Deep Energy Retrofit: A Guide to Energy Efficient Homes
Energy efficiency and sustainability are top priorities for many homeowners, especially for older homes that consume excessive energy and contribute to high energy bills. Trade Design Build works with homeowners to reduce their energy consumption through deep energy retrofitting, a systematic approach to eco-friendly home renovations.
Our guide covers the basics of a deep energy retrofit installation, including what it is and six common ways to retrofit your home.
Looking to remodel your home to be more energy-efficient? Contact Trade to explore deep energy retrofitting options.
Key Takeaways:
Deep energy retrofits make existing structures more energy-efficient. By incorporating various sustainable upgrades, deep energy retrofits will drastically reduce your home’s energy use and costs.
The most impactful ways to reduce your energy consumption are to install energy-efficient HVAC systems, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and high-performance insulation and air sealants.
When comparing appliances or products, look for the Energy Star symbol. This government-backed rating uses meticulous guides to certify that the product is more energy-efficient than conventional models.
What Is a Deep Energy Retrofit (DER)?
A deep energy retrofit (DER) is a comprehensive approach to upgrading an existing home’s energy performance. Unlike shallow retrofits consisting of small home energy improvements over time, a deep retrofit involves an in-depth analysis of the building’s components and how they interact with each other to optimize energy efficiency.
These projects typically carry out multiple energy upgrades simultaneously to achieve an A-rating Building Energy Rating (BER).
Common fundamental upgrades for a deep energy retrofit could include:
Home weatherization (e.g., building envelope, roofing, siding, doors)
Heating and cooling systems
Water tanks
Insulation
Ventilation
Accounting for occupant behavior
A deep retrofit can reduce energy usage by up to 50% compared to conventional homes. Regular evaluations after retrofitting will be key to measuring success.
In Ithaca, such extensive energy conservation projects are top of mind for many home builders and remodelers. The 2019 Green New Deal requires all new buildings to meet net-zero emissions by 2026. As a result, eco-conscious home remodelers are turning to Ithaca residential architects to find innovative solutions that meet their energy and sustainability goals.
6 Ways to Deep Energy Retrofit Your Home
Consulting with architects and builders when retrofitting your home is key to fundamentally transforming your home’s energy performance. At Trade, we recommend solutions to better the performance of an existing structure and can do energy modeling to upgrade your home.
Six impactful tactics we use to deep energy retrofit homes include:
Switching to an energy-efficient HVAC system
Upgrading insulation and air sealing
Switching to LED lighting
Installing high-performance windows and doors
Upgrading appliances & energy saving devices
Investing in low-flow fixtures & appliances
1. Switch to a More Efficient Heating and Cooling System
Heating and cooling systems account for a significant portion of a home’s energy consumption, making them one of the primary upgrades when performing a deep energy retrofit. When updating your HVAC, we recommend investing in high-efficiency systems that will save you money in the long run. You should also consider your local climate, home square footage, and available incentives to determine which HVAC system is right for you.
Examples of top energy-efficient HVAC systems include:
Air Source Heat Pumps – A heat pump transfers heat in and out of your home, usually pairing with your existing ductwork to maintain a comfortable temperature with minimal electricity. An air source pump is the most common heat pump type in the U.S. and is a preferred all-in-one heating and cooling solution.
Geothermal Heat Pumps – Also known as ground-source heat pumps, geothermal systems rely on the Earth’s stable temperature to manage heat transfer. As a result, they’re well-suited to colder climates and can achieve higher energy efficiency than air source heat pumps. While costlier to install, they can last longer than other systems with proper maintenance.
Central Air Conditioners – Central air conditioners work similarly to heat pumps in that they use your home’s ductwork to cool rooms. While they excel at cooling large homes, they lack heating capabilities and must be paired with a furnace to handle winter weather.
High-Efficiency Furnaces – A high-efficiency furnace is one of the most fuel-efficient HVAC systems, using electricity, natural gas, propane, or oil to heat the home. Electric furnaces typically require less maintenance and heat the home more evenly than their fuel-reliant counterparts.
Smart HVACs (Smart Thermostats) – A smart HVAC system incorporates technical enhancements that allow the system to automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on external factors and your preferences. Additional benefits include zoned heating and cooling, sensors to monitor your filtration system, and data collection on energy usage. Smart thermostats also allow you to control your HVAC remotely.
Remember, an energy-efficient HVAC is only one part of a deep energy retrofit. You must invest in insulation, air sealing, and more to maximize your system’s efficiency.
2. Upgrade Insulation and Air Sealing
Insulation and air sealing are foundational to reducing energy waste. High-performance insulation materials, such as graphite polystyrene (GPS) rigid board insulation, wood fiber exterior insulation, and cork, help regulate indoor temperatures by minimizing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Pairing insulation upgrades with air sealing—using caulk, weatherstripping, and air barriers—prevents drafts and ensures conditioned air stays inside.
A well-sealed and insulated home requires less energy for heating and cooling, reducing reliance on HVAC systems. Targeting areas where leakage is most common, like attics, walls, basements, and around windows and doors, is key.
3. Switch to LED Lighting
LED lighting is currently the most energy-efficient illumination technology and is one of the easiest swaps homeowners can make. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED lights use up to 90% less energy, produce more light, and last up to 25 times longer. Besides lowering the electricity bill, these benefits translate to reduced waste from light bulb replacements.
Newer innovative LED products dominate the market, introducing features such as smart bulbs that allow you to change the bulb color or control your lighting remotely. We recommend setting lights on schedules to reduce light waste. If installing LED lights outdoors, look for solar-powered products to reduce energy consumption even further.
4. Install High-Performance Windows and Doors
Traditional windows and doors can be a major source of energy loss, especially if they are single-pane or poorly sealed. Replacing them with high-performance, double- or triple-pane windows filled with inert gases like argon or krypton significantly improves thermal efficiency.
Models with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings help reflect heat while allowing natural light to enter. Energy-efficient doors made from insulated fiberglass, steel, or wood composites also help reduce heat transfer.
5. Upgrade to Energy Star-Rated Home Appliances & Electronics
After heating and cooling, home appliances and electronics compose a significant portion of a home’s energy consumption. Look for systems with the ENERGY STAR certification, a trusted rating system developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that indicates the equipment follows rigorous energy-efficiency guidelines.
We prioritize larger appliances first that use less electricity, including:
Washers & Dryers
Refrigerators & Freezers
Dishwashers
Ranges & Ovens
Water heaters
From there, eco-conscious homeowners often start replacing smaller appliances and electronics with the latest energy-efficient models. TVs, computers, lighting, and other products you use daily should be your top priority.
Besides the Energy Star certification, you may consider investing in smart appliances that offer a power-saving mode that reduces energy consumption when not in use. For smart electronics, this mode balances performance and efficiency by limiting background activities and adjusting screen brightness.
6. Invest in Low-Flow Fixtures & Appliances
A thorough deep energy retrofit should consider how water usage impacts energy consumption to make a home more eco-friendly. Modern low-flow fixtures and appliances are designed to drastically reduce the amount of water needed to achieve a task without compromising water pressure. This can be key for conserving water in areas prone to drought and can lower strain on a region’s public water systems.
To earn the designation “low-flow,” a plumbing fixture or appliance must follow precise guidelines determined by the WaterSense Program from the Environmental Protection Agency. Look for this designation when selecting fixtures.
Top low-flow fixtures and appliances include:
Low-Flush Toilets – Conventional toilets account for about 30% of a home’s water usage. By switching to a low-flow toilet, you can save upwards of 11,000 gallons of water per year. A two-button flush toilet is one of the most eco-friendly choices since you can decide how much water pressure to use. Gravity-fed tanks are best for upstairs bathrooms while pressure-assisted models offer the strongest flush.
Low-Flow Shower Heads – Installing a low-flow shower head uses no more than 2 gallons of water per minute, which can reduce water consumption by 2,700 gallons per year.
Low-Flow Faucets – Compared to conventional faucets, low-flow options do not exceed 1.5 gallons per minute. They use flow restrictors or faucet aerators to reduce overall water consumption.
Low-Flow Washing Machines – A low-flow washing machine nearly halves the amount of water used per load, going from an average of 40 gallons with a conventional washer to about 20–25 gallons. Many low-flow washing machine models are front-loading, filling the basin partially before agitating the clothes to reduce energy and water consumption.
Home Retrofit FAQs
Are Retrofit Homes More Sustainable Than Conventional Homes?
Yes, a deep energy retrofitted home is more sustainable than conventional buildings. Older homes typically consume far more energy due to structural inefficiencies and HVAC systems. Work with a design-build architect to get an energy audit and determine the best solutions for your home.
How Much Does It Cost to Deep Energy Retrofit My Home?
It depends on the size and scope of the project. If you’re unsure about costs, work with your architect to understand which components you should prioritize based on your budget.
Does Retrofitting My Home Save Money?
Yes, retrofitting your home will save you money in the long run. However, purchasing and installing new energy-efficient appliances and upgrading your home’s envelope come with upfront costs.
How Long Does a Deep Energy Retrofit Take?
There are many variables that could contribute to the duration of a project. The size and scope of the project will determine timeframes. When in doubt, consult your residential architect for a quote.
Retrofit Your Home With Trade Design Build
Integrating deep energy retrofit strategies can significantly reduce your home’s environmental impact while lowering your utility costs. Of course, you are also a key component of your home’s system. Homeowners need to develop responsible energy consumption habits to make a home retrofit effective.
Looking for an experienced partner to retrofit your home? Work with Trade Design Build to meet your sustainability goals.
