Overview
When Peter Remy began exploring energy efficiency upgrades, his goal was simple: reduce energy bills and improve efficiency. His four-unit multifamily home in Spofford, New Hampshire, was built around 1900 and, like many historic homes, presented ongoing challenges related to insulation, air leakage and uneven temperatures. While Peter had completed various improvements over the years, he wanted a professional home energy audit to identify even more ways to maximize his property’s efficiency and tenant comfort.
After learning about the NHSaves® energy efficiency programs, powered by Eversource, Peter decided to move forward with a no-cost home energy audit. Eversource connected him with NHSaves Trade Ally Resilient Buildings Group to evaluate the property and recommend potential upgrades.
Goal
Peter set out to lower costs and maintain affordable rents for his tenants by targeting energy efficiency upgrades in his aging multifamily building, including the basement and crawl space.
Key Stats
- Building type: Four-unit Multifamily Property
- Year built: 1900
- Project focus: Basement and crawl space air sealing and insulation
- Incentive Received: 75% of total project cost
- Total Gallons of Oil Saved: 224
- Total CO2 Reduced: 40 tons
Outcome
Resilient Buildings Group conducted a comprehensive home energy audit, including a blower door test, across all four units, and identified the basement and partial crawl space as the main areas for improvements.
The upgrades included:
- Basement and Crawl Space Air Sealing:
Proper air sealing significantly reduced air infiltration at the foundation level, addressing one of the building’s largest sources of energy loss. - Crawl Space Encapsulation and Rim Joist Insulation:
Crews installed thick plastic moisture barriers known as poly vapor barriers, along the ground and walls to block damp air, along with layered insulation to create a sealed envelope in the crawl space, improving temperature control and overall efficiency. - Targeted Weatherization Measures:
Additional sealing between the first floor and basement, along with door and window sealing, further improving comfort and reducing drafts throughout the building.
The process was fast and efficient. From the initial energy audit to the final installation of air sealing and insulation, the entire project was completed in just a few weeks.
“They did the work and did an outstanding job, better than I ever could have imagined. When I first walked into the basement after they finished, it was immediately noticeable how much tighter and warmer it felt. The temperatures are now much more even throughout the building, and the whole process was very professional.”
—Peter Remy
Homeowner