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Wise family gets energy 'wiser
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Episode 4 | Episode 5 | Episode 6 | Episode 7
 Janet Wise and her family will be more comfortable in their Rock Hill home — and they'll save money, too — thanks to York Electric Cooperative's latest energy-efficiency program, Help My House!
The Wises were one of seven families across South Carolina who received home energy-efficiency makeovers. Our sister cooperative, Lynches River Electric of Pageland, along with several companies that partnered with us on Help My House, gave the Wise home a major energy-smart makeover.
House facts
- Built in 1982
- 1,087-square-foot ranch-style home
- Cement slab with an attic
- Three bedrooms, one bath
- Six occupants
- Average monthly electric bill before project: $300–$330
How we helped
Heating, air conditioning: Comfort Systems Heating and Cooling of Rock Hill replaced the home's original 1982 two-ton, air-source heat pump rated 10 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) — think gas mileage for heat pumps! — with a Lennox two-ton XP14 heat pump with a CBX27 air handler which gives the system a certified ARI rating of 15 SEER. The old manual thermostat was replaced with a programmable, touch-screen thermostat.
Ducts: Leaky ductwork in the attic was torn out and replaced with a specially designed new air-balanced system. The new system includes metal duct trunk lines, mastic-sealed and wrapped with R8 insulation, and all supply lines made of R8 flexible duct with movable louvered grills.
Sealing, insulation: Apple Blossom Insulators conducted a comprehensive energy analysis of the home, and they caulked and sealed to stop air leaks around plumbing, baseboards and other areas. In the attic, Glenco Insulation addressed the home's too-low R-13 level of blown cellulose attic insulation by installing an additional layer of blown fiberglass insulation to bring the level up to R-30, the current building code standard for new homes. Also, Comfort Systems added an attic tent, a product that seals the attic's drop-down stairwell and prevents cold or hot air from passing through the opening, and they installed a new dryer vent cap on the outside of the home.
Investments
- New heat pump system with ductwork, thermostat, attic tent, more ... $12,545
- Sealing and comprehensive energy analysis ... $1,250
- Electrical ... $927
- Attic insulation to R-30 ... $520
- Total estimated value ... $15,252
The value of work exceeded the $10,000 per-home target amount initially set for Help My House project homes. The program's sponsors and installers who donated their time and materials on this project insisted on doing the job right. In their judgment, the additional effort and expense were necessary to weatherize this home to their high standards.
For more information about Help My House home energy makeovers, visit HelpMyHouse.org.
Related links:
York Electric holiday gift to homeowner: a lower bill »
Help My House Energy Makeover Winner Announced »
South Carolina Energy Tax Incentives
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
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