| Older houses typically suffer from the problems that | | | | 40% less energy than the average model sold in |
| have led to the current green building movement. Old | | | | 2001. Carpet is a major source of pollutants, allergens |
| houses are typically drafty and poorly insulated. | | | | and dirt and can be replaced with solid surface |
| Windows in older homes are nowhere near as | | | | flooring to improve air quality. Windows and doors |
| functional as modern ones. Additionally, finish materials | | | | that are more than ten years old can generally be |
| like paints, cabinets and furniture are normally | | | | greatly upgraded. These should be installed weather |
| manufactured with glues that contain formaldehyde, | | | | sealed on the exterior with peel-and-stick flashings |
| a known-carcinogen. These factors combine to | | | | and air sealed on the inside with non-expanding spray |
| create a house that is neither energy efficient nor | | | | foam. |
| healthy for occupants. | | | | Once an existing residence has had a full energy |
| Simple steps can be taken to improve a home's | | | | efficiency upgrade, then it is time to think about |
| energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The first | | | | renewable energy resources. The sun is the most |
| place to start is with Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs. | | | | abundant known source of energy and powers all life |
| A single CFL will save $30 over its lifetime; they use | | | | on this planet. Its power can be harnessed with a |
| 75% energy and last about 10 times as long as an | | | | solar hot water heater or a solar electric system. |
| incandescent. Insulating water lines is generally a | | | | Solar water heating is the most cost effective |
| half-day project and can be accompanied with a | | | | renewable energy system: water heating bills should |
| water heater insulation wrap. Air sealing is another | | | | drop from 50%-80%. Solar electric, photovoltaic, or |
| extremely low-cost, high payback project. Use an | | | | PV for short, is a great way to take the sun's |
| exterior grade caulk and/or non-expanding foam | | | | energy to power a house. New solar technology |
| sealant to close holes caused by pipes or gaps in | | | | emerges regularly but crystalline silicon solar cells still |
| framing. These three projects might take a single | | | | dominate the market. Renewable energy can reduce |
| Saturday and payback will be almost instantaneous. | | | | power bills but only after maximum efficiency has |
| Along with air-tightness, insulation is the single | | | | been attained. |
| greatest factor in a home's energy performance. Air | | | | Many options are available to owners of existing |
| sealing an existing residence combined with more | | | | residences to increase their homes energy efficiency |
| insulation will greatly improve efficiency. More | | | | and indoor air quality. These improvements can save |
| insulation generally starts in the attic: twelve inches of | | | | money and the health of loved ones, friends and |
| insulation, or R-38, is a minimum. Check to see if floor | | | | family. The impact of these choices is also far |
| systems are insulated. Floor cavities should be | | | | reaching. Electricity for this region comes mainly from |
| completely filled with insulation, the more, the better. | | | | the dirtiest fossil fuel: coal. Mountaintop removal is |
| Thinking about new siding? Insulation can be added to | | | | horrible! This is the practice of leveling a mountain, |
| the exterior of walls. Insulation is what holds heat in | | | | mainly in West Virginia and Kentucky, and dumping |
| during the winter and keeps it at bay during the | | | | the dirt into a valley. Duke Energy offers NC Green |
| summer. | | | | Power; as little as $4 a month will support alternative |
| A next tier of improvements would start with | | | | energy sources. Simple changes can have great |
| appliances; an Energy Star rated refrigerator uses | | | | impact! |