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1957 Split-Level - Annapolis, MD

median cost per home in Woodstock is $422,290
A cool fact about the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis is that it hosted several soccer matches during the 1984 Summer Olympics. This included games from the first round of the soccer tournament, making it a part of Olympic history​ (Wikipedia)​.

Reason this BGE Customer is Getting the Audit

Recently moved into the home and was concerned about possible rodents in the attic. This lead to a recommendation for insulation with special pest control chemicals. The homeowner found out about the BGE Home Performance Program from a neighbor who when through it and decided to get a second opinion.

General Profile - 1957 Annapolis Split-Level

Admiral Heights Neighborhoods, Annapolis, Split Level Style House

Year Built: 1950-1960

Foundation Types: Unconditioned basement, conditioned basement, crawl space

Typical Homeowner Complaints: High humidity in summer, winter drafts, uncomfortable upstairs in summer, low air flow from supply ducts

Usual Insulation Condition: Low to moderate condition with big insulation issues where the two sections of the house meet

Common Insulation Challenges: Crawl spaces are sometimes too low for treatment, attic areas are inaccessible or filled with storage or HVAC ducts

HVAC Ducts: Ducts are often outside of the envelope - in attics or crawl spaces - due to retrofitting central HVAC systems years after the home was built

Unique Features: Often, these homes have fantastic additions because they open up more space for families, but the way these new parts of the house were integrated and insulated leaves a lot to be desired.

Homeowner Takeaways from this Annapolis BGE Energy Audit

The attic did not stand out as an infested area as an exterminator had suggested.

The crawl space is open with an HVAC system and ductwork that presented a huge opportunity, otherwise not considered.

The lower attic had a hatch in the wall and several large uninsulated areas that needed attention.

BGE Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Energy Audit

Long-Term Problems if Left Unchecked

Lots of cold days and hot nights.

Extra wear and tear on the HVAC system.

High humidity in spaces like basements and crawl spaces is a breeding ground for spiders and other insects.

The long-term energy savings that you cannot recoup by waiting too long.

Spend money on the wrong fixes that don't help solve the root cause (poor insulation).

Extend downspouts away from the foundation wall a minimum of 10'.
The air handler for the heating and cooling "lives" in the open crawl space, somewhat exposed to the outside. A better solution is to seal the unit in by encapsulating the space (keep outside air out).
The knee wall created by a split-level home is typically a place in need of special care and attention, particularly around the access areas.
air sealing is needed at the attic floor of this annapolis  home
Ducts in the crawl space should be sealed so they can better deliver the air to the places around the house you need it the most.
Whole house fans create large gateways to the attic and should be removed or correctly sealed and insulated.
The blower door air leakage test is rather high for this size house. In this case the house, before any improvements, is exhanging air with the outside at a rate of thirteen times per hour (13 Air Changes Per Hour).
Missing baffles around the attic (at the eaves) should be corrected before adding new insulation to maximize ventilation in the attic.

Check Out the Crawlspace and Attic Assessment Video Below!

How the energy audit helped this Annapolis homeowner:

-This energy audit was able to guide this homeowner towards making a decision about how to best insulate from a place of understanding and knowledge, rather than out of fear (rodent infestation).

-This customer saw the great opportunity to seal the crawl space and help the HVAC system in a big way.

-The homeowner fully understood the impact that a lack of air sealing and insulation around this gem of a house was a necessity and it could be done in phases.

Building Performance Institute Certified
Building Performance Institute
Eric Gans
Building Analyst
Envelope Professional
BGE Approved Energy Contractor
Pepco Approved Energy Contractor

Helping You!

*Improve home comfort
*
Educate you about your home
*Find air leakage in your home
*Improve energy efficiency
*Use science for solutions
*Assess your building's shell
*Help prioritize improvements
*Find the root causes
*Assess insulation levels
*Measure indoor air quality
*Evaluate windows & doors
*Evaluate attic ventilation

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    Our mission is to help Maryland homeowners create a more comfortable home and save energy. We achieve this by applying building science principles and modern air sealing and insulating techniques.


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    SERVICE AREA COUNTIES
    Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Charles County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County

     

     

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    An Energy Auditor's Purpose 
    "Energy auditors visit residential buildings and talk to owners and residents.  They inspect, test, and measure to decide what energy-efficient retrofits are practical and cost-effective." Residential Energy