AVOID 10 ENERGY RETROFIT MISTAKES

Ventilate right. Installing a stylish and powerful range hood fan often means installing makeup air, too. In a tight house, makeup air allows the hood to do its job without causing unintended issues.

- 

• Don't assume windows need replacement: Windows are expensive and often are not the major cause of air leakage or heat loss. (We've had several clients whose energy costs went up after installing new windows.)

• Adding insulation before air-sealing can re-sult in insulation R-value being diminished by air leakage and moisture issues. An installer who'd work in this way may not know to check for existing knob-and-tube wiring and could create a fire hazard.

• Installing new HVAC equipment too soon, without making enclosure improvements first, often leads to oversized and poorly performing equipment. It is generally not a cost-effective way to go.