Geothermal energy is the conversion of heat from within the earth for use as a renewable energy source.  The use of geothermal energy is growing at rate of 30% per year.  See informative graphic below  that I believe is a great way to better understand this growing ‘green’ energy.  Learn more at WellHome.

Home Energy Audits by Wellhome.com

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I recently authored an article for eHow.com.  The article covers steps to save on home utility expenses such as electricity, water, natural gas and home heating oil.   Making these improvements will  save money  and help you feel good about being eco-friendly.  The key is to reduce usage of all your utilities.  Many of conservation tips can be done by a handyman or a handy DIYer.

Read the full article at eHow.com.

Free Green Building Trade Show in Raleigh Thursday, September 9th, 2010. Open to contractors and homeowners.
6th Annual GreenNC Green Building Tradeshow www.GreenNCtradeshow.com

McKimmon Center, NC State University, Raleigh, NC
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Tradeshow open 9am – 5pm
Luncheon at Noon with Featured Speaker
Learn more at www.GreenNCtradeshow.com

The HomeStar Bill is currently moving through congress.  This week it pass the House of Representatives with bi-partisan support.  The bill would provide incentives for home weatherization projects to homeowners.  A similar version of the House bill is currently in the Senate.

Designed as an incentive and a way to promote the benefits of efficiency retrofitting in existing homes, the HomeStar Program is getting more attention from the White House.   Of the130 million US homes, two-thirds or 80 million are 30 years old or more.  Older homes more so than newer homes have insulation and weather sealing challenges that if resolved could help homeowners reduce their utility costs and save energy.

See my previous posts related to this topic at http://housefixer.info/wordpress/2010/03/08/update-on-cash-for-caulkers-homestar-program/ and http://housefixer.info/wordpress/2010/02/05/home-star-coalition-cash-for-caulkers/ and http://housefixer.info/wordpress/2009/11/20/cash-for-caulkers/

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Through the US governments Recovery Program, $300 million in rebates is available for replacement of older appliances with new energy efficient models.    The U.S. Department of Energy is in process of approving state rebate programs.  To learn more, visit the DOE website.

The state of North Carolina has received $8.8 million and will provide rebates of 15%  for EnergyStar approved appliances purchased between April 22-25, 2010.  To learn more, view the fact sheet on the NC Energy office website.

*UPDATE 3-11-10* I  spoke with a consultant at the NC Energy office and they stated that the rebate is an instant rebate awarded at the Point of Sale.  No paperwork or forms are required, and no waiting to get a rebate check in the mail.  Go to an appliance store of your choosing between April 22-25, 2010, and get your 15% at time of purchase.

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Designed as an incentive and a way to promote the benefits of efficiency retrofitting in existing homes, the HomeStar Program is getting more attention from the White House.   Of the130 million US homes, two-thirds or 80 million are 30 years old or more.  Older homes more so than newer homes have insulation and weather sealing challenges that if resolved could help homeowners reduce their utility costs and save energy.

Read the full fact sheet here.

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See full report in NYT article.

One low VOC paint that wasn’t covered in the article that deserves a look is Harmony made by Sherwin-Williams.

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Boulder Colorado is a city challenging itself to be ‘greener’ Read more in article from WSJ.

EnergStar Logo

Efficiency First is a national nonprofit trade association that unites the Home Performance workforce, building product manufacturers and related businesses and organizations in the escalating fight against global warming and rising energy costs. Efficiency First represents its members in public policy discussions at the state and national levels, to promote the benefits of efficiency retrofitting and to help our industry grow to meet unprecedented demand for quality residential energy improvements.

Join the HOME STAR Coalition at Efficiency First

Learn more at EfficiencyFirst.org.

This week a webinar sponsored by Qualified Remodeler and others on the proposed federal program, HomeStar (Cash for Caulkers) was held.  HomeStar is still a proposal and not an actual program.  It still has to be passed by Congress and signed by the President.  It does propose to create new greener jobs and provide incentives for homeowners/contractors to perform work to save energy in homes.

Here is a link to the slides HomeStar.  You may also watch a recording of the webinar.