New Home Construction – Case Study (Lower Sackville)
The homeowner wanted to save money on her heating bill and increase the comfort of her home. With help from Efficiency Nova Scotia, she chose her recommended upgrades and is now saving more than $400 in energy costs per year.
Savings in Energy Costs: $410.00 per year
Estimated Payback for Energy Upgrades: 12 Years
Summary
Year constructed: 2016
Size: 880 ft2
Style: Mini home
EnerGuide Rating: 84
Energy Saving Features
- Air source heat pump
- Efficient lighting throughout
- Raised heel roof truss with R-60 insulation
Design Comparison
| Building Component/Item | Building Code Standard | As Built |
|---|---|---|
| Building Envelope | ||
| Ceiling | R-50 with standard heel (effective R-39) | R-60 with raised heel (effective R-55) |
| Exterior Walls | R-22 batts | R-24 batts |
| Exposed Floors | R-32 batts | R-32 batts |
| Windows | Double pane/Low-E/Argon | Double pane/Low-E/Argon |
| Mechanical Systems | ||
| Heating System | Electric baseboard | Minisplit heat pump (HSPF 10, SEER 25.5) |
| Domestic Hot Water | Electric hot water tank | Electric hot water tank |
| Heat Recovery Ventilator | 60% efficient heat recovery | 60% efficient heat recovery |
| Other | ||
| Lighting | Incandescent lighting | LED lighting |
| Thermostats | Bi-metal, non-programmable | electric, programmable |
| Results | ||
| EnerGuide Rating | 81 | 84 |
| Annual energy consumption | 14,532 kWh | 11,788 kWh |
| Annual energy cost | $2,179.80 | $1,768.20 |
| Financial Comparison | ||
| Cost of energy upgrades | $0 | $6,000 |
| Rebate from Efficiency Nova Scotia | $0 | $1,0001 |
| Monthly energy costs | $181.67 | $147.33 |
1 Based on current rebates through Efficiency Nova Scotia’s New Home Construction Program: rebates available at the time of registration may vary
Final EnerGuide Rating: 84
Annual Energy Consumption: 11,788 kWh