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DIY Video Series - Project Green Team

We’ve pulled together a list from the community of DIY energy saving video ideas. We’re to the point where we’re going to be executing on creating these videos and we wanted your feedback on the following items. What’s the best topic (from the list below)? Can you contribute/are you an expert that wants to be in one or multiple episodes of the video series?  What are we missing? Take a look at the list below and let us know what you think.

 

  1. How to test for heat leakage around doors and windows
  2. Energy Audit
  3. Weather-stripping doors to keep out drafts
  4. Installing interior storm windows
  5. Covering windows with plastic
  6. Installing low flow aerators on faucets
  7. Installing low flow shower heads
  8. Installing dual-flush conversion kits
  9. Turning down the water heater
  10. Installing a programmable thermostat and programming it
  11. Building a lightweight attic access door thermal cover using standard 1.5" rigid insulation and CA. 30 minute job, lots of potential savings
  12. Installing fiber glass batts in the roof
  13. Installing and monitoring simple solar panel kit.
  14. LED lighting interior and exterior
  15. Install motion sensors for lighting
  16. Insulate water heater
  17. Installing house fans
  18. Install tight fitting insulated window shades
  19. Rebates and Tax credits
  20. Seal and insulate ducts - ducts needs to be tested - energy audit
  21. Bleed trapped air from water heater
  22. Solar reflective paint
  23. Testing appliances
  • Sean Wednesday, January 27, 2010

    How about renewable energy? It's at least worth an overview or mention. It would be nice to see something on rooftop solar panels, solar water heaters, or small wind turbines here. Also, large home improvement stores are now selling DIY solar panels (electrical experience required!). It might be good to touch on those as well. Passive solar (window) heating is also a good topic.

    Other topics that might be of interest, but are perhaps a bit more specialized are geothermal heat pumps (or just regular heat pumps), trombe walls, and natural sun lighting (sky lights). 

    I'm looking forward to seeing the final product!
    Sean

  • Elliott Thursday, January 28, 2010

    Sean,

    Those are some great ideas - I'm planning on covering solar panels are there any of the DIY solar panels that you would like us to cover?

    Thanks for the feedback!

    Elliott

  • William John Thursday, January 28, 2010

    Hello,
    I am a certified HERS (whole house rater/home energy audits) and a certified real estate appraiser in california(AR006632).  I also do consulting on green and energy efficient retrofits for existing homes.  There is currently an oversupply of regular average every day homes, however, there is not an oversupply of green homes that have been extensively refurbished.  It is critical for a homeowner when completing a green retrofit to factor in the return on investment (ROI) and the additional market value of the upgrades for loan purposes.  We are a debt leveraged society in a major credit crunch.  Therefore, it is of great importance for the homeowner to integrate into their thinking and strategy when completing a retrofit the true financial benefits. They need to factor how an appraiser will value those upgrades in the market for loan purposes.  The different entities at all levels of government and private lending institutions/investors are reviewing and rewriting guidelines to factor in these green retrofits for loan purposes.  The experienced green oriented appraiser is going to play an absolutely critical role in this process. A video series on your site would be a great addition that nobody is currently addressing.

    Thank you, and have a nice day.

  • Elliott Thursday, January 28, 2010

    Sean,

    Those are some great ideas - I'm planning on covering solar panels are there any of the DIY solar panels that you would like us to cover?

    Thanks for the feedback!

    Elliott

  • Elliott Thursday, January 28, 2010

    William John

    What do you see as the top five retrofits that a home owner can make to help reduce their energy consumption?


  • Karl Meinhardt Friday, January 29, 2010

    How about a DC charger audit throughout the home? How power supplies are arranged and left plugged in can add up to significant energy usage over a year.

    Helping people understand how to manage and arrange their computer/cell phone, pda, montior, router, modem, hub, and blue tooth chargers might be of use. I would be interested to know how many people:
    1. know that a plugged in charger still drains electricity, and
    2. just leave chargers plugged in round the clock.


  • Elliott Friday, January 29, 2010

    Karl,

    Those are some great suggestions! I'll definitely take them into consideration when shooting the video series - Also everyone that gives a suggestions and we use it in our videos we'll give you a shout out!


    Thanks - Elliott

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