A Five-Point (Energy) Plan for Just About Any Home (WP)

[jpak]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/22/AR2008022201319.html

It's easier than you think to make your house more environmentally friendly.

Simple changes can save resources and energy and perhaps help slow global warming. A growing demand for energy efficiency led design trends measured by the American Institute of Architects' home-design survey for the second quarter of 2007.

The group's chief economist, Kermit Baker, said that a panel of 500 architecture firms found high demand for insulation panels, tankless water heaters, geothermal heating and cooling, and green flooring products such as bamboo and cork.

Warren, Vt., architect John Connell, a member of the institute's housing committee, said the No. 1 question he gets from confused homeowners is where to start.

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[hobbit709]

1. My problem is "Where do I get the money?"

We drive a 1986 Subaru and a 1992 Toyota truck. I've replaced 95% of my lights with fluorescents. I make about $600/mo and I'm not disabled/old enough for disability and my wife just got terminated from where she's been for 31 years. We haven't gone anywhere out of town except for funerals for about 8 years. We still have 6 years to go on the mortgage.

[Delphinus]

2. That's my question, too, hobbit.

Even though I've not any money to make further changes (drive an eleven year old car, changed all my lights to CFL, turned down my heat) I've talked with a technician about tankless water heaters. My house is over 50 years old and they said it would cost a fortune to make the change. The tankless are best for when building new homes, not molding into existing homes.

I would love some insulation - but can't even afford that.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[hobbit709]

4. Right!!!

:rofl: :rofl:

[jpak]

5. Need one?? PM me (I'll send some Allen's along with it)

:rofl:

[NNadir]

6. No thanks. I earn my money.

My father left me a broken razor, an ill fitting suit, an unwritten instruction manual on how to be a father, and my intellect.

My father taught me that it is wrong to take money that doesn't come from my own efforts. Thus I don't take money that doesn't come from my own efforts, particularly money that is morally stained with indifference and ignorance.