We arranged for a Mass Save Energy Audit. They ended up recommending more air sealing and top of house insulation. They paid for it all (circa $2.6k) and we are now at R49 with minimal if any air leaks at ceilings. They:
- Enclosed the Whole House Fan
- Sealed all other air leak spots like around the chimney
- Then blew in additional cellulose throughout to bring the attic up to an R-49.
They also offered a $3k rebate on a new 95 + % efficient heating system; from Grundfos manual:
“Later generations of boilers became smaller while offering much greater energy efficiency. Internal flue passageways grew closer together and with design improvements that further increased operational efficiency. At the time of their development, these types of boilers delivered 80% to 83% efficiency, considered then to be ‘high efficiency.’ Most were vented directly into chimneys. As developments continued, new boilers soon exceeded to 85% efficiency range. But with system advancements, a key change involved the lowering of boiler flue gas temperatures. As these cooler exhaust gasses enter old chimneys, condensation can form easily (when flue temps fall below 350°F, the formation of acidic condensate becomes a constant challenge and can ruin masonry chimneys, especially those that are older and unlined). A flue liner must be installed to protect the occupants. Aluminum may be used for gas-fired systems and stainless steel must be used for oil. “
But our plumber pointed out the downfalls…. The systems are finniky and finely tuned, like my old Audi 100 LS, and run into annual maintenance costs of $350 and up IF you can find someone with the combustion engineering skills to tune it. Plus they require side venting vs. chimney.
So we agreed and stayed with our existing boiler but replaced all the 6 zone pumps with ultra high efficiency Grundfos (German) circulator pumps. They are silent and extremely efficient and Mass Save paid for 80% of the cost!!
So with all that now installed we feel warm and I expect the snow on our roof will be among the last to melt due to heat loss.
Now, on to my real challenge. Ground source hydronic cooling via passive chilled beams. The most advanced tech all coming from Europe.
John
Here's What I Found 