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In this Newsletter:

  • Spray Foam Insulation Webinar: January 4th
  • Randy's Roadshow - Where he is going
  • Inflation Reduction Act Codes Update
  • Preparing Your House for Winter
  • Noteworthy + Previous Webinar Offerings

The SPEER team wants to wish you a very happy and safe New Year. We hope you are able to take some time to relax, enjoy family, watch football, and eat your way through the holidays! We're looking forward to an even more successful 2024!

Webinar: Spray Foam Insulation - When is it Correctly Installed?

We are seeing more and more residential and commercial buildings using spray foam insulation to meet the energy code. Unlike fiberglass batts, applied foam does not contain an R-value mark that’s observable for inspection. Join us and let’s discuss things to look for and verify to ensure the building envelope meets the requirements of the Energy Code.



When: January 4th, 2023 @ 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Register Now

Where I'm Heading

InterNACHI Conference in Bryan, TX: January 18th -19th 

TPREIA-InterNACH will host the Texas Inspectors Convention & Expo for two days of robust classes to help you fulfill your Continuing Education requirements.

Join me and register here!

Inflation Reduction Act Code Update

Assistance for Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption

Last month the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) extended the Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline from November 21, 2023 to January 31, 2024 for formula funding for States and Territories to support adoption funding and implementation of the latest model and zero building energy codes. Applicants that are eligible to receive formula funding under this opportunity must submit a letter of intent indicating their plan to use the funding for eligible activities. Learn more.


The recent update also clarifies eligibility for implementation and compliance funding for States that had adopted codes that DOE determined to be equivalent or greater than the statutory latest model codes before the Administrative and Legal Requirements Document (ALRD) ALRD was released (September 19, 2023).

Preparing Your Home for Winter:

A Guide to Energy Efficiency and Warmth

As the chill of winter approaches, it becomes increasingly important to prepare your home for the colder months. This preparation is not just about comfort; it's also about energy efficiency. A well-prepared house conserves energy saves on heating costs, and provides a warm, cozy environment for its inhabitants. Here’s how you can winterize your home effectively.


The first step in preparing for winter is to pay attention to your heating system. A well-maintained heating system is more efficient and safer. Have a professional inspect and clean your furnace or heat pump before winter sets in. This is crucial for the system's efficiency and longevity. Remember, the cleaner the system, the better it performs. Additionally, make it a routine to replace the filters regularly to ensure optimal airflow and maintain good air quality in your home.


Drafts around windows and doors are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss. Inspect these areas for any air leaks and use weatherstripping or caulk to seal them. In some cases, installing storm windows or thermal curtains can provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping the warmth in and the cold out.


Insulation is like a warm blanket for your house. Check the insulation in your attic, walls, and basement. Upgrading your insulation can be a cost-effective method to increase your home’s warmth and energy efficiency. The Department of Energy provides excellent guidelines on the appropriate levels of insulation for different areas and climates.


The installation of a smart thermostat is a modern way to manage your home’s heating. These devices allow you to create a heating schedule that aligns with your daily routine, reducing the energy consumption when you’re not home and ensuring it’s warm when you are.


An often-overlooked tip is to reverse your ceiling fans. By setting them to rotate clockwise, warm air that has risen to the ceiling is pushed back down, making rooms with high ceilings feel warmer.


Plumbing is also vulnerable in winter. Insulate any exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting. Familiarize yourself with the main water shut-off in case of an emergency. During extremely cold spells, letting a faucet drip can prevent pipes, especially those along exterior walls, from freezing.


The exterior of your home needs attention too. Clear your gutters of debris to prevent ice dams, which can cause damage to your roof and siding. Additionally, trim any overhanging tree branches to reduce the risk of them falling under the weight of snow. In the event of a power outage, it’s important to be prepared. Keep an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable food items.


With winter bringing shorter days, your home's lighting usage will increase. Switch to LED bulbs for your lighting needs. LEDs are more energy-efficient compared to traditional bulbs and can help in reducing your electricity bills. Lastly, consider getting a professional energy audit. An auditor can identify specific areas where your home is losing energy and suggest ways to improve efficiency.

Noteworthy

Watch a past webinar:

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) directly impacts our health and comfort. However, modern building practices, while excellent for energy efficiency, often results in limited natural airflow. This can lead to the accumulation of pollutants indoors, which mechanical ventilation systems effectively mitigate. Let’s look at what makes up bad indoor air quality and how, if designed correctly, the mechanical ventilation system can lower the potential for a sick home.

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Basics and Mechanical Ventilation



Subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay informed on energy optimization, efficient building techniques + energy codes, local govt climate action, and more. We have over 150 previous recorded webinar offerings.

What we're Reading:

Great article from Allison Bailes with an overview of heatpump technology. 

Allision discusses what a heat pump does, different types of heat pumps, right sizing of heat pumps, and the efficiency ratings of heat pumps.

Full article: Heat Pump Basics - Energy Vanguard

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