Assess Your Home’s Efficiency with an Energy Audit

(NAHB) – Do you want to save money on energy bills but don’t know where to start? A good first step is to conduct a do-it-yourself (DIY) energy assessment, also called an energy audit. An audit can identify many of your home’s energy deficiencies, helping you make simple improvements to …

Knowledge, Skills, Experience: Hiring a Certified Green Professional

The NAHB Certified Green Professional (CGP)™ designation is a reliable way to identify builders, remodelers, manufacturers and other industry professionals who are committed to making your home green. CGP-certified individuals understand that combining good, cost-effective building science with the most optimal products and materials can help create a home that’s healthier, …

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with Technology

Today’s home buyers are looking to incorporate home technologies that increase the long-term value of their house while also providing convenience, safety and comfort. In fact, NAHB research shows that most home buyers want an energy-efficient home and are willing to pay more for it. NAHB’s consumer preferences survey of …

5 Ways to Keep Your Home Comfortable in a Humid Climate

(Energy.gov) – Home energy efficiency is often dominated by discussions about cooling and heating, which account for about 48% of energy costs in the average home. However, when your air has too much moisture, your home may feel warmer than the actual air temperature. Any discussion of energy efficiency, especially in …

Insulation is the Icing, but DON’T FORGET THE CAKE

by GBGC Expert: Lee Kurtas – Perfection Fireplace & Supply As the pleasant spring weather comes to an end and you find yourself permanently closing the windows from the summer heat, many of you will think, “…I think we could use some more insulation.” That’s great! But understand what insulation …

Sustainable Living: Springtime is in the Air

GBGC Expert: Lauren Ballas, Luxury for the Home Most of us are indoors for most of the day, so why not get rid of up to 89% of those harmful VOC’s like formaldehyde and xylene? You could go out and purchase an expensive air purifying system or you could do …

Outslation is the New Insulation

GBGC Expert: David Suszko, Dow Chemicals  Outsulation Is The New Insulation: Addressing Air Infiltration, Thermal Bridging and Lowering Your Energy Bill. “What’s That Blue Stuff on The Outside of My House?” I must start by saying that I am biased. Yes, I admit it. So please, if you feel the …

Drought Resistant Construction

GBGC Expert: Clayton Morris, DPIS Engineering, LLC  It has long been said that “whoever controls the water, controls the land”, and we have seen this issue come up in the past with neighboring states debating over water rights and usage responsibilities. It’s actually even illegal in certain parts of the nation …

Bringing Green Homes Within Reach: Healthier Housing for More People

Gaze upon the Helliers’ half-built house in Bristol, Vermont, and you might think you’re looking at an ordinary home construction project. Table saws, building materials, and piles of earth lie around the newly framed dwelling, while a crew of carpenters mills around the site, dressed for warmth in the chilly …