An Otter Tail Company

Jamestown winner

Barbara

Home: 1958 one-and-a-half story bungalow
Makeover budget: $7,500
Contractor: Don Williams of Williams Construction, Jamestown, ND
Project partner: Vinylite Windows of Fergus Falls, Minnesota,
provided, at a discounted price, highly efficient windows that meet
Energy Star guidelines.

Air leakage based on blower door test
    Before makeover: 2,150 cubic feet per minute (cfm)
    After makeover: 1,100 cfm
Annual heating cost adjusted for weather
    Before makeover: $1,213
    After makeover: $525
Total annual savings: $688 (57%)       Download a detailed report (pdf)
Barbara, our Jamestown Home Energy Makeover winner, with Jamestown Service Representative, Bob Johnson.
New heating system
New high-efficiency, sealed-combustion heating system with dual-fuel capabilities allows fuel flexibility, safer operation, and more efficient use of backup fuel. Electric equipment in this heating system operates at 100 percent efficiency and at significantly lower cost than the customer's old gas furnace.
Rim joist insulation and air sealing
Extruded polystyrene insulation installed in the rim joist area (where the home rests on the foundation) stops cold air from leaking in and keeps heat inside.
Basement windows
New Vinylite basement windows reduce air infiltration, help hold heat in, and increase comfort.
Attic insulation
Insulation in the floor area behind knee walls prevents heat loss and nagging, destructive winter ice dams. Williams Construction sealed floor joist cavities to stop warm air from leaking into this attic space. Cellulose insulation on the floor helps hold warm air in the living space below.

Before

After
Roof ventilation
The cold side of any insulated surface needs ventilation to avoid moisture buildup that can cause costly structural damage. Williams Construction added roof vents in the home to reduce condensation in the attic area.