Experts say energy efficiency should start at home
A married couple, both energy experts, put their profession into practice, starting with their home.
Home energy-efficiency specialists, and founders of the Go Green Squads, Robert and Susan Meredith own a house that was built in the 1920s, and if they can weather-proof their home, anybody can.
"It seems like, out there, people have a sense that the energy companies, utility companies, or car companies are going to fix the problems with the environment," Susan Meredith said. "And the truth is, it's up to every individual in their homes and businesses, in their efficiency and reducing waste, reducing utility bills."
- Light colors on the exterior of your home reflect heat better than dark colors.
- Insulate your basement, attic and crawl space, because about 20 percent of heat is lost in those areas.
- When making home improvements, reuse old materials, such as brick, slate and glass.
- Plant trees. They can block summer sun and winter winds.
- Open windows, fans and dehumidifiers save more energy than air conditioning.
For more green home tips, visit Preservation Nation Magazine's Web site.
Meredith, also the author of "Beyond Light Bulbs" an energy saving guide, said individual responsibility of energy conservation will make the difference that the country needs.
"We don't have to wait until renewable energy comes out, or electric cars come out," she said. "We can all make a difference of 20 to 30 percent, and we should be able to, and that's our goal."
Even the Merediths' 8-year-old son get in on the action. But lately, Ian Meredith hasn't gotten much business as the energy police lately. He charges his parents money whenever they forget to turn a light off .
"They're getting pretty hard to get," he said.
Catching his parents wasting energy would be a hard task, since Susan and Robert Meredith's job is to go to other peoples' homes to give energy audits.
"One of the things I try to get everyone to do is to change their light bulbs, which is pretty easy. But you wouldn't believe some of the excuses they come up with," Robert Meredith said.
While most people complain about the cost of new light bulbs, using LED bulbs has already lowered the Merediths' electricity bill by 20 percent.
That, and other small tricks, like putting a jacket on their water heater, have all added up to big savings.
Robert Meredith said it's important to "seal the envelope," in other words, block up any holes where air can get in and out of the house. Holes need to be sealed inside and outside the home, with caulking or foam.
If you have old windows, and you prefer not to replace them, the energy specialist suggests you seal the frame with a caulk gun. Other products are available to help you seal under and on the sides of the window.
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Since the City of Austin's new energy ordinance will take effect this year, homeowners should begin thinking about the Merediths' advice. The new ordinance will require people selling their home to get an energy-efficiency reading, to be handed off to the buyer. The ordinance takes effect June 1.
If you still have questions and need some help going green check out gogreensquads.com or call (512) 826-0972.