Replies

1. 
   madmadscientist | Mar 04, 2009 11:45pm | #1

   Okay here's another related question.  My little city has its own utility and will be getting some of this stimulus money.  I've got a say in how its spent.

   What would be your suggestions on the best way to spend the energy eff. retro-fit money? 

   We can upgrade city owned stuff-city hall, police and fire stations,schools and also spend money on residential energy eff?

   How would you do it and what products would you use?

   This island is full of old Victorians with old windows and little to no insulation.

   thanks,

   Daniel Neumansky

   Restoring our second Victorian home this time in Alamdea CA.  Check out the blog http://www.chezneumansky.blogspot.com/ 

   Oakland CA 

   Crazy Homeowner-Victorian Restorer

1. 
   ponytl | Mar 05, 2009 02:32am | #2

   i think and i know you know this....

    is long term gains with little upkeep...  what can you spend money on NOW that will reep rewards for decades with little or no  added or continued costs...

   weatherizing public buildings...  upgrading heating systems...  better controls for outdoor lighting...   

    what costs the city money everyday?

   thats the first place to look... street lights?  school heating systems?  the lighting in schools...

   just a few places i'd look first

   p

1. 
   madmadscientist | Mar 05, 2009 03:03am | #3

   Ya I've got some ideas but...

   What makes obvious sense to a pro could be way outta left field for some gov't bureaucrat.

   That and I wanted to tap the Break Time Brain Trust a little bit (Geez did I just use BT and Brain Trust in the same sentence???)

   Daniel Neumansky

   Restoring our second Victorian home this time in Alamdea CA.  Check out the blog http://www.chezneumansky.blogspot.com/ 

   Oakland CA 

   Crazy Homeowner-Victorian Restorer

2. 
   bruce22 | Mar 05, 2009 03:59am | #4

   Draft sealing should be the first priority in older buildings. The  historic character of old windows can be maintained by fitting interior storm panels. I did this last winter on our 18th century house in Mass. and the results were impressive. We're talking Revolutionary period windows, low tech, with modern triple track storm windows, and the wind still blew through.

   In our case, each room had different window sizes, but the cost averaged out to about $ 40-45 per window plus my labor to fit each one. I'm sure prices will vary in different parts of the country.  Too often people only think of replacing complete windows, with the costs of labor and additional materials it becomes quite prohibitive.

   I get the impression that a lot of homeowners  focus on the big ticket items when they start thinking energy efficiency.  There are often many areas that can be addressed to save energy that don't break the budget. Heating plant and window replacement are major investments that should not be the first line of attack in the battle.

1. 
   coldbuilder | May 03, 2009 02:51am | #5

   regardless of the structure AIR SEALING should be #1. hits the key points: longevity, and heat loss/gain"A small leak can sink a great ship."
   -Benjamin Franklin-