Improvements
I made a number of improvements while owner, with a long-term view toward energy efficiency - I thought I'd be keeping the house for a lot longer! Here's the list of what has been done in the past two years.
There were significant reductions in gas (heating) bills after the energy improvements - my average winter gas bill over the last two years has been $98 (see Quick Stats page for other utility information).
There were significant reductions in gas (heating) bills after the energy improvements - my average winter gas bill over the last two years has been $98 (see Quick Stats page for other utility information).
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Energy Efficiency
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Vermont Gas energy audit,
confirming that heating system was in good condition and does not need
replacement
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Spray foam insulation in basement
(per Vermont Gas recommendations)
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Significant air sealing and blown
cellulose insulation in attic, totaling 18” insulation (per Vermont Gas
recommendations)
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Professionally installed and
insulated attic hatch
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Re-insulated crawl space under the
rear addition
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Professional vermiculite
insulation removal & abatement in the rear addition, following all state
inspection and testing protocols
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Insulated hot water pipes in
basement
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Replaced weather stripping and
seal around side door (primary entrance in winter)
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Functionality
(with some energy!)
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Replaced seven upstairs windows
(on three sides of the house) with new wood-clad Energy Star rated windows –
four casement windows (on the South and North sides of the house) to let more
air through the house, and three double-hung windows on the front of the
house. All are wood-clad and painted on the inside per City requirements
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Installed high-efficiency bathroom
fan with exterior ventilation (professional electrician)
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Repainted exterior window trim as
part of window replacement
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Installed shelves in garage
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Yard
and Exterior
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Significant brush removal, tree
removal, and clearing in yard – A few truckloads of brush and yard waste!
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Replaced about 200’ of fencing on
the West and North property lines with new 6’ cedar stockade fencing
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Installed cedar picket fence with
8’ gate between garage and property line so that the yard can be fenced off
for a dog
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Mulched along south and west fence
lines (and frond flower beds) to prevent weeds and vines
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Other
Maintenance and Repairs
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Chimney repair
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Slate shingle replacement as
needed
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South “picture window” exterior
trim painting and repair
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Vermont Gas heating & water
heating equipment inspection (listed above)
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Re-sealed upstairs bathtub
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Replaced a couple of broken storm
windows
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