Green tech and the household energy gluttons- Guest Post

- How to keep your home as Green as you can

Going Green is now the generational movement for manufacturers and consumers alike.  The old energy guzzlers are on the way out, and good riddance. New Green technology is obliterating the inefficient power bill factories, and replacing them with much better machines. The big improvements in things like refrigerators and other domestic appliances are completely changing the whole paradigm of manufacturing and enforcing a better way of life.

The average home usually wastes a lot of power, simply through bad design of machinery and electronics. That's now changing as CAD design reinvents industrial manufacturing processes. There's a very strong business angle here, in that the Green machines are a lot cheaper, as well as more efficient.

Green technology is based on a bigger concept than simply a few appliances using less power. The idea is that the entire domestic market uses less power, and uses it more efficiently.  This is a synergistic effect, and it works a lot better in big markets like household equipment.

The Green effect

Any home can reconfigure its power usage quite easily. You can save money, as well as saving the planet.
It's pretty simple:

Stage 1- Find the problems

Check the wattage on your existing appliances. Up to 2000w is the average range.

Check the power usage generally. Some domestic appliances are used efficiency. Convection heaters, for example, chew up wattage, but they only need to be on for an hour or so. So a 2000w heater, used for one hour, is more efficient than a 1000w heater left on all night.

How's the air conditioner? Air conditioners don't need to be on all the time. Quite the opposite, they're not designed to operate like that, and you can cost yourself a fortune unnecessarily in repairs and replacements.

How's the fridge? Older fridges become inefficient power users over time. If the motor's sounding noisy and your power bills have been rising for a while, suspect number 1 is the fridge.

How's the washing machine? Washing machines more than about 5 years old can be an issue. Their water usage and power usage are different from the current generation of machines, and they're generally less energy and water efficient. If you've got a dryer as well, the new combination washer/dryers are usually better value.
Stage 2- Fix the problems

Identify everything that needs replacing, and do some research online before you spend a cent. The online retailers tend to be highly competitive and you'll be able to see a good bandwidth of prices to help you spot the g2ood deals.

Online shopping includes a few other advantages. You get a lot more information than you would foot-slogging through the malls and outlets. The service is better, too, and you can ask questions and get answers, rather than pure spiel.

This is the fastest way to deal with your power issues and improve your own home environment. It's like saving money before you earn it. Check out your options, because you'll find it's well worth it. 

Author Bio: Tim Millett is an Australian freelance writer and journalist. He writes extensively in Australia, Canada, Europe, and the US. He's published more than 500 articles about various topics, including <a href="http://www.pricepirate.com.au/category_s/28.htm">Refrigerators</a> and <a href="http://www.pricepirate.com.au/category_s/21.htm">Washing machines</a>.

Guest Post Provided by:
Scotty, Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://scottscontracting@wordpress.com

Guest Post-Trash Reduction: A 30-Day Plan for Every Homeowner

Trash Reduction: A 30-Day Plan for Every Homeowner

by:Gerald Arnolds is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and a writer for Accredited Online Colleges.

Day 1:

Do some necessary homework.

Before you can start to reduce the amount of garbage you send to a landfill each week, you need to figure out how much garbage you currently produce and what it consists of. Next, you need to figure out what you can and cannot recycle in your town or city, and what your options are for composting (some cities will pick up your compost each week; in others, it falls on you to make use of it).

Day 2:

If you can, start composting.

Obtain a clean, reusable, sealed container (you don't want molds, the stench, or fruit flies in your kitchen) to store your food waste in. You've instantly kept all your compostable food waste out of a landfill.  If your city doesn't have weekly composting pick-ups, you can use the compost yourself for gardening and/or landscaping purposes (See Day 20).

Day 5:

Ask yourself what kinds of containers your products come in.

Start changing them where necessary.

Many very similar products come in plastic containers, metal containers, and other similar boxes. Choose your products based on what you can recycle, or at least reuse. If you buy dairy products each week, choose reusable bottles or purchase yogurt in plastic containers that can be reused around your house. Purchase vegetables in plastic bags, then reuse those bags when you go back to your store or greenmarket instead of purchasing your produce in another plastic carton every week. If you can recycle paper, break down and remove all of your cardboard boxes, and if glass is an option, do that as well.

Day 15:

Conduct a mid-month analysis.

Go back to your calculations from the beginning of the month and see how much your garbage output has gone down. If it hasn't decreased as much as you'd like, ask yourself why. Take a closer look at the things you throw away each week and figure out what's making up most of the waste your household produces; then find ways to either reuse or stop purchasing these things. In the event that you find something that you simply cannot do without, find ways to make that product last longer, or even better, make it yourself. Be resourceful.

Day 20:

Look for other ways to consolidate.

If things are still going to plan, try to move further. If you can, start growing and producing some of your food, which will make use of compost, cut costs, and help you better understand the things you eat and consume.

Day 30:

Enjoy your considerably less garbage-filled lifestyle!

Guest Post Courtesy of:
Scotty-Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
scottscontracting.wordpress.com

Guest Post-Dryer Net-Energy Saver

Guest Post Provided by: Scotty, Scotts Contracting GREEN BUILDER, St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri--http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com-- contact scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com for additional information or to Schedule a "Free Green Site Evaluation" Home Repair and Green Building Entrepreneur !!!

Benefits of the DryerNET

• Saves energy.

•    Saves money.

•    Keeps heat from the dryer in the house.

•    Cuts down on drying time.

•    Adds humidity to the air.

Web page:  dryernet.com     

 Email:  dryernet@gmail.com

Re: Guest Post: Touch n Seal, Insulation- Local Manufacturer

Weatherize Your Home with Touch ‘n Seal Insulating Foam Sealants

Air Sealing Your Home with Insulating Foam Saves Money and Energy

Hi Scotty – I just discovered your website and blog – love it!!  I work in public relations for Fenton-based Touch ‘n Seal and wanted to submit this press release to you for publication consideration.

Thanks!

Carolyn Schinsky

Ryan Public Relations

(314) 822-9784 Office

(314) 308-1682 Cell

carolyn@ryan-pr.com

 NEWS RELEASE

Media Contacts:

Carolyn Schinsky / Ryan PR / 314-822-9784/ carolyn@ryan-pr.com

  Weatherize Your Home with Touch ‘n Seal Insulating Foam Sealants

Air Sealing Your Home with Insulating Foam Saves Money and Energy

 

ST. LOUIS—Sept. 13, 2010—It’s common knowledge that air leaks from drafty windows and gaps and cracks around the house can cause even a well-insulated home’s energy bills to soar.  All year long, a leaky house wastes energy and creates an often uncomfortable living environment.  However, weatherizing a home by sealing air leaks, gaps and cracks with Touch ‘n Seal insulating foam sealants and products can reduce energy loss by up to 38 percent.

“The first step in weatherizing a home is to determine where air leakage is occurring,” says Michael Sites, Product Specialist at Touch ‘n Seal.   “Some leaks around windows and doors may be obvious, but be sure to also inspect for cracks and gaps around places like electrical outlets, plumbing pipes, dryer vents and phone jacks.” 

No Warp Window & Door Foam Stops Drafts to Minimize Energy Loss

One of the most common sources of air leaks are drafty windows and doors.  However, Touch ‘n Seal’s gun-applied No-Warp Window & Door Insulating Sealant provides a quick and easy solution to this age-old problem.   No-Warp is a bright white expanding one-component polyurethane foam that is specially formulated for use around window and door frames – providing airtight insulation that blocks drafts, moisture and insects without bowing the frame.

“NoWarp is a great fenestration foam sealant because it expands fully to seal gaps and cracks, but won’t put undue pressure on window and door frames,” says Sites. “Most foams are inappropriate for use in these areas, because the excessive pressure can warp frames and jambs, rendering the window or door inoperable.”

 Constant Pressure Dispensing System Delivers More Spray Foam, Twice as Fast 

Air sealing with spray foam insulation creates a barrier that holds in heat in the winter months and keeps home cooler in the summer. Commonly used for weatherproofing attics, walls, ceilings and crawl spaces, spray foam provides superior efficiency because it expands to fit the applied area, completely preventing drafts and air infiltration that can let dust, pollen and allergens into the structure.

Contractors can cut costs when applying spray foam insulation and enhance service offerings with Touch ‘n Seal’s new CPDS^™ 1000 Constant Pressure Dispensing System.  The CPDS 1000 is a self-contained, portable, constant pressure spray foam system that dispenses Class I fire retardant, thermal insulating and sound dampening 2-component polyurethane spray foam – twice as fast as foam kits. As contractors around the country are discovering, the CPDS 1000 is an affordable alternative to buying or hiring a foam dispensing truck, saving both time and money.
 

With an internal air compressor, the CPDS 1000 operates on a standard 120V power supply.  “Efficiency, energy savings and environmental awareness are key factors when weatherizing a home or building,” states Sites. “The CPDS 1000 is the culmination of all these things – it provides reduced chemical waste, reduced fossil fuel consumption, reduced overall energy consumption and no ozone depleting chemicals.” 

Air-Seal & Resist Flames with Gun Foam II Sealant

Most homes have a multitude of unnoticed sources of energy loss.  Some leaks that often get overlooked are cracks and gaps in basement and foundation walls, dropped ceilings over cabinets and attic chases – small enclosures around ducts and plumbing - all which lead to skyrocketing energy bills.   “Air-sealing floor penetrations and air leaks in walls with Touch ‘n Seal’s Gun Foam II Insulating Sealant is a quick and easy way to prevent energy loss,” says Sites. “It provides weatherization in a variety of areas common in most residential construction.”

Gun Foam II is ideal for use at the juncture of the sill and the slab or foundation, and any penetration through floors or ceilings such as electrical lines, HVAC ducting or pipes. It fills cracks and holes in the exterior sheeting (due to poor application or penetrations made for utility services), at the corner and tee joints in framing, and any other place where air might penetrate the exterior envelope.

Touch ‘n Seal Gun Foam II Insulating Sealant is a gun-applied, bright orange one-component polyurethane foam that is more cost effective and easier to install than traditional fire blocking methods such a s gypsum, cement or fiberglass.  Though not a firestop, Gun Foam II withstands flaming over twice as long as the leading competitor, lending crucial seconds to dangerous situations.

“Weatherizing a home not only makes it more comfortable, the long term financial rewards are significant. In addition to saving money on energy bills, when Congress passed the stimulus bill earlier this year, it tripled the tax credit for weatherization home improvements through 2010,” concludes Site. 

# # #

About Touch ‘n Seal:

Convenience Products, the manufacturer of Touch ‘n Seal products, is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.   Touch ‘n Seal insulating foams and sealants are the benchmark for performance in commercial and industrial building and maintenance, OEM manufacturing and specialty applications. A full line of one and two-component spray foams, caulks and adhesives are available, including fire blocking foam  (ICC-ES: ESR-1926), Low Pressure Window & Door Foam, Drywall Panel Adhesives, Two-Component, Disposable Units, Mining Specialty Units, One-Component Disposable Cylinders and Fire Break Caulks.  The company also manufactures Touch ‘n Foam one-component foams for the do-it-yourself market.  For more information, visit http://www.touch-n-seal.com.

Thanks!

Carolyn Schinsky

Ryan Public Relations

(314) 822-9784 Office

(314) 308-1682 Cell

carolyn@ryan-pr.com

--
Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com

Guest Post: Cool Weather- Energy Saving Laundry Device

Cool Weather Energy Savings

WANT TO SAVE MONEY AND ENERGY!?!

Have you ever looked at your dryer vent in the wintertime? A lot of heat is released everytime you use your dryer.

The Dryernet from Demo-airnet is now in Washington, mo. The Dryernet is a system that saves the heat from your dryer and releases it into your house during the cooler months. Depending on how much the clothes dryer is used, an average family of four could save about $20.00 per month on their heating bill. Only to be used on electric dryers.

Install the Dryernet on the air vent for the clothes dryer and is vented into the laundry room, garage, utility room, or wherever you want free heat. Normally the HOT air is vented to the outside because with the screen for the dryer a lot of lint and dust escapes through the exhaust. With the Dryernet, the air is further filtered down to .5 microns hardly enough for you to smell the laundry smell.

Guest Post Photo: Dryernet

The advantage of the Dryernet is that the user retains heat that would normally be vented outside and also releases humidity into the house which is much needed during the cooler seasons In most cases it also reduces drying time do to increased airflow.

To use the Dryernet simply disconnect your dryer vent hose from the vent pipe and pull the Dryernet over the end of the pipe. Pull the bungee cord firm around the pipe and use the clip to keep the bungee cord tight. You can make a nice frame for the hose and Dryernet or just lay the hose over the dryer as the picture shows. Use the dryer as you would anytime and after about 20-30 uses, take the Dryernet off the hose, put it into the washer and wash it. Put it back on wet and use your dryernet with the next washer load and it will dry. During warm weather, simply remove the Dryernet and reconnect your vent hose to the outside vent.

Purchase the Dryernet in Washington, MO at Bubba's Shrimp and Seafood Market, 216 Elm Street. Bubba's is the only place to purchase the Dryernet. Or go online at dryernet.com

By mail order; send a check to Bubba's Shrimp, 216 Elm St, Washington, MO 63090. Call 636-388-2808

E-mail at dryernet@gmail.com

The cost is $32.99 plus $3.25 shipping and handling.

If mailed to a Missouri address, add sales tax of $2.50.

There is a 4 week money back guarantee.

Check us out at dryernet.com--

Guest Post Provided Free of Charge by Scotty, Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com
scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com

Guest Post, Guest Blog Tips

Five Tips Every Guest Blogger Should Know
One of the best ways to increase your visibility is to become a guest blogger at a popular blog. This is a chance for you to gain exposure to a new audience and credibility by being associated with highly-respected bloggers with major followings. Guest blogging is a win-win situation for everyone if done right: the blog gets excellent and free content to use while the guest blogger gets increased exposure for their blog, brand or products.

Of course, there are many other people who want to become guest bloggers for the same reason it might make sense for you to do the same. In order to get the prime guest blogging spots on the top sites you need to make yourself and your content stand out from the pack. Here are five tips on how to make that happen:

1. Read and Understand the Blog: It's amazing how many people contact major blogs wanting to be guest bloggers without fully understanding what the blog is all about. Each blog has its own topics that are of interest to the owners and their readers. If you suggest content which is not appropriate your guest blogging request is going to be denied.

Instead, read through the past two to three months of blog posts to see what topics the blog is focused on. You'll want to avoid pitching topic ideas that have already been covered, but at the same time you might be able to pitch a rebuttal to a previous post or a different take on a popular theme. This will also give you a strong sense for the tone of the blog.

2. Know the Guest Blogging Guidelines: Not all blogs accept guest bloggers, so you'll want to make sure they do before you pitch them with your idea. If they do accept guest posts, chances are that they'll have specific guest blogger guidelines published on their site. It's important to review these rules before you contact a blog. You don't want to break any rules at the start which might anger the blog owners and make it harder for you to convince them to let you be a guest blogger. If you seem uninformed about the guidelines of the blog, it's tough to convince a blogger that you will provide great content.

3. Write the Blog First: If you are dealing with a very popular blog, chances are that the site's owners and editorial team are extremely busy. Taking the time to establish a rapport with the blog's management, pitching a story idea and then working through the details is time-consuming. In many cases, it's better to just write a blog on a topic you feel confident will work and send it to the blog. If they like it, they can publish it without having to jump through hoops. If they reject it, you can take it to another blog.

4. Prove Yourself: It's important to provide your credentials when sending over a guest blog in order for the bloggers to understand that you are an expert in the field. A guest blog written by a savvy industry professional is going to carry more weight than one written by a random person. Explain to the blog why you are the right person to discuss a certain topic with their audience and what perspective you bring that can't be found anywhere else.

5. Write a Compelling Headline: A great headline can do more than bring readers to your blog -- it's also the perfect way to grab the attention of the owner or editor of a blog. Much like readers, the people you contact with a request to guest post might only skim to the title of your proposed post. If it's interesting and engaging, they'll want to read more; if it's boring or stale, they'll move on. One great tip is to write a headline that proposes a question you will answer in your article.


GUEST POSTS ARE CLOSED or BY INVITATION ONLY Scotty 10/10/2014

Information Provided by:Scotty, Scott's Contracting GREEN BUILDER, St Louis "Renewable Energy" Missouri http://stlouisrenewableenergy.com; contact  for additional information or to Schedule a "Free Green Site Evaluation"

Guest Post: PETE-Photon Enhanced Thermionic Emission

Guest Post: I'd like to take a minute to discuss PETE with you and the readers of http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/.

Guest Post by:Jack Lundee

j.lundee@gmail.com

http://everythingleft.wordpress.com

http://www.twitter.com/j_lundee

New Device Out Of Stanford Combines Light And Heat

Solar energy, more commonly defined as radiant light and heat from the sun, continues to be harnessed for energy production. Most accountable renewable energy invokes the following:

 *Solar Radiation

*Wind Power

*Wave Power

*Hydroelectricity

*Biomass

 And only a fraction of the radiation gathered from the sun is really used.

Scientists have always used both light and heat from the sun to produce energy, however, they hadn't yet discovered a way to efficiently utilize both simultaneously - Until now! A device out of Stanford University is promising not just one production of the solar energy but two by being able to harness the power of both light and heat.

A Photon Enhanced Thermionic Emission device, or PETE device, is not only a state of the art technology but could potentially reduce the costs for the production of solar power to the point of where it could be a real competitor against oil as a source of energy. This is great for two reasons: 

• 1) the environmental aspect of having solar power being a big player in the energy game is huge considering that it's a renewable and clean energy source and 

• 2) therein lies a real competitor to the oil industry. This is not to mention it also could open the door to ending dependency on oil both home and abroad.

What a PETE device ultimately does is simultaneously combines light and heat from solar radiation, which helps to produce electricity from solar technology. Engineers at Stanford have come up with a way to use light and heat of the sun to create electricity so that it can produce more efficient and cheaper forms of solar power methods. What this means is that unlike most solar panels, which have decreased efficiency as the temperature rises, the PETE technology process creates panels that work the other way and actually increase efficiency as the temperature rises. In technical terms, photon enhanced thermionic emission is a process that harvest wasted heat and solar energy and brings together thermal and solar cell conversion at high temperature levels for the best and cleanest results.

Real world practical solutions like PETE provide for greater sustainability and are a minuscule step towards ultimately lowering earth's carbon footprint. With major players like Green Peace and The Clinton Global Initiative investing thousands of dollars into renewable energy projects, similar to PETE, there's certainly a greater sense of appeasement for green activists.  More importantly, the projects assigned by Doug Band, The CGI, Green Peace, and many others are improving the way we live as human beings.

PETE devices potentially create a more efficient and cost effective solar energy source by creating a technology that helps reduce the risk of building large solar farms that could produce enough energy to even compete with fossil fuel energy. Basically it cut costs and gives solar power the change to compete. By doing this, engineers at Stanford have created a new technology that could have the ability to change the way solar power is harvested and a technology that could shine a new light on an old renewable energy.  

This Great news was brought to you via Guest Post by:Jack Lundee j.lundee@gmail.com  
http://everythingleft.wordpress.com 
http://www.twitter.com/j_lundee

--
Scott's Contracting
scottscontracting@gmail.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com
scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com
  

FORM 2010-Guest Post

Guest Post: Form 2010 http://formdesignshow.com/ FORM 2010 is the first installment of an annual contemporary furniture, functional object and architectural design show in Saint Louis, MO. Presented by The Luminary Center for the Arts, the two-day event will bring together some of the best designers and firms from around the country on August 13-14, with a focus on sustainable design. FORM is one of the the first events of its kind in the area and is a developing platform for the cultivation of contemporary design. FORM is a fundraiser for The Luminary Center for the Arts, a nonprofit artist resourcing organization that that seeks to provide meaningful support to emerging artists, audiences and appreciators in the St. Louis area. Proceeds from FORM will benefit an innovative new artist equipment library at The Luminary, which will provide area artists and creative professionals with access to specialized equipment such as a woodshop, media lab, film and video equipment, and large format printers. For more information about the Luminary Center for the Arts, please visit http://theluminaryarts.com/ or contact Brea McAnally (brea@theluminaryarts.com). Guest Post Provided by: Scott's Contracting scottscontracting@gmail.com http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com

Cash For Caulkers-Soft Ware Advice-Eligible Programs

The following article is a Guest Post-'Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010'- known as Cash for Caulkers by: Houston, Neal,Director of Marketing-Software Advice www.softwareadvice.com (512) 364-0117 (800) 918-2764 (toll free) (360) 838-7866 (fax) houston@softwareadvice.com. It was submitted to me July 21, 2010. Be sure to Check Out his Web Site

"Cash for Caulkers" is nearly here. Last month the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5019 - also known as the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 or "Cash for Caulkers" - to kick-start construction, create jobs and cut back carbon emissions. While the bill still needs to clear the Senate, supporters predict it will pass this summer.

This is great news for homeowners and contractors alike. The bill provisions $6 billion for energy-efficient or "green" retrofits. It is expected to fund renovations for 3 million families, create 168,000 new jobs and save consumers $9.2 billion on energy bills over the next 10 years.

But in order to cash in on upcoming rebates, homeowners and contractors will need to do their homework. There are 13 types of retrofits eligible for funding. Each retrofit has unique eligibility requirements and set rebate amounts. You can read the full text here.

We made it really easy to wade through the legalese. Below is a table that breaks down the 13 retrofits of the bill, along with the requirements and rebate amount for each. In addition to the requirements we listed, each retrofit must comply with Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards or other procedures to be approved by the Secretary of Energy.

We also decided to combine these retrofits into three packages that will help homeowners get the best bang for their buck. But first, let's review the program details.

Who is Eligible and How to Qualify? The Home Star bill offers two rebate programs, the "Silver Star" program and "Gold Star" program. Here are details for each:

• Silver Star - Unless another amount is specified in the "Rebate Amount" column above, homeowners will receive a $1,000 rebate for each retrofit listed in our table. The maximum amount of rebates paid out will be $3,000 or 50% of the total cost, whichever is lower. For example, if a homeowner spends a total of $4,000 on eligible retrofits, they will get $2,000 or 50% back as a rebate. If they spend $8,000 on eligible retrofits, they would only receive $3,000 in rebates instead of $4,000 (which would be 50% of the cost).

• Gold Star - To qualify for the Gold Star program, homeowners must reduce their total home energy consumption by 20%. A $3,000 rebate will be rewarded for this reduction. Homeowners can receive an additional $1,000 for each additional 5% reduction, up to a total rebate of $8,000 or 50% of the total retrofit cost. Rebates may be provided for any of the retrofits listed under the Silver Star program, or for any other energy-saving measure, including: home energy management systems, high-efficiency appliances, highly reflective roofing, awnings, canopies, and similar external fenestration (window) attachments, automatic boiler water temperature controllers, energy-efficient wood products, insulated vinyl siding, and mechanical air circulation and heat exchangers in a passive-solar home.

The Home Star bill also includes rebates for do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners that are confident in taking on the renovations themselves. DIY'ers can get up to $250 in rebates for products purchased without installation service. This rebate is limited to attic insulation, crawl space insulation and/or air-sealing retrofits.

Seal Your House Envelope and Improve Insulation Before carrying out any serious retrofit, homeowners need to weatherize and seal their house "envelope." The envelope includes outer walls, windows, doors, floors and the ceiling. If the house is not properly sealed and insulated, then subsequent HVAC retrofits won't be as effective.

I

Common Air Leaks

n some cases, savvy do-it-yourselfers may be able to handle these projects themselves. There are plenty of books and great online resources (e.g.ACEEE.org) that provide instructions. However, you should seriously consider hiring an auditor beforehand. Special diagnostics equipment will show where air is escaping and to what extent. For example, thermal imaging devices detect areas in walls that are poorly insulated and dispersing heat. This information would be unavailable without such devices.

So how much does it cost to seal all the air leaks in a home? Prices will obviously vary based on where you live, how big your property is and the scope of the retrofit. But it will likely cost a few thousand dollars to hire a contractor for this type of renovation. In this example from the New York Times, the author spent $3,760 for insulating and sealing the envelope of his 1,200 square foot home.

How much can homeowners expect to save? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners can save 20% on heating and cooling costs by sealing leaks and adding insulation. In New York - one of the most expensive places to heat a home with an average annual cost of $1,513 - this would be a yearly savings of $300 just for heating.

Continuing with the example from the New York Times, the Silver Star program would provide $1,880 (50%) in rebates for their retrofit. At an annual savings rate of $300, the renovation would pay for itself in six years (or less if you include cost savings from reduced air conditioning bills).

Repair and Replace Leaky Ducts Ducts are notoriously leaky and inefficient. They are one of the usual suspects in a crime of high utility bills, or when rooms are difficult to heat and cool. The EPA calculates that 20% of air moving through ductwork is lost due to leaks, holes and poor connections. Other sources put estimates closer to 40%. So while suffering from "leaky ducts" may sound innocuous, it can have a big impact on the efficiency and costs of heating and cooling your home.

Fortunately, duct replacement and sealing is eligible for funding under the Home Star bill. Many homeowners will want to outsource this project to a qualified HVAC contractor. Contractors have equipment to detect leaks that otherwise may not be immediately visible. They also have methods to seal ducts that are inaccessible. For example, by spraying an adhesive or sealant through the duct work.

Replacing and sealing ducts can also be a DIY project, especially when ducts can be easily accessed in an attic or basement. Leaks should be sealed with mastic sealant or metal tape (not duct tape), then insulated to reduce heat loss and to further improve efficiency. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has an excellent guide on how to seal and insulate ducts.

Upgrade Your Furnace and Water Heater Heating is the largest energy expense in homes, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). In colder parts of the country, it makes up 30 to 50% of annual energy bills. So improving the heating efficiency of your home will have the biggest impact on lowering your energy costs. Sealing air leaks is a good start, but replacing your heating system could provide real leverage towards cost savings.

If your furnace or boiler was purchased before 1990, then it is time to consider an upgrade. Modern furnaces are much more efficient than those that are older than 20 years. You can use rebates from the Home Star bill to replace your furnace, but you will need to meet their guidelines:

Water heaters are typically the second largest energy users after home heating and cooling systems. Replacing convention oil-fired water heaters with high-efficiency gas or electric heaters can save homeowners thousands of dollars over a 10 to 15 year period. The Home Star bill includes a variety of replacement options eligible for rebates.

A

Ground Source Heat Pump

n alternative to furnaces and boilers are ground source heat pumps (GSHPs). Also known as geothermal heat pumps, GSHPs are one of the most efficient systems for heating and cooling buildings. According to the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, GSHPs are 50 to 70% more efficient than other heating systems, and 20 to 40% more efficient than traditional air conditioners. They can also be used as an alternative water-heating system and save up to 50% on water-heating bills.

Ground source heat pumps are more economical than using oil or air-source heat pumps, but there is still a lot of debate over GSHPs versus natural gas. Homeowners will need carry out their own due diligence beforehand.

Year over year, a ground source heat pump is more cost effective than natural gas. It's the initial cost that really drives down the return on investment (ROI) and makes natural gas a more attractive option. However, there are several rebates and tax credits available that help subsidize the upfront cost.

Additional Financing Resources With other legislation in the queue, it might take weeks or months to hear the Senate's final decision on the Home Star bill. In the meantime, homeowners can receive funding from other sources to pay for green renovations. The federal government, state governments, local municipalities and even utility companies offer several options.

For example, homeowners can still receive a federal tax credit for 30% of the cost of energy-efficient products (up to a total credit of $1,500). This includes the purchase of central air conditioning systems (both the product and installation), electric heat pumps, furnaces and boilers, and whole-house ventilation fans. Visit the US Department of Energy Energy Savers website for more information.

Another great resource is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency or "DSIRE" website. This allows you to view rebates, loan and grant programs, financing options and tax credits offered in your region.

Finally, new home buyers should consider an energy-efficient mortgage or energy improvement mortgage. These mortgages allow consumers to count savings from energy bills as additional income, ultimately giving them more buying power. Home Energy Magazine has a helpful article here.

-- Scott's Contracting scottscontracting@gmail.com http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com scotty@stlouisrenewableenergy.com