Information on making buildings more energy-efficient, including conserving electricity, natural gas and water, and efficient heating and cooling.
This post first ran in 2018. Summer is just around the corner, and while many of us are looking forward to lazy days by the pool with a good book (and lots of sunscreen), we’re also thinking about how we’re going to keep cool without breaking the bank or destroying the earth. Cooling
A cozy, crackling fire has long been a symbol of home – warmth, comfort, and even added property value. But a decade ago, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), responsible for protecting air quality across nine counties, began a controversial effort to regulate wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. So, it shouldn’t have come as
Every year, the debate rages about the clock switching ritual of daylight saving time as we chase the sunlight. We recently experienced the Spring Forward, with all its morning grogginess, sleep deprivation and for some people, the increased likelihood of strokes and heart attacks. That certainly can get us thinking about the effect sunlight has
There are lots of ways to increase your home's energy efficiency and reduce your impact on our environment, from small, simple changes to larger projects that may cost more up front but will save you money in the long run. Easy and Free These are the low-hanging fruit for increasing energy and water efficiency –
A Look at Commercial Space Changes through the Eyes of an Architect Every three years in California, the California Building Standards Code undergoes a comprehensive update. This cycle reflects the state’s commitment to enhancing safety, sustainability and innovation in construction. The latest code changes, most of which were announced in 2022, were implemented recently, one
High utility bills and growing anxiety about climate change might have you thinking about going solar. While the technology of the silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell has been with us since 1954 in the U.S., it didn’t take off as expected. According to the Energy Information Administration, as of 2020, only 3.7% of U.S. residences generated
Keeping warm is getting very expensive. December was the coldest in the Bay Area in 30 years. January rainstorms, followed by freezing temperatures, are bringing more cold weather in February. PG&E warns that consumers should expect their bills to be 32% higher than last year. Natural gas bills alone are five times higher in California
Thinking about installing a solar energy system? It's a great choice to take advantage of the abundance of sun we get in Marin and to increase the eco-friendliness of your home or business while potentially lowering your energy costs. So where do you start? These questions can help you decide if solar is right for
In a 2017 post, I mentioned converting to LED lighting as a simple way to improve your home's "green quotient." Today, I'll take a more in-depth look at LEDs and what you need to consider when converting from incandescent or CFL to LED bulbs. Why Convert to LED? Energy Savings - LED bulbs use at least
A version of this post first ran in 2017. I love my radiant heating. There’s nothing cozier on a chilly winter morning than a toasty warm floor greeting your cold feet. More and more, clients are asking me about radiant heat for their homes. What used to be thought of as a luxury is going
