The ColorBrightonGreen.org’s Green House Award, 18 Maxson Street in the City of Rochester’s Northeast side, caught our interest with due to a surprising transformation that the owner carefully researched and completed in 2007 with documented huge energy-saving results!
In 2006, the homeowner completed an energy audit on her contemporary split-level home and did the following recommendations.
Door/Windows
- Windows replaced with triple pane windows
- Replaced basement windows with basement glass block windows
- Replaced 2 exterior doors with Energy Star rated doors
Insulation/Ventilation
- Created a cool roof (to decrease ice dams) — Cool-Vent insulation panels on the roof
- Insulation blown into exterior walls (1950’s home) — Air Krete insulation
- Foam insulation blown into rim joists (at floor level) and between garage ceiling and bedroom floors above
Heating/Cooling Equipment and Appliances
- Installed high efficiency furnace
- Installed Energy Star rated refrigerator and washing machine
Electricity
- Purchases 100% green power from ConEd
- Replaced all light fixtures with compact fluorescent light bulbs
Other
- Compost bin for food and yard waste
Results
The homeowner documented one year’s worth of energy use before and after the work.
- 25% reduction in gas
- 44% reduction in electricity
Work was paid with a low-interest loan and grant through NYSERDA programs.
