Ten Steps to Building a Zero Energy Home


Department of Energy Zero Energy Homes

After working through several projects to retrofit an existing home to make it more energy efficient, it’s hard not to think about what could be done by starting from scratch.  A clean slate isn’t something that everyone will get when it comes to living in an energy … continue reading

Insulation Intro


pink itchy stuff

One of the most important parts of your building envelope is your home’s insulation.  Insulation is like the blanket that keeps your home warm in the winter, and it is the shell of the cooler that keeps your home cool in the summer.  Most newer homes are built to higher … continue reading

Be a fan of fans


Fan of Cooling

Summer’s in Atlanta are hot and muggy. By nature I’m a hot person.  This is more information that you care to hear, but I sweat a lot.   I tell you this so you can understand how much I like to not sweat.  And in the middle of July … continue reading

Building Envelope Intro


Building Envelope basically refers to the materials that make up your house.  The floors, walls, windows, doors, attic, basement, etc.  I’m also going to include home orientation and exterior items that impact your energy/water usage in this category.

As you should know by now (if you’ve become a Mapawatt Blog fan!), you … continue reading

Programmable Thermostat – a.k.a. Use It!


If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, then buy and install one!

Hopefully, you do have this energy saving device already installed, but that is only half of the battle.  The programmable thermostat does no good just sitting on the wall looking pretty.  It actually requires you to use your index finger … continue reading