The Challenge: An Aging Building
A large townhouse community in Fredericksburg, Virginia, sought to reduce energy waste and improve comfort for residents. Originally built in the 1980s, the 200-unit complex faced typical issues of aging construction—drafts, insufficient insulation, and outdated ventilation systems—all contributing to increased energy usage and tenant discomfort.
Before
Before
The Solution: Targeted Insulation and Air Sealing
The Fifth Fuel partnered with a regional utility program to implement a comprehensive energy efficiency upgrade. The scope of work included:
- Blower door testing on 15% of the units to benchmark air leakage levels
- Air sealing to reduce uncontrolled airflow
- Attic and wall insulation improvements
- Installation of modern, efficient bathroom exhaust fans
These upgrades were designed to lower energy consumption and reduce the load on the electrical grid while enhancing indoor comfort across all units.Before: The crawl space below the Cape Cod style home in Arlington, VA.
Results
The project successfully achieved an average 28% reduction in leakage rate, a significant step toward long-term energy savings for the community. In addition to improved building performance, the project demonstrated The Fifth Fuel’s capability to manage and execute energy upgrades at scale, efficiently coordinating work across a large, occupied multifamily property.
After
After
Elevating Multifamily Performance—One Retrofit at a Time
Reducing leakage and improving insulation in older housing stock is a critical component of regional energy efficiency goals. This project not only met technical benchmarks but also laid a path for similar large-scale retrofits in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The Fredericksburg townhome upgrade stands as a model for how utility programs and experienced contractors can work together to deliver impactful, measurable improvements in building performance. The Fifth Fuel continues to support multifamily property owners and managers in identifying and implementing cost-effective solutions for long-term efficiency and resident comfort.
Reach out to The Fifth Fuel to learn how your property can benefit from tailored energy efficiency solutions – call 703-844-4156 today.
