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

Guess who’s coming to town? Old Man Winter and his entourage for some chilly days and frosty nights. Are you ready to bother through another season or two of cold carpet, bulky area rugs, and a family of stinky slippers? Or have you been considering a new radiant heating system with wood flooring for your home to warm it up, cut down on energy costs, and improve indoor air quality? Well, there’s quite a bit to consider, but knowing the basics behind this major home project can help you decide... 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

Save Money! With the Help of Do-It-Yourself Heating. Yes, you can install your own system: Thousands of self-proclaimed “do-it-yourselfers” have successfully upgraded their home heating and air-conditioning systems with help from Do-It-Yourself Heating, a local retail business known for its personal service, quality workmanship, custom made products, and expert advice. Located in Southeast Portland, Do-It-Yourself Heating was Oregon’s first retailer to offer do-it-yourself (DIY)... more

My dream home appeared in the form of a beautifully restored 1923 Craftsman Bungalow in Northeast Portland. The modern upgrades in the kitchen and bathrooms were a bonus, but it was the wide eaves, the square column porch, the built-in cabinetry, and the leaded glass windows that drew me in and sealed the deal. To my own surprise, I was equally enamored with the cold air return vents. Made of intersecting solid oak slats to form a grid of rectangular openings, these “eggcrate-style” grilles are... more

When our family decided to move, we looked for a house with charm and character that was close to the city. We found a home with single-pane windows, no insulation, three layers of roofing sitting on top of 2″ x 4″ rafters, and inadequate plumbing and electrical systems. We soon found ourselves in a total down-to-the-studs remodel. Solar panels for heating the indoor lap pool. Radiant heat panels used on the first floor and around the pool. Drilling rig used to... more

This article is a condensed version of a more in depth rendition that can be viewed at Arciform LLC website www.oldhomesnewlife.com click the link First Time Old Home Buyers. Getting Started The most important part of any renovation project is planning. Hiring a professional to help you create an overall vision for the project not only gives you an idea of the costs and scope of the project, it helps to establish various... more