[Greenbuilding] Improve or Build New

[Drew A. Gillett, P.E.]

the usual argument is build new and do it right. (mostly from those with a 
vested interest in profiting from same.)

many arguments lead to refurbishing the old:
embodied energy
environmental costs of the additional new building, its streets schools 
utilities, etc.
the home you vacate would still be in the stock or have to be retrofitted 
anyway



the fact that as it sits, it isn't that terrible. you don't say the heat 
loss, but as a guess it results in 1000 gallons or therms per year.

this could be halved with
1) a blower door test and associated air tightening  $2000
2) interior low-e storms $10000
3)solar domestic hot water $6000
4)foundation insulation $5000
5)possibly wall insulation if an interior remodel is contemplated. $5000

for a total of 28000 (-2000-250 fed credtit)   to save  $1250 annually or 20 
year payback or 5% after tax rate of return--- not bad

you could even add a kw of pv for 6666 -2000 credit   to save $100   for 
dessert.

congrats on taking the first step of reinsulating the roof.
you might also consider a heating and cooling upgrade after completion of 
above.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: <sho11 at comcast.net>
To: <Greenbuilding at listserv.repp.org>
Sent: Friday, April 06, 2007 5:13 PM
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Improve or Build New


>
> I know there was some discussion about this topic a while back but I am 
> curious what you all think of my situation.
>
> My present house seems to have been designed to be as bad as posssible in 
> every way connected with energy efficiency.  It is shaded by trees and 
> hills in winter and gets full sun in summer.  It has windows equalling 15% 
> of the floor area facing west! There are a total of 33 windows! The  walls 
> have poorly installed R-11.  The raised wood floors have no insulation. 
> The open beam ceiling/roof had a layer of Thermax foam 2 inches thick.  I 
> have since added 6 inches of Icenene and 6 inches of Fiberglass.  The 
> windows are aluminum frame dual pane but older and somewhat leaky.  It is 
> two story and 1900 sq ft.
>
> Here is the dilema.  I want to buy a lot and build a really efficient 
> house.  It would suit my needs better, be cheaper to operate etc, etc.  I 
> would feel good about adding a well built, energy efficient house to the 
> local housing stock. Would it be a better solution than trying to improve 
> the present house?
>
> What are the tradeoffs?
>
> Thanks
>
> Steve
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