energy use

Just found out that I use so little energy that PGE thought that my house might be vacant! I did that with light bulbs mostly and unpluging things.

Heating our houses My challenge to you

Why is it that the recommended temperature to keep your house at in the winter has increased since the Carter administration by almost 23 degrees in the wrong direction? It was 55 degrees. Can we all just do that? Do we really need to have our heat up to 78 degrees in the winter? I know that I can do that comfortably and if everyone did it... how much carbon could we be saving? Not to mention the gas or oil that is used to get there.

Personally I think it is ridiculous to have our houses at a temperature that it gets to in the spring or summer depending on where you live.

My challenge to you is to join me and turn your HVAC down to under 60. I have been doing this with ease. I also have my heat at night down at 55.

The balancing act~

The big question is how do we balance "greening" of our collective lives with our historic buildings. Please look at the link associated with this posting about existing buildings.

Just in my neighborhood in the past month or so 13-15 buildings have been torn down to make way for "green" building. The builder does not reclaim material nor do they reuse material.

Click on this to see a green as you sell!!!

I am trying something new with this listing. I even have a bet that it will sell green. There is a newly available tool that I intend to use every time I list a house.... The previously illusive energy efficient mortgage. I have been doing this previously and it was not as streamlined.

Tax credit extended and expanded

The tax credit has been expanded for first time home buyers and expanded to include buyers that have not purchased a home in 5 years. It is an $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers and $6500 for buyers that have not purchased a home in 5 years.

I still think they should have allowed the credit for purchase with half of it going to energy improvements using a holdback. That would have benefited our national agenda of becoming more independent on fossil fuels and would have stimulated more sectors.

learn about improving you energy performance

Northwest EcoBuilding Guild
Western Columbia Chapter
Home Performance 101
Wednesday, October 28th
Meet and Greet 6 PM * Presentation 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Zion Baptist Church * Community Room * NE 9th and Fremont
NWEBG Members FREE * Non-members $5 donation suggested

45 degree difference with trees!!!!

I have always been a tree person. But I never knew the exact numbers or difference it would make to plant trees. Watch this video!!!