Difference between revisions of "Hostel Detroit Energy Efficiency Adventure"

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(→‎Phase II - Low Cost/No Cost brainstorm March 7, 2012)
 
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***** Floors were installed without any insulation...difficult to do now
 
***** Floors were installed without any insulation...difficult to do now
 
***** Windows - New-ish Vinyl Windows
 
***** Windows - New-ish Vinyl Windows
−
****** Chalking on the exterior of the windows would be helpful to prevent air infiltration
+
****** Caulking on the exterior of the windows would be helpful to prevent air infiltration '''DONE DEC. 2011 by Michel'''
 
***** Leak under window in back...poor seal around windows
 
***** Leak under window in back...poor seal around windows
 
***** Doors (not studied)
 
***** Doors (not studied)
Line 139: Line 139:
 
** Testing
 
** Testing
 
*** Carbon Dioxide test...need to confirm heating units are on the roof
 
*** Carbon Dioxide test...need to confirm heating units are on the roof
−
*** Blower door test + infrared thermal imaging (Ken)
+
*** Blower door test + infrared thermal imaging (suggested by Ken and Laurie)
 
** Modeling
 
** Modeling
 
*** [http://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9bEzr-Y2qtaNmE4NGE2NDMtZWEzNi00NGEzLTg5ZTktNmZkMGI0MzFmODVj Energy Bill Analysis]
 
*** [http://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9bEzr-Y2qtaNmE4NGE2NDMtZWEzNi00NGEzLTg5ZTktNmZkMGI0MzFmODVj Energy Bill Analysis]
Line 148: Line 148:
 
*'''To-dos 2/8/12'''
 
*'''To-dos 2/8/12'''
 
**Determine low-cost budget/funding options (Michel)
 
**Determine low-cost budget/funding options (Michel)
−
**Caption Photobucket photos w/details (Michel/Matt)
+
**Caption Photobucket photos w/details (Michel/Matt) '''DONE'''
 
**Get definite construction year (Matt)  
 
**Get definite construction year (Matt)  
 
**Get bulge (above office) looked at - by Jerry? (Michel)
 
**Get bulge (above office) looked at - by Jerry? (Michel)
−
**Annotate structural drawing w/comfort conditions (Michel)
+
**Annotate structural drawing w/comfort conditions (Michel) '''DONE'''
−
**Pull together energy numbers (Kirsten/Laurie)
+
**Pull together energy numbers (Kirsten/Laurie) '''DONE'''
 
**Get equipment owners' manuals to check against equipment settings (Michel)
 
**Get equipment owners' manuals to check against equipment settings (Michel)
 
**Thermal imaging proposal (Laurie)
 
**Thermal imaging proposal (Laurie)
  
 
*'''To-dos 2/22/12'''
 
*'''To-dos 2/22/12'''
−
**Indicate cold first floor stairwell (Michel)
+
**Indicate cold first floor stairwell (Michel) '''DONE'''
−
**Indicate distinction btw slab/elevated floor (Michel)
+
**Indicate distinction btw slab/elevated floor (Michel) '''DONE'''
 
**Shade first floor Apt 1 with light blue (Michel)
 
**Shade first floor Apt 1 with light blue (Michel)
−
**Indicate directions on diagram (Michel)
+
**Indicate directions on diagram (Michel) '''DONE'''
−
**Add dollar amounts to spreadsheet (Kirsten)
+
**Add dollar amounts for energy costs from bills to spreadsheet (Kirsten) '''DONE'''
−
**Add total dollar amount (gas/electric) to spreadsheet (Kirsten)
+
**Add total dollar amount (gas/electric) to spreadsheet (Kirsten) '''DONE'''
 
**Check w/Emily -- is landlord still paying electric bills? We need access to those bills - contact landlord (Michel)
 
**Check w/Emily -- is landlord still paying electric bills? We need access to those bills - contact landlord (Michel)
  
 
*'''To-dos 3/7/12'''
 
*'''To-dos 3/7/12'''
−
** Kirsten and Laurie update energy analysis with revised usage data
+
** Kirsten and Laurie update energy analysis with revised usage data '''DONE'''
−
** Kirsten update energy usage data for Apts. 2 & 3 with input from Laurie, Michel and/or Emily
+
** Kirsten update energy usage data for Apts. 2 & 3 with input from Laurie, Michel and/or Emily '''DONE'''
−
** Michel update floor plans with crawl space vs. slab and square footage
+
** Michel update floor plans with crawl space vs. slab and square footage '''DONE'''
−
** Kirsten update energy analysis with Michel’s info
+
** Kirsten update energy analysis with Michel’s info '''DONE'''
−
** Kirsten build energy model for existing building and compare to energy analysis
+
** Kirsten build energy model for existing building and compare to energy analysis '''DONE'''
−
** Group decision: Which area or apartment should be targeted for improvement?
+
** Group decision: Which area or apartment should be targeted for improvement? '''DONE'''
 
** Michel will try to get common area energy bills
 
** Michel will try to get common area energy bills
 +
 +
*'''5/16/12'''
 +
**Start with one room (South-exposure)
 +
***Fundamental learning will create confidence/momentum to do larger things in integrated way
 +
**Crowdsource sustainability initiatives?
 +
**'''To-dos'''
 +
***Determine dollar amount (Michel)
 +
***Air infiltration for whole building/airflow rates (Ken)
 +
***Get HVAC specs (Michel)
 +
***AC equipment inspection? (Laurie coordinate)
 +
***Research window film to prevent excess heat (3M product?)
 +
***Contact Chris about crowdfunding (Matt)
 +
 +
*'''Crowdfunding Conversation'''
  
 
=== Phase II - No / Low Cost Actions ===
 
=== Phase II - No / Low Cost Actions ===
 
* '''Air Infiltration (10 - 15%)'''
 
* '''Air Infiltration (10 - 15%)'''
−
** Doors...weatherstripping / thresholds
+
** Doors...weatherstripping / thresholds / sweeps
 
** Windows caulk exterior (repair water leak window)
 
** Windows caulk exterior (repair water leak window)
 
** Venting fans...sealed and on timers
 
** Venting fans...sealed and on timers
Line 182: Line 196:
 
** Bottom of Siding
 
** Bottom of Siding
 
** Plumbing stacks
 
** Plumbing stacks
 +
** Durabond 90 hard sand with paper tape to seal all cracks in walls
 +
 +
 
* '''Maintenance of Current Equipment (5 - 10%)'''
 
* '''Maintenance of Current Equipment (5 - 10%)'''
 
** Clean or replace filters (every 3 months)
 
** Clean or replace filters (every 3 months)
 
** Setback thermostats
 
** Setback thermostats
−
** Seal ducts especially exterior
+
** Inspect and seal ducts especially exterior
 
** Clean refrigerator coils
 
** Clean refrigerator coils
 
** Get equipment inspected ($125 each)
 
** Get equipment inspected ($125 each)
 +
 +
 
* '''Select Lighting (> 50% reduction of lighting load)'''
 
* '''Select Lighting (> 50% reduction of lighting load)'''
 
** CFL's in lights (reduce by 70%)
 
** CFL's in lights (reduce by 70%)
 
** Photocells outside
 
** Photocells outside
 
** Motion detector on critical lights (on the most)
 
** Motion detector on critical lights (on the most)
 +
 +
 
* '''Hot Water Tanks'''
 
* '''Hot Water Tanks'''
 
** Check temp make sure not too hot
 
** Check temp make sure not too hot
 
** Thermal Blanket on each tank  ($25 each)
 
** Thermal Blanket on each tank  ($25 each)
 
** Turn off / down when not occupied
 
** Turn off / down when not occupied
 +
 +
 
* '''Energy Sippers?'''
 
* '''Energy Sippers?'''
 
** TV's, electronic equipment
 
** TV's, electronic equipment
 +
 +
 
* '''Behavioral (20 - 30%)'''
 
* '''Behavioral (20 - 30%)'''
 
** Turn down heat in rooms not in use
 
** Turn down heat in rooms not in use
Line 209: Line 234:
 
* Furnace
 
* Furnace
  
−
=== Phase II - Low Cost/No Cost brainstorm March 7, 2012 ===
+
 
 +
=== Phase III - Moderate Cost Improvements / Short payback ===
 +
* '''Measurement, analysis and verification'''
 +
* Blower door test (through DTE?) for incentives
 +
** Shows how much total infiltration is occurring
 +
** When combined with smoke tests, can help target areas for improvement
 +
* Thermal imaging and analysis
 +
** Shows where large temperature differentials exist
 +
** When performed by a professional can help illustrate where thermal bridging and air leaks are occurring
 +
** Can assist with targeting areas for improvement
 +
 
 +
* '''Balance return and supply air'''
 +
** Pressure balance ducts
 +
** Relatively cheap to test and balance, compared to adding insulation
 +
** Can check the balance situation with manometer
 +
** Need to know or determine what the airflow rates should be in each space
  
  
−
$ Durabond 90 hard sand with paper tape to seal all cracks in walls
+
* '''Envelope improvements'''
 +
* Professional window coating to cut heat gain, especially on south and west facing windows
 +
* Silver or white paint over the tar roof
 +
** Reduces heat island effect
 +
** Reduces solar radiation entering building
 +
** May help keep HVAC equipment cooler in summer
 +
* Spray foam around windows from inside (Home Depot, "window and door" foam, blue can)
 +
** Reduces infiltration
 +
** Pull casing around windows off first
 +
** Apply foam, let harden, replace casing
 +
* Tuck point brick
 +
** Reduces infiltration, water damage potential
 +
** Have a mason do this or consult one for correct mortar mix
 +
* Water damage needs to be corrected, may also help with infiltration, at least in that spot
 +
** This is more of a structural/health concern rather than thermal
 +
** This needs to be taken care of to prevent further damage, mold growth
  
−
$ Weatherproof and sweeps on doors
 
  
 +
=== Phase IV - High First Cost Improvements / Long term payback ===
  
−
$$ Balance return and supply air
+
* '''Insulation strategy: (Don’t cover up holes on inside because you would need to use for access to insulate)'''
−
* Pressure balance ducts
+
** Roof first, insulate from underneath
−
* Relatively cheap to test and balance, compared to adding insulation
+
−
* Can check the balance situation with manometer
+
−
* Need to know or determine what the airflow rates should be in each space
+
  
−
$$ Silver paint over the tar roof
+
*'''Structural Report'''
 +
**[[Media: StructuralReport1.pdf]] (pp 1-4)
 +
**[[Media: StructuralReport2.pdf]] (pp 5-7)
 +
**[[Media: StructuralReport3.pdf]] (pp 8-10)
 +
**[[Media: StructuralReport4.pdf]] (pp 11-13)
 +
**[[Media: StructuralReport5.pdf]] (pp 14-17)
  
−
($$) Caulking done around windows Dec. 2011
+
===Low Cost/No Cost Brainstorm 4/4/12===
  
−
$$ Blower door test (through DTE?) for incentives
+
Target Apt 1 to start
  
−
$$ Spray foam around windows from inside (Home Depot, window and door, blue can)
+
*(1) Infiltration
 +
**patch holes in walls
 +
**requires some advisement from Ken
  
−
$$ Tuck point brick
+
*(2) Insulate ceiling (btw Apt 1 & Apt 3) ($)
 +
**on top of tin
 +
**Cellulose
 +
**Would have additional benefit of soundproofing
  
 +
*(3) Build out walls ($$)
 +
**Currently not enough room for insulation
 +
**Talk to landlord for $$ help
  
−
$$$ Water damage needs to be corrected, may also help with infiltration, at least in that spot
+
*(4) Floor?
 +
**Insulating rug pads?
 +
**Talk to landlord about working together to replace floor
  
−
$$$ Insulation strategy: (Don’t cover up holes because you would need to uncover to insulate)
+
*Next step
−
* Roof first, insulate from underneath
+
**Meeting with Michel, Ken, & Jerry (next couple weeks)
 +
**Group meeting after that
  
 
[[Category:site index]]
 
[[Category:site index]]
 +
[[Category:incubated businesses]]

Latest revision as of 19:12, 3 December 2012

Hostel Detroit

Phase I - Observe and Learn

  • Location
    • 2700 Vermont Detroit, MI 48216
  • Year Built
    • est. 1910
  • Ownership
    • Current Owner
      • Jerry Esters; owns other buildings in the Corktown area
    • Lease arrangement
      • Hostel leasing until Sept 2012
      • Likely to maintain presence in foreseeable future
    • Construction History
      • Renovated by Jerry Esters in 2006 and again in 2011 by Hostel Detroit.
  • Structural Problems
  • Inventory
    • Utilities
      • Meters
        • Electric
          • 5
            • Meter 1: for the house lights plus interior stairwell
            • Meter 2: Hostel first floor common area
            • Meter 3: Hostel first floor living quarters
            • Meter 4: Apt 3
            • Meter 5: Apt 4
          • Photobucket album
        • Gas
      • Bills
        • Forthcoming
        • Two Years usage
    • HVAC Equipment
      • Furnace/Boiler (quantity, manufacturer, year, model/size, energy source (e.g. gas)
        • 4 furnaces
          • Each one has own controlled thermostat
      • A/C (quantity, type, year, model/size, electric
        • Four units
        • Integrated w/furnaces
      • Hot water tanks: (manufacturer, year, model/size - photograph plates)
      • Fans
        • 6 total
        • Exhaust fans in all 4 bathrooms and main kitchen (5)
        • Ceiling fan in common room (1)
      • Thermostats
        • 4 total (all at 67 degrees)
        • Downstairs: common area, Hostel room 2
        • Upstairs: Apt 3, Apt 4
    • Insulation
      • Pink rolls in newer (mainly interior) walls
      • Original insulation in most outer walls
      • From Ken: lathing on wall with drywall on top, potentially 1 gap
      • None in floors
      • Inconsistent: some walls are uninsulated / very drafty
        • Especially drafty by fusebox & above drop ceiling
    • Roof
      • Black roof
      • Flat roof which houses the furnace & HVAC
      • We have not been on the roof yet: access is restricted at the moment
      • Second floor ceilings have been water damaged in both apartments
    • Walls
      • Many walls have cracks and one wall is severely water damaged
    • Floor
      • Common area and office: ceramic tile over cement or dirt floor
      • First floor sleeping quarters and hallway: hardwood floor over crawlspace, little or no insulation.
      • Second floor: linoleum and carpet over the preexisting 110 year old hardwood floor, there is no new insulation in the floor.
      • Many floors not finished with baseboards some are drafty
  • Building Materials and Measurement (Google Sketchup)

Floor Plans with COLD/HOT conditions noted

    • Walls
      • Exterior walls: all brick and mortar
      • Interior walls: original plaster or drywall where the building has been modified
      • Water damage in Apt 3 stairwell to Vermont St wall, extending to first floor locker area
    • Floors
      • Common area and office: ceramic tile over cement or dirt floor
      • First floor sleeping quarters and hallway: hardwood floor over crawlspace, little or no insulation.
      • Second floor: linoleum and carpet over the preexisting 110 year old hardwood floor, there is no new insulation in the floor.
      • Many floors not finished with baseboards, some are drafty
    • Doors
      • 5: all steel doors
    • Ceiling
      • Drop ceiling over kitchen, hall, lockers and office (with a tin ceiling above it)
      • Remaining ceilings are plaster
      • Water damage to ceiling in laundry room; Apt 4, rm 4B; hall in 3A
      • All three ground floor doors have tension bars
      • All doors allow air infiltration
    • Windows
      • Ground floor: 13 total
        • 10 double pane sliding windows
        • 1 glass block window
        • 2 small double panes which do not open
      • Second floor: 14 total
        • 4 sliding picture windows
        • 10 sliding double pane windows
      • All of the windows allow air passage, none actually seal.
      • 3 windows at Vermont/Spruce entrance have been walled in but not insulated
    • Orientation
      • Vermont St. front faces southwest
      • Spruce street faces southeast
      • Back of the building faces northeast
      • Yard faces northwest
  • Comfort Profile
    • Winter
      • Coldest spots are the dirt floor areas:
        • 1st floor common room
        • Kitchen
        • Front hall
        • Front office
        • Lockers
        • Men's room
        • Spruce street entrance
      • There are drafts coming from above the drop ceiling in the locker area as well as the kitchen.
      • The floors in this area are also drafty.
      • Upstairs, the stairwell windows and southwest facing windows are draftiest
    • Summer
      • Hottest rooms are the front office, Apt 3 living room, and the bedroom over the door (all southwest facing)
      • The common areas stay pretty cool due to the dirt floor
    • Condensation, humidity
  • Inspection and Testing
    • Thermal Inspection by Ken Byczynski - Kenco (December 2011)
      • Pictures - Kenco Pictures Hostel Detroit
      • Observations
        • Thermal Envelope
          • Ceiling / Roof there is room for insulation (maybe 20 - 25% savings in heating possible.)
          • Walls have lathing on brick...no room for insulation
          • Floors were installed without any insulation...difficult to do now
          • Windows - New-ish Vinyl Windows
            • Caulking on the exterior of the windows would be helpful to prevent air infiltration DONE DEC. 2011 by Michel
          • Leak under window in back...poor seal around windows
          • Doors (not studied)
            • Air Infiltration likely an issue.
        • HVAC Equipment
          • All equipment is on the roof...did not inspect
    • Testing
      • Carbon Dioxide test...need to confirm heating units are on the roof
      • Blower door test + infrared thermal imaging (suggested by Ken and Laurie)
    • Modeling
      • Energy Bill Analysis
        • Preliminary analysis of total building consumption based on only one year of bills with data missing for some months in a few places and one of the electric meters missing.
        • Need to find out the number of days for each billing month listed. For now, just used number of days in month.
      • Begin energy model
      • Energy modeling checklist
  • To-dos 2/8/12
    • Determine low-cost budget/funding options (Michel)
    • Caption Photobucket photos w/details (Michel/Matt) DONE
    • Get definite construction year (Matt)
    • Get bulge (above office) looked at - by Jerry? (Michel)
    • Annotate structural drawing w/comfort conditions (Michel) DONE
    • Pull together energy numbers (Kirsten/Laurie) DONE
    • Get equipment owners' manuals to check against equipment settings (Michel)
    • Thermal imaging proposal (Laurie)
  • To-dos 2/22/12
    • Indicate cold first floor stairwell (Michel) DONE
    • Indicate distinction btw slab/elevated floor (Michel) DONE
    • Shade first floor Apt 1 with light blue (Michel)
    • Indicate directions on diagram (Michel) DONE
    • Add dollar amounts for energy costs from bills to spreadsheet (Kirsten) DONE
    • Add total dollar amount (gas/electric) to spreadsheet (Kirsten) DONE
    • Check w/Emily -- is landlord still paying electric bills? We need access to those bills - contact landlord (Michel)
  • To-dos 3/7/12
    • Kirsten and Laurie update energy analysis with revised usage data DONE
    • Kirsten update energy usage data for Apts. 2 & 3 with input from Laurie, Michel and/or Emily DONE
    • Michel update floor plans with crawl space vs. slab and square footage DONE
    • Kirsten update energy analysis with Michel’s info DONE
    • Kirsten build energy model for existing building and compare to energy analysis DONE
    • Group decision: Which area or apartment should be targeted for improvement? DONE
    • Michel will try to get common area energy bills
  • 5/16/12
    • Start with one room (South-exposure)
      • Fundamental learning will create confidence/momentum to do larger things in integrated way
    • Crowdsource sustainability initiatives?
    • To-dos
      • Determine dollar amount (Michel)
      • Air infiltration for whole building/airflow rates (Ken)
      • Get HVAC specs (Michel)
      • AC equipment inspection? (Laurie coordinate)
      • Research window film to prevent excess heat (3M product?)
      • Contact Chris about crowdfunding (Matt)
  • Crowdfunding Conversation

Phase II - No / Low Cost Actions

  • Air Infiltration (10 - 15%)
    • Doors...weatherstripping / thresholds / sweeps
    • Windows caulk exterior (repair water leak window)
    • Venting fans...sealed and on timers
    • Outlet / Switch boxes foamed
    • Bottom of Siding
    • Plumbing stacks
    • Durabond 90 hard sand with paper tape to seal all cracks in walls


  • Maintenance of Current Equipment (5 - 10%)
    • Clean or replace filters (every 3 months)
    • Setback thermostats
    • Inspect and seal ducts especially exterior
    • Clean refrigerator coils
    • Get equipment inspected ($125 each)


  • Select Lighting (> 50% reduction of lighting load)
    • CFL's in lights (reduce by 70%)
    • Photocells outside
    • Motion detector on critical lights (on the most)


  • Hot Water Tanks
    • Check temp make sure not too hot
    • Thermal Blanket on each tank ($25 each)
    • Turn off / down when not occupied


  • Energy Sippers?
    • TV's, electronic equipment


  • Behavioral (20 - 30%)
    • Turn down heat in rooms not in use
    • "Green routines" guide book for the residents
    • Post energy / water usage charts
  • Prototype

Phase II - Holistic

  • Reduce Demand - envelop insulation and Air Infiltration
  • Windows - R + low-e Coating
  • Furnace


Phase III - Moderate Cost Improvements / Short payback

  • Measurement, analysis and verification
  • Blower door test (through DTE?) for incentives
    • Shows how much total infiltration is occurring
    • When combined with smoke tests, can help target areas for improvement
  • Thermal imaging and analysis
    • Shows where large temperature differentials exist
    • When performed by a professional can help illustrate where thermal bridging and air leaks are occurring
    • Can assist with targeting areas for improvement
  • Balance return and supply air
    • Pressure balance ducts
    • Relatively cheap to test and balance, compared to adding insulation
    • Can check the balance situation with manometer
    • Need to know or determine what the airflow rates should be in each space


  • Envelope improvements
  • Professional window coating to cut heat gain, especially on south and west facing windows
  • Silver or white paint over the tar roof
    • Reduces heat island effect
    • Reduces solar radiation entering building
    • May help keep HVAC equipment cooler in summer
  • Spray foam around windows from inside (Home Depot, "window and door" foam, blue can)
    • Reduces infiltration
    • Pull casing around windows off first
    • Apply foam, let harden, replace casing
  • Tuck point brick
    • Reduces infiltration, water damage potential
    • Have a mason do this or consult one for correct mortar mix
  • Water damage needs to be corrected, may also help with infiltration, at least in that spot
    • This is more of a structural/health concern rather than thermal
    • This needs to be taken care of to prevent further damage, mold growth


Phase IV - High First Cost Improvements / Long term payback

  • Insulation strategy: (Don’t cover up holes on inside because you would need to use for access to insulate)
    • Roof first, insulate from underneath

Low Cost/No Cost Brainstorm 4/4/12

Target Apt 1 to start

  • (1) Infiltration
    • patch holes in walls
    • requires some advisement from Ken
  • (2) Insulate ceiling (btw Apt 1 & Apt 3) ($)
    • on top of tin
    • Cellulose
    • Would have additional benefit of soundproofing
  • (3) Build out walls ($$)
    • Currently not enough room for insulation
    • Talk to landlord for $$ help
  • (4) Floor?
    • Insulating rug pads?
    • Talk to landlord about working together to replace floor
  • Next step
    • Meeting with Michel, Ken, & Jerry (next couple weeks)
    • Group meeting after that
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