1. Analyzing your Utility Bill

    A recent insulating and weather sealing project has taken place at our log home in Breckenridge.  I wanted to determine the percentage of change in energy consumption before and after the remodel.  There are always uncontrollable variables to consider when looking at your month to month utility bill (number of house guest, laundry, hot water, outdoor temperature).  I graphed the average outdoor temperature per month with the therms of natural gas used that month.  The slope of the graphed lines stayed fairly consistent in the months prior to the weatherization remodel, indicating a strong correlation between average outdoor air temperature and therms of energy used.  After sealing drafts and insulating a few empty wall cavities I calculated a 26% reduction in energy usage!  The cost of the repairs were fairly minor and repairs were implemented during the month being analyzed.  I am predicting an even greater reduction in energy use in the following months and next winter. 

    1 year ago  /  5 notes

  2. More insulating and weather sealing is taking place at the log home in Breckenridge, Colorado.  This was the coldest room in the house because these exposed cavities were void of insulation.  We used R-22 insulation and spray foam to stop air movement from getting under the concrete slab. 

    More insulating and weather sealing is taking place at the log home in Breckenridge, Colorado.  This was the coldest room in the house because these exposed cavities were void of insulation.  We used R-22 insulation and spray foam to stop air movement from getting under the concrete slab. 

    1 year ago  /  1 note

  3. Green Building Performance Goals

    Setting up a meeting to discuss goals for a building or remodeling project is important. Project goals can include: 

    • A small reductions in utility bills, (5% - 25%) usually involving weather sealing and insulation
    • Enhanced comfort - sealing drafty windows and doors for an evenly heated home.
    • Deep energy retrofit - involves a 40% to 60% reduction in utility bills. 
    • Energy Star Home.
    • Indoor air quality improvement.
    • Using green building materials and waste reduction to help the environment. 
    • Net zero home.

    1 year ago  /  1 note

  4. Solar News in Colorado

    The Xcel Energy Solar Rewards program is scheduled to restart in March.  Xcel Energy services front range Colorado and surrounding mountain communities.  Negotiations took place to secure an up front rebate of  $1.75/watt plus a four-cent per kWh performance based incentive for customer owned systems less than 10 kW. Small third party owned systems and mid sized systems will move to a performance based incentive. 60 MW of capacity was secured over the next year.  Contact Green Living Renovation and we can design a solar electric system that is right for you. 

    1 year ago  /  0 notes

  5. New Projects and Portfolio Page on GLR.com →

    Weatherization of a log home in Breckenridge, Colorado!

    1 year ago  /  0 notes

  6. Knowing where your building envelope is failing is an important step in reducing your utility bill and carbon foot print.  An energy audit makes this step easy with a visualization of the problem areas.  This is very important in the Colorado high country where cold winter winds can make leaky homes uncomfortable and expensive to heat. Take the first step and schedule an energy audit with us.

    Knowing where your building envelope is failing is an important step in reducing your utility bill and carbon foot print.  An energy audit makes this step easy with a visualization of the problem areas.  This is very important in the Colorado high country where cold winter winds can make leaky homes uncomfortable and expensive to heat. Take the first step and schedule an energy audit with us.

    1 year ago  /  0 notes

  7. This LED recessed light uses only 12 watts and provides ample light for this hallway.  This bulb is designed to last 50,000 hours and uses 85% less energy than conventional bulbs.  Choosing energy efficient products in a green building remodel is easy, it saves money in the long run and helps the environment.  

    This LED recessed light uses only 12 watts and provides ample light for this hallway.  This bulb is designed to last 50,000 hours and uses 85% less energy than conventional bulbs.  Choosing energy efficient products in a green building remodel is easy, it saves money in the long run and helps the environment.  

    1 year ago  /  2 notes

  8. Recharge Colorado

    The Governors Energy Office has such a great residential energy efficient program in Colorado. There are still more than $9 million available in rebates from the GEO for appliances, furnaces, water heaters, solar, wind and an array of services such as energy audits and duct sealing.  Contact Green Living Renovation and we can help you get all your energy saving rebates in order. 

    1 year ago  /  0 notes

  9. Solar rewards

    Xcel Energy just dropped their solar rewards program that will certainly slow down solar energy development in Colorado. Check back with us for more news on solar energy in Colorado.

    1 year ago  /  0 notes

  10. Green Building Science

    Viewing a house as a system of interrelated parts is the basis behind building science. Designing a green re-model requires; attention to energy loss from conversion, construction tailored to the environment surrounding the home, reducing air leaks in the building envelope, and controlling the movement of heat, air, and moisture.  Read more about Colorado green building basics at our website.

    1 year ago  /  1 note