In a series of articles published in Remodeling magazine, Mark Richardson, president of Case Design/Remodeling was interviewed about the challenges of attracting new talent into the building trades, which were facing an aging workforce and an overall shortage of qualified professionals, even as unemployment percentages began to climb.

He said, “‘Our biggest crop of talent hasn’t been young fellows coming out of vocational school, but owners who are surrendering’—who still love the craft but are worn down, in many cases, by the stresses of running a business in a softening market.”  He went on to say that ex-owners of traditional single source building trade companies were ‘surrendering’ for stability, benefits and growth potential.  He cited the need for programs that could ‘identify their real strengths to engage their passions.’

DON’T SURRENDER!

Since that article’s publication, the remodeling marketplace has seen some interesting shifts through the creation of niche markets  in energy efficiency and green building design, and savvy solutions providers like Home Energy Team, LLC have come onto the scene with innovative licensed partnership programs to afford local business owners in the building trades to hold onto the businesses they’ve already built,  and grow them to the next level, effectively making the transition from ‘expert technician’ to ‘confident, profitable entrepreneur.’

 Most general contractors and specialty trade contractors are self-employed with only one or two employees, yet statistics from a recent Joint Center for Housing Studies report show that “many of them are struggling as they use the downtime in the new home construction market to update their information technology and communica­tions systems, and focus more on marketing and branding to attract new customers.

Pushing an elephant uphill or herding 10,000 cats is easier than that tall order!

TAKE the TEAM APPROACH

The 2^nd article in the Remodeling series added “In the highly fragmented remodeling industry, some of the most successful solutions to the skilled worker shortage are emerging from the bottom up, in modest but resourceful endeavors launched at the local level.”

That’s EXACTLY what Home Energy Team’s business model offers.

Without business coaching and simplified business management systems, many of the small businesses that have already survived one of the worst economic downturns in history could end up wasting thousands of dollars on infrastructure, and inadvertently removing themselves from where they need to be:  in front of the customer, generating leads, moving forward to increased profitability. 

Home Energy Team is looking for hard working, dedicated building trade practitioners who have the drive, desire and work ethic to join our team. We can help YOU launch a local career in weatherization backed by the shared national resources and tools you need to stay afloat.  Contact us today.

Sources:

Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.  “A New Decade of Growth for Remodeling: Improving America’s Housing 2011”

Remodeling – “Off the Radar,” January 3, 2008, Leah Thayer.

Remodeling – “Back on Track,” February 1, 2008

While the residential new home market continues to struggle, new studies from the Joint Center for Housing Studies included some encouraging news regarding homeowner spending on Energy Tax Credit Projects and green retrofit projects.

The data indicates that remodelers have repositioned themselves into niche markets to follow the consumers’ lead, working on energy efficient projects and other types of green remodeling to rehabilitate distressed properties.

Selling your home?  It’s still a tough time for the seller, but a wonderful time for the buyer.  Still, many families are opting to rent.  Are you still holding onto that rental property aged 20-30 years in a Sunbelt state?   If so, you could be eligible for some federal or state energy tax credits.

The share of home improvement contractors reporting that they worked on projects eligible for federal energy tax credits jumped from 40-60% between 2009 and 2010.

State tax credits vary from state to state, but federal tax credits remain consistent among all states.  Want to find out what is available in your area?  Try www.dsireusa.org

Good news from the 2011 RESNET conference in Orlando!   Much has already been accomplished within the energy efficiency and building performance industry associations to reach out and create partnerships with ‘single source’ trade associations in the interest of streamlining the selection process for residential consumers and business owners alike, when they attempt to make their buildings more energy efficient without compromising other systems in the process.   

The guy with the pickup and the chainsaw is OUT.  Certified, EnergySmart Contractors are IN.   

The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), and the Building Performance Institute (BPI), have forged a number of partnerships individually and collectively to create training agreements that will allow practitioners in ‘single source’ trades such as HVAC, insulation, air sealing and indoor air quality remediation to cross train, communicate (yes that’s right), and collaborate, (uh huh), to better serve their customers and to maximize the performance of America’s buildings.  

Most recently, North American Technician Excellence (NATE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with RESNET [O1] to encourage its certified technicians to become RESNET Certified EnergySmart Contractors.  NATE is the nation’s largest non-profit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians.

If you are considering energy efficiency improvements anytime soon, do yourself a favor and do your homework.  Seek out the RESNET Certified EnergySmart Contractors in your area to do the work.

Glass is a very poor insulator, allowing excessive energy loss. But some windows are better at reducing heat loss (or gain, depending on your climate). These features improve a window’s energy efficiency:

* Double glazing – Two panes of glass are better than one! Double glazing reduces heat loss by 50%.

* Gas-Filled Double Glazing – The space between the two panes of glass is filled with an inert gas, usually argon. The gas conducts less heat than air, which improves energy efficiency by around 5%.

* Low-E Glass – Low-E, or low-emissivity, glass has an invisible coating which reduces the amount of heat that is allowed to pass through. Double glazed low-E windows can reduce heat loss by an additional 18% compared to double glazing alone. Low-E windows also block UV rays which protects your furnishings and photos from premature fading.

Each of these features increases your window’s energy efficiency – but by combining them you get the most benefit. Double glazed, argon-filled low-E windows can reduce window heat loss by around 73%.

Look for the ENERGY STAR

The ENERGY STAR designation is given to windows (and other building materials, appliances and equipment) that meet specific energy efficiency criteria.

The energy performance of windows is affected by climate, so different criteria have been established for four U.S. climate zones. Be sure that the windows you choose qualify in your climate zone. Check the ENERGY STAR label to verify that your area is highlighted on the climate zone map.

Beyond the ENERGY STAR

Even amongst ENERGY STAR qualified windows, there are variations in energy efficiency. The two most important factors to consider are U-Factor and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC).

* U-Factor – A measure of the insulating value, or the rate of heat transfer through the window. This is particularly important in cold climates. A lower the U-factor indicates a lower amount of heat loss, and better insulating efficiency.

* Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) – Solar heat gain is an important consideration in hot climates, where the goal is to keep the home cool. A low SHGC indicates less solar heat gain (allowing in less heat from the sun), which puts less demand on your air conditioning system and saves energy – and saves money on your cooling costs.

Ask your Home Energy Team expert about energy efficient window solutions for your home. Schedule a Home Energy Analysis Today!

Solar water heaters are very common throughout the world, outside of North America. It is the main source of heated water in Africa and Asia.

The solar water heaters we recommend are more affordable than most, and qualify for federal and state tax incentives and rebates. Solar energy used to heat the water is clean and reusable. It decreases your consumption of fossil fuels which reduces air and water pollution.

Advantages of Our Recommended Solar Water Heaters

Reduced Energy Costs – The free hot water produced by the recommended solar hot water system should be able to supply most of your hot water needs.

Qualifies for Tax Credits/Incentives – Most solar water heater systems qualify for federal and state incentives.

Works on Cloudy Days – The system uses UV light rather than a full spectrum of sunlight, to provide hot water with any amount of daylight.

Works in Most Climates – The system will provide ample hot water anywhere there is a sufficient number of daylight hours.

Extends Tank Life – The unique water pumping system prevents sediment from settling at the bottom of the tank (the common cause of corrosion), which prolongs the life of the water tank.

Increased Property Value – The installation of the solar water heating system makes your property more desirable and increases the property value.

Environmental Protection – Reduced use of fossil fuels eases your organization’s impact on the environment.

Excellent Value – The recommended system was designed to be an affordable solution for homeowners.

Easy Installation – Its simple structure makes it easy to assemble and install.

Ask your Home Energy Team expert for guidance on solar water heaters. Schedule a Home Energy Analysis Today!

Attic Fan Removes Attic Heat and Moisture
Among the least expensive and most cost-effective ways to reduce your attic temperature is by installing an attic fan, which pulls the hot air from the attic and draws it outside. Traditional attic fans are powered by your home’s electric system – so while you’re reducing electricity consumption by cooling your attic, you’re consuming additional electricity to power the fan. But, now there’s a better way…

Solar Attic Fan is Free to Operate
By using a solar-powered attic fan, you have the advantage of cooling your attic while using the sun to power the fan. So you save electricity without having to use electricity. Solar-powered attic fans run faster when the sun is shining brightest and producing the most heat, and slow down when the sun’s rays aren’t shinning as brightly, and producing less heat.

Benefits of Solar Attic Fans
While saving money and being more comfortable in your home are important benefits, consider all the benefits of solar attic fans:
* Save money on air conditioning costs
* Make your house more comfortable
* Extend the life of your roof
* Prevent mold growth and fungal decay
* Reduce the chance of ice dams
* Extend life of a/c equipment and reduce the chance of breakdowns
* Free to operate
* Pays for itself in approx. 2 years with energy savings

If you’re interested in keeping your home cooler in the summer while reducing your energy bills, a solar-powered attic fan is the answer. They’re affordable, effective and time proven.

Your Home Energy Team expert can provide guidance to help you find the right attic fan. Schedule a Home Energy Analysis Today!

If you are finding it difficult to keep your home cool in the summer, especially the upper floors, there are a few possible explanations. It could be that your air conditioner doesn’t have enough power to provide sufficient cooling. You could have leaks or blockages in your ductwork that prevent cooled air from reaching some rooms in your home. Or it could be a lack of insulation in the walls, poorly performing windows, or air leaks. But if your air conditioner is properly sized and functioning correctly, and you can rule out these other conditions, then the problem is most certainly coming from your attic.

Heat Build-Up in Attic
It is very common for heat to build up in the attic – sometimes to 140 degrees or higher – and then seep down into your living space. Air leaks and insufficient insulation on the attic floor can intensify the problem.

Reducing the temperature in your attic is among the best ways to make your home more comfortable and lower your home’s cooling costs. Consider sealing air leaks, adding insulation and improving attic ventilation, which will help reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. Beyond that, it can help tremendously to keep the heat out of the attic in the first place. How? With radiant barriers.

What is a Radiant Barrier?

A radiant barrier is a reflective surface that literally reflects the heat that hits your roof, back out of the roof, rather than down into your attic. This is one of the simplest and most innovative ways to reduce the amount of heat in your attic.

Reduce Attic Heat
Radiant barriers can reduce the temperature of the hottest of attics by over 40 degrees, bringing a stifling hot 135 degree attic down to a more manageable 95 degrees.

Radiant barriers come in various forms, but some are simpler and less expensive in reducing attic heat in an existing home and prevent it from seeping down into the living space below.

Your attic still won’t be the best place to store chocolate or spend your summer afternoons, but the lower temperature, when combined with proper ceiling insulation, will reduce the heat beating into your home – and you’ll save money because your air conditioning system won’t have to work as hard.

Ask your Home Energy Team expert about the best radiant barrier solutions for your home. Schedule a Home Energy Analysis Today!

LED technology has improved dramatically over the past few years, and residential LED lights are now available in a variety of brightnesses and colors. You can choose the right bulbs for each room – softer tones for the living room or bedrooms and brighter lights for the kitchen or office.

Advantages of LED Lighting

Use Less Energy – LED lights use 90% less energy than incandescent lights, 75% less energy than compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL), and 50% less energy than fluorescent tubes.

No Hazardous Materials – LED lights do not contain any toxic chemicals. By contrast, fluorescent lights contain mercury, a toxic substance which poses a health risk with exposure to a broken bulb or tube. Disposal of fluorescent bulbs creates an environmental hazard when the mercury seeps into the ground water.

Durability – LED lights are shock-resistant. Even a minor strike to incandescent or fluorescent bulbs will cause breakage, but LED lights will continue to work.

Long Life – An LED light lasts around 30 years. During the lifespan of a single LED, you would need to replace an incandescent bulb 30 times and a CFL 8 times. The lifespan of incandescent and fluorescents is decreased by turning the light on and off. LEDs are not affected.

Use Dimmer – LED lights are naturally suited to dimming (by using less voltage and less power). They are compatible with major dimmer manufacturers, and there is no humming noise. You can use a dimmer with some CFL bulbs, but they tend to be very expensive and create a humming noise.

Low Heat – A significant proportion of the energy consumed by incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs is turned into heat, which increases your air conditioning expenses. LED lights do not produce a significant amount of heat.

Slow Fade – Whereas incandescent and fluorescent bulbs fail instantly, requiring immediate replacement, LED lights fade slowly over time, allowing you to plan a replacement strategy over a matter of years.

Ask your Home Energy Team expert about LED lighting options.

Schedule a Home Energy Analysis Today!

* Save money on your energy bills. Inadequate insulation is a leading cause of energy waste in most American homes.
* Be more comfortable. Reduce hot/cold areas; stay cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
* Reduce your dependence on limited energy resources. As supply is limited, costs rise.
* Reduce your impact on the environment. Energy production harms the environment. Use less and help the planet.

How Much Can I Save?

The amount of energy – and money – you can save depends on several factors:

* Your local climate
* House characteristics (size, shape, age, construction materials, orientation, window types and density).
* Efficiency of your heating and cooling systems
* Type of fuel used. As fuel cost increases, so do your savings!
* Your family’s living habits, energy usage patterns

How Insulation Works

Insulation works by reducing the movement of air, to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. More specifically, air moves naturally from a warmer space to a cooler place. So in winter, the heated air inside your home wants to escape to the outside, or to the unheated spaces of your home, such as the attic, crawl space or garage. Insulation helps to keep the warm air from escaping, which prevents your heating source from working unnecessarily.

In the summer, the opposite is true. As hot outdoor air tries to infiltrate your home, insulation prevents the heat transfer so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you comfortable.

What is the Best Type of Insulation?

There is no single right answer to this question. There is only a best type for your specific needs, which depends on several factors, including:

* Amount of insulation required
* Accessibility of the space to be insulated
* Amount of space available for the insulation
* Price and availability of various types of insulation
* Personal preferences and considerations

When comparing different insulation products (batt, blanket, loose fill, low-density foam and reflective), it is important to compare equal R-values.

What is an R-Value?
The R-Value of insulation is its amount of thermal resistance, or its ability to resist heat flow. A higher R-value means greater insulating effectiveness. The R-value of insulation depends on the type of material, its thickness and its density. To calculate the R-value of multiple layers of insulation, simply add the R-values of the individual layers.

Your Home Energy Team expert can help you choose the right insulation for your needs.  Schedule a Home Energy Analysis Today!