One of the main purposes of the 2016 energy code is to cut down on the amount of energy that home owners use on a regular basis. One of the most effective ways to do this is to rethink the way that you are using your HVAC system at home – from top to bottom…. Read more »
2016 Energy Code Changes: Envelope and Wall Requirements
The walls of a home divide the space into individual rooms and help keep the whole house comfortable no matter what the temperature is outside. This can be difficult, though, when walls aren’t built to code. The 2016 energy code has very specific requirements pertaining to walls and the overall “envelope” of the home, and… Read more »
Computer Efficiency Requirements: A Different Kind of Smart Home
Last month, the state of California was the first of the 50 states to set a standard on energy efficiency for computers. The energy commission for the state of California approved the regulations to limit the amount of energy being consumed by computers and smaller servers when not in use, according to reporting from NPR…. Read more »
Five Most Energy-Efficient Updates and Improvements
When you’re remodeling your home, not only are you updating its look and style and infusing your own taste into it, but you also have an opportunity to make your home more energy efficient. That means lower energy bills, and lessening your impact on the environment. But not everyone is an energy-efficiency expert! Luckily, the… Read more »
R-Value: Understanding the Rating System for Insulation
Does your home have sufficient insulation inside of it to keep things cool in the summer and warm in the winter? The R-value of your insulation, which is the rating system that is used when it comes to insulation, will determine whether or not it keeps your home comfortable at all times. By gaining a… Read more »
Tesla, Solar City to Merge: What’s It Mean for Green?
Shareholders recently approved a deal for a new merging of technology giants Tesla and SolarCity, and the benefits of this union could very well change the energy-efficiency world as we know it in the best way possible. We’re talking about the potential for incredible technology advancements, new cost-saving services and much more. Let’s check out… Read more »
Renewables and Politics: President Trump and Green Energy
When Donald Trump was on the campaign trail in the months and weeks leading up to the 2016 presidential election, he was very clear about his energy plan. He told the American people that he wants to deregulate the energy industry and create new jobs in the energy sector. He also said that his goal… Read more »
New Pipe Insulation Requirements Take Effect in January
The 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Standards are scheduled to become effective on Jan. 1, 2017. One area of the 2016 standards that has received a lot of attention is the new hot water pipe insulation requirements. These new standards apply to new homes constructed after Jan. 1, as well as to any homes that are… Read more »
Understanding the Solar Investment Tax Credit
Are you interested in transitioning to solar power but you still aren’t convinced that the benefits outweigh the costs? The Solar Investment Tax Credit may just change your mind. Not only can it provide a savings on installing solar energy, but it can help you realize how making an environmentally conscious choice can be the… Read more »
Keeping Energy Efficient with Plumbing Along Exterior Walls
Making sure a home is energy efficient is not just good for the environment, but it is also good for the budget. Wasted energy – whether electricity, water, gas or oil – has an environmental and financial impact. Many new homes have plumbing along interior walls because it is more efficient, but keeping energy efficient… Read more »