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For the purpose of simplyfying future discussions, I would like to share my definitions of energy efficiency and energy conservation. First, energy efficiency consists of the measures currently installed or that can be installed in a property to retain thermal mass at the lowest rate of consumtion. It includes the framing, insulation, lighting, air seal/barrier and mechanical systems, among others. Energy conservation refers to our behavior toward energy consumption. It is the lowest cost but sometimes the hardest to change. Obvious examples include frequent changes in the temperature settings...
The most recognized energy standard in residential construction is the ENERGY STAR Rating. Fees from Raters run from $350 to over $2000 depending on the level of service (ie Manual J& D completion). Additional costs to achieve the lowestlevel (you know what they call people who finish last in their medical school class?) range from 0 to 3% of total costs. The bottom line is that it comes down to holding the people who complete the work responsible for doing it right. Most of the work is standard for most good builders. 1. Do a good job on the the insulation, no voids, gaps or compressions ...