The most cost effective things that you can do to improve your homes energy efficiency will depend on the existing condition of your building envelope, the efficiency of your equipment, and humiditiy control.

Addressing the condition overhead and tightening the building envelope are basic principles involved in maintaining efficient temperture control in the home. Thermal imaging will clearly indicate areas of major heat loss.

There are many types of structures and styles of thermal barriers. Therefore, you are best advised to have an energy consultant from a Home Energy Rating Service HERS evaluate of your particular home and assist in identifying the weakness of your home envelope and machanical equipment. Such a report  can provide you with a roadmap to begin taking steps to improve the overall efficiency of the home. 

Hello Alex, 

One alternative that most homeowners are not aware yet is reviewing your Roofing System. Along with the attic insulation, the type of roof you have can make a huge difference on how energy efficient your home is.

Most roofing materials (especially asphalt composite roofs) absorb solar energy and transfer heat to your home (requiring more air-conditioning during summer). On the other hand, energy efficient Metal Roofs are reflective and emissive. They bounce most of the sun's visible and UV light - meaning less heat transferred to your home. Independent studies show energy savings of up to 25%.

The Interlock Metal Roofing System is Energy Star certified (US only). More than energy efficient, our roofs are truly sustainable, being made of up to 95% recycled material, reducing the dependence of asphalt and stopping the cycle of old roofing material going to landfills. It is a lifelong solution that is better for your home, your pocket and the planet.

I really noticed a difference in my electric bill when I put in a programable thermostat for my HVAC. I tend to keep the air down low and would forget to turn it up when I went to work. The new thermostat does that for me. 

What makes a good remodeling client?  

Usually has worked on a home project with a reputable contractor before.  One who has resonable expectations as far as price (investment) and time line. One who can make a design decision and stay with it instead of going back over the color of the walls 'one more time'. One who respects exception designers and carpenter. 

I think that does it.  That is my wish list

Philip Anderson

Berkeley Ca

I guess it would really depend on what type of home, the age of it and where it's located. Most of your older homes (prior to 1940) have a lot custom details you want to keep intact. If it's really old, and hasn't been maintained, then restoring may not be an economical solution. A lot of the homes in our area (DC Metro) are being torn down because the lots are so valuable.

Both can be costly. If you tear down, you may build it exactly how you want it - and potentially have less problems then trying to create something new out of something old. You never know what could potentially go wrong with an old building. It's kind of like buying an older car - it may be cheaper in the moment, but something may go wrong and have to be replaced after a year or so. If it's a good conditioned older building, then why not renovate it!! However, if it needs a lot of work, and the foundation is pretty shady, then tearing it down and starting from the bottom would logically be the best choice!

With current financing options that are available, the best return-on-investment is to go solar!  It may seem expensive to install a solar panel system, but with current financing options such as $0/down home-equity loans, you'll see immediate cash flow savings!

Solare Energy has been serving San Diego for 25 years and provides our customers with a free energy audit and rate analysis before designing a solar panel system for their homes.  This allows us to accurately size the system to your energy consumption needs and get you the best value for your investment.

Learn more at www.SolareEnergy.com or call 858-547-4300 for San Diego area solar installations.

Rob Shaw
Marketing Manager
Solare Energy, Inc.
San Diego, CA

Definitely replace your air filters every single month as this is a big contributor to a home's energy efficiency when it comes to HVAC

Will the workers be employees? or subcontractors? These people may be working in your home, maybe while you are at work.  Have they had background checks?  While most companies are required to have Liability insurance to get and kee their license, do they have Workers' Compensation insurance in the event a worker gets hurt?  How long will the project take?  Will they be disturbing Lead paint or asbestos?  If so, make sure they are certified to deal with these materials.

Check seals on doors & windows.  Replace single pane windows with newer products.  Check the attic for insulation.  Loose fill, blown in insulation is the best.  Make sure to seal any spots where air is escaping INTO the attic first.  Also make sure your attic has both adequate intake AND exhaust ventilation.  Make sure not to clog the airflow from the soffit area and the attic space by using Baffles as seen in the picture.  Check out YouTube for other great suggestions. 

What experience do you have in this type of house?  Can you give me names of one or two (not three) clients for which you have done this type of work? How long does it take from start of design to significant completion?

Philip Anderson

HDRRemodeling. Berkeley, Ca

Air sealing and insulation are the two biggest things you can do to globally improve the efficiency of the home. 

There are several articles on this application and I have yet to be in a home that didn't need it. 

Tightening up the envelope across the attic surface will lessen air infiltration at all the other areas of the home.