Based on field testing conducted statewide over a number of years, the California Energy Commission estimates the average duct leakage in California homes regardless of size and vintage to be 30%.
This translates into an increase in heating and cooling costs of approximately 20% for the average home.
Archive for April, 2010
Ductwork Testing
Apr 29
Called Sacramento’s first major green living & lifestyle expo with a number of vendors and companies representing all facets of the green movement. Attendees can enjoy the latest in earth friendly products and information including home & garden, eco-travel & transportation, apparel and health & beauty. The Sacramento Green Expo is designed to bring together businesses, civic [...]
Last Friday I had the opportunity to attend a contractor orientation for the SMUD Home Performance Program. I wanted to share some of the details of the program as they stand right now. Please keep in mind minor modifications may be made to some of the details of the program as they get closer to [...]
Earlier this year the Los Angeles Dept of Water and Power which is a municipal utility, proposed a rate increase of 5.7% in the form of a “carbon surcharge” to help meet LA mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s ambitious goal of 20% clean power by the end of 2010. A proposal unpopular with consumer groups, the rate hike was rejected by the [...]
In an assembly where components have different R-values, thermal bridging occurs when the component with the lower R-value spans from the inside surface to the outside. A wood framed wall is a perfect example of this. The studs have an R of 1.0 per inch of thickness, compared to fiberglass batt insulation at 3.5 R [...]
You’ve heard the ads on radio or seen them on TV. Supporters urging you to vote yes on Proposition 16 The Taxpayers Right To Vote Act. As supporters of the measure state in the California Official Voter Guide, the measure will require a 2/3 voter approval before local governments could “spend public money or incur public debt” to [...]
The federal government’s stimulus package provides tax credits for an assortment of energy efficient home improvements. These range from building envelope improvements like air sealing and insulation through windows, heating and cooling equipment all the way to renewable energy projects like PV solar.
In the previous post in this series, we outlined some of the cause and effect of inadequate and uncontrolled infiltration. Let’s talk about some solutions to those problems. Source control Often an effective first step available to most households is source control. Store pollutant sources such as paints, solvents and other chemicals in a cabinet [...]
It’s a given that a green home should provide its occupants with superior indoor air quality, but the reality is all homes need good ventilation to exchange indoor air often containing moisture, odors and pollutants with fresh outdoor air. Thanks to environmental programs such as the Clean Air Act and other regulation our outdoor air [...]
