Triangle Sustainability Blog

In a previous post, I questioned the effectiveness of the government’s notorious Cash for Clunkers program. While that program might have been a dud, another stimulus idea is percolating in policy circles that might have more merit: a Cash for Caulkers program.

Here are some of the details from the N Y Times article:

The official name of the program would be Homestar, playing off the name Energy Star, a government program that promotes energy-efficient appliances.

It would cost $23 billion over two years. Of that, $6 billion would go to incentives to people who did at least two significant weatherization projects — such as air sealing, insulation, new light bulbs and new appliances. Homestar would have a list of 10 such projects. Households that did at least two would be eligible for up to $2,000. Households that did four would be eligible for up to $3,500. The government money could not pay for more than half of any project.

The nice part about this scheme is that it would actually focus on making some of the most valuable energy improvements a homeowner can do – sealing and insulating their home – rather than purchasing new trucks from the sputtering car makers. Cash for Caulkers scheme also has a lot of potential to put idle construction workers to good use, so it probably would help with job creation on some level. And the energy savings in many cases will pay for themselves within a few years time.

At Triangle Sustainability, energy audits and home (or business) weatherization are one of our core services for our customers. Our energy audit will help you identify where energy savings in your home exist and what the best methods are to fix them. Then you can either make the improvements yourself or hire us to come do them for you.

Ready to get started with an audit? E-mail us today at info@trianglesustainability.com and we’ll set up a time to come visit your home!

Fall is in the air. Even in North Carolina, the change in seasons is noticeable with crisp winds, the earlier onset of dusk and chilly morning air. And while cooler weather means looking forward to trick-or-treating, Thanksgiving feasts and the Christmas holidays, it also means it’s time to think about all the cold air that can seep into your home, reducing your coziness factor and overall energy efficiency.

For the average homeowner, a few basic do-it-yourself projects can make a huge difference in terms of comfort and energy savings. One of the best top-to-bottom guides on getting your home’s envelope well sealed is called “Insulate and Weatherize” by Bruce Harley.

Harley does a fantastic job of stepping through some of the most important energy spaces in your home, such as the attic, basement, crawl space, kneewalls and windows, and he makes getting them sealed and insulated understandable for everyone.

Another nice guide to saving energy in your home is the Consumer Reports guide to reducing energy costs. Although this book has a broader scope than Harley’s, it doesn’t have as many great ideas or step you through the work as nicely.

If you’ve already done your best to seal your home and you’re ready to take the next step in pursuing energy efficiency – or if you’re not the do-it-yourself type of person – now is a great time to contact Triangle Sustainability for an energy audit.

An energy audit will help you find places that you missed in your insulating and sealing projects. But it will also provide you information on replacing appliances, solar and other renewable energy possibilities and how an energy management system can help you visualize, understand and reduce your energy usage. So wherever you’re at right now, start making the proper plans to make your home more energy efficient so you can save money and stay warm as the weather gets cooler.