Featured Blog Posts (378)

Most of us will agree that it’s technically feasible to build homes that consume dramatically less energy than today’s typical home. And in most locations we can build a home that draws net zero energy from the utility. But it’s economics that makes us hesitate. Specifically, it’s the value of those energy savings. Can the additional investment be offset by anticipated reductions in energy costs? It’s the same thing for retrofits of existing homes: Do the lower energy bills justify the…

Reposted from i.e., the Center for Energy and Environment's Innovation Exchange blog -- http://mncee.org/Innovation-Exchange/ie/

Today when you search Google or browse items on amazon.com,…

My friends in energy efficiency have been patiently waiting for granite to fall out of favor as the sexiest way to improve your home, and add value when you…

Image source: www.huntwriter.com

The idea of energy efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions is not a new one. But it is one we are hearing more and more about in recent times. and when it comes to reducing energy, the name PassivHaus can…

We've been talking about Market Transformation of energy efficiency for a long time.  And the home sale transaction has been long viewed as a lever that can…

There are a lot of ways to design a home. Designing one for high…

1. Plug the Leaks!

2. Install a better thermostat.

3. Replace your lightbulbs.

4. Buy Energystar!

5. Reduce your hot water use.

6. Find 10 more ways on your own.

Remember what he said Tuesday night: Let's cut in half the energy wasted by our homes and businesses over the next 20 years, or else!

It's State of the Union time, and another union worth looking at is the state of value for high performance homes (HPH).  The image below shows how value comes…

When the lights went out at the New Orleans Superdome during the Super Bowl last month, I was strangely reminded of a little known religious ceremony of the Catholic Church. The ceremony is called Tenebrae, from the Latin for “darkness” or “shadows”. It takes place late on Holy Thursday, when…

Strange noises emanating from the refrigerator really upsets clients. In addition to the noise, the refrigerator feels warm to the touch. We get these calls often for refrigerator…

      I remember a rash of nuisance service calls rolling in on weekends like this, the snowfall being the key part.  It is amazing how well prepared a Heat Pump is for cold weather, with safeties, defrost controls, and supplemental heat (in most).  Unfortunately, they do not come with windshield wipers to keep the condensers clear of snow, and snow will decrease the airflow across the condenser to a breaking…

Hello friends - I wanted to take a moment to let you know about a tool you’ve probably heard about from me or our colleagues– the Building America Solution Center. it's now live and can be accessed here: …

ACI launched a new initiative in February of 2012 to address challenges, remove barriers, and promote opportunities for women in the traditionally male-dominated home performance and weatherization industry. It is called Women in Home Performance, and it presents a forum for business development, education, mentoring, and networking through webinars, ACI events, a LinkedIn discussion group, and online trainings. Both men…

Last December, Building Science Corporation (BSC) Principal Dr. Joe Lstiburek presented a full day webinar session on spray foam concerns and solutions, using information based on field experience and laboratory research. The webcast featured reports on BSC…

We keep running into these.

Natural Draft Orphaned Hot Water Heaters that will not pass Draft.

Any thoughts on economical solutions?

These are typically in a pre-Weatherized house.

No doubt if you follow energy or environmental issues, you’ve heard over and over again that the least expensive way to tackle our energy difficulties is through efficiency. One report from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) suggested that $168.6 billion could be saved through energy efficiency by 2020. Still, some of those close to the ground have heard horror stories on how the whole process is sometimes carried out in real life.

Significant…

I attended a meeting yesterday in Wash. DC sponsored by DOE and titled, Transaction Process Summit, - intended as a first attempt to develop a strategic road map to help the residential transaction process recognize the value of high performance homes.  Sam Rashkin of DOE led the lively discussion on the issues that surround the residential high performance home transactions.  Champions in the room included representatives from government agencies, MLS, NAR, NAHB, Mortgage…

Reposted from i.e., the Center for Energy and Environment's Innovation Exchange blog -- http://mncee.org/Innovation-Exchange/ie/

From Sep 2010 to Apr 2011, CEE’s residential program staff had the…

I've been going to the RESNET conference at the beginning of each year since 2009. I also went in 2004, and I can tell you that it's a great learning and networking opportunity if you're in the home energy industry. Are you on the fence about coming to the RESNET conference this year? Are you not on the fence but just haven't registered yet? Even if neither of those apply, see…

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC 2009 and 2012) requires HVAC ducts to be tested to prove a minimum leakage.  While many states and localities will adopt this code outright, it is likely that many will also amend it to allow inspection and sealing alternatives. Many HVAC contractors are bound to breathe a sigh of relief at not having to face potential failure and the subsequent looking for the 'leak in the trunk line' that will eat up their profit margins by the…