Preparing for the Home Star program with BPI certification

HOMESTAR coming to Missoula, Montana.

The HOME STAR program has passed the house of representatives and has strong support in the senate. This $6 billion incentive program is designed to create jobs in the construction and home energy retrofit industries as well as improving the energy efficiency of the existing housing stock in the US.

Silver Star and Gold Star.

The HOME STAR program offers two paths to getting rebate money.

The SILVER STAR program is a prescriptive approach whereby the homeowner will get rebates of up to $3,000 for specific energy improvement upgrades including: air sealing; attic, wall, and crawl space insulation; duct sealing or replacement; and replacement of existing windows and doors, furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters and appliances with high-efficiency models.

The GOLD STAR program is a performance based approach which will provide rebates of up to $8000 for verified home energy performance improvements (up to 50% over current energy usage). This will require having a comprehensive energy audit performed as a first step. The audit must be done by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified Professional (or other approved accreditation) and the predicted improvements in energy performance must be verified by computer energy modeling using an approved software program. The actual improvements to the home must also be performed by a BPI Accredited Contractor.

Energetechs staff preparing for BPI certification.

For this reason Energetechs is sending two of our staff, Russ Hellem and Andy Lemann, to Helena to complete the necessary requirements to become BPI Certified Professionals. This will ensure that both Energetechs and our sister company, Montana Energy Services, will have the qualifications to perform any type of work under the HOME STAR program. We will be one of only a few performance testing companies in Missoula and Montana to carry these highly regarded qualifications. In conjunction with our combined total of well over 100 years of experience in the green and energy efficient design and construction fields this will help to keep Energetechs at the very forefront of the  Home Energy Retrofit industry in Missoula, Montana.

Home Energy Retrofit Improvements under the HOME STAR program.

HOME STAR is just one of many federal, state, and utility company incentives for Missoula’s homeowners to improve the energy performance of their homes. Contact Energetechs today for more information about these as well as the many other benefits of improving your home’s performance including reduced utility bills; improved comfort, health, safety, and indoor air quality; and improved building durability.

CONTACT US – Energetechs, Inc., – ph.

2009 IECC – Residential Code Training Seminar, Kalispell, MT

A FULL-DAY, IN-PERSON, RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CODE TRAINING SEMINAR PRESENTED BY ENERGETECHS…. “The code training was excellent….I think this was valuable information.  As an insulator these new changes are critical….I look forward to the new 2009 IECC and hope that we can work towards educating those involved in the building industry.”     Nate Jarosch, Manager, Installed Insulation, BMC Select, Missoula, MT. (Attended our code training seminar in Missoula on April 23rd, 2010)

2009 IECC – How to Meet and Exceed the New Energy Code for Montana.

REGISTER NOW!

SPACE IS LIMITED – CALL THE FLATHEAD BUILDING ASSOCIATION OR EMAIL 

Topics Covered:

• Residential Code Compliance
• Energy conservation.
• Green building
• Insulation
• Air-sealing
• Blower Door, Duct Tightness, and IR Camera Testing
• Heating and Cooling
• Ventilation
• Moisture control
• Comfort
• Safety
• Health
• Durability
• Affordability

WHEN: FRIDAY, May 6th, 8am – 5pm.

WHERE: Hampton Inn, 1140 US Hwy 2, Kalispell, MT

COST: $85.00 per person FBA members (lunch included)

: $95.00 per person non-FBA members (lunch included)

COURSE OUTLINE

(Continuing Education Credits available with self reporting – a certificate will be provided)

Morning Session

8:00am    – Welcome, introductions and overview of the day’s activities.

- Preview of the Jobsite Booklet with Checklist and Examples

- Overview of Performance Based Design and Energy Efficient Construction principles.

9:00am    – 2009 IECC residential requirements in detail – point by point analysis with  reference to the code, photos, Jobsite Booklet, Checklist, Examples, and Best Practices.

10:00am  – 15 minute break.

10:15am  – 2009 IECC residential requirements in detail (continued).

Lunch Break

12:00 noon      (Lunch is included in the cost of the class).

Afternoon Session

12:45pm  – Demonstrations of Blower Door, Duct Tightness, and Infrared Camera testing in action,  air-sealing details, and heat recovery ventilation system requirements.

4:00pm    – Return to conference room for Q&A.

5:00pm    – Close.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES – by the end of the day you will:

• Be familiar with the format and layout of the 2009 IECC.
• Understand the Montana amendments to the code.
• Understand the differences between the current version and the new version of the code (with amendments).
• Be familiar with the JOBSITE CHECKLIST provided and how to use it to ensure that nothing gets overlooked during the construction process.
• Understand exactly what is required to meet the requirements of the 2009 IECC and the Montana amendments.
• Know what is involved in Blower Door, Duct Tightness, and IR Camera Tests.
• Understand the fundamentals of Heat and Energy Recovery Ventilation systems and their ducting requirements.
• Have a better understanding of energy efficient building design and construction, building science, and Green Building in general.
• Understand how energy efficient construction can affect the Health, Safety, Comfort, Durability, and Affordability of homes in Montana.

TAKE-HOME MATERIAL

• Jobsite Booklet – developed exclusively for this training program. Includes a thorough checklist and relevant examples (with photos) to help Project Managers ensure that every residential job meets or exceeds the requirements of the 2009 IECC. (1 copy included in price – more available for purchase)

Optional Extras (additional price per copy)

• 2009 International Energy Conservation Code $35.00 Paperback version of the 2009 IECC – keep one on every jobsite!
• 2009 IECC Study Companion $48.00 Comprehensive study guide to help you better understand the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code®

For more information and to register call THE FLATHEAD BUILDING ASSOCIATION OR EMAIL 

Energetechs’ Passive Solar Advice on HGTV-Pro

We were honored recently to receive a call from Kara Wahlgren, a writer for HGTVPro.com. She found our web-site when she searched the internet for a Passive Solar Design Consultant. Kara had a number of questions for our Passive Solar Design expert, Andy Lemann, for an article she was writing on Energy Efficient Windows. Here’s a brief excerpt from the her article…

“…the growing trend of passive solar design allows homeowners to harness the sun’s energy without spending a fortune or cluttering their property with solar-energy collectors. Instead, the key to a successful passive solar design is a strategic approach to installing windows.”

Click on the link below to read the full article or CLICK HERE to visit the HGTVPro.com website which contains a wealth of information aimed at homebuilding professionals.

http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/di_green_sustainable/article/0,2618,HPRO_20616_6025009,00.html

SeriousWindows for Passive Solar Design

Energetechs recently became a dealer for SeriousWindows, the most energy efficient windows made in North America. These windows are perfectly suited to Passive Solar design because every window that Serious sells comes with the option for either Low-gain or High-gain glass.

One of the beautiful things about Passive Solar Design is that, when it’s done right, it keeps a home warmer in the winter AND cooler in the summer. To achieve this we rely on very high performance windows that have very low U-values (high R-values) and SHGC’s (Solar Heat Gain Coefficients) that are tunable to different orientations. Here’s another quote from Kara’s article…

“…Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC). The SHGC measures how much solar heat comes through the window. Lemann recommends a high SHGC on south-facing windows; they’ll let heat in during winter months and proper shading will keep the sun out during summer months. On all other walls, opt for a low SHGC. “It’s difficult to shade windows on the west side because the sun comes in so low — so that’s when you want a window that doesn’t let too much heat through…” (i.e. a window with a low SHGC).

Selecting Energy Efficient Windows

For this reason we always encourage our clients to select the most high-performance windows they can afford. To help with the decision making process we have put together a Window Comparison Spreadsheet that directly compares U-values, R-values, SHGCs, and Prices for High-Performance Windows from a variety of different manufacturers. CLICK HERE to view our Window Comparison Chart.

Or contact us if you have any questions about Passive Solar Design or Energy Efficient Windows.

Energetechs, 615 Oak St, Suite 101, Missoula, MT, 59802 (406) 721 2741

Energytechs Missoula Montana

Many people think that the Missoula, Montana business called Energetechs is spelled Energytechs

So, if you’re looking for Montana’s building energy efficiency experts, you’ve come to the right place.

We invite you to click on any of the menu items at the top of the page and explore our extensive range of services and products to help you improve your building’s energy efficiency.

We don’t care if you call us Energetechs or Energytechs or Energetics or anything else. We  do care about helping you save money, improve the comfort and durability of your home, and do the right thing for the environment.

Please send us a message via the contact form on the right or call us at (406) 721 2741 or stop by and visit us at 615 Oak St, Suite 101, Missoula, Montana, 59801.

Energetics Missoula Montana

Many people think that the Missoula, Montana business called Energetechs is spelled Energetics

So, if you’re looking for Montana’s building energy efficiency experts, you’ve come to the right place.

We invite you to click on any of the menu items at the top of the page and explore our extensive range of services and products to help you improve your building’s energy efficiency.

We don’t care if you call us Energetechs or Energytechs or Energetics or anything else. We do care about helping you save money, improve the comfort and durability of your home, and do the right thing for the environment.

Please send us a message via the contact form on the right or call us at (406) 721 2741 or stop by and visit us at 615 Oak St, Suite 101, Missoula, Montana, 59801.

Passive House Certification

Energetechs now has Montana’s first and only Certified Passive House Consultant!

After going through a rigorous training process we can now proudly say that our very own Tom Hellem has become Montana’s first Certified Passive House Consultant. This qualifies Tom to Certify homes under the Passive House Institute program.

Tom received extensive instruction in the principles of Passive House Design and in the use of the Passive House Planning Package software that is used to certify homes under the program.

Tom has been a builder of high-quality and energy efficient homes for over 35 years. During this time he has become increasingly aware of the vital importance of reducing the energy consumption of buildings in order to limit their overall environmental impact.

“Energy Efficiency is the first priority when building a green and sustainable home, and Passive House Certification is the best way to ensure superior energy performance”, said Tom after receiving his certification from the Passive House Institute US (PHIUS).

A Certified Passive House uses about 90% less energy than a standard-built house of the same size. So the potential energy savings over the life of the home are enormous. And, since the energy consumed by a building durings its “life” constitutes by far the largest portion of its overall environmental impact, Certified Passive Houses are much, much better for the environment.

If you would like to learn more about our Passive House Design and Certified Passive House Consultant services in Missoula, Montana, please feel free to contact us by clicking on the link below or using the form at the top right of this page.

CONTACT US – Energetechs, Inc., – ph.

Free Consultations for Designers

Energetechs is now offering a FREE ONE-HOUR CONSULTATION to architects and designers on EVERY NEW PROJECT!

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the energy efficiency of ALL buildings, we are offering these free consultations to assist architects and designers with improving the performance of their buildings. The earlier we can be involved in the process the better as fundamental decisions like site selection, building size, and orientation can dramatically affect the end result in terms of energy performance.

Ideally we would like to encourage all building designers to establish performance goals for their buildings from the very beginning. These goals could be in line with existing programs like The 2030 Challenge or Passive House Standard or they could be goals that the design team establishes specifically for each project. Once the performance goals have been set, the building is then designed to meet the goals. This is known as Performance Based Design and is the most effective way to ensure that energy conservation is made a top priority in building design.

TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE BENEFITS!
We can also assist with ensuring that health and safety as well as financial goals are met for each project. Our practical understanding of building science, moisture control, indoor air quality, HVAC systems, construction methods, and cost management makes us a highly valuable member of any Integrated Design team.

2009/10-AIA Sustainable Practice Conference

Energetechs welcomes architects to Bozeman.

We are very excited to be a part of the 2009 AIA Sustainable Practice Conference. We are looking forward to meeting with as many architects as possible and explaining how we can help to set and meet high performance goals for buildings. Not only that, but we can help improve all three of the triple bottom lines, the financial, the ecological, and the social. With our help buildings can be made healthier, safer, more energy efficient, and more cost effective.

The theme of this week’s conference is sustainable practice and much of the focus is on Integrated Design. And this is exactly where we feel we can be of the most service, offering our energy efficient design and construction expertise as part of an collaborative design process. If you are an architect attending the conference in Bozeman, please stop by our booth and learn about the services and products that we have to offer.

We are also using the conference as an opportunity to launch an exciting new program. Energetechs is now offering a FREE, ONE-HOUR CONSULTATION to architects and building designers for EVERY NEW PROJECT! Let us give you some free advice regarding building science and energy efficiency with no obligation whatsoever. Naturally, we’ll be thrilled if you decide to hire us to be part of your project team but we’ll be more than happy to give some free advice if it helps make your buildings better, safer, and greener.

For some time now we at Energetechs have been fostering the goal of working more closely with architects to make buildings more energy efficient. We love being part of an integrated design team from the earliest stages of a project to help set energy efficiency as a top priority. We’d like to see every design team choose energy performance goals (preferably in line with the 2030 Challenge) from the very beginning of every project and work to meet those goals throughout the entire project.

The 2030 Challenge

Energetechs has officially adopted the 2030 Challenge which aims to bring all new buildings and major renovations to carbon-neutral by 2030. The 2030 Challenge is designed to rapidly slow, then reverse, the increase in global greenhouse gas production. We’d like to encourage all members of the Missoula community who are committed to a sustainable future to consider signing on to the 2030 Challenge and join us in fighting global warming.

Credible scientists give us 10 years to be well on our way toward global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions in order to avoid catastrophic climate change. Yet there are hundreds of coal-fired power plants currently on the drawing boards in the US. Seventy-six percent (76%) of the energy produced by these plants will go to operate buildings.

Buildings are the major source of demand for energy and materials that produce by-product greenhouse gases (GHG). Slowing the growth rate of GHG emissions and then reversing it over the next ten years is the key to keeping global warming under one degree centigrade (°C) above today’s level. It will require immediate action and a concerted global effort.

To accomplish this, Architecture 2030 has issued The 2030 Challenge asking the global architecture and building community to adopt the following targets:

• All new buildings, developments and major renovations shall be designed to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.
• At a minimum, an equal amount of existing building area shall be renovated annually to meet a fossil fuel, GHG-emitting, energy consumption performance standard of 50% of the regional (or country) average for that building type.
• The fossil fuel reduction standard for all new buildings and major renovations shall be increased to:

  60% in 2010
  70% in 2015
  80% in 2020
  90% in 2025
  Carbon-neutral in 2030 (using no fossil fuel GHG emitting energy to operate).

  These targets may be accomplished by implementing innovative sustainable design strategies, generating on-site renewable power and/or purchasing (20% maximum) renewable energy and/or certified renewable energy credits.

(Source: http://www.architecture2030.org/2030_challenge/index.html)

Check out architecture2030.org to learn more and to sign on to adopt the 2030 Challenge.