Stories about Atlanta homes, their home performance problems, and the improvements in comfort, safety and efficiency implemented by Renewal System Solutions. Visit Kudzu.com to read more reviews about working with Renewal.

Assessing the Nest with a Home Energy Audit

Atlanta INtown asked freelance writer Jenn Ballentine to have an energy audit performed on her home by Renewal System Solutions. This is Jenn’s first person account of the process and results.

Jenn writes: “As a freelance writer and consultant, I work from home and am particularly attuned to the varying comfort levels of my 1910 Craftsman in Virginia Highland. Given that my home is 100 years old and still contains all of the original lead glass windows, two of the five original coal-burning fireplaces and some of the original plaster walls, it is very drafty and cold in the wintertime. In the summertime, it is difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature, particularly when we entertain and have more people than usual in the house.

Renewal System Solutions conducted a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Assessment on my home looking for air leakage, inadequate insulation, leaky heating and cooling systems and ineffective moisture control.”

Read more about Jenn’s home assessment and the test results here.

Photo courtesy of Atlanta INtown.

Improving Home Office Comfort in Avondale Estates

Steve, who works at home, was uncomfortable in his work environment. His upstairs office was hot and stuffy even though the A/C would turn on as early as 10 a.m. He called on Renewal to assess the problem and offer solutions.

Attic Insulation Deficiency

Renewal first evaluated the insulation in the attic areas of the two-story house and found it extremely inadequate, with temperatures reaching 130 degrees on hot summer days, putting extra demands on the home’s cooling system. The extreme temperatures made the attic unusable as storage space.

Dangerous Duct Leakage

Renewal found that duct leakage between the HVAC system and the upstairs vent was causing the system to lose air and work harder to cool. It also allowed dirty air to seep into the ducts and contaminate the air Steve was breathing in his office. Through combustion safety testing, Renewal also uncovered a potential carbon monoxide hazard.

Solutions and Improvements

To correct the insulation deficiency, Renewal sprayed Icynene foam insulation to the roofline and gable ends of the upper attic areas. The new insulation, along with minor repairs by Renewal have achieved these benefits for the homeowner:

• Reduced attic temperature from 130 degrees (typical of summer attics in Georgia) to around 85 degrees
• much closer to the temperature of a home’s living space
• Allowed attic storage of items and materials that can’t take higher temperatures
• Minimized outside noises, such as the sound of jets flying overhead
• Reduced air leakage in Steve’s home by 45 percent, contributing to better overall comfort and indoor air quality

The atmosphere is now cleaner and more comfortable throughout all four seasons. The A/C comes on no sooner than mid-afternoon. And, Steve has received $750 worth of rebates and tax credits!

Making a Better Home for Baby in Grant Park

Damon and Amber were settled in their first home as a married couple and expecting their first child. But, their home felt uncomfortably hot to the mother-to-be, particularly in the master bedroom. Even though their HVAC system was fairly new, they sensed a problem that needed attention and called Renewal for an assessment.

Renewal discovered that the HVAC system ducts were leaking badly. The furnace had not been properly installed, and its flue was corroded. Combustion safety testing revealed a potential carbon monoxide hazard directly beneath the future nursery.

Solutions and Improvements

Renewal reduced the HVAC system’s duct leakage by 70 percent, eliminated the carbon monoxide hazard and added another vent to the master suite for better air and heat circulation. The relieved couple noticed a difference right away and took advantage of available rebates and tax credits.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“I learned a lot about my house from this great experience and recommend Joe Thomas and Renewal System Solutions to anyone wishing to upgrade their home.” —C.C.

Visit Kudzu.com to read more customer reviews.

Create a Happy Ending to Your Home’s Story

Call on Renewal System Solutions to thoroughly evaluate your home and bring it up to today’s high standards for energy efficiency, comfort, and health. Learn more about our Home Performance process here.

Energy Star® Interactive Home

Use our Interactive Home to see and learn about potential problems affecting your home’s environment and the solutions provided by Renewal and the Energy Star® Program. See the Interactive Home here.