The Curse of the TRC

Archaic utility cost effectiveness-testing is killing effective energy efficiency programs

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Contractors Profit in Open Market

Author: Sheryl Carter

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July 01, 1998

Faster than you can caulk a windowsill, California is restructuring its electric industry. In the process, the state is radically changing the way efficiency services are funded and delivered. [continue reading]

New Jargon for the Trades

Author: Steven Bodzin

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July 01, 1998

Today, you may be an insulator, HVAC technician, or builder. Maybe you're a lighting designer, or a publicist for efficient buildings. But in the new market, you will be an energy efficiency service provider. [continue reading]

High-Efficiency Homes: Moving Markets, Updating Codes

Author: Deborah Rider Allen

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May 01, 1998

Builder education takes many forms. One of the most effective ways for builders to learn new techniques is to walk a construction site ask questions. When the site turns into a home where residents feel comfortable and save money, the students use the techniques they learned. [continue reading]

Efficient Cooling: Making It Happen

Author: Craig Sherman and Eric Hildebrandt

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March 01, 1998

As part of its efforts to promote energy-efficient residential HVAC systems, the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) looked into air conditioner sizing. [continue reading]

Promoting Profitable Home Power

Author: Thomas J. Starrs and Howard J. Wenger

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January 01, 1998

Renewable energy advocates struggle daily to introduce practical applications for solar and wind power. [continue reading]

Working the Utility/Contractor Connection

Author: Gregory Thomas

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November 01, 1997

Moving into increasing deregulation of utilities, home performance specialists and utility companies alike wonder what their role in the new market will be. [continue reading]

Will Customers Pay for Residential Energy Efficiency Services?

Author: Paul Berkowitz

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November 01, 1997

Nobody really knows how the utility or home performance industry is going to sell unsubsidized energy efficiency services to residential customers. [continue reading]

What's Being Built Out There? Performance Tests on 100 New Homes

Author: Arnie Katz

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September 01, 1997

People who know building science often cringe when they see new construction with the same old problems. Leaky ducts, poor air sealing, improperly sized mechanical systems all seem too common. But visiting construction sites only shows part of the problem. [continue reading]