Energy Audit

It's been a couple of months since I've blogged but during that time I've found out a few things that I'd like to share.

I've had my energy audit and along with what I had figured (adding insulation in the attic and basement, sealing around windows and hatch to the attic), I found that there are some very lucrative rebates available for ground and water source heat pumps. The heat pumps are in used in conjunction with a radiant heating system and can provide both heat and hot water. Doing some research, it's recommended to size them to provide 70% of your heating and hot water needs to be cost effective.

Where I live next to a lake, the water source option seems like the better option. I don't have quotes but they can be as much as 14k (although I don't have pricing)

There are some other rebates available for solar hot water heaters as well. Of the glycol and evacuated tube systems, apparently the evacuated tube systems are more efficient. However upon pricing them, evacuated tube systems are MUCH more expensive (roughly 40% more or 6k based on the quotes I've received from local suppliers).

It was mentioned that I could possibly get off oil with both the heat pump and solar water heater but I am skeptical.

I did ask about the Cansolair heater and it was mentioned that they are very effecient at heating your home but of course the sun has to be shining.

I've picked a woodstove option, a Napoleon 1150 Wood Gourmet. At least if the power does go out during the winter (as it has on numerous occasions since Hurricane Juan) we'd be able to cook indoors instead of having to fire the barbeque up in the middle of a blizzard in February.

Once I get quotes on the water source heat pump I'll be making my final decisions. It will be entirely based on payback. It's becoming clear to me that the ultimate solution will be a combination of options with the first step being reducing heat loss and other sources of wasted energy.