Public Housing: A Tailored 

Approach to Energy Retrofits 

Jordan Dentz, Francis Conlin, David Podorson, 

and Kunal Alaigh

Advanced Residential Integrated Energy 

Solutions (ARIES) Collaborative

June 2014
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iii

Public Housing: A Tailored Approach to Energy Retrofits

Prepared for: 

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Building America Program 

Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy 

15013 Denver West Parkway 

Golden, CO 80401 

NREL Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308 

Prepared by: 

Jordan Dentz, Francis Conlin, David Podorson and Kunal Alaigh 

ARIES Collaborative 

The Levy Partnership, Inc. 

1776 Broadway, Suite 2205 

New York, NY 10019 

NREL Technical Monitor: Michael Gestwick

Prepared under Subcontract No. KNDJ-0-40347-04 

June 2014 
iv

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v 

Contents

List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ vi

List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................. vii

Definitions................................................................................................................................................. viii

Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................................................... ix

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................... x

1 Introduction and Background ............................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................1

1.2 Background .......................................................................................................................1

1.3 Public Housing Authority Survey .....................................................................................2

1.4 Relevance to Building America’s Goals ...........................................................................3

1.5 Research Questions ...........................................................................................................4

2 Research Methods................................................................................................................................ 5

3 Islip Housing Authority ........................................................................................................................ 6

3.1 Energy Audits ...................................................................................................................6

3.2 Protocol Development ......................................................................................................7

3.3 Implementation ...............................................................................................................10

4 Raleigh Housing Authority ................................................................................................................ 13

4.1 Energy Audits .................................................................................................................13

4.2 Protocol Development ....................................................................................................14

4.3 Implementation ...............................................................................................................16

5 Uncertainties....................................................................................................................................... 19

6 Cost Effectiveness ............................................................................................................................. 20

7 Risks and Barriers.............................................................................................................................. 21

7.1 Barriers ............................................................................................................................21

7.1.1 Operational ..........................................................................................................21

7.1.2 Field ....................................................................................................................22

7.1.3 Budgetary ............................................................................................................22

8 Conclusions ........................................................................................................................................ 23

References................................................................................................................................................. 24

Appendix A: Survey Results Report ....................................................................................................... 25

Appendix B: Survey Instrument .............................................................................................................. 35

Appendix C: IHA Implementation Guidelines......................................................................................... 39

Appendix D: RHA Implementation Guidelines....................................................................................... 48
vi 

List of Figures

Figure 1. Typical IHA housing unit............................................................................................................ 6

Figure 2. Source energy for typical IHA second floor end unit (double glazing)................................. 8

Figure 3. Electric storage water tank with insulation wrap (left) and foamed plumbing penetrations 

(right) at IHA........................................................................................................................................ 10

Figure 4. Installing gasket on attic hatch (left) and caulking gap around window (right) at IHA ..... 11

Figure 5. Annualized energy-related costs and source energy savings for IHA units ...................... 12

Figure 6. Source energy use for IHA units ............................................................................................. 12

Figure 7. Typical RHA housing units ...................................................................................................... 13

Figure 8. BEopt results for typical RHA two-story unit (terrace park two--story end unit) (G = gas, E 

= electricity)......................................................................................................................................... 15

Figure 9. Annualized energy-related costs and source energy savings for RHA unit....................... 18

Figure 10. Source energy use reduction for RHA unit.......................................................................... 18

Figure 11. Percentage of PHAs responding by size (as measured by number of units owned) ..... 25

Figure 12. Percent of all units by PHA size ............................................................................................ 25

Figure 13. Annual turnover rate............................................................................................................... 26

Figure 14. Turnover time (in days) .......................................................................................................... 26

Figure 15. Activities conducted at unit turnover ................................................................................... 27

Figure 16. Repairs conducted by staff or contractors .......................................................................... 27

Figure 17. Unit type................................................................................................................................... 28

Figure 18. Building construction............................................................................................................. 28

Figure 19. Building Age............................................................................................................................ 29

Figure 20. Buildings submetered ............................................................................................................ 29

Figure 21. Heating system type ............................................................................................................... 30

Figure 22. Cooling system ....................................................................................................................... 30

Figure 23. Use of renewables by PHA size............................................................................................. 31

Figure 24. Weatherization......................................................................................................................... 31

Figure 25. Interest in water conservation (1 = not important; 10 = very important)........................... 32

Figure 26. Spending on energy efficiency.............................................................................................. 32

Figure 27. Payback requirements............................................................................................................ 33

Figure 28. Funding sources ..................................................................................................................... 33

Figure 29. Interest in concept.................................................................................................................. 34

Figure 30. Interest in working with Building America ........................................................................... 34

Unless otherwise indicated, all figures were created by ARIES. 
vii

List of Tables

Table 1. IHA Audit Findings ....................................................................................................................... 6

Table 2. Measures Modeled........................................................................................................................ 7

Table 3. Recommended Measures—Estimated Costs ............................................................................ 9

Table 4. Recommended Measures— Estimated Costs and Savings Not Including Storm Windows 9

Table 5. IHA Adopted Measures ................................................................................................................ 9

Table 6. IHA Air Sealing Results.............................................................................................................. 11

Table 7. RHA Audit Findings.................................................................................................................... 14

Table 8. Measures Modeled for Potential Savings ................................................................................ 14

Table 9. Estimated Costs for Recommended Measures (Not Including Mechanical Room Door) ... 15

Table 10. Estimated Costs for the Recommended Measures and Projected Savings....................... 15

Table 11. RHA Adopted Measures........................................................................................................... 16

Table 12. RHA Envelope and Duct Test Results.................................................................................... 17

Table 13. RHA Exhaust Fan Test Results............................................................................................... 17

Unless otherwise indicated, all tables were created by ARIES. 
viii

Definitions

AC Air conditioner

ACH50 Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascal pressure differential

ARIES Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions 

Collaborative Building America team

BEoptTM Building Energy OptimizationTM software

CFL Compact Fluorescent Lamp

CFM Cubic Feet per Minute

CFM25 Cubic Feet per Minute at 25 pascal pressure differential

EPC Energy Performance Contractor

HUD U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

IHA Islip Housing Authority

LED Light-Emitting Diode

PHA Public Housing Authority

RHA Raleigh Housing Authority
ix

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their appreciation to Gail Keeter, Kat Duke, and Wayne Felton 

of the Raleigh Housing Authority, and to Richard Wankle and Katherine Vasilopoulos of the 

Islip Housing Authority for their cooperation and willingness to open up their organizations to 

serve as test beds for this Building America project. We are also grateful to Michael Gestwick of 

the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for guidance and support of this work. 
x 

Executive Summary

More than 1 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-supported public 

housing units provide rental housing for eligible low-income families across the country. These 

units range from scattered single-family houses to high-rise apartments. In this project, the 

Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions Collaborative (ARIES) worked with two 

public housing authorities (PHAs) to develop packages of energy efficiency retrofit measures the 

PHAs can cost-effectively implement with their own staffs in the normal course of housing 

operations at the time when units are refurbished between occupancies. 

ARIES conducted a survey of PHAs to assess their receptiveness to this concept and the 

applicability of the concept to PHA units. The results of the survey, to which more than 100 

PHAs responded, support the proposed approach. 

The project consisted of a field evaluation in which energy audits were performed on a sample of 

PHA units at two housing authorities. Energy efficiency turnover protocols were developed for 

typical units, the protocol was implemented by PHA staff, and the effectiveness of the protocol 

was quantified through field testing and modeling. 

The energy efficiency turnover protocols emphasized air infiltration reduction, duct sealing, and 

measures that improve equipment efficiency. In the 10 housing units in which ARIES 

documented implementation, reductions in average air leakage of 16%–20% and duct leakage of 

38% were obtained. Total source energy consumption savings was estimated at 6%–10% based 

on Building Energy OptimizationTM modeling with a simple payback of 1.7–2.2 years.

Implementation challenges were encountered, mainly related to required operational changes and 

budgetary constraints. Lack of complete training and inadequate quality control can prevent 

PHAs from effectively retrofitting units to their full potential. Nevertheless, despite these 

hurdles, simple improvements, such as caulking and sealing penetrations, windows, and doors; 

sealing duct boots; and adding pipe insulation into a standardized turnover protocol can feasibly 

be accomplished by PHA staff at low or no cost. At typical housing unit turnover rates, these 

measures could impact hundreds of thousands of units per year nationally. 
1 

1 Introduction and Background

1.1 Introduction

Public housing was established to provide decent and safe rental housing for eligible low-income 

families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. Public housing comes in all sizes and types, 

from scattered single-family houses to high-rise apartments. There are approximately 1.2 million 

households living in public housing units, managed by some 3,300 public housing authorities 

(PHAs). The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers federal 

aid to local PHAs that own and manage the housing for low-income residents. HUD furnishes 

technical and professional assistance in planning, developing, and managing these developments 

(U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2012). 

In this project, the Advanced Residential Integrated Energy Solutions Collaborative (ARIES) 

worked with two PHAs to develop packages of energy efficiency retrofit measures the PHAs can 

cost-effectively implement with their own staffs in the normal course of housing operations, 

specifically when units are refurbished between occupancies. These packages are termed the 

Energy Efficiency Turnover Protocols. 

1.2 Background

PHAs across the nation endeavor to provide good-quality housing for a poor population while 

working under a number of financial and legal constraints. Living units are small, densely 

occupied, and primarily attached or in low-rise multifamily buildings. 

Challenges to reducing energy use in public housing include the following factors: 

• Because of federal rules, residents are generally not responsible for the bulk of their 

energy costs, which are paid by the agency through a voucher system. Therefore, 

residents have a reduced financial incentive to conserve energy.

• PHAs in turn have their energy costs reimbursed by HUD based on the previous 3-year 

average of energy costs; therefore PHAs have a limited ability to recoup money spent on 

energy efficiency and little incentive to spend their own money on such measures. 

• While new PHA construction is often built to be energy efficient, many PHA buildings 

were built before modern energy standards were in place and so are highly inefficient. 

• While PHA management may place a high value on improving energy efficiency, the 

knowledge, skills, time, and resources to implement cost-effective improvements are

often lacking at the operational level.

• PHAs have a strong incentive to minimize downtime between occupancies because of 

lost rental income. Their desire to avoid disrupting or temporarily displacing occupants 

inhibits making energy upgrades. 

Despite these challenges, there are a number of opportunities for PHAs to make energy 

efficiency improvements:

• HUD requires PHAs to perform energy audits on their properties every 5 years and offers 

capital grants that can be used for major energy efficiency upgrades recommended as a 
2 

result of these audits. In recent years HUD has begun to require PHAs to act on audit 

findings. 

• HUD permits PHAs to contract with energy performance contractors (EPCs) and to share 

the resulting savings with those contractors. EPCs are a significant source of project 

funding, particularly for larger PHAs. However EPCs have minimum project size 

requirements and typically focus on major replacements and improvements rather than 

smaller scale upgrades and maintenance improvements that can still have a significant 

impact on energy use. 

• State and utility energy efficiency programs often offer increased incentives for 

affordable housing. 

• Public housing is eligible for the U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Program.

Even with these programs and funding sources, many units remain inefficient. Capital grants and 

energy performance contracting are suitable for large one-time projects that affect a limited 

number of units. Weatherization and utility program funding cannot reach all units. However, 

PHAs typically have a professional staff that performs work on units each time occupancy 

changes (on average every 6–7 years according to a survey of PHAs conducted by ARIES as 

noted below).

The vacant period between occupancies presents a brief window of opportunity to work on the 

units. PHAs typically paint and make necessary repairs during this period, but additional energy 

efficiency work could also be done. Taking the low end of the range of turnover rates yields an 

opportunity of refurbishing nearly 250,000 units each year across the nation. This opportunity 

has been noted by others. For example, general recommendations for “green” measures at “unit 

turnaround” are incorporated into the Green Building Operations and Maintenance Manual 

(Green Seal, Inc. and Siemens Industry, Inc., 2011). However, quantifying the energy savings 

and costs and generalizing that information for typical PHA unit types so PHAs can act on it 

with confidence has not been done. 

This report describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of Energy Efficient 

Turnover protocols at two PHAs. 

1.3 Public Housing Authority Survey

In 2012 preparatory work on this effort included preliminary research on PHAs to assess and

quantify the potential opportunity for this approach. An online survey was developed to help 

determine how broadly applicable a limited set of standard protocols can be and the degree to 

which PHAs would be interested. It was vetted by PHA industry members and distributed via 

industry publications and direct emails to PHA contacts across the country. Information collected 

included the following:

1. The characteristics (type, quantity, etc.) of housing owned by PHAs 

2. The typical turnover rates at PHAs

3. The typical turnover process with respect to time and tasks completed

4. Methods for paying utility costs 
3 

5. The willingness of PHAs to implement energy efficiency measures during turnover 

6. The cost-effectiveness criteria used by PHAs in deciding on energy efficiency 

investments and related funding sources 

7. The general skill levels of PHA maintenance staff (i.e., ability to implement energy 

measures). 

The survey was completed by 109 PHAs, representing 3% of PHAs nationally. The results of the 

survey support the overall hypothesis of this effort: that a prescriptive set of cost-effective energy 

measures implemented by PHA staff during turnover is feasible and sensible for some PHAs. 

Key findings supporting this hypothesis are listed below: 

• A large share of PHA units are low-rise, wood frame attached or multifamily units owned 

by small to midsize PHAs.

• Many PHAs have substantial resident turnover and turnover times are sufficient in most 

cases to implement limited energy measures.

• No evidence of this approach being used today was discovered, yet almost all responding 

PHAs expressed an interest in the concept.

• Many PHAs have some limited funds to spend on energy measures, as long as they are 

cost effective; and most PHAs are interested in efficiency.

• Almost all responding PHAs have staff with moderate to high skill levels who could 

presumably be trained to implement simple energy efficiency measures.

• Most PHA units are more than 30 years old and many have not been weatherized. 

It is recognized that the respondents may be self-selected for their interest in energy efficiency; 

however, the housing characteristics are presumed to be approximately representative of PHAs 

nationally. Appendix A summarizes the survey results; Appendix B contains the survey 

instrument.

1.4 Relevance to Building America’s Goals

The Building America Standing Technical Committee on Implementation identified the 

following critical path milestones at the April 2012 Denver meeting (Gestwick, 2012): 

• 2012: Identify key stakeholders and associated channels that can have the most impact 

(change) with the least amount of effort. Identify documentation/communication needs of 

key stakeholders and associated channels. Change key Building America deliverables to 

cater to the documentation needs of key stakeholders and associated channels. 

• 2013: Develop audience-specific communications and outreach strategies with a core 

focus on measuring results to show change in practice (define key performance indicators 

to measure adoption). 

PHAs are key stakeholders in that they own and operate 1.2 million housing units nationwide, 

many of which are in older buildings. PHAs are a distinct group with established communication 

and outreach channels. This project developed and tested technical outreach materials (the 
4 

energy efficiency turnover protocol guidelines) suitable for many PHAs. In a parallel effort, the 

Building America Research Alliance team is developing outreach strategies for this approach.

1.5 Research Questions

This research addressed the following questions: 

1. Is it feasible to implement a prescriptive set of cost-effective energy measures in public 

housing units during the short turnover periods when the units are vacant? 

2. Using partner PHAs as case studies, what specific package(s) of energy measures can 

routinely be installed during these periods that would be cost effective? 

3. What are the estimated costs and energy savings of such a protocol in typical PHA units? 
5 

2 Research Methods

The approach to developing the Energy Efficiency Turnover protocols included the following 

tasks:

1. Select partners. From among survey participants, two PHAs were selected to serve as 

research partners with whom to develop and pilot the protocols. Both PHAs are located in 

the mixed-humid climate zone and primarily own attached low-rise housing stock. The 

two PHAs are:

a. Raleigh Housing Authority (RHA). RHA is one of approximately 130 PHAs in 

North Carolina (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2012). 

RHA owns 1,723 public housing units, mostly in developments ranging from a 

few dozen to a few hundred units each (Raleigh Housing Authority, 2012). Of 

RHA’s units, 1,109 are one- and two-story, wood-framed attached units in 14 

developments; 388 are in two multifamily high rises; and 226 are scattered singlefamily detached homes. Raleigh, North Carolina is located in climate zone 4.

b. Town of Islip Housing Authority (IHA). The Town of Islip is located on the 

South Shore of Long Island in Suffolk County, New York (also in climate zone 

4). IHA owns and operates four developments with 360 units. All units are in lowrise attached or multifamily buildings; are wood-framed construction, and most 

have electric resistance heat.

2. Conduct audits. ARIES conducted detailed energy audits in eight units at each PHA 

representing a cross-section of properties. The purpose of the audits was to identify 

opportunities for low-cost measures and assess the consistency of the features and 

conditions of the units across the PHA portfolios. The audits gathered information 

required for Building Energy OptimizationTM (BEoptTM) modeling, including duct and 

envelope leakage testing, ventilation airflow measurements, and inspection of insulation 

and equipment. 

3. Perform modeling. Typical units at each PHA were modeled using BEopt software

version 2.1.0.2 (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2014). 

4. Develop protocols. Based on the audit and modeling results and discussions with PHA 

management, protocols were developed. The packages were low cost, feasible to install 

during turnover time constraints, and achievable with staff skills. 

5. Implement and evaluate protocols. PHA staffs were trained in the protocols. The 

protocols were then implemented in each unit that was being prepared for new a tenant. 

In a sample of units (five per PHA), ARIES conducted before and after inspections and 

tests to measure implementation effectiveness and cost. The protocols were refined based 

on implementation feedback and post-retrofit testing. 
6 

3 Islip Housing Authority

3.1 Energy Audits

Energy audits were conducted in eight vacant and occupied units in IHA’s Oakdale, Mill Pond, 

Southwind, and Alyn Lane, representing a cross-section of IHA’s properties (Figure 1). 

Figure 1. Typical IHA housing unit

IHA’s apartments are predominantly single-floor studios and one-bedroom units in two-story 

framed buildings that contain about eight units each. Three hundred thirty of the 360 units have 

electric resistance heat, electric storage water heaters, and through-the-wall sleeves for residentowned air conditioners (ACs). Tenants pay their own utility bills and are provided an allowance 

by IHA based on historical energy use for each unit size. Cooling energy is not reimbursed and 

room ACs (for the 330 electric units) are owned by the tenants (about half of these residents own 

ACs). A summary of audit findings and recommendations is provided in Table 1. In general, the 

units were leaky, with second-floor units being substantially worse than ground-floor units. 

Some apartments showed signs of earlier attempts at air sealing.

Table 1. IHA Audit Findings 

Inspection Item Findings

Envelope 

Leakage

Blower door test results (unguarded, ACH50): 6.8, 8.9, 9.7, 11.1, 

16.2, 16.5, 20.2, 22.3 – average 13.9 ACH50

Windows Single and double glazed with metal frame

Heating Electric resistance baseboard 

(except for gas-fired forced air at one 30-unit site)

Cooling Sleeves for through-wall ACs except for 

central forced air at one 30-unit site

Lighting Mostly CFLs, pin fluorescent in kitchen, 

some incandescent in bathrooms

Bath Exhaust Ventilation Ranged from 0–60 CFM (only two of eight above 20 CFM)

Hot Water

Storage tank (electric resistance, except gas at one 30-unit site) Some 

tanks had insulation jackets; pipe insulation inconsistent; some tank 

thermostats set overly high (160°F)

Ducts One unit tested at the 30-unit site with ducts: total leakage 350 

CFM25, leakage to outside 290 CFM25

Attic Fiberglass batt, mostly evenly dispersed, grade II and III; 1⁄4-in. thick 

uninsulated plywood attic hatch
7 

3.2 Protocol Development

A typical second-floor IHA unit was modeled using BEopt version 2.0.0.6 in order to predict 

energy savings of potential measures. The pre-retrofit model was adjusted to match average 

utility bills obtained for IHA units of the same type. Table 2 summarizes the measures modeled. 

The BEopt results are provided in Figure 2 for a unit with existing double-glazed windows 

(majority of units are double glazed). The model predicts a potential source energy and site 

electricity savings of 26%. 

Table 2. Measures Modeled

 

1 A 15% reduction factor was used to convert from unguarded envelope leakage test results to envelope leakage used 

for energy modeling (ARIES Collaborative, 2012).

Area Measure

Attic Insulate the attic hatch with 2-in., R-10 XPS insulation and gasket 

Air Sealing Air sealing: 32% reduction in leakage from 11.8 ACH50 to outside 

to 9.5 ACH50 to outside1

Water Heating Install insulated water heater jacket; pipe insulation

Windows Install storm windows in units with single-glazed windows 

Heating Replace room (through-wall) AC with room (through-wall) heat pump

Lighting Convert to 100% fluorescent lighting 
8 

Table 3 and Table 4 list the costs for each measure, total costs, projected annual utility bill 

savings, and annualized energy-related costs2 for this typical unit. 

IHA elected to include in its turnover protocols most recommendations with the exception of the 

programmable thermostat, heat pumps, and storm windows, because of their higher initial cost. 

A detailed summary of recommendations adopted by IHA is provided in Table 5. The 

implementation cost for the selected measures was $235. The complete IHA Energy Efficiency 

Turnover guidelines are provided in Appendix C. 

 

2 BEopt calculates the annualized energy related costs by annualizing the energy-related cash flows over the 

analysis period. Cash flows consist of mortgage/loan payments, replacement costs, utility bill payments, mortgage 

tax deductions (for new construction), and residual values. Costs, excluding mortgage/loan payments, are inflated 

based on the time they occur in the analysis period. The cash flows are annualized by determining the present worth 

of the cash flow by converting the total cost for each year to the value at the beginning of the analysis period 

(National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2012).

Figure 2. Source energy for typical IHA second floor end unit (double glazing) 
9 

Table 3. Recommended Measures—Estimated Costs 

Measure Estimated Costs Using IHA Staff

Attic Hatch

$5 for a 1⁄4 sheet of insulation

$5 for a 1⁄4 roll of rubber gasket 

$2 for caulk to fasten insulation to attic hatch

Air Sealing $30 for caulk and foam

Programmable Thermostat $85 for thermostat

Water Heater Jacket $25 for materials

Storm Windows $650 installed estimate (homewyse, 2014)

Heat Pump $800 equipment cost estimate

Lighting $48 fixture cost

Labor $120 for 6 labor-hours

Table 4. Recommended Measures— 

Estimated Costs and Savings Not Including Storm Windows 

Table 5. IHA Adopted Measures

Item Adopted Measure

Envelope 

Leakage 

• Caulk bottom plates in rooms without carpet or if replacing carpet

• Foam plumbing penetrations 

• Seal electrical penetrations including boxes to wallboard, openings in 

data boxes, and lighting penetrations

• Foam or tape (with metal foil tape) gaps around exhaust fan and duct 

boots to wall/ceiling

• Caulk gaps in door frame and/or molding around frame and replace 

weather-stripping if worn 

• Tape/gasket all seams between AC and sleeve and inside sleeve if no 

AC unit exists

Lighting

• Replace incandescent bulbs with standard or warm tone compact 

fluorescent lamps (CFLs) 

• Replace pin fluorescent lamps with light-emitting diode (LED) lamps 

when replacing fixtures

Bath Exhaust 

Ventilation

• Check fan flow 3

• Vacuum fan blades, motor, and housing (wipe with rag before air 

sealing)

 

3 The credit card method was suggested for checking exhaust fan flow; see NYSERDA’s “Homeowner's Guide to 

Ventilation” (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, 2013). 

Total Capital Costs 

(Not Including Storm Windows) $1,120

Projected Annual Utility Bill Savings $442

Annualized Energy-Related Costs Reduced by $434 from $1,805 to $1,371.
10 

Item Adopted Measure

• If flow still insufficient, check duct connection and consider fan 

replacement

Hot Water 

• Install insulation jacket or re-install properly if poorly installed 

(electric tanks)

• Add pipe insulation to un-insulated pipes in domestic hot water tank 

closet

• Set domestic hot water temperature (measured at faucets) to 120°F max

Ducts • Seal gaps between duct boots and ceiling/floor/wall

Attic

• Check that ceiling insulation is evenly dispersed without gaps, water 

damage, and covering rafters and other framing members to the exterior 

walls.

• When/if replacing attic insulation over framed walls, foam penetrations 

where accessible

• Glue 2-in. rigid foam to back of hatch 

• Add gasket/weather stripping to attic hatch

3.3 Implementation

IHA staff was trained in the protocols in a 3-hour on-site training session. Following the training, 

they implemented the protocols in each unit that was prepared for new a tenant (Figure 3 and 

Figure 4). ARIES conducted before and after inspections and tests of five units, including the 

training unit, to measure implementation effectiveness and estimate costs.

Figure 3. Electric storage water tank with insulation wrap (left) 

and foamed plumbing penetrations (right) at IHA
11 

Figure 4. Installing gasket on attic hatch (left) and caulking gap around

window (right) at IHA

One of the major focuses of the turnover protocols is air sealing. During the training session a 

32% reduction in tested envelope air leakage was achieved. During subsequent implementations 

the average air leakage reduction was lower by 14%–19% reduction (average of 16%). This falloff in performance is likely due to less on-site focus and supervision by IHA management and 

ARIES researchers, and likely represents an achievable level going forward by IHA staff in these 

units. Results of all five units tested at IHA are in Table 6. 

Table 6. IHA Air Sealing Results

Updating the IHA BEopt models with the measures implemented (and with the average 

measured infiltration reduction of 16%) yields a predicted whole-house annual energy savings of 

the IHA units of 6.2% (7.2 MBtu; $107 utility costs). BEopt plots comparing potential savings to 

predicted savings as implemented are shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6. The annualized energyrelated costs are based on actual costs incurred by IHA. Substantially more savings and lower 

annualized energy costs are possible with the full set of recommended measures; the additional 

air sealing and heat pumps being most important.

Site Address Pre-Date Post-Date PreCFM50

PostCFM50PostACH50% 

Change

Oakdale 308 Ockers

(training unit) 6/12/2013 6/12/2013 1,325 900 8 –32%

Central 

Islip 600 Allyn 212 6/12/2013 6/21/2013 1,285 1,110 13.2 –14%

Bayshore 20 Millpond 7/1/2013 7/10/2013 1,624 1,309 13.5 –19%

Oakdale 112 Ockers 8/1/2013 8/16/2013 1,219 1,001 14 –18%

Oakdale 607 Ockers 8/1/2013 8/16/2013 726 621 8.9 –14%
12 

Figure 5. Annualized energy-related costs and source energy savings for IHA units

Figure 6. Source energy use for IHA units

IHA Existing

IHA Actual

IHA Potential
13 

4 Raleigh Housing Authority

4.1 Energy Audits

Energy audits were conducted in nine vacant and occupied units in the Kentwood, Heritage Park, 

Mayview, Birchwood, Berkshire Village, Oaks, Stonecrest, Valleybrook, and Terrace Park 

developments representing a cross-section of RHA’s properties. The apartments are 

predominantly one- and two-story, one- and two-bedroom units in one- and two-story framed

buildings some with brick cladding. All buildings have natural gas-fired forced-air heating and 

central forced-air cooling. Water heating is by natural gas-fired storage tank. Tenants pay their 

own utility bills and are given an allowance by RHA. Typical units are shown in Figure 7. A 

summary of audit findings and recommendations is provided in Table 7.

Figure 7. Typical RHA housing units
14 

Table 7. RHA Audit Findings 

Inspection Item Findings

Envelope Leakage Blower door test results (unguarded, ACH50): 

ranged from 17 to 25 with an average of 20.2

Windows Single and double glazed with metal frame, one vinyl; 

no storm windows

Heating Forced hot-air, natural draft furnace located 

within conditioned space

Cooling Forced air, traditional coil system; filters dirty

Lighting Mostly incandescent lighting

Bath Exhaust Ventilation Low ventilation in bathrooms (0–48 CFM) and 

kitchens (14–102 CFM), fan covers very dirty

Hot Water Storage tank, natural gas fuel; none had insulation jackets; 

thermostats set about 120°–129°F

Ducts Average duct leakage to outside tested 29 CFM25/100 ft2

; 

average total duct leakage 31 CFM25/100 ft2; ducts very dirty

Attic

Combination fiberglass batts, blown cellulose, and 

blown fiberglass; inconsistent coverage, grade II to III, 

ranging from 6 in. to 14 in. in depth.

4.2 Protocol Development

A typical two-story RHA unit was modeled using BEopt version 2.1.0.2 in order to predict 

energy savings of potential measures. Table 8 summarizes the measures modeled. The BEopt 

results are provided in Figure 8 for a unit with existing double-glazed windows (most units had 

double-pane windows). The model predicts a potential energy savings of 12%. 

Table 8. Measures Modeled for Potential Savings 

Area Measure

Attic Insulate the attic hatch with 2-in., R-10 extruded polystyrene insulation 

and gasket, improve insulation

Air sealing

Air leakage reduction from 17.2 ACH50 to outside to 13.1 ACH50 to 

outside (24% decrease) (using the 15% reduction factor applied to the 

unguarded test result)

Water heating Install insulated water heater jacket; pipe insulation

Heating Replace louvered door with solid door and gasket to prevent backdrafting into living space and to reduce infiltration

Cooling Replace air filters, seal air handler to stop leaks, clean supply and 

return grilles, seal duct boot to ceiling/floor/wall

Lighting Convert to 100% fluorescent lighting
15 

Figure 8. BEopt results for typical RHA two-story unit (terrace park two--story end unit)

(G = gas, E = electricity) 

Table 9 lists the costs for each measure, total costs, projected annual utility bill savings, and 

annualized energy-related costs for this typical unit. 

Table 9. Estimated Costs for Recommended Measures (Not Including Mechanical Room Door) 

Table 10. Estimated Costs for the Recommended Measures and Projected Savings 

Measure Estimated Costs Using RHA Staff

Insulate Water Heater $25 for insulating jacket

Insulate the Attic Hatch With 2-in., 

R-10 XPS Insulation and Gasket

$5 for a 1⁄4 sheet of insulation

$5 for a 1⁄4 roll of rubber gasket

$2 for adhesive to fasten insulation to attic hatch

Air Sealing $30 for caulk and foam

$1 for acetone for cleaning

Install Fluorescent/LED Lighting $45 for kitchen fixture; $15 for CFLs

Seal the Air Handler and Duct 

Returns With Mastic, and Seal the 

Register Boots to the Wall/Ceiling 

With Foil Tape

$12 for duct mastic (small tub)

$4 for foil tape

$2 for flashing and screws

Improve Ceiling Insulation $10 for bag of cellulose insulation – hand distributed

Staff Labor $116 for 8.5 hours of labor

Total Capital Costs $272

Projected Annual Utility Bill Savings $173

Annualized Energy-Related Costs Reduced by $723
16 

RHA elected to include in its turnover protocols most recommendations with the exceptions of 

insulating the water heater and replacing the mechanical room louvered door, with a solid one. A 

detailed summary of recommendations adopted by RHA is provided in Table 11. The estimated 

cost for the adopted measures was $247. The complete RHA Energy Efficiency Turnover 

guidelines are provided in Appendix D 

Table 11. RHA Adopted Measures

4.3 Implementation

RHA staff was trained in the protocols and then implemented the protocols in units being 

prepared for new tenants. ARIES conducted before and after inspections and tests of five units to 

measure implementation effectiveness and estimate costs. Table 12 summarizes the before and 

after envelope and duct leakage test results in chronological order.

Item Adopted Measure

Envelope 

Leakage

• Caulk bottom plates in rooms without carpet or if replacing carpet

• Foam plumbing penetrations, including bases of toilets 

• Seal electrical penetrations including boxes to wallboard, openings in data 

boxes and lighting penetrations 

• Foam or tape (with metal foil tape) gaps around exhaust fan and duct boots 

to wall/ceiling

• Caulk gaps in door frame and/or molding around frame and replace 

weather-stripping if worn 

• Foam door latches

Lighting • Inspect lighting and replace with high efficiency (CFL or LED) if 

necessary

Bath Exhaust 

Ventilation

• Check fan flow 

• Vacuum fan blades, motor, and housing (wipe with rag before air sealing) 

• If flow still insufficient, check duct connection and consider fan 

replacement

Domestic Hot 

Water 

• Adjust hot water temperature if necessary

• Insulate hot water pipes

Ducts

• Seal gaps between duct boots and ceiling/floor/wall

• Seal around air handler/return ducts 

• Clean/replace filter

Attic

• Check that ceiling insulation is evenly dispersed without gaps, water 

damage, and covering rafters and other framing members to the exterior 

walls. 

• When/if replacing attic insulation over framed walls, foam penetrations 

where accessible

• Glue 2-in. rigid foam to back of hatch 

• Add gasket/weather stripping to attic hatch
17 

Table 12. RHA Envelope and Duct Test Results

By sealing penetrations, windows and doors, and the overall building envelope, RHA staff was 

able to lower the infiltration rate by an average of 20% after the initial learning curve was 

surmounted. By sealing duct boots the walls and floors, RHA was also able to lower the duct 

leakage to the outside. In some units, such as 3960 Haresnipe Court, RHA was able to reduce 

leakage rates significantly, although compared to new construction standards envelope and duct 

leakage is still high. Note that RHA staff did not try to seal ducts, only the visible connections 

between the boots and the ceiling. 

Bathroom ventilation fan flow was measured in two units with initial flow measurements found 

to be low. After RHA staff cleaned the fans and grilles, the flow increased (Table 13). Final flow 

rates are still well below the 50 CFM target rate.

Table 13. RHA Exhaust Fan Test Results

Updating the RHA BEopt models with the measures implemented and average leakage reduction 

values (20% for envelope4 and 38% for ducts) yields a predicted whole-house annual source 

energy savings of approximately 10% (14.7 MBTU; $149 annual utility costs). BEopt plots 

comparing potential and predicted savings as implemented are shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10. 

 

4 Only the last three units were used to derive the average achievable envelope leakage reduction because during the 

first two the learning curve was not yet overcome. 

Address Envelope Leakage 

(CFM50)

Duct Leakage to Outside

(CFM25)

Before After Change Before After Change

460 Dorothea Dr. 2,820 2,648 –6% 170 154 –9% 

4711 Leafcrest Ct. 2,112 1,808 –14% Unreliable results

404 Swain St. 1,662 1,447 –13% 280 240 –14% 

1150 Clanton St. 2,048 1,607 –22% 850 437 –49% 

3960 Haresnipe Ct. 2,015 1,531 –24% 717 454 –37% 

Address Pre-Test Result

(CFM)

Post-Test Result 

(CFM)

Percent Increase 

(%)

3960 Haresnipe Ct. 0 16 N/A

1150 Clanton St. Upstairs 19

Downstairs 24

Upstairs 32

Downstairs 31

68 

29 
18 

Figure 9. Annualized energy-related costs and source energy savings for RHA unit

Figure 10. Source energy use reduction for RHA unit

Actual Potential
19 

5 Uncertainties 

For envelope leakage measurements, the Energy Conservatory Blower Door with DG-3 or DG700 manometer was used with a standard accuracy test (one-point test with baseline range < 5 

Pa. This test yields an uncertainty of ± 10% (Nelson, 2013). For duct leakage measurements, the 

Energy Conservatory Duct Blaster with DG-700 manometer was used. This equipment has a 

flow accuracy of +/- 3% (The Energy Conservatory, 2014). Combined with the blower door to 

measure duct leakage to outside, the total error in the measurements (duct blaster plus blower 

door) is < ± 10.5%. 
20 

6 Cost Effectiveness 

PHAs have a limited ability to fund energy efficiency improvement out of operating budgets. 

Most major improvements are made through one of the programs or funding sources described in 

Section 1.2, each of which has its own cost-effectiveness criteria. The measures included in the 

turnover protocols are very low cost because of limited operating budgets and because PHAs do 

not recoup most of the energy savings from reductions in apartment energy use. 
21 

7 Risks and Barriers

The approach of using PHA staff to implement a standard set of energy efficiency measures at 

unit turnover has some potential risks, some of which were encountered during this project. 

Risks include: 

• PHA staff, due to staff changeover or inadequate training, may be underqualified to 

install the measures, or neglect to do so. This could result in missed savings 

opportunities, or the creation of new problems if measures are improperly installed. 

Attention to proper training along with supervision and a quality control procedures can 

help mitigate this risk. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has developed the 

Standard Work Specifications for Home Energy Professionals (National Renewable 

Energy Laboratory, 2013). These “Guidelines for Home Energy Professionals,” available 

for single-family homes, manufactured homes, and multifamily buildings, can help PHAs 

establish quality standards, worker certifications, and standard work specifications. 

• A PHA may come to rely solely on the standard protocol for energy efficiency 

improvements, ignoring other potentially important measures appropriate for individual 

dwellings, or measures such as equipment replacement that require greater funding or 

special expertise. The periodic HUD-required audits should mitigate this risk.

• Certain housing units may not fit the standard protocol if they are atypical. Again, the 

HUD-required periodic audits should catch these instances, allowing customized 

measures to be specified for those units.

Air sealing units that do not have active whole-house fresh air ventilation systems are potential 

concerns if infiltration is reduced significantly. ASHRAE 62-89, utilized by the Building 

Performance Institute Building Analyst Technical Standards (Building Performance Institute, 

2012), provides guidance on when infiltration reductions trigger the need to add fresh air 

ventilation systems. All of the units involved in this study had at least 20% higher tested 

infiltration levels than would lead to recommendations for mechanical ventilation according to 

this standard.

7.1 Barriers

Introduction of the new energy efficiency turnover process was not without complications as 

certain barriers arose when attempting to implement the process. These barriers can be 

categorized as operational, field, and budgetary issues. 

7.1.1 Operational

• Some PHA staff members had little to no background knowledge to help them 

understand the basics of energy efficiency or building science. Developing relationships 

with local weatherization assistance agencies to train PHA staff could potentially 

improve skills and provide a local resource, but funding may prove challenging. 

• Training sessions were not fully attended because of scheduling conflicts or emergencies. 

• Trained staff did not adequately pass the knowledge on to new staff members or those 

who missed training sessions. High staff turnover made it difficult to institutionalize the 

knowledge and skills needed to properly implement the protocol. 
22 

• Quality control was difficult to enforce due to a lack of supervisors and/or inconsistent 

use of protocol checklists and punch-lists that staff should have completed for each unit. 

• Use of subcontractors to perform certain work made it difficult to implement some 

measures (such as air sealing behind switch and wall receptacle cover plates that were 

removed and replaced by painting subcontractors) as efficiently as possible. Integration 

into the subcontractors’ scope is the ultimate goal, but may increase costs.

7.1.2 Field

• Due to age of the units, some components such as duct boots were hard to access because 

register covers were sealed to the ceiling with multiple layers of paint. 

• Despite undergoing training, misunderstandings and misconceptions by PHA staff 

sometimes led them to spend inordinate amounts of time on unimportant items. 

• PHA managers sometimes emphasized aesthetics at the expense of energy savings; for 

example, prohibiting caulk where it may be visible. 

• In a few cases, a PHA made incorrect assumptions regarding building code requirements 

that they said would prevent them from implementing recommended measures (e.g., 

sealing the louvered mechanical room doors or air sealing at electrical receptacles or 

switches). 

7.1.3 Budgetary

PHA budgetary policies can sometimes prevent even small purchases of inexpensive items such 

as caulk, weather-stripping and insulation, even when the funds are available.
23 

8 Conclusions 

A survey of more than 100 PHAs across the country indicated that there is a high level of interest 

in developing low-cost solutions that improve energy efficiency and can be seamlessly included 

in the refurbishment process. Further, PHAs have incentives (both internal and external) to 

reduce utility bills. 

Partnering with two PHAs, ARIES tested the energy savings potential of a standard set of 

efficiency measures that could be implemented by PHA staff during unit turnover. The measures

reduced air infiltration, resulted in tighter ducts, and improved equipment efficiency. ARIES 

documented the implementation of these measures in ten housing units. These resulted in

average air leakage reductions of 16%–20% and duct leakage to outside reductions of 38%. Total 

source energy reduction based on BEopt modeling was 6%–10%. A simple payback of 1.7–2.2 

years was estimated based on modeling of typical units at IHA and RHA. 

Difficulties exist in the form of operational and budgetary issues. Lack of complete training and 

inadequate quality control can prevent PHAs from effectively retrofitting all units to their full 

potential. Nevertheless, while implementation challenges exist, it was demonstrated that 

combining simple improvements like sealing and caulking penetrations, windows and doors, 

sealing duct boots, and adding pipe insulation can create a turnover package that is feasible for 

PHA staff to accomplish with little budgetary impact. At average housing unit turnover rates, 

these measures could impact hundreds of thousands of unit per year nationally. 

The initial research questions, and the answers provided by this work are provided below: 

1. Is it feasible to implement a prescriptive set of cost-effective energy measures in public 

housing units during the short turnover periods when the units are vacant? 

It is feasible to implement a prescriptive set of cost-effective energy measures in public housing 

units during unit turnover periods. Most of the required work can be completed within a short 

period of time, the work has a significant impact on pressurization test results, and it does have 

an effect upon the energy efficiency of the unit as estimated via modeling. 

2. Based on partner PHAs as case studies, what specific package(s) of energy measures can 

routinely be installed during turnovers that would be cost effective?

Some energy measures that can be routinely and easily installed are air sealing, duct boot 

sealing, cleaning bath fans, installing energy-efficient lighting, and insulating attics where 

needed. Detailed protocols were developed describing the measures and are included in the 

appendices. 

3. What are the estimated costs and energy savings of such a protocol in typical PHA units?

Complete labor and material costs were about $250 per unit and annual utility bill savings ranged 

from about $100–$150 per unit, or 6%–10% of the total utility bill.
24 

References 

ARIES Collaborative. (2012). Case Study of Envelope Sealing in Existing Multiunit Structures.

Oak Ridge: U.S. Department of Energy. 

Building Performance Institute. (2012). Technical Standards for the Building Analyst 

Professional. Malta, NY: Building Performance Institute.

Gestwick, M. (2012, April 17). Building America Critical Path Milestones.

Green Seal, Inc. and Siemens Industry, Inc. (2011). Green Building Operations and Maintenance 

Manual. Retrieved November 12, 2012, from Green Seal: 

http://www.greenseal.org/Portals/0/Documents/IG/PHA%20Manuals/Green_Building_O

M_Manual_PHA_Northern.pdf 

homewyse. (2014). Cost of Storm Windows. Retrieved January 24, 2014, from homewyse: 

http://www.homewyse.com/costs/cost_of_storm_windows.html 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2012, JanuarY 31). BEopt v1.2 Help Menu: 

Annualized Energy Related Costs. Golden, CO. 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2013). Standard Work Specifications Tool. Retrieved 

May 16, 2014, from National Renewable Energy Laboratory: https://sws.nrel.gov/ 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2014, January 8). Home. Retrieved January 8, 2014, 

from BEopt: http://beopt.nrel.gov/ 

Nelson, G. (2013). Blower Door Testing Basics and Beyond. Retrieved February 24, 2014, from 

RESNET: http://www.resnet.us/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/ResnetCopy_GaryNelson.pdf 

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. (2013). Homeowner's Guide to 

Ventilation. Retrieved January 24, 2014, from NYSERDA: www.nyserda.ny.gov/-

/media/Files/EERP/Residential/homeowners-vent-guide.pdf 

Raleigh Housing Authority. (2012, September 24). About Us. Retrieved November 12, 2010, 

from Raleigh Housing Authority: http://www.rhaonline.com/about.htm 

The Energy Conservatory. (2014). Duct Blaster® Systems and Accessories. Retrieved February 

24, 2014, from The Energy Conservatory: 

http://www.energyconservatory.com/products/duct-blaster%C2%AE-systems-andaccessories

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2012, November 12). HUD's Public 

Housing Program. Retrieved November 12, 2012, from U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development: 

http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/topics/rental_assistance/phprog

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2012, March 7). PHA Contact 

Information. Retrieved November 12, 2012, from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 

Development: http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts/states/nc.cfm 
25 

Appendix A: Survey Results Report

ARIES conducted a survey of PHAs to better understand their housing stock, experience with 

and interest in energy efficiency improvements, and to gauge interest in participating in Building 

America research. The survey was conducted online (see Appendix B for a copy of the survey 

instrument). Notice of the survey was sent out to PHA contact emails obtained from HUD, 

published in industry newsletters and in some states re-distributed by local contacts. Responses 

were received from 109 PHAs, representing 3% of the 3300 PHAs in the country. The major 

findings of the survey are presented below. 

Characteristics of Respondents

Responses were received from PHAs in 33 states. While PHAs ranged in size from single 

development PHAs with fewer than 20 units owned by PHAs with thousands of units in scores of 

developments, most PHAs are small (Figure 12). Of all respondents, 72% of the PHAs own 

fewer than 300 units (Figure 11), and 61% own fewer than three developments (sites).

Turnover

Because the research hypothesis is that an opportunity exists to implement energy efficiency 

measures during unit turnover, five questions were asked relating to this subject. Of respondents, 

the average annual unit turnover rate is 16%, but it can be much higher: up to 45% (Figure 13). 

The average turnover time is 21 days, but it can be as short as 3–4 days in high demand areas, or 

much longer in lower demand areas (Figure 14).

Figure 11. Percentage of PHAs responding

by size (as measured by number of 

units owned)

Figure 12. Percent of all units

by PHA size

5%

12%

20%

63%

42%

30%

18%

10%

Units owned

by PHA:

<100

101-300

301-800

>801
26 

Figure 13. Annual turnover rate 

Figure 14. Turnover time (in days)

Almost all PHAs paint, clean, and make minor repairs during turnover, but very few do major 

work at this time (Figure 15). The vast majority of PHAs have in-house staff who perform this 

work (Figure 16). 

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

10% 20% 30% 40% 50%

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100
27 

Figure 15. Activities conducted at unit turnover

Figure 16. Repairs conducted by staff or contractors 

Unit Characteristics

PHAs were asked to estimate the percentage of their units by building type (single-family

detached or attached, multifamily low or high rise), material (wood frame or masonry), and age. 

The single most common unit type is single-family attached (40%), although multifamily units 

outnumber single-family overall (23% low-rise and 34% high-rise). Single-family detached 

homes are relatively rare (3%). Figure 17 shows the breakdown of unit type by PHA size. 

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Painting

Cleaning

Minor repairs

Appliance

Floor

Carpet

Major repairs

Counters

Cabinets

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

<100

101-300

301-800

>801

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

PHA staff Staff and

contractors

Outside

contractors

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100
28 

Figure 17. Unit type

Except for the larger PHAs (mostly in major cities), the vast majority of public housing 

represented by respondents is wood frame (Figure 18). Roof type tracks this distribution, with a 

similar percentage having pitched roofs. 

Figure 18. Building construction 

Approximately 60% of the units are more than 30 years old, meaning they were built well before 

the stricter energy codes of recent years. As can be seen from Figure 19, smaller PHAs are less 

likely to have constructed units within the past 30 years. 84% of units less than 30 years old are 

owned by PHAs with more than 800 units in the portfolio.

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

18000

20000

Single family

home

Attached Multifamily

up to three

floors

Multifamily

more than

three floors

Number of Units

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100

 - 10,000 20,000 30,000

Wood frame

Masonry

Pitched roofs

Flat roofs

Number of Units

Units owned

by PHA:

<100

101-300

301-800

>801
29 

Figure 19. Building Age

And about half of the PHA units surveyed have utilities submetered, sometimes just for 

electricity (Figure 20). In those units not submetered (often multifamily high-rises), the PHA 

pays the utility bills.

Figure 20. Buildings submetered 

Gas furnaces are the dominant appliance providing space heating among respondents, except for 

the larger PHAs, where boilers predominate in large multifamily buildings (Figure 21). Electric 

heating is fairly common overall (nearly 13% of units), and even more common in mixed or cold 

climate areas (20% of units). For cooling, room ACs are common in multifamily buildings 

(Figure 22). Of the units represented by the respondent PHAs, about 4% had renewables 

installed, which were mainly in the larger PHAs (Figure 23). 

 -

 5,000

 10,000

 15,000

 20,000

 25,000

 30,000

Less than 10

years old

Between 10 and

30 years old

More than 30

years old

Number of Units

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100

Units owned

by PHA:

<100

101-300

301-800

>801

Not submetered
30 

Figure 21. Heating system type 

Figure 22. Cooling system

 - 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000

Boiler with hot water or steam

Gas furnace or hydro-air heat

exchanger

Electric Baseboard

Air Source Heat Pump

Electric Furnace

Number of Units

Units owned

by PHA:

<100

101-300

301-800

>801

 - 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000

Central air conditioning

Room/window air conditioners

No AC

Number of Units

Units owned

by PHA:

<100

101-300

301-800

>801
31 

Figure 23. Use of renewables by PHA size

Interest in Efficiency Measures

Of the respondents, similar numbers of PHAs have weatherized all their units as have

weatherized very limited numbers of units, with few PHAs in between (Figure 24). In addition, 

water efficiency is very important to many PHAs (Figure 25). 

Figure 24. Weatherization

6%

9%

2%

83%

Units owned

by PHA:

<100

101-300

301-800

>801

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100
32 

Figure 25. Interest in water conservation (1 = not important; 10 = very important)

Most PHAs are willing to invest to some degree on energy efficiency measures, with about a 

third of respondents replying that they invest significant sums (Figure 26). Most have no 

payback criteria for energy efficiency measures, although very small PHAs are less tolerant of 

long paybacks (Figure 27). HUD is the main source of energy efficiency funding, but a large 

number of respondents indicate they also self-fund improvements (Figure 28). EPCs are better

suited to the larger PHAs that can meet their minimum savings targets.

Figure 26. Spending on energy efficiency 

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Not a priority Would have to be no costA little bitInvest significant sums

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100
33 

Figure 27. Payback requirements 

Figure 28. Funding sources 

Ninety-five percent of respondents said that having PHA staff implement energy efficiency 

measures during turnover was of interest (Figure 29), although none of the PHA administrators 

spoken to during this process indicated that this was part of their standard operating procedures 

(this latter question was not specifically asked on the survey). More than 75% of responding 

PHAs, representing all size categories, indicated an interest in working with Building America to 

develop energy efficiency protocols for staff to implement at unit turnover (Figure 30).

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

We don’t have 

one 

1 year or less Maximum 3 year Maximum 7 year

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100

0 20 40 60 80

HUD

Self-funded

Utility company

programs

Energy Performance

Contracting

State programs

None

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

<100

101-300

301-800

>801
34 

Figure 29. Interest in concept 

Figure 30. Interest in working with Building America

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

Yes Maybe No

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Yes No

Number of PHAs

Units owned

by PHA:

>801

301-800

101-300

<100
35 

Appendix B: Survey Instrument

PHA Survey Email Introduction

Building America is a U.S. Department of Energy program that develops and evaluates 

technologies that improve the comfort, safety, durability and energy efficiency of the nation’s 

housing. The program is implemented by several multidisciplinary teams. The ARIES 

Collaborative is one of these teams. ARIES’s unique focus is on reducing energy use in 

affordable housing, including public housing. 

As part of our current work, ARIES is developing a set of cost-effective energy efficiency

measures designed specifically for use by PHAs. The measures will be low- or no-cost items and 

consider the financial and operational impact on PHAs. They will result in safer, healthier, more 

durable, and comfortable homes and will provide a positive return on investment.

This project is starting with a survey of selected PHAs. The survey will help us assess the 

potential opportunity associated with implementing a set of energy improvements in the short 

period (several days) between occupancies. Selected PHAs will be invited to participate in field 

evaluations of the improvements planned for the latter phases of the program. 

Please follow this link to access the survey.

Thank you. 

Jordan Dentz 

ARIES Collaborative 

Public Housing Agency On-Line Survey

Please answer as many of the following questions as possible, providing your best estimates. 

This survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Exact numbers are not 

necessary.

1. Contact information 

a. PHA name

b. Contact name 

c. Contact job function/position at PHA (this survey is intended for personnel 

involved in facilities management or capital improvement) 

d. Contact phone 

e. Contact email

2. General information about your PHA 

a. Number of developments owned/managed

b. Number of living units owned/managed 

3. Operating issues

a. What is the typical annual resident turnover rates overall at your PHA? 

b. How many days do units typically remain vacant between occupancies? 
36 

c. At unit turnover what are the typical activities performed by your PHA (select one 

or more)?

i. Painting

ii. Cleaning 

iii. Minor repairs

iv. Appliance replacement (if old)

v. Other – please list:

d. Who performs these activities between occupancies (select one or more)?

i. PHA staff

ii. Outside contractors

iii. Staff and contractors 

e. How would you describe the overall skill level of your staff? 

i. Modestly skilled: Able to perform simple maintenance tasks such as 

painting, filter changes, faucet drips, etc. 

ii. Moderately skilled: Able to handle small improvement projects such as 

weather-stripping, appliance replacement, wall repairs 

iii. Highly skilled: Able to complete moderate to major renovations such as 

window replacement, plumbing repairs, electrical work. 

f. Approximately what percentage of your living units have been weatherized in the 

past 10 years?

g. How much does your PHA pay annually for living unit utility costs (recognizing 

that these costs are reimbursed)?

h. How much does this represent as a percentage of your PHA operating budget? 

4. Interest in energy efficiency

a. Recognizing that PHAs are reimbursed by HUD for most energy expenses, how 

interested is your PHA in reducing energy use at your sites? 

i. Not a priority for us 

ii. We would do it, but there would have to be no cost to us 

iii. We spend a little bit on energy efficiency 

iv. We invest significant sums in energy efficiency
37 

b. What is your PHA’s cost-effectiveness or payback criterion for deciding on 

energy efficiency investments?

i. We don’t have one 

ii. 1 year or less payback

iii. Maximum 3 year payback 

iv. Maximum 7 year payback 

v. Other criteria:__________ 

c. What sources of funding does/has your PHA used for energy efficiency measures 

(select one or more)?

i. None (we have not done any) 

ii. Self-funded 

iii. HUD

iv. Energy Performance Contracting 

v. Utility Company programs 

vi. State programs

vii. Other ____________ 

d. Is the idea of implementing during unit turnover low-cost energy efficiency 

measures that have proven and quantified effectiveness appealing to your PHA? 

i. Yes. Please explain:__________________________

ii. Maybe. Please explain:__________________________ 

iii. No. Please explain:__________________________ 

e. How important is water conservation to your PHA? 

i. Not on our radar (1) ..... A top priority for us (10) 

5. Characteristics of the housing operated by your PHA 

a. Approximate number of sites (not buildings) that have: 

i. 1 living unit (i.e. a stand-alone single-family home) 

ii. 2-4 living units

iii. 5-50 living units

iv. More than 50 living units (i.e. could be one large building or 50 singlefamily homes at one site)

b. Approximate percentage of living units that are in:

i. Single-family homes

ii. Attached (townhome/duplex type) buildings 
38 

iii. Multifamily buildings up to three floors (multifamily buildings generally 

have common areas and/or living units stacked vertically)

iv. Multifamily buildings more than three floors

c. Approximate percentage of living units that are built with:

i. Wood frame construction (may have brick cladding) 

ii. Masonry construction 

iii. Pitched roofs (with attics)

iv. Flat roofs

d. Approximate percentage of living units that have:

i. Electric baseboard heat

ii. Electric furnace (forced air) heat

iii. Air source heat pumps 

iv. Gas furnace or hydro-to-air exchanger (with forced air distribution)

v. Boiler with hot water or steam distribution

vi. Central air conditioning

vii. Room/window air conditioners 

viii. Renewables (PV, solar thermal or ground source heat pumps)

e. Approximate percentage of living units that are:

i. Less than 10 years old 

ii. Between 10 and 30 years old 

iii. More than 30 years old 

f. Approximate percentage of living units that are individually (sub)metered for 

utilities (whether or not paid for by the resident).

6. Building America

a. Thank you for participating in this survey. Would you be interested in discussing 

Building America research opportunities such as field evaluations of the energy 

efficiency protocols at your PHA? 
Appendix C: IHA Implementation Guidelines 

Islip Housing Authority: Unit Turnover Protocol Checklist 

Address and apartment number: ___________________________________________________ 

ITEM COMPLETE N/A

AIR SEALING 

Seal bottom of walls to floor if carpet removed and/or where accessible 

Seal plumbing penetrations (all walls): shower heads, under sinks, water heater 

Seal electrical penetrations (all walls, ceilings): outlets, switches, behind 

oven/fridge, telephone box, intercom, in closet ceilings/floors 

Re-grout tile floors and walls 

Seal at base of bathtubs, toilets 

Seal ceiling penetrations at lighting fixtures 

Seal exhaust fan housing and ducts boots to ceiling 

Replace entry door weather stripping if necessary 

Caulk around entry door frame and windows 

Foam inside door latches (all doors) 

Seal at stair treads and risers 

AC 

Clean AC filter if necessary 

Seal around AC unit 

Clean/replace air handler filter if present 

WATER 

Check and adjust hot water temperature 

Insulate hot water tank 

Insulate exposed DHW pipes 

Correct faucet/shower drips 

Check shower flow and install low-flow showerhead if necessary 

ATTIC 

Check and fix attic insulation 

Seal wall top plates in attic if accessible 

Add attic hatch insulation 

Add attic hatch gasket 

LIGHTS 

Check and replace light bulbs 

Install LED surface mount light fixtures 

VENTILATION 

Check bath and kitchen exhaust fan flow 

Clean bath and kitchen exhaust fans 

Check bath and kitchen exhaust fan condition 

Date completed: _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Signature of responsible staff: ____________________________________________________________________ 

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________ 
40 

Islip Housing Authority: Unit Turnover Protocol and Guidelines 

The following guidelines are intended for use when apartments are prepared for new residents. All activities are intended to be low-cost, achievable 

by IHA staff with readily available tools and materials, and fit within the time available during unit turnover. The guidelines are organized by topic 

and include information on location, how to accomplish the task, materials required and photos illustrating typical conditions 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

INTERIOR AIR SEALING

1.

Bottom of 

walls

In rooms without 

carpet, caulk bottom of 

wall to floor and/or 

base molding (may 

require removal and 

replacement of vinyl 

cove). If replacing 

carpet, caulk between 

bottom of wall and 

floor before new carpet 

is installed. Seal around 

baseboard heaters with 

caulk suitable for high 

temperatures.

Caulk, cove 

molding and 

adhesive

2.

Plumbing 

penetrations 

(all walls)

Foam-seal plumbing 

penetrations Foam
41 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

INTERIOR AIR SEALING

3.

Electrical 

penetrations 

(all walls)

Caulk or foam around 

electrical panel box and 

data boxes (i.e. 

Verizon); or install 

gasketed outlet box 

covers

Caulk, foam, or 

gasketed outlet 

covers

4.

Tile floors 

and walls

If grout is not intact, regrout Grout

5.

Base of 

bathtubs, 

toilets, 

shower heads

Foam gap around 

shower heads and caulk 

gaps in top of shower 

tile and around base of 

toilet if missing.

Foam, caulk

6.

Lighting 

fixtures

Caulk or foam ceiling 

lighting penetrations 

(convert to surface 

mount LED fixtures 

when changing 

fixtures)

Foam
42 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

INTERIOR AIR SEALING

7.

Exhaust fan 

and ducts 

registers

Foam or tape (with 

metal foil tape) gaps 

between exhaust fan 

housing or duct boots 

and wall/ceiling, 

completely sealing the 

perimeter of the 

fan/boot from the 

ceiling/wall cavity.

Metal tape (UL 

181) and/or 

foam

8.

Door weather 

striping

If not intact and in good 

working order, replace

Replacement 

weather 

stripping

9.

Entry door 

and window 

frames

Caulk gaps between 

entry door molding and 

wall; caulk gaps around 

window frames

Caulk

10.

Latches on 

all doors

Foam inside open door 

latches; ensure foam 

fills frame cavity 

above, below and to 

sides of latch opening. 

After foam hardens, cut 

away any foam that 

interferes with latch 

operation.

Foam
43 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

AIR SEALING

11.

Stair treads 

and risers

Caulk gaps around 

risers, treads and 

stringers and between 

stringers and wall.

Caulk

AC

12.

AC filter

Check and clean if 

necessary

N/A

13.

AC unit

Tape/gasket gaps 

between AC and sleeve 

if AC present

Tape or gasket

14.

Air handler 

filter

Clean or replace filter if 

dirty

Vacuum or 

compressed air; 

replacement 

filter
44 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

WATER

15.

Hot water

temperature

If over 120°F at taps, 

reduce water tank 

temperature

Thermometer, 

screwdriver to 

adjust tank 

temperature

16.

Hot water 

tank

If hot water heater does 

not have an insulation 

jacket installed, install 

one (with opening for 

heating element). If it 

does have a jacket 

installed, remove air 

gaps for a snug fit and 

fasten with tape.

Insulation should be 

free of air gaps but not 

compressed. Attempt to 

completely surround 

the tank.

Water tank 

insulation jacket 

and compatible 

fastening tape

17.

Exposed 

DHW pipes

Add pipe insulation to 

un-insulated pipes in 

DHW tank closet

Pipe insulation 

and compatible 

tape

18.

Faucets or 

shower heads

If drips exist replace Orings or washers

Replacement O 

rings / rubber 

washers
45 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

WATER

19.

Shower head

Ensure low-flow 

showerhead installed - 

if it takes less than 20 

seconds to fill a one 

gallon container, 

replace with low-flow 

showerhead

Low-flow 

shower head, 

thread sealant / 

compound

ATTIC

20.

Attic 

insulation 

depth and 

distribution

Check that ceiling 

insulation is dispersed 

evenly without gaps, is 

free of water damage, 

and covers rafters and 

other framing members 

fully to the exterior 

walls. Re-arrange 

insulation or 

supplement if 

necessary.

Flashlight, attic 

insulation

21.

Wall top 

plates 

intersection 

with attic

When/if replacing attic 

insulation over framed 

walls, foam 

penetrations where 

accessible

Foam, flashlight
46 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

ATTIC

22.

Attic hatch 

insulation

Glue 2" rigid foam to 

back of hatch

Rigid foam 

board and 

construction 

adhesive

23.

Attic hatch air 

leakage

Add gasket/weather 

stripping to seal hatch 

to opening

Gasket or 

weather 

stripping

LIGHTS

24.

Light bulbs

Replace incandescent 

bulbs with standard or 

warm tone CFLs

CFLs

25.

Pin-based 

fluorescent 

lamps

Consider replacing 

with LED when 

replacing fixtures

LED fixtures
47 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

VENTILATION

26.

Bath and kitchen 

exhaust fans (check 

flow)

Check fan flow. See 

NYSERDA’s 

"Homeowner's Guide 

to Ventilation" 

(http://www.nyserda.n

y.gov/~/media/Files/E

ERP/Residential/home

_vent_guide.pdf?sc_d

atabase=web)

See NYSERDA 

guide (attached)

27.

Bath and kitchen 

exhaust fans (check 

grime build-up)

If excessively dirty, 

vacuum fan blades, 

motor, and housing 

(wipe with rag before 

air sealing)

Vacuum, rags

28.

Bath and kitchen 

exhaust fans (check 

condition)

If fan makes irregular 

mechanical noises, 

then replace

Replacement 

exhaust fan


Appendix D: RHA Implementation Guidelines 

Raleigh Housing Authority: Unit Turnover Protocol Checklist 

Address and apartment number: ___________________________________________________ 

Date completed: _______________________________________________________________________________ 

Signature of responsible staff: ____________________________________________________________________ 

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________ 

ITEM COMPLETE N/A

AIR SEALING 

Seal bottom of walls to floor if carpet removed and/or where accessible 

Seal plumbing penetrations (all walls): shower heads, under sinks, water 

heater; inspect and seal plumbing access as necessary. 

Seal electrical penetrations (all walls, ceilings): outlets, switches, behind 

oven/fridge, telephone box, intercom, in closet ceilings/floors 

Re-caulk tile floors and walls using bath and tile caulk. 

Seal at base of bathtubs, toilets 

Seal ceiling penetrations at lighting fixtures 

Seal exhaust fan housing and ducts boots to ceiling 

Replace entry door weather stripping if necessary 

Caulk around entry door frame and windows; be sure to get the tops. 

Foam inside door latches (all doors) 

Seal at stair treads and risers 

AC 

Replace louvered mechanical room door with solid, weather-stripped door 

Seal air handler cabinet and return ductwork and filter slot. 

Clean/replace air handler filter; clean return air grille 

WATER 

Check and adjust hot water temperature 

Insulate hot water tank 

Insulate exposed DHW pipes 

Correct faucet/shower drips 

Check shower flow and install low-flow showerhead if necessary 

ATTIC 

Check and fix attic insulation 

Seal wall top plates and wire penetrations within reach in attic if accessible 

Add attic hatch insulation 

Add attic hatch gasket 

LIGHT

S 

Check and replace light bulbs 

Install LED surface mount light fixtures 

VENTILATION 

Check bath and kitchen exhaust fan flow 

Clean bath and kitchen exhaust fans 

Check bath and kitchen exhaust fan condition 
49 

Raleigh Housing Authority: Unit Turnover Protocol and Guidelines 

The following guidelines are intended for use when apartments are prepared for new residents. All activities are intended to be low-cost, 

achievable by RHA staff with readily available tools and materials, and fit within the time available during unit turnover. The guidelines are 

organized by topic and include information on location, how to accomplish the task, materials required and photos illustrating typical 

conditions. 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

INTERIOR AIR SEALING

1.

Bottom of 

walls

In rooms without 

carpet, caulk bottom 

of wall to floor and/or 

base molding (may 

require removal and 

replacement of vinyl 

cove). If replacing 

carpet, caulk between 

bottom of wall and 

floor before new 

carpet is installed. 

Seal around 

baseboard heaters 

with caulk suitable 

for high temperatures. 

Caulk, cove 

molding and 

adhesive.

2.

Plumbing 

penetrations 

(all walls)

Foam-seal plumbing 

penetrations. Look for 

all plumbing 

accesses, inspect and 

seal as needed.

Foam
50 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

INTERIOR AIR SEALING

3.

Electrical 

penetrations 

(all walls)

Caulk or foam around 

electrical panel box 

and data boxes (i.e. 

Verizon); or install 

gasketed outlet box 

covers

Caulk, foam, or 

gasketed outlet 

covers

4.

Tile floors 

and walls

If caulk is not intact, 

re-caulk.

Bath and Tile 

Caulk

5.

Base of 

bathtubs, 

toilets, 

shower heads

Foam gap around 

shower heads and 

caulk gaps in top of 

shower tile and around 

base of toilet if 

missing.

Foam, caulk

6.

Lighting 

fixtures

Caulk or foam ceiling 

lighting penetrations 

(convert to surface 

mount LED fixtures 

when changing 

fixtures)

Foam
51 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

INTERIOR AIR SEALING

7.

Exhaust fan 

and ducts 

registers

Foam or tape (with 

metal foil tape) gaps 

between exhaust fan 

housing or duct boots 

and wall/ceiling, 

completely sealing the 

perimeter of the 

fan/boot from the 

ceiling/wall cavity.

Metal tape (UL 

181) and/or 

foam

8.

Door weather 

striping

If not intact and in 

good working order, 

replace

Replacement 

weather 

stripping

9.

Entry door 

and window 

frames

Caulk gaps between 

entry door molding 

and wall; caulk gaps 

around window 

frames. Be sure to seal 

the tops. Caulk 

underneath the sill if a 

crack is visible.

Caulk

10.

Latches on 

all doors

Foam inside open door 

latches; ensure foam 

fills frame cavity 

above, below and to 

sides of latch opening. 

After foam hardens, 

cut away any foam 

that interferes with 

latch operation.

Foam
52 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

AIR SEALING

11.

Stair treads 

and risers

Caulk gaps around 

risers, treads and 

stringers and between 

stringers and wall 

when wall is 

connected to outside 

or crawlspace.

Caulk

AC

12.

Mechanical 

room door

Replace louvered door 

with solid door with

weather stripping to 

seal mechanical 

equipment room from 

conditioned space.

Solid door, 

weather 

stripping

Before: 

13.

Air handler

Ensure that leaks in air 

handler and return 

ductwork inside 

mechanical room are 

well sealed (including 

around filter slot).

Mastic and/or 

foil tape

Well sealed:

14.

Air handler 

filter and 

grille

Clean or replace filter 

if dirty; clean return 

air grille

Vacuum or 

compressed air; 

replacement 

filter; rags

Clean filter: Dirty grille: 
53 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

WATER

15.

Hot water

temperature

If over 120°F at taps, 

reduce water tank 

temperature

Thermometer, 

screwdriver to 

adjust tank 

temperature

16.

Hot water 

tank

If water heater has no 

insulation jacket, 

install one (with 

opening for heating 

element). If it has a 

jacket, remove gaps 

for a snug fit and 

fasten with tape.

Insulation should not 

be compressed. 

Completely surround 

the tank.

Water tank 

insulation 

jacket and 

compatible 

fastening tape

Before: After: 

17.

Exposed 

DHW pipes

Add pipe insulation to 

un-insulated pipes in

DHW tank closet

Pipe insulation 

and compatible 

tape

18.

Faucets or 

shower heads

If drips exist replace 

O-rings or washers

Replacement O 

rings / rubber 

washers
54 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

WATER

19.

Shower head

Ensure low-flow 

showerhead installed - 

if it takes less than 20 

seconds to fill a one 

gallon container, 

replace with low-flow 

showerhead.

Low-flow 

shower head, 

thread sealant / 

compound

ATTIC

20.

Attic 

insulation 

depth and 

distribution

Check that ceiling 

insulation is dispersed

evenly without gaps, is 

free of water damage, 

and covers rafters and 

other framing 

members fully to the 

exterior walls. Rearrange insulation or 

supplement if 

necessary.

Flashlight, attic 

insulation

Poor insulation condition:

21.

Wall top 

plates 

intersection 

with attic

When/if replacing attic 

insulation over framed 

walls, foam 

penetrations where 

accessible. Also foam 

wire penetrations in 

top plates that are 

within reach.

Foam, 

flashlight

Electrical penetration at top plate: 
55 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

ATTIC

22.

Attic hatch 

insulation

Glue 2" rigid foam to 

back of hatch

Rigid foam 

board and 

construction 

adhesive

23.

Attic hatch air 

leakage

Add gasket/weather 

stripping to seal hatch 

to opening

Gasket or 

weather 

stripping

LIGHTS 

24.

Light bulbs

Replace incandescent 

bulbs with standard or 

warm tone CFLs.

CFLs

25.

Pin-based 

fluorescent 

lamps

Consider replacing with 

LED when replacing 

fixtures.

LED fixtures
56 

LOCATION INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS PHOTOS

VENTILATION

26.

Bath and 

kitchen 

exhaust fans 

(check flow)

Check fan flow. See 

NYSERDA’s 

"Homeowner's Guide to 

Ventilation" 

(http://www.nyserda.ny.

gov/~/media/Files/EER

P/Residential/home_ven

t_guide.pdf?sc_database

=web)

See NYSERDA 

guide (attached)

27.

Bath and 

kitchen 

exhaust fans 

(check grime 

build-up)

If excessively dirty, 

vacuum fan blades, 

motor, and housing 

(wipe with rag before air 

sealing)

Vacuum, rags

28.

Bath and 

kitchen 

exhaust fans 

(check 

condition)

If fan makes irregular 

mechanical noises, then 

replace

Replacement 

exhaust fan
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