Archive for May, 2009

Tennessean Article about Green homes in Nashville

This is a bit of a plug since I spent some time educating this reporter about the green homes market and got some quotes in there.     Green building is one of the few residential building sectors that is experiencing growth in this economy so it’s exciting to see Nashville staying current.

http://tennessean.com/article/20090526/BUSINESS02/905260321/+Green++homes+sprout+in+Nashville+market

Baby steps

I’ve given I hope, a not too dry explanation about why reducing your carbon foot print is a worthy endeavor and  I’ve converted you, yaddy yaddy ya da, now what?  It depends on how much up front cash you have.  For now, I like TVA’s energy right program if you need to go the inexpensive ( I mean free) route.  http://www.energyright.com/   The entire evaluation is done on line, takes maybe 15 minutes, and they will give you a summary of steps you can do to green it up.   I think I have a higher than average awareness of this stuff and I even picked up some great tips of free things you can do.  I also like that there is a sheet with individual improvements with their costs verses what the improvement will save you annually.  Some of it was less than $50 and the savings were greater in the first year than the cost for the retrofit itself.   How do you like them apples?   I should be getting a cool free kit in the mail with some additional gadgets I can install.  More to come on that…

If you are a bit more ambitious, maybe already planning to do a major renovation project then I would spring for a home energy evaluation or audit.  They range in price from $200-$400 (TVA is coming out with one for $150) and they will give you recommendations all prioritized with costs versus savings analysis.   TVA is planning to refund the audit if you do some of the work not to mention your savings.  In addition, Uncle Sam isn’t going to be left in the dust as there are now tax credits for winterizing.  http://energytaxincentives.org/consumers/insulation_etc.php

The main point is that no matter how big or small, it will all add up individually and collectively so don’t be afraid to dive in a make a few changes.