Community Energy Project (CEP) has been serving Portland for over 30 years with free services focused on energy conservation and safety. They provide free community workshops and materials for DIY weatherization and lead poisoning prevention, as well as direct weatherization and safety repair services to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. With the help of over 200 volunteers a year, CEP serves thousands of households in the greater Portland area, empowering people with the information... more

On August 1, 2010, Oregon’s “Heat Smart for Clean Air Law” went into effect. This law is meant to protect homebuyers and clean our air of unnecessary wood-smoke pollution. This law requires a homeowner to remove and decommission an uncertified older woodstove or fireplace insert from a home at the point of sale. The law also applies to uncertified woodstoves located in outbuildings, shops, and garages. Uncertified wood stoves and inserts are required to be removed only when a home is sold.... more

I recently had a customer come into the northeast Hollywood district A-Boy store, sit down at my desk and tell me about his recent remodel and his brand-new high-resolution 240Hz, plasma flat screen TV in his basement. The client then started to tell me about his leaky water heater. He asked for a price on a standard 40-gallon gas water heater. I proceeded to ask the gentlemen why he didn’t replace his new plasma TV with a 16” black-and-white television. When you think about it, that’s exactly... more

On average 25% to 50% of energy used in a home goes right out the window — literally. In most homes, windows provide the biggest openings between indoor and outdoor air, and they provide the biggest opportunity for valuable energy to escape. To assist homeowners with upgrading from old, drafty windows, the federal government is offering tax credits under a new act signed into law in late 2010. Available until December 31, 2011, the tax credit is for up to 10% of the cost, up to $500, but windows... more

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) offer a perfect opportunity to test your hand at an energy-efficient or sustainable structure. Small in size but large in environmental significance, the ADU helps to reinforce the community nature of the neighborhood, and as such should be in harmony with its surroundings. While this doesn’t mean you have to build a mini-earthship or use a recycled shipping container, an ADU can be a miniature example of the most advanced sustainability models. ADUs: A Platform... more

Winter in the Pacific Northwest has officially arrived, with a familiar sting from the higher utility bills and extra maintenance to go with it. This year, instead of feeling trapped by winter’s demands, make some changes to improve the efficiency and longevity of your home. This begins with an energy audit. Although not required, an energy audit is strongly recommended. For example, windows are commonly blamed as a cause of energy inefficiency. Even the best window is a relatively poor insulator.... more

Since the dawn of time the natural process of convection has been the most energy-efficient method of heat transfer. With the many benefits of convection heating, it is clear why people have for so long followed the lead of nature by letting convection electric heaters warm their homes. The ConvectAir heater company specializes in natural convection heaters. Though their heaters do not always have the lowest cost, there are many reasons why a ConvectAir convection heater might be a savvy decision.... more

The best part about being the “Lightbulb Lady” is the stories my customers share when returning to Sunlan Lighting to obtain more full spectrum light bulbs. They teach me the value of light and new ways to use them. Here are a few from people who use full spectrum lighting. Dogs and Cats One of my customers selected several neodymium bulbs off the shelf. “My dog is in the dumps,” he said. “Whenever the full spectrum lights burn out, my dog gets blue and just mopes around. I knew the bubs... more