Affiliated Organizations
Energy Efficient Homes
Does Foam Insulation Really Cost More?
An effective, continuous air barrier system assists in controlling air movement into and out of your home. The heating and air conditioning systems work more efficiently. You save money!
The United States Department of Energy estimates “uncontrolled” air leakage can account for 30% or more of a home’s heating and cooling costs, and contribute to problems with moisture.
Air can go straight through glass fiber and cellulose, but it can’t go through COMFORT FOAM® closed-cell technology. It is more than just insulation – it also provides an air barrier to properly seal your home.
Megan Luckan from Superior Insulation says “Closed cell foam gives high R value and air sealing and is the best bang for the buck, when it comes to thermally insulating your home”.
When considering building to a green standard (Energy Star, Build Green Utah, LEED for Homes), check the additional points gained with your choice of insulation. More important, check available rebates from Questar & Rocky Mountain Power and State or Federal tax credits that may apply. Enjoy greater comfort and lower utility costs for years to come!
At the end of the day, choosing Closed-Cell Foam is an easy decision.
For more information call Megan Luckan, Superior Insulation 801 972-3737 (cell) or MeganL@superiorinsulation.com
Blog post contributed by Tom Ward, Certified EcoBroker in Park City. For all Real Estate needs in Summit and Wasatch Counties, Tom can be found at UtahGreenHomes.com
Utah Renewable Energy Conference
Are you interested in learning more about Solar Energy? Have you considered converting your home to this energy efficient system? The paybacks might be quicker than you ever thought – especially now, since more than 50% of the cost of a new solar energy installation could be covered with available tax credits and the new rebate!
Come to the Salt Lake Community College this Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to learn more – for only $5.00 admission.
For details, please see www.utsolar.org
Now is the Time to Go Solar
Take advantage of the new renewable energy rebate for home & business owners while it lasts!
The Utah State Energy Program will be offering a new rebate for home and business owners that install solar energy. That means if you install solar energy on your home or business you could get a check in the mail for thousands of dollars back! This is a brand new program intended to stimulate economic growth and create jobs, but it won’t last forever and everyone will have questions about how it works. To help answer those questions and provide the info you need to take advantage of the new rebate while it is available, the Utah Solar Energy Association is hosting the Utah Renewable Energy Conference 2010 that will provide a physical location where you can come and learn about the new rebate and how much money it can save you. This event will be held on Saturday, March 27th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and it will be located at the Salt Lake Community College Miller Campus off I-15 at 9750 South in Sandy. Admission is $5 for an individual or $10 for a family, and your conference admission will get you $100 off a solar energy system from any of the solar installers participating in the conference! For more information and to register for the event visit www.utsolar.org.
Home Energy Monitor
One of the things I enjoy about being Salt Lake City’s “Green Realtor,” is meeting other great people involved in sustainable living. Last night I attended the Third Annual Fall Party and Fundraiser for HEAL Utah. In addition to an inspiring presentation given by the mayor of Greensburg, Kansas (the town that was leveled by a tornado in May, 2007 – and in the process of being rebuilt as a highly sustainable town), I also met several representatives from other green businesses offering exciting solutions.
Of all the things available to improve your home’s energy efficiency, I became more educated last night on one simple device that can make a big difference in energy consumption – a simple device that attaches to your power meter, and gives real-time feedback on the amount of electricity your home is using. Information is power – and once you know how much your behaviors are costing you, it might cause simple lifestyle modifications that will translate to more $$$ in your pocket!
Contact me to learn more: 801 680-4325 or Beverly@SLCGreenHomes.com
Utah Ranks High for Energy Efficient Homes
While energy-efficient homes are becoming important to home buyers and homeowners, a recent report from the Environmental Protection Agency gives Utah high marks for getting onboard with this trend. Utah ranked 15th nationally for the number of Energy Star rated homes. I ask: “how do we become number ONE?”
SLC Green Homes specializes in helping homeowners, and home-buyers, identify ways to make their homes more efficient and healthier. Simple changes to a home, such as insulation and energy efficient windows, can make a home much more comfortable and give a valuable return on investment.
Save Energy by Slaying “Energy Vampires”
On Halloween, I figure it’s appropriate to slay vampires…energy vampires! These vampires are all the things you have plugged in that use energy even when they’re turned off. And they’re costing you a lot of money: up to 20% of your electric bill, and costing Americans about $10 billion per year. If this energy wasn’t wasted, we could shut down 30 coal-fired power plants.
How can you cut down on energy vampires?
- Use the energy-saving features built into most computers.
- Unplug energy-sucking appliances when they’re not in use.
- Purchase a “kill-a-watt” device to measure the energy consumption of your home appliances and electronics when turned on and turned off.
- Next time you need a new appliance, purchase one that is Energy Star rated.
See www.sierraclub.org/gtips for more tips for energy efficiency.
