My Blog

Last night I returned from Hampton having just finished the National Association of Realtor's last class required for the Green designation!

This morning, with spring again in the air, thoughts turn to improvements we may want to undertake to green our homes.  I thought you might like a list of energy and cost saving projects.  These are retrofits, which are inexpensive lower-level upgrades that will improve energy efficiency or air quality, conserve resources or improve health.  The following list of retrofits should cost less than $500 each, and many cost less than $50:

1)  Install low-flow faucets or put on a low-flow adapter to reduce water usage. 

2)  Clean refrigerator coils for more efficient appliance operation.

3) Replace weatherstripping to eliminate leaks and conserve use of heating and cooling.

4)  Reduce light pollution and use less electricity by installing motion detectors on outside lighting.

5)  Use "green" cleaning products that do not contain chemicals dangerous to your health.  (I will post a guide to this later)

6)  Plant deciduous trees to provide shelter/energy efficiency during extreme heat and cold.

7)  Replace standard light bulbs with the newer, long-lasting energy-efficient CFL bulbs.

8)  Install a programmable thermostat(s) for significant energy savings.

9)  Insulate hot-water heater with a "jacket."

10)  Build a clothes line to reduce usage of dryer.

11)  Create a rain garden where you have water run-off

12)  Create a compost container for discarding vegetable matter.

13)  Add a tube skylight for amazing natural light.

14)  Put a recirculating pump under the sink.

15)  Seal ducts with mastic tape (not duct tape which lasts only 2-3 years at most).

16) Remove light outlets and spray foam insulation around the electric boxes underneath before replacing covers.

17)  Buy and install a chimney balloon to prevent heating/cooling loss.

18)  Make or buy a rain barrel to reuse water from rain and gutters for landscaping & lawn.

19)  Install water filters on faucets to insure water purity, even in the city (eliminate chlorine).

20)  Caulk around windows and vents that leak air.

21)  Install lighting controls such as timers, dimmers, and occupancy sensors.

22)  Order an energy audit to diagnose your home's energy efficiency.  In the Charlottesville area, reliable inspectors certified by BPI and HERS are:             

     Laura Fiori of Key Green Energy Solutions (434-989-3514) or email Laura@KeyGreenEnergy.com   

     Eric Gilchrist (434-970-3506 or email ericgrv@gmail.com  

    Rick West at Virginia Home Performance (804-543-8139) or email rwest@virginiahomeperformance.com   

23)  Follow-up the energy audit by completing the recommendations.  One BPI Analyst and Project Manager who understands green retrofits is:  Matt Nauman of Upstream Construction (434-531-2250).

24)  Search the following website for more ideas and explanations:

http://greenhomeguide.org

Enjoy a  happy, green spring!