WEATHERIZATION ENERGY AUDITOR SINGLE FAMILY Cooling Measures WEATHERIZATION

WEATHERIZATION ENERGY AUDITOR SINGLE FAMILY Cooling Measures WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 1 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Learning Objectives COOLING MEASURES By attending this session, participants will be able to: • Discuss allowable cooling measures and general guidelines for recommending them. • Describe the benefits, qualities, and applications of solar film (also called window film) and other shading options. • Explain how air sealing and insulating the home and sealing and insulating ducts in unconditioned areas conserves energy. • State the benefits and qualities of reflective roof coating. • Describe cleaning, tune-up and replacement strategies for a variety of air cooling appliances. 2 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

General Guidelines COOLING MEASURES Recommend cooling measures if: • Usage profile indicates spike in summer usage. • Family uses 1, 000 k. Wh/yr or more for air conditioning. Exceptions can be made for: • Small homes. • Special circumstances (e. g. , an elderly person needs cooling in a single room). 3 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Allowable Measures COOLING MEASURES • Shading, louvers, or solar film on south-, west-, and eastfacing windows • Sealing and insulating ducts in unconditioned spaces • Reflective/White roof coating installed on: - Awnings. - Window louvers. - Doors. - Exterior ductwork. • Clean/tune-up/replace cooling equipment • Insulation and air-sealing • General waste heat reduction 4 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Solar Film/Shading COOLING MEASURES Recommended for: • South-, west- and east-facing windows not shaded during summer months. • When solar gain overheats room Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy causing increase in This window is already shaded by a nearby A/C use. tree. Evaluate cooling-season exposure to determine cost-effectiveness of window shades or solar films. 5 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Exposure to Sun COOLING MEASURES • Take the path of the sun into account. • Some windows on the south side may be shaded by overhangs in summer, only exposed in winter. Illustrations courtesy of Florida Solar Energy Center, www. fsec. ucf. edu. 6 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Solar Film/Shading Tips COOLING MEASURES • Determine window exposure with appropriate tool (e. g. , Solar Pathfinder). • Show client sample of shading fabric, louvers, or window film to be installed. Photos courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy The Solar Pathfinder is useful for determining summertime exposure any time of the year. Show client a sample of recommended shading device or film before specifying for the job. 7 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Window Film Guidelines COOLING MEASURES • Shading coefficient of 0. 40 or lower • U-factor of 1. 0 or lower • “Total solar energy rejected” is at least 65. • Film is approved by manufacturer for use on insulated glass and insulated panels Film is applied to the cleaned interior of eligible windows and doors and smoothed. Photo courtesy of A. Tamasin Sterner, Chapter 10 “Cooling Measures, ” PPL Electric Utility Winter Relief Asset Program Standards, 2007 8 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Sealing and Insulating Ducts COOLING MEASURES • Seal and insulate ducts in unconditioned areas. • Keep conditioned air where client needs it. • For more details on duct leakage testing and sealing, refer to Building Shell Retrofit Options section. Specify duct sealing to achieve pressure pan readings of less than two (2) Pa. 9 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy eere. energy. gov

Specify: Seal and insulate ducts running through unconditioned spaces in accordance with program standards. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 10 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 11 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 12 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

While checking duct conditions, note if they should be cleaned, like this one. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 13 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Cleaned and sealed Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 14 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Where wall cavities are used as ducts, specify duct or metal pan installation. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 15 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Roof Coatings COOLING MEASURES • Solar Reflectance = 65% or higher when new • Thermal Emittance = 80% to 90% or more • Elastomeric: - Water-proofing - Flexible • Cementitious: - Relies on underlying membrane for waterproofing Photo courtesy of A. Tamasin Sterner Reflective roof coatings, shown here on a row house, can carry a heating penalty due to reflected winter sun, but in most urban areas, savings outweigh heating losses. 16 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Reflective Roof Coating COOLING MEASURES Consider white reflective roof coating if roof receives full sun during cooling season. These coatings: • Reflect solar radiation, cutting cooling loads 10%-60%. • Can extend life of roof, and elastomeric varieties protect from water penetration. • Can be applied over common roofing materials. • Typically last 7– 12 years. Average cost is between $0. 75 and $1. 50 per square foot for materials and labor (not including incidental repairs). 17 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Color Affects Surface Temperature COOLING MEASURES Albedo, or solar reflectance, can significantly influence surface temperature, with the white stripe on the brick wall about 5 to 10°F (3 to 5°C) cooler than the surrounding, darker areas. Photos courtesy of the EPA’s “Reducing Urban Heat Islands, A Compendium of Strategies. 2008 18 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Reflective Roof Coating Guidelines COOLING MEASURES • Primer is often required. • Prime metal roofs for proper adhesion and to prevent rust from progressing. • For pre-1976 mobile homes, scaffolding helps installers avoid walking on, and potentially damaging, the roof. • Typical installation includes primer, plus two coats. • Educate clients to wash roof periodically. • Remember to evaluate cost-effectiveness! 19 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Clean/Tune Up/Replacing Cooling Systems COOLING MEASURES • Remove obstructions to airflow. • Clean condenser coils. • Clean evaporator, if accessible. • Clean/replace filters. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy • Insulate coolant line. • Level unit. • Test/adjust coolant charge (requires EPA-licensed refrigeration technician). • If replacing coolent system, properly size replacement. 20 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Air Conditioning Systems COOLING MEASURES Air Conditioning Units Split System: Packaged: • Condenser outdoors • Heat pump • Central system • A/C coil indoors, often in furnace, heat pump, or • Often mounted on CONDENSER supply duct roof or concrete slab outdoors AIR HANDLER • Includes room A/C units (most common in low income homes) * All A/C need clean filters and coils to allow good air flow and efficiently transfer heat. Mini-split ductless systems place the condenser outdoors, air handler indoors. Photos courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 21 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Indoor and Outdoor Coils COOLING MEASURES Outdoor: • Cleaning frequency depends on levels of dust and pollen in area. • High levels: Clean annually. • Low levels: Every three years. Indoor: • Should be protected by well-fitting clean filter. • Keeps blower and coils clean. • Easier to replace or clean filters than blowers or coils. Outdoor Coils Indoor Coils Source: Energy Out West Weatherization Field Guide. Copyright Saturn 2009 www. srmi. biz 22 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Cleaning Indoor Coils COOLING MEASURES 1. Shut off the main switch to the air handler. 2. Open the blower compartment and evaluate fan blades. 3. If the blower is dirty, remove and clean it. 4. If the blower is dirty, inspect the indoor coil visually. 5. If the coil is dirty, clean it. 6. Straighten bent fins. 7. Clean the drain pan and drain line. Source: Energy Out West Weatherization Field Guide. Copyright Saturn 2009 www. srmi. biz 23 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Clean room air conditioners Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 24 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Parts of Room A/C COOLING MEASURES g sin u ho o utd il o rc o indoor coil o e filt compressor condensate drain ls o r nt co l ab v mo r ill r eg re Photo courtesy of Energy Out West Weatherization Field Guide. Copyright Saturn 2009 www. srmi. biz 25 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Cleaning Room A/C COOLING MEASURES 1. Remove the grill and filter on the interior side of the unit. 2. Unplug and remove the air conditioner temporarily from the window or wall. 3. Take the unit to a clean outdoor area that drains well. 4. Cover the compressor, fan motor, and electrical components. 5. Dampen each of the coils, and then rake as much dirt off the coils as you can. 6. Spray coil cleaner into the coils and let the cleaner set. 7. Rinse the cleaner and dirt out of the coils. 8. Repeat the process until the water draining from the coils is clean. 9. Straighten bent fins. Source: Energy Out West Weatherization Field Guide. Copyright Saturn 2009 www. srmi. biz 26 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Remove the housing and removable grille to access parts for cleaning. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 27 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Use outdoor coil cleaner for outdoor coils. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 28 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Remove the removable grille to assess filter. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 29 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

This filter is doing a good job stopping dust and dirt from dirtying the coils. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 30 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

The newly cleaned filter will continue to keep the coils clean. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 31 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Moisture dripping from bottom of unit may indicate a clogged condensate drain. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 32 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Clogged condensate drains can lead to moisture damage. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 33 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Sill is repaired before replacing unit. Damaged insulation and siding has been removed. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 34 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Note air sealing around “through the wall” unit. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 35 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Central A/C Components COOLING MEASURES The outdoor condenser and coils dissipate collected heat to the outdoor air. In dusty climates, the coils should be cleaned annually to maintain efficient performance. Source: Energy Out West Weatherization Field Guide. Copyright Saturn 2009 www. srmi. biz 36 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Servicing Central A/C Evaporator COOLING MEASURES If appropriate, specify cleaning the evaporator. • Clean underside with stiff brush. • Clean tray below evaporator. • Pour bleach into weep hole. • Open clogged weep hole. 37 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Servicing Central A/C Condenser COOLING MEASURES If appropriate, specify servicing the condenser. • Remove anything obstructing air flow. • Clean coils. • Clean fins. • Straighten bent fins. • Level unit. • Educate clients on proper care and maintenance. 38 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Covering the unit during periods of disuse prevents clogging with leaves and other debris. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 39 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Inspect Coolant Line COOLING MEASURES • Inspect cooling line. • Specify insulation where needed. This insulation has eroded. Specify new insulation for this line. Photo courtesy of The U. S. Department of Energy 40 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Refrigerant Charge Effects EER COOLING MEASURES Comparison of TXV and Fixed-Orifice XV: EER vs. Charge at 95°F Outdoor Temperature Photo courtesy of M. Farzad, D. L. O’Neal, Texas A&M University 41 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Refrigerant Charge Testing #1 COOLING MEASURES Before Testing and Adjusting: • • • Outdoor temp at least 60 F Measure and adjust airflow Test and seal ducts Clean condenser coil, allow to dry completely All testing and refrigerant handling – Qualified and EPA licensed refrigeration technician Required Equipment for Testing/Adjusting: • DOT recovery cylinder for removal • Refrigeration gauge set • Digital thermometer with wet cloth (for wet bulb) or sling psychrometer Source: Energy Out West Weatherization Field Guide. Copyright Saturn 2009 www. srmi. biz 42 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Refrigerant Charge Testing #2 COOLING MEASURES Superheat test Subcooling test • Use for fixed-orifice or capillary tube system • Use for thermal expansion valve system • Airflow must be ≥ 400 CFM per ton • Outdoor temperature must be ≥ 60 F • Air conditioner or heat pump should be running in cooling mode for at least 10 minutes prior to testing • Charge checking at very high outdoor temperatures not recommended Superheat is the temperature difference between the evaporator and the compressor inlet. Subcooling is the temperature difference between the middle of the condenser and the liquid service valve outside. Photo Courtesy of Energy Out West Weatherization Field Guide. Copyright Saturn 2009 www. srmi. biz 43 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Refrigerant Charge Superheat Test COOLING MEASURES Use evaporator superheat test for capillary-tube or fixed-orifice expansion devices, operating in the cooling mode: • • • Verify adequate airflow. Measure dry bulb temp of air entering outdoor coil. Measure wet bulb temp of return air at air handler. Use superheat table to determine recommended superheat temp. Measure and evaluate compressor-suction pressure at suction service valve. Measure and evaluate suction line temperature. If superheat temp is high, add refrigerant, wait 10 minutes and repeat test. If superheat temp is low, remove refrigerant, wait 10 minutes and repeat test. For more complete instructions, refer to Section 3. 8 of the Energy Out West Field Guide. Image courtesy of Energy Out West Weatherization Field Guide 44 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Refrigerant Charge Subcooling Test COOLING MEASURES Use subcooling test for thermal expansion valve (TXV) devices: • Measure and convert liquid pressure at liquid service valve. • Measure temperature of liquid refrigerant leaving condenser. • Subtract liquid-refrigerant temp from converted condensing temp. This is subcooling. • Compare to correct subcooling (from permanent sticker in condenser, manufacturer’s literature or slide-rule). • If more than 3 F variation, adjust levels. • Let system run 10 minutes and repeat test. • For more complete instructions, refer to Section 3. 8 of the Energy Out West Field Guide. Image courtesy of Energy Out West Weatherization Field Guide. Copyright Saturn 2009 www. srmi. biz 45 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Replacing a Room A/C COOLING MEASURES • If cost-effective, replace existing unit with properly-sized, high-efficiency model. Look for models that carry the ENERGY STAR logo. • If installed in a corner, choose unit that can direct airflow in appropriate direction. Sizing Adjustments: • Heavily shaded – Reduce capacity by 10% • Very sunny – Increase capacity by 10% • Add 600 BTUs person that usually occupy the room after the second • In kitchen – Add 4, 000 BTUs Area to be Cooled (square feet) Capacity Needed (BTUs per hour) 100 to 150 5, 000 150 to 250 6, 000 250 to 300 7, 000 300 to 350 8, 000 350 to 400 9, 000 400 to 450 10, 000 450 to 550 12, 000 550 to 700 14, 000 700 to 1, 000 18, 000 1, 000 to 1, 200 21, 000 Photo courtesy of ENERGY STAR program; www. energystar. gov 46 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov

Summary COOLING MEASURES • Allowable cooling measures include window shading, roof coating, shell and duct sealing and insulation, and cleaning/tune-up/replacement of air cooling appliances. • Cooling measures are generally recommended when household cooling energy use ≥ 1, 000 k. Wh/year. • As with any weatherization measures, SIR must be ≥ 1. • Windows and roofs should be evaluated for solar exposure during cooling season. • Air conditioners should be level, coils clean and unobstructed, and have proper refrigerant charge to operate efficiently. • If replacing a unit, properly size according to Manual J or ENERGY STAR guidelines (room A/C). 47 | WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM STANDARDIZED CURRICULUM – December 2012 eere. energy. gov