By Patrick Keegan and Amy Wheeless I am considering installing solar, and a neighbor asked if I was going to have a “Zero Net Energy” Home. Can you explain what that is? A Zero Net Energy (ZNE), or Net-Zero, Home is one where all of the energy that is used in the home is completely offset by… Continue reading.

By Patrick Keegan I recently moved into a new home, and it feels drafty. I added weatherstripping to the doors and windows, but it doesn’t seem to have solved the problem. What additional steps I can take to increase comfort? The average home leaks about half of its air every hour through various cracks and… Continue reading.

By Patrick Keegan I keep hearing about home energy audits. How do they work, and will they save me money? Spending a few hundred dollars on an energy audit now could save you thousands of dollars over time. A home energy audit is a detailed assessment of your home that can give you a roadmap… Continue reading.

By Patrick Keegan I want to make my home more energy efficient, but some of the work needed is more than I can do by myself. When I’m hiring contractors to do these projects, how can I be sure that the work is of good quality? There are many contractors performing high-quality energy efficiency work…. Continue reading.

By Patrick Keegan I recently adopted a dog, but I work during the day. I want to make sure he stays comfortable without making my electrical bill go haywire. Can you offer any tips? Congratulations on your new furry family member! It’s a good idea to think about your energy bills. I remember working with… Continue reading.

by Patrick Keegan I’m considering purchasing a space heater to help warm my living room this winter instead of turning up my central heat. I saw one in the store that says it’s 100 percent efficient! What should I consider when choosing a space heater? It can be more cost-effective to run a space heater… Continue reading.

by James Dulley We don’t use the AC much during the summer because we prefer fresh air. During the winter, though, we have to close up and run the heat pump.What are some efficient methods to improve our indoor air quality now? If your family is used to having fresh air in the house, winter months… Continue reading.

by James Dulley When it’s cold out, my home feels very chilly, especially near the windows. I can’t afford energy-efficient replacement windows right now, so can you offer alternative options? If you feel chilly sitting near a window, you’re likely losing energy, which drives up your utility bills. This is also true during the summer… Continue reading.

For many of us, the best holidays involve home-cooked meals and wonderful aromas of turkey, stuffing and baked goods wafting throughout the house. It means a busy kitchen and a bustling house full of family and friends. It’s that Norman Rockwell image of “Freedom from Want” — a bountifully-set table surrounded by loved ones. With… Continue reading.

by James Dulley We have a new heat pump, but we have a problem keeping all of the rooms in our home comfortable. Someone is always too hot or too cool. What are some simple methods to even out the temperatures throughout the house? The problem you are experiencing is common, particularly in a two-story… Continue reading.

I plan to hire a contractor to make a few efficiency improvements to my home. I would like a better understanding of how a home loses and gains heat so that I am not persuaded into unnecessary projects. Can you help? It never hurts to arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible about the… Continue reading.

My black asphalt shingle roof needs to be replaced. I want to install a new roof that will last longer and help keep my home cooler during hot summer afternoons. What type of roof do you recommend? From the standpoint of a long life and keeping your home cooler, a black asphalt shingle roof is… Continue reading.