Great Article in The Denver Post - When you remodel, start with an energy audit.

Seven things to consider before starting a home remodeling project

Posted:   09/01/2012 12:01:00 AM MDT

By Susan Clotfelter
The Denver Post

1. Start with an energy audit

2. Saving drops and dollars

3. Insulation, well done

4. Trees, green by definition

5. Window shopping

6. Analyze heating/cooling systems

7. Alternative cool      

Read more: Seven things to consider before starting a home remodeling project - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/style/ci_21445784?source=pop#ixzz25tVB0ATL
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Learn more about remodeling with energy savings and comfort in mind at:

Here’s a few more inexpensive but highly effective ideas for you: 

1.      Ridge Vents/Attic Ventilation:  We all know that the roof is supposed to keep the house dry and provide shade, but due to miserably inadequate building codes we now have roofs that literally “bake” the home with 150+ degree temperatures in the attic all summer long.  

2.       Reflective Low-E Window Film on west facing windows.  As an energy auditor, I have found that low-e glass was not consistently installed in new homes until about 2005.  Overheated upper levels in homes with lots of east and west facing glass can benefit from reducing the solar gain through those windows. 

3.       Update the fan motor in your existing furnace.  Did you know that the only difference between an old refrigerator and a new one is the “DC Brushless” motor that runs the compressor.  The old motors are “permanent split capacitor” motors and they use twice the electricity as the new ones.  The same upgrade can be made to the fan motor that circulates air throughout the house when the furnace or air conditioner is running.  The old “PSC” motors usually use between 500 and 1000 watts, compared to about half that of the newer motors.  The costs is around $500 for parts and labor and the energy savings will pay for the unit in less than 5 years.  Cities like Boulder and Fort Collins offer rebates that cover $150 to $250 of that costs, bringing the payback period down to less than 3 years.

Learn More at www.ThisEfficientHouse.com