Energy efficiency upgrades � what is worth it?
auroraborelis
11 years ago
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bdpeck-charlotte
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoUser
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Is it worthwhile upgrading a gas hot water heater for efficiency?
Comments (1)I have no way to tell you what the payback will be but an on demand hot water heater while expensive will only heat when you need it saving gas and water so I would pull one up on the net use rinnia and maybe they will have some payback graphics Here is a link that might be useful: Air Conditioning and Heating Repair Made Easy...See MoreReplacing energy efficient high hat with something brighter
Comments (5)Depending on the brand and model of the recessed fixture housing you are replacing it is possible to replace the components of the fixture. As an example, a Halo 274IC uses the identical plaster frame, J box and hangar bars as the H7ICT. The ballast is attached to the removable cover on the J box. All of these parts are required to be field replaceable through the plaster frame hole without damaging the ceiling. It's not fun but it can be done. It's also possible to upgrade to a higher wattage fluorescent by the same method if available in the same fixture size. Here is a link that might be useful: Halo example...See MoreNeed help with Options and Upgrades - what's worth the money?
Comments (11)Hard to say what makes sense for you. I can tell you what makes sense for me. I commented on each of the items you mentioned. Hope it helps. - Finished Basement $52,500 - I have no idea how much it would be to do this later. This is a lot of money, but may be worth it to do it now. - Upgrade to 10' ceiling height on main floor $9,500 (standard is 9' ceiling) - 10' are super nice (that's what we are going with in our build), but 9' are nice as well (that's what we have in current home). So if cost is an issue, skip this one. - Ground Floor Double Door Entrance $760 - matter of taste. I'd probably skip this one. - Garage door opener with one remote $740 each - I'd say that's imperative! How can you be without a remote for the garage?! - Keypad for garage door opener $150 each - Also a must in my opinion. - Rough-In 2nd Floor Alarm - All Windows and Doors $160 - I would also do this one. - Rough-In 2nd Floor Keypad $30 each - I would do one in the master bedroom (which we did in the old house and in the new build), because you want to be able to turn on the alarm without having to go downstairs in the middle of the night. - Reinforce ceiling fixture for future fan/fixture $150 each - nice value, but since I don't care for ceiling fans, it will depend on your preference. - Upgrade to 200 amp service $1,000 each (standard is 100 amp) - I have no idea. - Complete valance lighting c/w switch $750 each - also no idea - Wall sconce rough-in c/w switch $240 each - as opposed to what and where? - Wall sconce rough-in on mirror c/w switch $300 each - bathroom? What's there standard? - Exterior soffit potlights $450 each - your preference - Recessed shower light c/w switch $290 each - I would do this one. I hate dark showers. It makes no sense to have light just in the bathroom, and a dark tub/shower area after you close the curtain. In my city it is code to have a light in the shower or tub. - Smooth ceiling (2nd Floor throughout) $1,590 (first floor smooth ceiling comes standard) - good grief, do not allow popcorn ceiling (if that's the standard). Think about the cost to remove it and refinish it later. Yikes. - Upgrade from standard round column to square drywall column with trim to match house - half column $440 each - your personal taste - Upgrade to 10mm Frameless Shower Enclosure - M Ensuite $3,060 - very nice option, but it is a budget thing. - Upgrade from Bath Tub to Frameless Shower Enclosure - Ensuite #2 $1,850 would not do this. - Upgrade from Bath Tub to 10mm Frameless Shower Enclosure - Main Bath $1,850 - would not do this - Upgrade from 5' Bath Tub to 5' Shower (no door) $1,400 - I'd keep the bath tub and the shower separate in the master suite. If this is in the other bathroom, I would keep the bath/shower combo. - Extra sink and single lever faucet in ensuite $725 each - double sinks is a must in the master. Trust me. - Whirlpool Upgrade in lieu of Corner or Oval Tub - 8 Jets $1,475 each - how much do you really think you would the whirlpool? Cleaning of each jet in there, think about it. I would not do this, but it depends on your preference. - Waterline for ice-maker $250 each - to the fridge? It's a must. - Upgrade Kitchen exhaust fan vent to 8" vent $470 - I have no idea - Rough-in gas line for BBQ/pool $665 each - do you BBQ? - Rough-in gas line for stove/range $665 each - what is standard, electric? What kind of cooktop do you want? If it is induction, check the volt/ampere needed for that, and make sure they install the correct one. I added a 60 amp one on mine. - Additional standard fireplace - 1st floor $4,450 - where would that be? Is one enough? - Additional standard fireplace - 2nd floor $4,800 - would not do it, but I live in Texas, not Canada..... - Blower heater fan $620 each - no idea - Fireplace remote control $250 each - not sure it's necessary....See MoreWater Heater Replacement: Gas Power Vent or Energy Efficient Electric?
Comments (0)We are removing our chimney for a kitchen remodel and need to replace the existing water heater, since it currently vents out the chimney. (We have a gas water heater.) The water heater is to be installed in a currently unfinished basement with ten foot ceilings. We have had two plumbers out to scout out the situation and have been told that we cannot install a direct vent because of the height of our ceilings and the limited pre-manufactured piping those heaters come with. So we have been told that we have two options: -Install a Power vent water heater. The two models floated to us were a Bradford White 50 gallon (which the brand gets terrible reviews on consumeraffairs.com) and a Rheem RTgh 84Dvln or Navien NPE 180A (which both had an installation cost of over $3000). My concern with this type of water heater is that it might be loud. We live in a 100 year old house and you can hear everything. -Install an energy efficient electric, probably with a 50 gallon tank over tankless. A third plumber preferred to do this over the gas power vents, though did not specify why he preferred electric to gas. While the overall install might be somewhat cheaper, we would have to have an electrician come out to install a line, and it would cause our monthly energy bill to increase, probably roughly $50 a month, whereas the gas bill would probably decrease only $6. (We live in the PNW) Here are my questions: Are the power vents loud? Of these two options, what have you installed and been happy with? We would like to upgrade for energy efficiency, and are willing to spend the money to do so, but do not want a product that's going to last a shorter length of time (that's what we were told when we upgraded to a 98% efficient gas furnace; it cost more and our HVAC guy said it would last prob 10 years). Thank you much for any advice you can give me......See Moreauroraborelis
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11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoBrian_Knight
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4 years ago
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