Green Remodeling in Colorado

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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Weatherization of a log home in Breckenridge, Colorado!

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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.

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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.  

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Design for Efficient Lighting

To keep lighting loads down in the kitchen, use a mix of lighting sources designated for specific tasks.  It is important to light the counter tops more than the walk ways in a green kitchen remodel. Under cabinet LED lighting on a separate switch will provide excellent food prep task lighting.  For more information on efficient lighting design or other sustainable living advice, contact Green Living Renovation -- Breckenridge, Colorado.

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Recharge Colorado

One of our customers just received there rebate check for furnace duct sealing! Get a check for 40% or $150 max off the cost of sealing and insulating air ducts by Green Living Renovation.  The process is quick and painless and saves you money every month.  Pair this with an energy star programmable thermostat (rebate $15) and attic/wall insulation (rebate $300) and your wallet will thank you for years to come. Visit GreenLivingRenovation.com for details. 

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Green Remodeling Goals

GLR has many goals for our current remodeling project. They include water efficiency, sealing the building envelope, a kitchen upgrade with efficient lighting and appliances, and a solar electric array. Follow us for project updates, photos, and more.

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Lighting Options

LED Can lights in the kitchen can save hundreds in electricity cost over the life of the bulb. 

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home updates and progress

after a little weather sealing, the houses utility bill went down by $40. still more air leaks to plug.