energy efficiency

Happy Earth Day - it is time to celebrate! On this anniversary of Earth Day the movement has become a global phenomenon.

Ask any seasoned carpenter (that does not understand building science) and they are likely to tell you “don’t build too tight, you want your house to breathe.” This is a tried and true “because that is the way we always do it idea.”   Early in...

This time of year we always add a blanket to our bed to stay warm at night. It is cold! In order to have a more comfortable home and improve your energy-efficiency, you should add a blanket to your home as well. The code minimum insulation allowed in new construction is R-49. As...

In the average new home with a forced air heating and cooling system, 30% of the air moving through the ducts leaks out before it reaches the room it is intended to heat or cool. Seal up the ducts for a better distribution of air throughout your home using mastic tape or glue. A...

While some are fighting over a $100 saving on a television, there are better deals to be found on this Friday and really everyday. Energy Efficient appliances – When replacing appliances look for the energy star logo. Replacing a 1980’s model refrigerator with an...

Recycling is the universal sign of “going green.” It is a process that takes a waste material and converts it to a new product, thus reducing the consumption of raw materials, potentially reducing energy usage, and diverts materials from a landfill. Recycling is not...

10 Things to Do This Fall for Your Home and Health 1      Check your door and window weather-stripping. Air leakage is the biggest energy waste that we find in homes. Making sure doors and windows seal tight will make your home more comfortable this fall and winter. Keeping doors...

A tangle of spider webs inside your home is usually a strong indicator of air leakage. Spiders travel on moving air and build their webs where there is plenty of insect activity. This usually coincides with gaps and cracks in your thermal envelope. As air leaks in, spiders have a...

1      Plant a shade tree. A tree absorbs carbon dioxide, improves air quality, and controls flooding by minimizing runoff and topsoil loss. If located right it can offer free air conditioning on a sunny day for you and your home. 2      Switch all your light bulbs to LEDs (or at...

  The average forced air duct system leaks 30% of the heated / cooled air out of the duct before it reaches the room it was intended to heat or cool. A very good installation only leaks 10% of your money out of the ducts typically into an unconditioned space. While mastic...