices through a competitive electric generation supplier when rate caps expire.
The Commission has
engaged consumer advocates and industry experts in efforts to mitigate
any price increases in future electric generation prices. The
Commission has been working to educate consumers; develop strategies to
remove barriers for suppliers providing competitive electric service;
approve phase-in or pre-payment plans and direct all utilities to file
such programs if electric rates increase by more than 25 percent;
update low-income programs that provide budget assistance; and
implement default service pricing that reflects the least cost to
consumers over the long term.
The PUC also is continuing to explore reasonable, cost-effective programs that consumers and companies can implement to conserve energy or use it more efficiently.For more information on what consumers can do to reduce their usage and prepare for electric rate cap expiration, visit the Consumer Education section of the Commission’s website.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information: PUC website: www.puc.state.pa.us.
PA HOME ENERGY
attending a PA HOME ENERGY Training in
Bucks County for RESNET or BPI certification
in Winter or Spring 2010? email us! info@buckscountyenergy.com
September 28- October 2, 2009
Building Performance Institute
BPI- Building Analyst Training
Prerequisite: RESNET Certification
Greensburg, PA
September 14-18, 2009
HERS Rater (RESNET) Training
Greensburg, PA
Click here>
While some energy efficiency improvements can be easily detected and others require a more scientific approach, the effective results from having an energy audit and improvement makes home healthier, more comfortable, less expensive to operate and serve climate change goals by reducing CO2 emissions.
If you would like to have an Certified Energy Auditor evaluate your home or business, we would be happy to help. At the moment, we are building a list of Bucks County Auditors to be released soon.
To Contact Us, Click Here>>
EFFICIENCY FIRST
Energy use improvements start with energy efficiency and energy waste reduction. Right now Keystone Help Financing and Rebate Program along with Stimulus 09 funding opportunities make your energy improvements easier than ever! For more information, please read...
EERE Financial Opportunities
Keystone Help Program
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
Alliance to Save Energy
Affordable Comfort, Inc.
National Renewable Energy Library
Energy Modeling Software
* Treat
* REM/RATE
* Energy Plus
Making informed decisions in the building performance and contractor world requires self directed learning and reliable resources. The NREL is the go to energy research organization if you want to understand policy, research, a new building design processes and you can find them on the internet:
www.nrel.org
Building energy efficient building takes a new approach today and differs from the traditional method of building construction because it uses a "design team" to make all the design decisions rather than a single person and because it relies on "Efficiency First" design philosophy.
This new strategy employs an early stage design team that calculates and tracks energy use inputs from energy analysts and others members of the design team to ensure that the building project continues to meet energy savings and environmental impact goals.
