Comments on: Time for Efficiency http://science.kqed.org/quest/2007/11/30/time-for-efficiency/ Explore science, nature and environment stories from Northern California and beyond with KQED’s multimedia series Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:38:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Jim Gunshinan http://science.kqed.org/quest/2007/11/30/time-for-efficiency/#comment-11014 Jim Gunshinan Mon, 03 Dec 2007 17:23:43 +0000 http://www.kqed.org/quest/blog/2007/11/30/time-for-efficiency/#comment-11014 Hi Laura, I recommend that you keep working with Stitt Energy Systems. (You obviously have good sense and good instincts!) We covered the company with a feature article several years back. They have been into green before it was called green. Also, they know what is best for your climate. But you named the most important thing to think about in any climate. A tight building envelope with good ventilation is key. That's much easier to achieve with a new home than with a retrofit. Hi Laura,

I recommend that you keep working with Stitt Energy Systems. (You obviously have good sense and good instincts!) We covered the company with a feature article several years back. They have been into green before it was called green. Also, they know what is best for your climate.

But you named the most important thing to think about in any climate. A tight building envelope with good ventilation is key. That's much easier to achieve with a new home than with a retrofit.

]]> By: mamamobile http://science.kqed.org/quest/2007/11/30/time-for-efficiency/#comment-11015 mamamobile Sun, 02 Dec 2007 21:10:56 +0000 http://www.kqed.org/quest/blog/2007/11/30/time-for-efficiency/#comment-11015 Hi all- My husband and I are thinking of building -- energy efficiency is high on the list! We live in SW Illinois, and are exploring options. We met with the Stitt Energy Systems representative last week, and came away with plenty of food for thought. Based on the group experience out there, what all do you recommend other than the obvious of a tight envelope, spray soybean insulation, energy star rated appliances, etc? Thanks in advance! Laura Hi all-

My husband and I are thinking of building — energy efficiency is high on the list! We live in SW Illinois, and are exploring options. We met with the Stitt Energy Systems representative last week, and came away with plenty of food for thought. Based on the group experience out there, what all do you recommend other than the obvious of a tight envelope, spray soybean insulation, energy star rated appliances, etc?

Thanks in advance!

Laura

]]> By: Jim Gunshinan http://science.kqed.org/quest/2007/11/30/time-for-efficiency/#comment-11012 Jim Gunshinan Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:28:06 +0000 http://www.kqed.org/quest/blog/2007/11/30/time-for-efficiency/#comment-11012 That's a pretty good return on investment Scott! The DOE claims that every dollar it spends weatherizing a home saves two dollars in energy costs over the life of the retrofit measure. When else can the government claim that kind of return? Someday—soon I hope—many more homeowners, builders, and realtors will see the value of energy efficiency, along with the added benefits that a well-performing house can bring, such as comfort, healthy indoor air, and quiet. That's a pretty good return on investment Scott! The DOE claims that every dollar it spends weatherizing a home saves two dollars in energy costs over the life of the retrofit measure. When else can the government claim that kind of return?

Someday—soon I hope—many more homeowners, builders, and realtors will see the value of energy efficiency, along with the added benefits that a well-performing house can bring, such as comfort, healthy indoor air, and quiet.

]]> By: Scott Kruse http://science.kqed.org/quest/2007/11/30/time-for-efficiency/#comment-11013 Scott Kruse Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:12:57 +0000 http://www.kqed.org/quest/blog/2007/11/30/time-for-efficiency/#comment-11013 Appraisals need to include the EEI (Energy Efficiency Index) based upon at least one year of utility bills that is climate & site appropriate, otherwise it is not objective. We did an energy efficiency retrofit 18 years ago. Our utility bills are less than 10% of neighbors (Less than $30 month year round for 2300 sq ft). When we attempted to sell two years ago the realtor stated, "no one cares about energy use." PG&E replaced the thermostat, but even that is a joke. It is the R-100 ceiling, ceramic tile floor, triple-pane windows, sunpipes and R-45 walls that make a huge difference. Added bonus: the house is super quiet. Time to recover all costs to upgrade: 2.5 years. Appraisals need to include the EEI (Energy Efficiency Index) based upon at least one year of utility bills that is climate & site appropriate, otherwise it is not objective. We did an energy efficiency retrofit 18 years ago. Our utility bills are less than 10% of neighbors (Less than $30 month year round for 2300 sq ft). When we attempted to sell two years ago the realtor stated, "no one cares about energy use." PG&E replaced the thermostat, but even that is a joke. It is the R-100 ceiling, ceramic tile floor, triple-pane windows, sunpipes and R-45 walls that make a huge difference. Added bonus: the house is super quiet. Time to recover all costs to upgrade: 2.5 years.

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