DOCSLIB.ORG

Greenbelt Homes Pilot Program: Summary of Building Envelope Retrofits, Planned HVAC Equipment Upgrades, and Energy Savings J

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Greenbelt Homes Pilot Program: Summary of Building Envelope Retrofits, Planned HVAC Equipment Upgrades, and Energy Savings J Greenbelt Homes Pilot Program: Summary of Building Envelope Retrofits, Planned HVAC Equipment Upgrades, and Energy Savings J. Wiehagen, M. Del Bianco, and D. Mallay Partnership for Home Innovation May 2015 NOTICE This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, subcontractors, or affiliated partners makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof. Available electronically at http://www.osti.gov/bridge Available for a processing fee to U.S. Department of Energy and its contractors, in paper, from: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information P.O. Box 62 Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0062 phone: 865.576.8401 fax: 865.576.5728 email: mailto:[email protected] Available for sale to the public, in paper, from: U.S. Department of Commerce National Technical Information Service 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 phone: 800.553.6847 fax: 703.605.6900 email: [email protected] online ordering: http://www.ntis.gov/ordering.htm Greenbelt Homes Pilot Program: Summary of Building Envelope Retrofits, Planned HVAC Equipment Upgrades, and Energy Savings Prepared for: The National Renewable Energy Laboratory On behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 15013 Denver West Parkway Golden, CO 80401 NREL Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308 Prepared by: Home Innovation Research Labs Partnership for Home Innovation 400 Prince George’s Boulevard Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 NREL Technical Monitor: Stacey Rothgeb Prepared under Subcontract No. KNDJ-0-40335-05 May 2015 The work presented in this report does not represent performance of any product relative to regulated minimum efficiency requirements. The laboratory and/or field sites used for this work are not certified rating test facilities. The conditions and methods under which products were characterized for this work differ from standard rating conditions, as described. Because the methods and conditions differ, the reported results are not comparable to rated product performance and should only be used to estimate performance under the measured conditions. Contents List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ iii List of Tables .............................................................................................................................................. iv Definitions .................................................................................................................................................... v Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................... vi 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Pilot Program Background ............................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Phase 2 Pilot Program Building Envelope Upgrades ....................................................................... 4 2 Greenbelt Homes, Inc. Pilot Program Research Investigation ........................................................ 7 3 Retrofit Designs and Construction Process ...................................................................................... 8 3.1 Design Details and Bid Process ....................................................................................................... 8 3.2 Additional Analysis Required .......................................................................................................... 9 4 Crawlspace and Attic Upgrades ........................................................................................................ 12 4.1 Crawlspace Retrofits ...................................................................................................................... 12 4.1.1 Frame-Vinyl Pilot Home Crawlspace Upgrades ............................................................... 12 4.1.2 Block and Frame-Brick Crawlspace Upgrades ................................................................. 13 4.1.3 Frame-Brick and Frame-Vinyl Attic Upgrades ................................................................ 14 5 Wall, Window and Door, and Exhaust Fan Upgrades ..................................................................... 16 5.1 All Pilot Homes—Window Replacement ...................................................................................... 16 5.2 Block Home Window and Wall Upgrades ..................................................................................... 17 5.2.1 Window Upgrades ............................................................................................................ 17 5.2.2 Block Building Insulation ................................................................................................. 19 5.3 Frame-Brick Window and Door Replacement ............................................................................... 20 5.4 Frame-Vinyl Wall, Window, and Door Upgrades ......................................................................... 20 5.4.1 Window Replacements ..................................................................................................... 21 5.4.2 Frame-Vinyl Wall Insulation Upgrades ............................................................................ 24 5.5 All Pilot Homes—Exhaust Fan Installation ................................................................................... 24 5.6 Energy Upgrade Feature and Monitoring Description ................................................................... 26 6 Infiltration Testing .............................................................................................................................. 27 7 Heating Season Comparison ............................................................................................................. 30 8 Monitored Data—Indoor Temperature and Energy Use ................................................................. 33 8.1 Monitoring Summary ..................................................................................................................... 33 8.2 Indoor Temperature Measurements in Pilot Homes ...................................................................... 34 8.3 Energy Use Data ............................................................................................................................ 37 8.3.1 Heating Energy Use .......................................................................................................... 38 8.3.2 Heating Degree Day Normalization .................................................................................. 38 8.3.3 Temperature Difference Normalization and Take-Back Energy Use ............................... 40 9 HVAC System Analysis for Phase 3 Retrofits ................................................................................. 49 10 Cost Savings of Building Envelope Improvements ........................................................................ 51 10.1 Retrofit Cost Complexity .................................................................................................. 51 10.2 Energy Savings Investment............................................................................................... 52 10.3 Prioritizing Energy-Efficiency Measures ......................................................................... 54 11 Energy-Efficiency Measure Lessons Learned ................................................................................. 56 11.1 Crawlspace Upgrades ....................................................................................................... 56 11.2 Attic Upgrades .................................................................................................................. 56 11.3 Windows ........................................................................................................................... 57 11.4 Exterior Insulation and Weather-Resistive Barriers ......................................................... 57 11.5 Claddings .......................................................................................................................... 58 11.6 Ventilation Fan ................................................................................................................. 59 11.7 Design and Implementation Process ................................................................................. 59 i 12 Summary of Research Questions ..................................................................................................... 60 13 Next
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Airtightness on HVAC Energy Use
    NISTIR 7238 Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Airtightness on HVAC Energy Use Steven J. Emmerich Tim McDowell Wagdy Anis NISTIR 7238 Investigation of the Impact of Commercial Building Envelope Airtightness on HVAC Energy Use Steven J. Emmerich Building and Fire Research Laboratory Timothy P. McDowell TESS, Inc. Wagdy Anis Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott Prepared for: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Building Technologies June 2005 U.S. Department of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary Technology Administration Phillip J. Bond, Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology National Institute of Standards and Technology Hratch Semerjian, Acting Director ABSTRACT This report presents a simulation study of the energy impact of improving envelope airtightness in U.S. commercial buildings. Despite common assumptions, measurements have shown that typical U.S. commercial buildings are not particularly airtight. Past simulation studies have shown that commercial building envelope leakage can result in significant heating and cooling loads. To evaluate the potential energy savings of an effective air barrier requirement, annual energy simulations were prepared for three nonresidential buildings (a two-story office building, a one-story retail building, and a four-story apartment building) in 5 U.S. cities. A coupled multizone airflow and building energy simulation tool was used to predict the energy use for the buildings at a target tightness level relative to a baseline level based on measurements in existing buildings. Based on assumed blended national average heating and cooling energy prices, predicted potential annual heating and cooling energy cost savings ranged from 3 % to 36 % with the smallest savings occurring in the cooling-dominated climates of Phoenix and Miami.
    [Show full text]
  • Download the Brochure
    The trusted partner that clients continually rely upon to solve their most complex design challenges and building issues serviced through an exceptional consultant experience. WE DELIVER SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SOLUTIONS WHILE RESPECTING ASPIRATIONAL PROJECT GOALS. WE BUILD LASTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH OUR CLIENTS, COLLABORATORS, AND EACH OTHER. WE ARE FOCUSED ON PROJECT EXECUTION AND EXCEL AT CLIENT DELIVERABLES AND CONSULTING SERVICES. Firm Profile DeSimone Consulting Engineers provides high-quality structural engineering, facade consulting, and forensic services, in addition to risk management and construction claims consulting for all types of buildings. Known for the highest quality of service, the firm provides each client with personal, dedicated, and inspiring engineering solutions. Founded in New York City in 1969, the firm is organized to support clients around the country and around the globe with offices in the United States, South America, and the Middle East. To date, DeSimone has designed over 10,000 projects in 44 states and 55 countries. Our project portfolio demonstrates the firm’s dedication to pursuing and developing superlative structures. The firm is also consistently listed on Engineering News Record’s Top 500 Design Firms. DeSimone produces extremely efficient designs and is known for creative thinking and for outright innovation. The firm combines cutting edge technology with seasoned experience to provide professional services unmatched in the industry. DeSimone’s approach is process driven, utilizing an open office, collaborative design environment. Technology, communication, and responsiveness are key strengths that facilitate the firm’s commitment to exceptional service, and engender the creation of a better-built environment. Global Presence DeSimone has offices throughout the United States, the Middle East, and South America.
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Climate Change on the Moisture Performance of Tallwood Building Envelope
    buildings Article Effects of Climate Change on the Moisture Performance of Tallwood Building Envelope Maurice Defo * and Michael A. Lacasse National Research Council Canada, 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the potential effects of climate change on the moisture performance and durability of massive timber walls on the basis of results derived from hygrothermal simulations. One-dimensional simulations were run using DELPHIN 5.9.4 for 31 con- secutive years of the 15 realizations of the modeled historical (1986–2016) and future (2062–2092) climates of five cities located across Canada. For all cities, water penetration in the wall assembly was assumed to be 1% wind-driven rain, and the air changes per hour in the drainage cavity was assumed to be 10. The mold growth index on the outer layer of the cross-laminated timber panel was used to compare the moisture performance for the historical and future periods. The simulation results showed that the risk of mold growth would increase in all the cities considered. However, the relative change varied from city to city. In the cities of Ottawa, Calgary and Winnipeg, the relative change in the mold growth index was higher than in the cities of Vancouver and St. John’s. For Vancouver and St. John’s, and under the assumptions used for these simulations, the risk was already higher under the historical period. This means that the mass timber walls in these two cities could not withstand a water penetration rate of 1% wind-driven rain, as used in the simulations, with a drainage cavity of 19 mm and an air changes per hour value of 10.
    [Show full text]
  • Tierra-Linda-Passive-House-Design
    TIERRA LINDA Passive House Design About The Project In July 2014, Latin United Community Housing Association (LUCHA) led an interactive eco-charrette to generate and target sustainability goals for its new wellness-centered scattered-site housing development called Tierra Linda, located near the 606 Trail in Humboldt Park. The project kick-off brought together members of the LBBA design team with the maintenance staff, tenants, and neighbors of the future development and introduced the benefits of “green” housing and collaboratively developed a vision and strategies for the project. LUCHA incorporated key tactics into the development of Tierra Linda that supports the core theme of healthy living and wellness integrated amongst tenants and the community. The project has received Passive House certification—the first affordable multi-family housing type to achieve PH certification in Chicago! In addition to the Passive House 6-flat, the development also includes a “twin” building that is designed to comply with code-minimum energy requirements which will allow the team to compare energy usage between the two. What Is Passive House? Passive House is a building standard popular in Europe and Canada. However in recent years, Passive House Alliance launched a United States program aimed at making high- performance passive building the mainstream market standard. Passive building is made up of a set of design principles used to attain rigorous level of energy efficiency within a quantifiable comfort level. To that end, a passive building is designed and built in accordance with these five building science principles: 1. Employs continuous insulation throughout its entire envelope without any thermal bridging.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis for Building Envelopes and Mechanical Systems Using 2012 CBECS Data March 2018
    PNNL-26949 Analysis for Building Envelopes and Mechanical Systems Using 2012 CBECS Data March 2018 DW Winiarski AL Cooke MA Halverson GK Bandyopadhyay JB Butzbaugh DB Elliott Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830 PNNL-26949 Analysis for Building Envelopes and Mechanical Systems Using 2012 CBECS Data DW Winiarski AL Cooke MA Halverson GK Bandyopadhyay JB Butzbaugh DB Elliott March 2018 Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830 Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Richland, Washington 99352 Summary This report describes the aggregation and mapping of certain building characteristics data available in the most recent Commercial Building Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) (DOE EIA 2012) to describe most typical construction practices. Buildings with a date of construction of 1990 or later (referred to as post-1990) were analyzed as a reflection of more recent building construction practices. This report provides summary data for potential use in the support of modifications to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s (PNNL’s) commercial prototype building models (prototypes) used for building energy code analysis. Mapping of CBECS data to building construction characterized in the building code was conducted to provide actionable insight. This summary outlines findings and most typical design choices for certain building envelope and heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems for the prototypes based primarily on the most recent CBECS data. While the conclusions in this summary are reflective of current construction, as captured in the CBECS data, the commercial building prototypes form the basis of other analytical work for PNNL, and any subsequent modifications to the prototypes based on the findings in this report should take into account the historical use of the prototypes as well as other data used in their development.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of Cooling Load Calculations for Underfloor Air Distribution Systems
    The 13th Asia Pacific Conference on the Built Environment: Next Gen Technology to Make Green Building Sustainable , 19-20 Nov 2015 (Thu-Fri), Hong Kong. Analysis of cooling load calculations for underfloor air distribution systems Dr. Sam C. M. Hui * and Miss ZHOU Yichun Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong * E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Underfloor air distribution (UFAD) systems use an underfloor supply plenum located between the structural floor slab and a raised floor system to supply conditioned air through floor diffusers or terminal units directly into the building’s occupied zone. If designed properly, they have the potential to enhance energy efficiency, indoor air quality and building life cycle performance. However, the application of UFAD system is still obstructed by the information gap in some fundamental issues, such as cooling load calculation. All the cooling load calculation methods for UFAD systems nowadays have limitations and drawbacks and most building designers are not familiar with them. This research aims to investigate the cooling loads calculation methods for UFAD systems. Fundamental principles of UFAD with different configurations are studied to analyse the effects on cooling load components. Critical evaluation is made on the key factors and issues affecting the cooling load and how they differ from the overhead air distribution systems. It is found that thermal stratification, management of solar and lighting loads, architectural design and thermal properties of structural floor slab will influence the cooling load and must be evaluated carefully. It is hoped that the findings could improve the understanding of UFAD systems and provide practical information for performing the cooling load calculations and optimising the system performance.
    [Show full text]
  • Envelope Durability Problems in High-Humidity Buildings
    ENVELOPE DURABILITY PROBLEMS IN HIGH-HUMIDITY BUILDINGS Mark Lawton, P.Eng. David Scott ABSTRACT This paper exalllilies envelope durabilily pmblellls ill higll­ attribuled 10 Ihe exfiltmlioll of 1II0isi air ililo cavilies oulside Ihe hUlllidily buildillgs such as museullls alld Ihose cOlilaillilig illsula liolilayer of Ihe ellvelope asselllblies. The buildillg ellvelope swilllmilig pools by preselililig a series of brief case sludies. failures occulTed due 10 problems ill desigll alld collslmelioll of All buildillgs are localed ill cold-clilllale areas wilhill Callada. Ihe buildillg Cl/Velope alld opemlioll of Ihe buildillg's lIIechallical Moislure dalIIage foulld could, for Ihe 1II0si pari, be syslellls. INTRODUCTION Site Observations High-humidity buildings in cold Canadian climatic Thermographic scalU1ing provided evidence of air zones provide a serious challenge for building envelope leakage along the upper parapet at the junction of the design teams. Operating conditions for building humid­ sloped roof to wall and at locations on the wall cladding. ity and the possible mechanical pressurization of the building during operation must be balanced against the cost of the building envelope, its constructability with average labOl~ and its serviceability over time. Often, too little emphasis is placed on critical transition details to provide a continuous, structurally supported air barrier. CASE #1 TIle first exatnple COllles £r0111 a recreation facilit)~ constructed in 1975 in central Canada, whose Inajar fea­ ture is a swinuning pool. The building is maintained at approximately 45% relative humidity (RH). Building operations staff attempt to maintain a slight positive interior pressure relative to the exterior to control cold drafts. The building has an upper roof deck and sections of lower-level roofs, some flat and some sloped.
    [Show full text]
  • Insulation a Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners
    BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM VOLUME 17. BUILDING AMERICA BEST PRACTICES SERIES Energy Renovations Insulation A Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners PREPARED BY Pacific Northwest National Laboratory & Oak Ridge National Laboratory May 2012 R May 2012 • PNNL-20972 BUILDING AMERICA BEST PRACTICES SERIES Energy Renovations Volume 17: Insulation A Guide for Contractors to Share with Homeowners Prepared by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Michael C. Baechler, Project Manager K. T. Adams, M. G. Hefty, and T. L. Gilbride and Oak Ridge National Laboratory Pat M. Love May 2012 Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy Building America Program PNNL-20972 Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Richland, Washington 99352 Contract DE-AC05-76RLO 1830 This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States Government nor any agency thereof, nor Battelle Memorial Institute, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government or any agency thereof, or Battelle Memorial Institute. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government or any agency thereof. ENERGY RENOVATIONS INSULATION Preface R The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes the enormous potential that exists for improving the energy efficiency, safety, and comfort of existing American homes.
    [Show full text]
  • 36.Pdf [517Kb]
    A NOZZLE PULSE PRESSURISATION TECHNIQUE FOR MEASUREMENT OF BUILDING LEAKAGE AT LOW PRESSURE Edward Cooper*1, Xiaofeng Zheng1, Mark Gillot1, Saffa Riffat1 and Yingqing Zu2 1 Architecture, Climate and Environment Research 2 Department of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Group, Faculty of Engineering, University of Fudan University Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, China UK *Corresponding author: [email protected] ABSTRACT Air tightness is essential to building energy performance, which has been acknowledged for a long time. It plays a significant role in improving building energy efficiency by minimising the heating/cooling loss incurred during unwanted air movement through the building envelope, consequently reducing the building’s energy demand and cutting down carbon emission in the building sector. A novel nozzle pulse pressurisation technique for determining the adventitious leakage of buildings at low pressure around 4 Pa, which is regarded as a more accurate indicator than conventional steady state measurement at 50 Pa, is investigated theoretically, numerically and experimentally. The investigation is based on the ‘quasi-steady pulse’ concept which produces a pressure pulse inside the building by introducing a certain amount of air in a very short time using an air compressor, solenoid valve, nozzle and control unit. The mass flow rate from the nozzle is obtained by measuring the transient pressure in the air receiver of the compressor during a test run. Simultaneously, the pressure difference across the building envelope is measured by differential pressure transducers. The quadratic equation, which can more closely represent the flow characteristics of adventitious openings, is used to determine the characteristic of building air leakage.
    [Show full text]
  • Building Envelope a Guide to Building Envelope Solutions That Improve Comfort, Marketability, and Energy Efficiency
    solution package Building Envelope A guide to building envelope solutions that improve comfort, marketability, and energy efficiency. The BE-Ex solution packages are a suite of six documents compiled from the Anatomy of an Energy Efficient Building exhibit on view at Building Energy Exchange’s downtown resource center, or virtually at be-exchange.org/anatomy system interaction operations & maintenance The performance of mechanical building systems is contingent on Investing in operations and maintenance best practices ensures the integrity of the building envelope. Building envelope upgrade that building systems run optimally, enabling proper performance decisions should be made in the context of how they might impact in existing equipment and maximizing return on investment in new the operation and performance of mechanical systems. systems. Best practices for building envelopes include: • Weatherstrip windows and door frames, replace gaskets, and air seal around air conditioners, vents, shaft openings, piping penetrations, and cracks along walls and joints. heating hot water • Routinely inspect building for air and heat leakage using 2 infrared cameras to identify thermal bridges and smoke blowers to locate air leaks. 1 • Inspect each envelope component from both the exterior and interior of the building. envelope 2 ventilation • Establish a winter maintenance policy for window and through-wall air conditioners. • Apply reflective, light-colored paint to the building’s roof. cooling lighting & loads 1 envelope → ventilation Envelope upgrades must be paired with balanced fresh air ventilation to ensure indoor air quality and health benefits. 2 envelope → heating & cooling Improvements to the building envelope will reduce the need for heating and cooling, saving energy and minimizing operating costs.
    [Show full text]
  • Building Envelope Standards 401
    Part 4. Building Envelope Standards 401. Introduction A. The BUILDING ENVELOPE STANDARDS (BES) establish both the limita ons and specifi c requirements for building form and frontages. B. The form and func on controls work together to create the STREET SPACE while allowing the building design greater la tude behind the façades. 402. General Standards The following regula ons apply to all BES, unless expressly stated otherwise within an individual BES or on the REGULATING PLAN. A. Transitions When the BES designa on changes along the STREETSPACE FRONTAGE or at the BLOCK CORNER within a DEVELOPMENT PROJECT or BES SITE, the applicant has the op on of applying either BES for a maximum addi onal distance of 50 feet along that STREETSPACE FRONTAGE or around that BLOCK CORNER. B. Façade Composition 1. The average length of the COMPLETE AND DISCRETE VERTICAL FACADE COMPOSITIONS along a FAÇADE on a BLOCK FACE shall be no more than 100 feet for Urban Mixed-Use and Urban Residen al frontages, and 120 feet for Townhouse/Small Apartment frontages. DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS with STREETSPACE frontage of less than 120 feet on a BLOCK FACE are exempted from the COMPLETE AND DISCRETE VERTICAL FACADE COMPOSITION requirement for that BLOCK FACE. Provided, however, that the COMPLETE AND DISCRETE VERTICAL FACADE COMPOSITIONS maximum length requirements above do not apply to buildings within ADJACENT TO CONSERVATION AREAS. 2. The average distance between STREETSPACE entry doors shall be no greater than 60 feet for each FACADE. Provided, however, that each COMPLETE AND DISCRETE VERTICAL FACADE COMPOSITION shall include at least one func oning entry door from the STREETSPACE.
    [Show full text]
  • WEATHERIZATION WORKS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 39.5 Million
    WEATHERIZATION WORKS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Mission The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Weatherization Assistance Program (Weatherization or the Program) reduces energy costs for low-income 39.5 million households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring households are eligible their health and safety. for Weatherization Weatherization has operated for over 40 years and is the nation’s largest single “whole house” energy efficiency program. Its primary purpose, established by law, is: “…to increase the energy efficiency of dwellings owned or occupied by low-income persons, reduce their total residential energy expenditures, and improve their health and safety, especially low-income persons who are particularly vulnerable such as the elderly, the disabled, and children.” The Program provides energy efficiency services to an average of35,000 homes annually with congressional appropriated funds while reducing annual energy costs by an average of $283 or more per household1. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the Recovery Act) (Public Law 111-5), the Program weatherized over 1,000,000 homes during three years of the Act2. These low-income households are often on fixed incomes or rely on income assistance programs and are most vulnerable to volatile changes in the economy or energy markets. High energy users or households with a high energy burden also receive priority for weatherization services. Operations DOE works in partnership with state and local-level agencies to implement the Program. The Department awards formula grants to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, five U.S. territories and Native American tribes, which then usually contract with local agencies.
    [Show full text]