DO THE
Little Green Things
FIRST
by Sondra Kaye
In 2009, applying green principles was still a trend. However, today’s fed- eral tax credits have home and business owners carefully considering the account to invest in a photovoltaic (PV) system to cool a home or busi- ness, take a few tips from James French, owner of Coast Home Building Services, who suggests less costly ways to keep indoor temperatures down and your own “green” in the bank. “PV systems are the Cadillac of solar technology, and they make the most sense only after doing other things that can naturally cut back on energy usage,” says French.
Request an energy audit
Before beginning a renovation project, call a home inspection agency to do thermal imaging of your home. “Older homes gen- in windows and doors that leak heat and air conditioning,” advises French. An infrared camera picks up all the major leaks, most frequently found around areas where ductwork is sealed.
Insulate the attic and walls
“When your thermostat is set at 78 degrees and the temperature in
your attic is 150, it makes your air conditioning system work really hard,” notes French. Few homeowners treat their attic like a living space, but installing insulation in the rafters and using proper venting and attic fans makes green sense.
Add indoor and outdoor
radiant barriers
A nontoxic radiant barrier paint additive can trans- form ordinary paint into an energy- saving, insulating coat for the exterior or interior of the home. “There are paints for the outside of your home that can repel
98 percent of harmful ultraviolet rays and reduce surface temperatures,” explains French. Looking back on his early years in the construction in- dustry when he helped build tract houses, French recalls that he was shocked to see the amount of waste and lack of recycling. “I’ve
always recycled, so I was unpleasantly surprised to see so much waste,” says this proud member of the green revolution. “Too bad it took a reces- sion, but at least now, green is taking off!”
Contact James French, of Coast Home Building Services, at 760-840-0803.
Visit CoastHomes.org. See ad on page 17.
natural awakenings
April 2010
39
James “Jim” Cherrington
OWNER
excelwin@hotmail.com
P.O. Box 462373, Escondido, CA 92046
San Diego 760-746-0713 Temecula 951-302-9633
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