Charlotte Clean & Green: Remodeling Priorities

Remodeling Priorities Checklist

Small Easy Projects for Energy and Water Savings

• Programmable Thermostat
• Compact Fluorescent lights
• 1.6 GPM Showerheads
• Rain Barrels
• Fix leaks
• Seal Duct leaks (Duct Mastic)
• Seal Attic floor penetrations (Caulk & Spray Foam)
• Seal other leaks (gaskets and caulk)
• Water Filter – mine is a Multi Pure but there are some other good brands

Medium investments and projects

• Low flush 1.6 gallon toilets, or better yet, dual flush toilets
• Energy Star water efficient Dish Washer (save 25%)
• Window Film from 3M that cuts heat gain
• Insulation (Attic, Crawlspace)
• Tankless (or On-Demand) water heater
• Deciduous trees to shade Southern exposures
• Tubular Skylights to bring in natural light
• Grey Water Recycling – Brac Systems
• Replace carpeting with hard flooring or non-toxic carpets
• Composite or FSC Teak Decking

Larger investments and projects

• Windows - Low E
• Energy Star Washer
• Energy Star Refrigerator
• Light colored or metal roof
• Radiant floor heating
• Solar Hot water
• Water Cistern
• Solar Photo Voltaic (electric)

Key Behaviors

• Clean or replace HVAC Return Filters regularly – monthly
• Use ceiling fans when in the room (turn off when not in the room)
• Turn off lights when not in the room
• Unplug wall warts – UCB Lawrence Labs estimate 10% of home use
• Using kitchen and bath extractor fans to remove moisture
• Heat Pumps – avoid sharp degree increases (3 deg max)
• Compost vegetable trimmings

 

Online Information Resources

• Energy Star – www.energystar.gov
• Advanced Energy – www.advancedenergy.org
• Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (DOE) www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/
• Joe’s Top 10: www.buildingscience.com/bsc/topten/south.htm
• Green Home Guide (USGBC) www.greenhomeguide.org/index.html
  (look for green remodeling and green renovation checklist)
• The Green Guide (National Geographic) www.thegreenguide.com
• Green And Save (ROI tables for renovation) - www.greenandsave.com
• Practical Eco (NC Green Building Blog and products) – www.practicaleco.com