Energy efficiency at home and on the road
When it comes to choosing the best mode of transportation for a trip, we typically weigh speed, cost, and comfort. But what about the fuel efficiency? Here we compare the climate impact of five different ways to travel this summer. You might be suprised…READ MORE
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All your heat pump questions answered
What do heat pumps do? What is a ducted heat pump? What is the most effective way to heat my home? Could I be saving money? We get lots of questions about heat pump systems. Feel free to check out our answers to common heat pump questions…READ MORE
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Improve air conditioning with attic insulation
Insulation provides a barrier against air leakage. By preventing the release of both hot and cold air from the home (and the entrance of hot and cold air from the outdoors), your house is better able to maintain its temperature. This triggers a domino…READ MORE
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Ductless heat pump for your Portland home
Summer is fast approaching. Here are a few of the reasons to consider a ductless heat pump to help stay cool in Portland or Bend, Oregon: Ductless heat pumps are highly efficient, easy to install, quiet, and - most importantly – you get complete control…READ MORE
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Double energy efficiency cash incentives
The Savings Within Reach program through Energy Trust of Oregon offers generous cash incentives for income-qualified homeowners in Oregon. And the income-qualifications work for most homeowners. You qualify if you earn less than $77,520 with…READ MORE
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Hot at home? Get a home energy audit
Having your home's energy use audited can go a long way to solving major problems, both financially and structurally within your home. Technicians will be identify energy saps, such as a lack of insulation, that you can then improve, reducing both your…READ MORE
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Cool ways to cool your home this summer
We're still dealing with snow, cold, and long winter nights, but summer -- and those scorching hot days -- is actually right around the corner. Being able to keep your home cool during those hot summer days and nights should be at the very top of your…READ MORE
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FAQ - Ductless heat pumps in Oregon
How do ductless heat pumps work? How do heat pumps save me money? Will I need an air conditioner too? If you’ve been wondering about ductless heat pumps, also known as mini-splits or mini-split heat pumps, check out this list of frequently asked…READ MORE
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Reduce ice dams with attic insulation
The key to preventing ice dams - keep your attic and roof cold. After a snowfall, a cold roof will have a thick blanket of snow. A warmer roof, however, will soon have clear spots where the snow has melted off. To keep your roof cold, here’s what to do…READ MORE
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Got mold in your home? Here’s what to do.
In this article, you’ll find an overview of how to handle mold. We walk through the basics of mold cleaning and prevention. We also touch on the latest research regarding the health effects of mold exposure, so you have context for how seriously…READ MORE
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Find and Fix Cold Spots with Thermal Imaging
When it’s cold outside, you may notice more drafts and cold spots in your home. That’s the bad news. The good news is that we can easily use thermal imaging to find gaps in wall insulation, identifying exactly where that cold air is entering your home…READ MORE
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How wildfire smoke can hurt your health
Smoke primarily consists of particulate matter in the air but it also contains a number of carcinogens. It's recommended that any particle pollution in the air should not be more than 150 micrograms for a healthy air quality. Breathing in these particulates…READ MORE
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Breathing cleaner air improves your life
"Most of us spend a lot of time indoors," Tim Heffernan said. "And indoor air is more polluted than outdoor air. It kind of comes down to what we have in our homes: pets, rugs, furniture that traps dust. And many homes are not terribly well ventilated."…READ MORE
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The risk of oversized home HVAC systems
It’s critical to make sure that your heating and cooling system is properly sized for your home. If your HVAC system is too large, you’ll waste energy, experience inconsistent heating and cooling, and shorten the life of your system. On the other hand, if your…READ MORE
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Protecting your home from an earthquake
To prepare for a major earthquake, start with a seismic inspection. You will better understand whether, for example, your home is properly bolted to the foundation; your gas line has an automatic shutoff valve; and your water heater is strapped to the wall…READ MORE
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HVAC systems: A look at air conditioning
It’s a general rule for most people: it is much easier to warm up than it is to cool down. The reason for this is energy. The body naturally creates energy, which is a heat source. As such, taking away this heat is considerably more difficult than generating it in…READ MORE
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Clients fight climate change in Oregon
How are our clients reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting themselves from, for example, more extreme heat waves and wildfire smoke in Oregon? In the last twelve months, clients completed projects saving an impressive 488 metric tons of…READ MORE
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The cost of solar panels continues to drop
The cost of solar power has dropped dramatically in recent decades: Between 1975 and 2015, the cost of photovoltaic solar modules declined by roughly 99 percent. Here we review a few of the reasons that solar has become so much more cost effective…READ MORE
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3 reasons to consider a heat pump system
As you watch the skies darken a little earlier every evening, and feel the winds chill you on the morning walk to your car, you remember that winter is on its way. The blustery season can be a massive drain on your finances, causing energy bills to sky-rocket in…READ MORE
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Energy audits explained: Here’s what to know
Energy costs are one of the biggest monthly expenses you'll face as a homeowner, especially here in the Pacific Northwest -- heating and cooling are responsible for around 54% of utility bills in the average hom. A home energy audit is typically the first step…READ MORE
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