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Updates on the real-time energy efficiency adventures of a skinny house in a big, sometimes cold, Canadian city.

November 25
from Peggy in Toronto

Hot Fingers: The Evolution of Christmas Lights.

LED holiday lights - which use 80% less energy are nearly indestructible - are an efficient, safe, and affordable alternative to traditional Christmas lights. Read the full story

November 20
from Peggy in Toronto

Conserve Water and Reduce Stress: No Duka.

Monks buying lottery tickets. Bet on efficiency for peace of mind!

When hot water goes down the drain unused, it's double Duka: We waste both the water and the electricity needed to heat it. Herein - a peaceful alternative. Read the full story

November 5
from Peggy in Toronto

Indoor Air Test: Is Your House Breathing Properly?

While a home energy audit continues to be the best way to discern how air is moving through your house, we recently came across a simple air circulation test you can do at home,… Read the full story

October 30
from Peggy in Toronto

After the Home Energy Audit: Skilled Contractors and Taking Action.

I learned a new term at the Energy Retrofits conference in Toronto today: “Resignaction,” The term describes a homeowner after a home energy audit who is so overwhelmed with options, he ends up doing… Read the full story

October 30
from Peggy in Toronto

Energy Auditors are Problem Solvers, Advisors, House Doctors.

We call for help when we are concerned that our home doesn't feel right. Apartment-dwellers complain about the smoke next door. Homeowners worry about mildew, or notice that a ceiling has begun to drop… Read the full story

October 28
from Peggy in Toronto

Home Energy Audits - Does "Audit" Make You Think "Taxes?" Professional content

Why do we call evaluations of the energy use in houses "audits?" Is there a better word? Should there be? Read the full story

October 22
from Peggy in Toronto

Energy Efficient Homes: Sexy? Maybe Not. But They Feel Better.

Over the past year, I've taken a few steps to increase the energy efficiency of my house. There's more to do, but I recently took stock of how a little efficiency here and there… Read the full story

October 16
from Peggy in Toronto

October 24 is 350.Org Climate Action Day. Where will you be? This article contains a video.

October 24 is International Day of Climate Action, an event spear-headed by 350.Org. The time to act is now. What are you doing next Saturday? Read the full story

September 23
from Peggy in Toronto

Smart Meter Reality Check: Are Our Aging Parents Right to Worry?

The Elderly Use CFL bulbs and Smart Strips. Will Smart Meters Help them?

We want to love Smart Meters. We are all about monitoring usage and reducing waste. We eagerly await an indication that Smart Meter will deliver for homeowners, not just utilities. Read the full story

September 22
from Peggy in Toronto

Movie Review: The Age of Stupid

Pete Postlethwaite in the Age of Stupid. Image: Creative Loafing.com

The widely anticipated climate change film by Franny Armstrong is a call to political action. It is also a totally engaging movie in its own right. Read the full story