Remodeling: Energy Star

Easy Install: Air King Snap-In BFQF Fan/Light Combination

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:15:30 EST

One person can easily install this quiet ventilation fan with a built-in mounting bracket.

Certifiably Skilled: Certification After the Demise of Home Star

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:08:14 EST

Just how important is certification now that Home Star is gone? Many remodelers still see value in having their employees certified in home performance contracting.

Inventive Incentives: REMODELING Takes a Look at the Alternatives to Home Star

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:59:49 EST

Some remodelers are making the most of government incentives to improve the performance of existing U.S. housing stock — and to boost their bottom line.

Energy Stars: These Remodelers Made the Most of Various Grants and Programs for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:59:45 EST

Home Star may be gone, but all is not lost. There are still abundant options for remodelers who want to capitalize on home performance work.

How to Sell Green Upgrades: Exhaust Fans

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:55:45 EST

There are three important words when it comes to upgrading bathroom exhaust fans: “Energy Star” and “location.”

Franchise Program Takes the Guesswork Out of Green Remodeling

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:27:44 EST

Colorado builders rejuvenate their business model thanks to a new franchise system that encourages and provides resources for high-performance retrofits.

Disappointing Energy Savings for Energy Star Homes

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:38:01 EST

If you’re wondering how well Energy Star homes really perform, a recent study conducted by Advanced Energy and Michael Blasnik Associates looks into the question of whether Energy Star Homes actually use less energy than baseline homes.

Facing the Future: What's in Store for the Remodeling Industry as the National Economy Gains Momentum

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:37:17 EST

The remodeling industry is poised for a recovery, but challenges remain. Here's a look at the key hurdles to overcome and how some remodelers are tackling them head-on.

Philips Predicts LEDs Will Take 50% of Lighting Market by 2015

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:36:50 EST

Philips has announced that its Ambient LED 12.5 watt light bulb — which the company says lasts 25 times longer and uses 80% less energy than the 60 watt incandescent bulb — attained Energy Star qualifications. It’s the first LED light bulb of this type to gain approval in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-sponsored program. Energy Star-sanctioned products are usually eligible for utility rebate programs that can lower the cost of a product for consumers, while allowing a company to keep its margins strong. (TechCrunch)

Energy Star’s Superstar Tier

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:35:00 EST

Last year, a government watchdog agency exposed Energy Star's flaws by submitting fictitious appliances (such as an air cleaner with a feather duster attached) for certification. Those appliances got certified, prompting calls for reform. Now Energy Star is demanding third-party verification of efficiency claims and is creating a "superstar" rating for the most efficient appliances. (American Public Media)

Cut Energy Subsidies, Pay for Home Star

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:34:17 EST

"The Home Star bill — introduced last year as a means to create jobs by providing incentives for home energy-efficiency improvements, was projected to cost $6 billion over two years, make 3.3 million American homes more energy efficient, and create 168,000 jobs, while saving homeowners an estimated total of $9.4 billion over 10 years — is pretty much dead in the water right now. But when it comes to reforming our energy subsidy system, this particular political moment may be the best we can hope for. So, how do we go about paying for Home Star?" (Energy Circle)

R-5: A Window on the Future

Thu, 7 Feb 2013 11:33:13 EST

The DOE's R-5 Windows Volume Purchase Program is abour more than saving money.

Green Inspiration: Sparking Interest in Energy Efficient Building in North Carolina

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:20:25 EST

A contractor hopes his spec home and remodeling project spark homeowner interest in energy-efficiency and green building practices.

Home Star Stalled: Legislation Gets Held up in Congress

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:12:58 EST

The Home Star program introduced earlier this year is on hold in Congress.

Roxul Energy Star-Rated ComfortBatt Insulation

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:12:49 EST

Helping to reduce energy bills up to 20%, ComfortBatt R15 and R23 insulation has earned the Energy Star label.

Home Performance Resources for Remodelers

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:36:46 EST

Links to energy retrofit organization websites and other online home performance resources.

Back to School: Home Performance Certifications

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:36:36 EST

Many remodelers believe that there is a legitimate need for home performance certifications, specifically.

Local Level: A Look at Some Specific Weatherization Programs

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 10:07:12 EST

Local weatherization programs gear up to help homeowners finance energy-efficient upgrades.

Building a Future: Effects of the Home Star Bill on Remodeling

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:36:35 EST

Will passage of the Home Star Energy Retrofit bill put remodelers back to work or out of work?

Building Science: Putting Tightness to the Test

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:05:09 EST

Guidelines for interpreting blower-door test results.