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Are there things that can cost-effectively be done in existing houses? That seems a good way to create demand for greater efficiency - demonstrate the value on

• maxerickson 9y ago
  The high impact retrofits are better windows, more insulation and new mechanical systems. Getting insulation into walls is hard and at some point doesn't help a lot if there are air gaps. New mechanical systems aren't really cost effective (because operating costs aren't that high; hundreds of dollars of monthly savings on a $10,000 upgrade). For people that use a lot of cooling replacing an old air conditioner can be a big win.
• catawbasam 9y ago
  Yes. Low-flow shower-heads can pay for themselves in a few weeks. DIY air-sealing with caulk and sprayfoam will also pay for itself in a few weeks in most old homes. LED lights pay for themselves in a few months if you get a good price on-line or from a home center. Added attic insulation is another thing that will pay for itself in a few months DIY, or a few years if you pay to have it done. BuildItSolar has a slightly dated but still useful section about cutting your energy use in half at: http://builditsolar.com/References/Half/Half.htm http://builditsolar.com/References/Half/Half.htm