Home Comfort Tactics

This podcast episode from "Home Comfort Tactics" delves into the story of a homeowner in Rockville, MD, named Alex, who faced a perplexing condensation issue in their new home. Despite numerous consultations with experts, the problem persisted, causing discomfort and energy inefficiency. The host, an experienced energy auditor, was approached to help resolve this "Dew Point Dilemma." Through a detailed inspection involving an energy audit and the use of cutting-edge technology, the host uncovered several issues contributing to the problem, including poor insulation, unsealed air leaks, and a significant temperature clash near a bay window that led to excessive condensation.The resolution involved upgrading insulation, sealing air leaks, bridging the temperature gap, and reducing indoor humidity levels, aligning with recommendations from Energy Star and Pepco. This comprehensive approach led to a remarkable transformation in the home's comfort and energy efficiency, resulting in a 43% reduction in air leakage and about a 40% decrease in gas usage compared to the previous year. The episode highlights the importance of perseverance, technology, and professional audits in solving home comfort issues, encouraging listeners facing similar problems to seek a professional energy audit.Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

In this episode of Home Comfort Tactics, we dive into the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEEHR) program, a cornerstone of the Inflation Reduction Act to make homes more energy-efficient. We explore how the program's $4.5 billion fund is helping low- and moderate-income households afford crucial upgrades like heat pumps, electric stoves, and insulation through point-of-sale rebates. Through the story of Emily, a single mom looking to replace her water heater, we illustrate the program's impact and straightforward application process, emphasizing its role in fostering a greener, more equitable future.Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

What you may find a little different about my approach to explaining the Inflation Reduction Act HOMES Rebate program is that I try remembering when I was a homeowner and a window contractor. I did not know or understand anything about the whole-house approach or how it could change how I think about comfort and energy use in my home. When some of the critical concepts started to click for me, I was blown away by it all, and I got excited about finding ways to explain it to others. Most of the time, people are intrigued by it all, and it makes so much sense to them. I go into households regularly where the homeowners have lived there for years, sometimes decades, and the problems leading to their struggles were less than $1000 to fix.You can learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act. It is not only about the rebates for homeowners to upgrade insulation but also about how it will change how you look at the inside of your home. Whole house assessments, the many working parts of your home to keep you safe and comfortable, and how and where you should improve insulation. These things will not only come to the forefront, but they will bring a wave of enlightenment as we all begin the journey of understanding how to all do our part to fight against climate change.Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

Overview of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376):Two years ago, the United States government introduced the Inflation Reduction Act, a bold move with a whopping $8.8 billion earmarked specifically for Home Energy Rebates. It is a significant investment in Home Energy Rebates and should highlight the importance of getting these improvements made to your home.I provide you with an introduction of two major programs: the Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEEHR).You can find more information here: https://hometrustremodeling.com/the-amazing-new-billSource:"Residential Rebates in the Inflation Reduction Act" Fact Sheet, December 2023.Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

Thank you for listening!If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home PerformanceLearn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

I am a Certified Energy Auditor in Maryland.  I have had several revelations over the past several years, and this important one is about replacement windows. I am a contractor and a homeowner who fixates on personal comfort in my living space.I like to share my experiences with home comfort and remodeling so that you can make decisions that are light years ahead of my own!Despite my initial belief that replacing windows and HVAC systems would improve home comfort and energy efficiency, these changes did not yield the expected results.In 2012, I noticed that several window companies in my area were being fined for falsely advertising energy savings.My first big realization came when I learned that windows accounted for only 10 percent of a home's air leakage during my Energy Auditor certification in 2017.I became a home energy auditor and conducted an audit in 2018 where the homeowner believed drafty windows were the issue. However, the blower door test revealed that the windows were not the primary source of air leakage.Considering a comprehensive energy assessment before investing in window replacements would be best.00:00 Home Comfort Starts with Listening to This Story00:27 New House & New Window Replacement Job00:46 My Own Comfort Journey Was Long02:11 Replacement Windows Were Not the Answer03:36 Building Science is the REAL DEAL04:41 She Swore Her Windows Were the Issue06:51 Everything You Need to Know About Replacement WindowsIf you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home PerformanceIf you are looking to join a growing community of energy auditors, please visit our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384354076839150Here is a group for homeowners looking for more information about the Inflation Reduction Act Rebates https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesrebatesprograminfoLearn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

If you live in Maryland and want to learn more about the insulation R-values you need in the different areas of your home, this video podcast can help. You need to measure insulation through a slightly different lens. Rather than focusing on which insulation is better, achieving the recommended R-value for specific areas of your home's shell is more critical.There are two essential things to familiarize yourself with regarding R-value.First, the R-Value in "Lay" Terms. We measure insulation by its R-value. Insulation has one job - to resist heat flow.  The higher the R-value, the better the insulation resists heat transfer.00:00 Introduction01:29 Two Things to Remember About R-Values02:17 Getting an Insulation ROI04:04 Insulation's Seasonal Responsibilities05:00 Typical Boundary (Insulation) Locations Around a  Home07:43 Should You Remove Existing Insulation?Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

Getting a home energy audit is one of those things that many do not fully comprehend the benefits of until the assessment is complete. At that time, a well-trained energy consultant will be able to walk you around your home and illuminate issues that you have likely been walking right past for many weeks, months, or in some cases YEARS! Don't wait any longer and empower yourself TODAY to make your home more efficient, sustainable, and comfortable.Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

Continue your journey to better home comfort with part two of my fall bucket list of things you can do to make your home more comfortable.I have helped hundreds of Maryland homeowners attain a better quality of life regarding their home comfort.This podcast's mission is to break through to homeowners and help shape a new way to think about your living space, which can transform your quality of life.I know because I went through the process myself and can honestly say it has helped us. But I absolutely would not have been able to do it without the knowledge, and that is what I want to pass on to you.6. & 7. Get an energy audit this fall along with an assessment of your HVAC ducts 8. & 9. Go for full crawl space encapsulation and air seal/insulate your attic all the way!10. Block, seal and insulate overhangs around your home.00:00 Introduction and Recap01:28 #6 & #7 - The Grant Family Energy Audit06:03 #8 & #9 - My Personal Journey Towards a More Comfortable Home11:26 #10 Properly Seal and Insulate Overhangs Around Your HomeIf you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home PerformanceIf you are looking to join a growing community of energy auditors, please visit our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384354076839150Here is a group for homeowners looking for more information about the Inflation Reduction Act Rebates https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesrebatesprograminfoLearn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

Start your journey to better home comfort with my fall bucket list of things you can do to make your home more comfortable.I have helped hundreds of Maryland homeowners attain a better quality of life regarding their home comfort.This podcast's mission is to break through to homeowners and help shape a new way to think about your living space, which can transform your quality of life.I know because I went through the process myself and can honestly say it has helped us. But I absolutely would not have been able to do it without the knowledge, and that is what I want to pass on to you.1. seal up open crawl vents 2. seal can lights from the attic or install LED kits from inside3. make sure the flue in fire place is closed when not in use 4. seal/insulate the open areas of the basement rim joist 5. add insulation and weatherstrip to you attic access pointsLearn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

This episode of Home Comfort Tactics shares several exciting and interesting ways you can think about your house as a system.  Chances are that your house will have at least one of the things on the list that might be neglected.  I was once an unsuspecting homeowner (and contractor simultaneously) living in uncomfortable houses and paying for new HVAC to fix the problem. There is much more to comfort and efficiency than new windows and HVAC.   Taking a whole-house approach does not mean you need to become an expert. But, if you can learn a few easy-to-understand things around your house, you can get on the right pathway to what is most important to you.  00:00 Introduction 00:50 House as a System Analogy: The Baby Car Seat 03:08 Identifying Where the Bubble Needs to Be in YOUR House 05:04 20% of Your Living Space is DEAD SPACE 07:17 A Commonly Overlooked Home Exterior Problem 08:55 The Thermal & Pressure Boundary of a House 11:06 Ventilation Performance and Where is it Most Important? 13:35 Air Leakage Test (Blower Door Test) for the House 14:57 Ranking Your Home's Appliance ConsumptionLearn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

As an energy auditor, certified through the local Maryland utility, I am responsible to help homeowners figure out solutions for their damp or cold crawl space and explain to them in easy-to-understand ways the benefits of insulating it right.00:00 How Can this Episode Help?02:48 Recent Crawl Space Visit04:52 The Reason this Encapsulated Crawl Space is not EncapsulatedIf you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home PerformanceIf you are looking to join a growing community of energy auditors, please visit our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384354076839150Here is a group for homeowners looking for more information about the Inflation Reduction Act Rebates https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesrebatesprograminfo4354076839150Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

We learn to get to the root of the problem in grade school, and it can apply to many aspects of our lives including issues around the house that don't get the correct diagnosis and reappear. I used this podcast episode to touch on a few key points related to a recent situation that unfolded between May and June 2023. The homeowner in Rockville Maryland had drywall tape peeling at the turn of the season (colder to warmer), which was happening year after year. He was fed up with the problem this time after remodeling the bathroom and hoping the problem had been fixed. He decided to have one firm out that chose not to do the complete energy audit and as a result, also misdiagnosed the issue...almost sending the customer down another wrong path. Luckily, he called me, and I insisted on the energy audit. The systematic approach of a comprehensive energy audit is what this home needed. Although the problem was complex, it makes a lot of sense as to why it would not go away.00:00 Introduction Case of the Peeling Drywall Tape00:23 Ready to Try Something New: Enter The Energy Audit01:08 Confirming the Root Cause First-Hand01:48 Full Description of the Reason for the Issue02:28 The Improvements - Repair-Air Seal-Correctly Insulate02:52 Got a Problem You Need Help With? eric@hometrustremodeling.comIf you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home PerformanceIf you are looking to join a growing community of energy auditors, please visit our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384354076839150Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

I will tell you right now - this study proves that you should not replace your windows if you want to make your home more comfortable! This study shows that replacement windows only reduce drafts by 6% compared with other, less expensive retrofit plans, including sealing the attic and other important places like the top of the foundation wall in a basement or crawl space.I am a former window contractor, and it was exciting to have an excellent opportunity to test this Silver Spring home in three stages of improvements to the envelope or shell of the house.I tested before any work was done. Then, I tested after air sealing and adding insulation and then I tested again after all of the old window configurations were replaced with new, high-performance vinyl windows.THE RESULTS WERE ASTOUNDING!Test in: 4187 CFMTest after air sealing attic and basement: 2042 CFM (51% Reduction)Test after installing all new windows: 1805 CFM (6% Reduction)00:00 A Little Background on this Window and Insulation Expert02:29 Windows are Not the Source of Your Comfort Problems04:07 First Air Leakage Test on House Windows January 202206:11 How Much do Windows Account for Air Leakage in a Typical Home?06:38 January 2023 - Air Sealing, Insulation & New Windows in Silver Spring Maryland08:28 Birds-Eye-View of Air Sealing an Attic09:46 Second Air Leakage Test on House with Air Sealing & Insulation Completed May 202311:09 Third Air Leakage Test on House with Windows Replaced June 2023If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home PerformanceIf you are looking to join a growing community of energy auditors, please visit our Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384354076839150Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

Air leakage in your home is the number one reason for comfort problems and high energy bills.Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

Performing a home energy audit without proper testing equipment or training is not possible, however every homeowner can look for these five signs to decide if getting a comprehensive home energy audit is worth the investment.In order to decide if you need a comprehensive home energy audit, it is helpful to have a general idea of it's overall function.According to the EPA Local Residential Energy Efficiency website, existing residential homes typically offer several opportunities for energy efficiency improvement.  Since each home is unique due to additions, personal touches and different levels of upkeep,  opportunities may differ from home to home, even within the same neighborhood.Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

If you just bought a home - congrats! Chances are very high that you got a home inspection during the process, and it has a list of things you need to do to keep it up to "code". But I am willing to bet that the list lacks many essential items to make your home super cozy and energy efficient.Here is a link to the podcast file: https://residentialcomforttactics.buzzsprout.comThank you for watching!If you would like to learn more about my home performance company or get in touch, please visit https://www.hometrustremodeling.com or https://ericgans.com.Unlock Your Home's Full Potential - Hometrust Remodeling, Your Trusted Partner in Maryland Home PerformanceLearn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

This week we discuss the importance of choosing the right energy auditor to maximize your available incentives. We touch on encapsulating your attic compared with not and some of the advantages you get - going either way. Overall, it was a fun episode with several good nuggets of information, including a little bit about roofing.Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

In this episode Kyle and Eric discuss raccoons in an attic and how that can drive up an energy bill. We also get into the benefits of getting your HVAC ducts checked through a home energy audit.Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube

In our fourth week together, Eric and Kyle dive into the show and revisit some of the exciting things that happened to us related to Home Performance in the past week.Learn more at homeairleakagetest.comWatch this stuff on YouTube