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In the home energy field, it is easy to focus our attention on efficiency improvements. Whether it is relamping, installing home automation, or tightening the home thermal envelope, there are plenty of cool things to hold our attention. The problem is that some of these innovations will not deliver on their full potential without jazzing up the underlying electric rate structures. The good news is that behavior-based rate plans are becoming available for customers in ... [continue reading]
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is conducting a research study on new homes in California. We invite you to participate in this survey if you live in a house, townhouse, or duplex, and if your home was built in 2002 or later. [continue reading]
Clean energy is no longer a niche industry—its presence continues to expand nationwide, with the most recent impacts made in rural communities. In fact, in North Carolina, there are now solar farms, LEED certified buildings, waste-to-energy systems, and electric vehicle fueling stations in every corner of the state. According to the NC Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), building efficiency and solar sectors are the leading clean energy industry sectors in North Carolina, representing 59% of ... [continue reading]
Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced two new Better Buildings Accelerators, which will convene leaders to focus on key solutions to expanding energy efficiency in the residential sector. Partners will focus on expanding awareness of homes’ energy efficiency and streamlining the processes used to help consumers improve the efficiency of their homes. The Home Performance Coalition is proud to have joined the Home Energy Information Accelerator and is committed to strengthening the ... [continue reading]
When I received an email from Larry Zarker of BPI, informing me that I had been inducted into the BPI Building Performance Hall of Fame, I thought it must be a big mistake. Then I looked at the list of previous inductees and was sure it was a mistake! I haven’t even done a blower door test all by myself. I don’t do home performance work, I just write about it ... [continue reading]
I grew up on the West Coast of Canada, and I have had the good fortune to spend lots of time in and around the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, and Tofino. Earlier in March, an article in Huffington Post (Canada) featured the off-grid community of Lasqueti Island – 400 people living with site-generated power. The article was based on a 2012 episode of Global News’ documentary series 16x9 that was included in an article published ... [continue reading]
Homeowners may continue to enjoy their single pane glass windows and gain energy efficient advantages for up to 80% less than the cost of new replacement windows with the professional installation of window films instead, according to the International Window Film Association (IWFA). [continue reading]
Last summer, DOE issued new efficiency standards for furnace fans, which are a little-known energy hog that may be lurking in the basement. Yesterday, DOE proposed new standards that would help tame another energy hog that may be in the basement: dehumidifiers. However, while the proposed standards would be a good step towards cutting dehumidifier energy waste, they leave large cost-effective energy savings on the table. [continue reading]
When it comes to saving energy and reducing carbon pollution, builders can play a major role by designing and constructing sustainable homes that are also comfortable, healthy and durable. At the Energy Department, we created a special designation—known as Zero Energy Ready Home—to recognize builders who create high performance homes that are so energy efficient, a renewable energy system can offset all or most of its annual energy consumption. [continue reading]
This afternoon at the ACI National Home Performance Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, three new individuals were inducted into the Building Performance Industry Hall of Fame. Nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of impartial judges, these individuals were recognized for their significant and lasting contributions to the building performance industry over the course of their careers. Among them was one of our very own: Editor Jim Gunshinan, who has worked with Home ... [continue reading]
