SAGE B Green Energy
Healthy Home, Healthy Life
What can we do?
HOME PERFORMANCE TESTING: 
Testing is an important part of the equation. You wouldn't agree to have surgery done without a proper diagnosis, don't let someone work on your house without diagnosing the condition of the building envelope.
When a house is leaky, it means the air you paid for is leaving your house!! Can you see the dollars flying out the chimney, the roof, the walls, and the basement?
About 30% of the heating and cooling that you pay for never makes it to warm up your toes or cool down your face. Most of it leaks within the walls, out openings in the duct work or building structure.
What kind of test is it, and will it hurt?
First, let me tell you it's not painful - in fact, I believe it's more painful to pay those high heating bills!
The test you pay for comes in four parts:
1. Visual inspection of the building and it's components: insulation, caulking, openings, duct work, HVAC systems, fireplaces, etc.
2. Test is done using specialized equipment
3. Analysis report and recommendations with payback
4. Weatherization plan
Weatherization is sealing and insulating your house in a controlled manner. It requires a full review of the building and it's systems to determine the right course of treatment.
Some of the contributors to air loss in or out of the houses are: no sealing, poor insulation and leaking in the ducts.
Some of these fixes can be done by handy homeowners, but many of these things MUST be done by qualified contractors.
Examples of weatherization:
*Weather stripping on doors
*Insulation
*Caulking and sealing
*HVAC systems
*Windows and Door replacement
I've listed these in order of complexity, but also in order of cost. Windows and doors have the highest cost and the lowest return on investment. Most of the time, they are the last thing we will recommend because they have the least overall impact on the building's efficiency.
Costs:
The starting cost for a test is $400. That includes all 4 steps mentioned above. (the costs do go up for homes over 2000 sq feet, and those with complex structures or floorplans) You should call us for an estimate.
The usual cost for weatherization is a few thousand dollars - but the payback is much more.
If you were to borrow $3500 from your bank to weatherize, and the payment is $86 per month. The weatherization that is done on your house saves you $200 each month, you are still ahead by over $100/ month. If you were to use an Energy Improvement Mortgage to pay for these fixes, you could deduct the interest on your taxes. This is a Win/Win.
Testing is an important part of the equation. You wouldn't agree to have surgery done without a proper diagnosis, don't let someone work on your house without diagnosing the condition of the building envelope.
When a house is leaky, it means the air you paid for is leaving your house!! Can you see the dollars flying out the chimney, the roof, the walls, and the basement?
About 30% of the heating and cooling that you pay for never makes it to warm up your toes or cool down your face. Most of it leaks within the walls, out openings in the duct work or building structure.
What kind of test is it, and will it hurt?
First, let me tell you it's not painful - in fact, I believe it's more painful to pay those high heating bills!
The test you pay for comes in four parts:
1. Visual inspection of the building and it's components: insulation, caulking, openings, duct work, HVAC systems, fireplaces, etc.
2. Test is done using specialized equipment
3. Analysis report and recommendations with payback
4. Weatherization plan
Weatherization is sealing and insulating your house in a controlled manner. It requires a full review of the building and it's systems to determine the right course of treatment.
Some of the contributors to air loss in or out of the houses are: no sealing, poor insulation and leaking in the ducts.
Some of these fixes can be done by handy homeowners, but many of these things MUST be done by qualified contractors.
Examples of weatherization:
*Weather stripping on doors
*Insulation
*Caulking and sealing
*HVAC systems
*Windows and Door replacement
I've listed these in order of complexity, but also in order of cost. Windows and doors have the highest cost and the lowest return on investment. Most of the time, they are the last thing we will recommend because they have the least overall impact on the building's efficiency.
Costs:
The starting cost for a test is $400. That includes all 4 steps mentioned above. (the costs do go up for homes over 2000 sq feet, and those with complex structures or floorplans) You should call us for an estimate.
The usual cost for weatherization is a few thousand dollars - but the payback is much more.
If you were to borrow $3500 from your bank to weatherize, and the payment is $86 per month. The weatherization that is done on your house saves you $200 each month, you are still ahead by over $100/ month. If you were to use an Energy Improvement Mortgage to pay for these fixes, you could deduct the interest on your taxes. This is a Win/Win.
SOLAR SYSTEM RENTAL! With a new solar installation averaging $25,000, it's not affordable for most people. Citizenre will make it affordable for anyone! Citizenre is a solar rental program - like your satellite dish. You pay a flat monthly rate, and the system is installed, monitored and maintained for you. This allows solar to be affordable. For more information: www.jointhesolution.com/sagebgreenenergy
Join the clean energy revolution today!
GREEN REMODELING
When you are remodeling is the best time to consider doing it green. While you have the walls down and the systems being rebuilt, you can make some significant changes to better your environment, have a healthier and more affordable house.
Choice of building materials, recycling and reusing, consideration of trash implications - they are all things that the average builder does not take into consideration.
Consideration of how to make things more energy efficient.
The average new home build creates 3 tons of trash - most builders take it to a landfill - but we don't. We will reuse and refurbish what we can, and recycle the rest.
Many people get sick after a remodel, but never know why - we do - materials!! Carpet, paint, etc. Not to mention that traditional building materials pollute the earth - we work with sustainable and green materials everyday, so it's a piece of cake for us!
For a sampling of work, please email us or check out the sister website www.sauberandsons.com. p.s. the website doesn't have everything, it's a sampling!
If you are considering working with another contractor, ask them about the things above and test their knowledge - if they are knowledgeable, then go for it! If they are not, then please consider us for your next project!
When you are remodeling is the best time to consider doing it green. While you have the walls down and the systems being rebuilt, you can make some significant changes to better your environment, have a healthier and more affordable house.
Choice of building materials, recycling and reusing, consideration of trash implications - they are all things that the average builder does not take into consideration.
Consideration of how to make things more energy efficient.
The average new home build creates 3 tons of trash - most builders take it to a landfill - but we don't. We will reuse and refurbish what we can, and recycle the rest.
Many people get sick after a remodel, but never know why - we do - materials!! Carpet, paint, etc. Not to mention that traditional building materials pollute the earth - we work with sustainable and green materials everyday, so it's a piece of cake for us!
For a sampling of work, please email us or check out the sister website www.sauberandsons.com. p.s. the website doesn't have everything, it's a sampling!
If you are considering working with another contractor, ask them about the things above and test their knowledge - if they are knowledgeable, then go for it! If they are not, then please consider us for your next project!
GREEN CONSULTING
ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION:
An important part of weatherization and the reduction of energy usage is the improvements to the environment.
The creation and generation of electricity is the largest single contributor to greenhouse gases!
70% of the electricity generated is lost in generation and transmission of that electricity to it's point of use.
Coal is stored up carbon, carbon is detrimental to the atmosphere. Every time coal is mined to fuel electricity generation plants it releases this carbon into the atmosphere to be absorbed as a greenhouse gas.
Finally, homes, as they use electricity, emit carbon into the atmosphere.
At three points in the life cycle of electricity it is harmful for the atmosphere.
There is significant savings to be had through a few simple steps, and we can help to save electricity as part of the full testing process - this is an added bonus to our full service.
GREEN PRODUCTS SELECTION:
VOCs are Volitile Organic Compounds. These VOCs offgas or leech from common household decorating items: carpet, paint and countertops to name a few.
Selection of these products to meet both the needs of better indoor air quality, your budget, and the design of your house can be a duanting task.
Allow Sage B to help you in this process. We have studied and keep up with the latest product offerings, and mixed with our design and remodling experience, we can make a seamless process of remodeling green!
ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION:
An important part of weatherization and the reduction of energy usage is the improvements to the environment.
The creation and generation of electricity is the largest single contributor to greenhouse gases!
70% of the electricity generated is lost in generation and transmission of that electricity to it's point of use.
Coal is stored up carbon, carbon is detrimental to the atmosphere. Every time coal is mined to fuel electricity generation plants it releases this carbon into the atmosphere to be absorbed as a greenhouse gas.
Finally, homes, as they use electricity, emit carbon into the atmosphere.
At three points in the life cycle of electricity it is harmful for the atmosphere.
There is significant savings to be had through a few simple steps, and we can help to save electricity as part of the full testing process - this is an added bonus to our full service.
GREEN PRODUCTS SELECTION:
VOCs are Volitile Organic Compounds. These VOCs offgas or leech from common household decorating items: carpet, paint and countertops to name a few.
Selection of these products to meet both the needs of better indoor air quality, your budget, and the design of your house can be a duanting task.
Allow Sage B to help you in this process. We have studied and keep up with the latest product offerings, and mixed with our design and remodling experience, we can make a seamless process of remodeling green!
Homeowner Advocacy:
Having your home remodeled or built can be a huge and daunting task, we can be your voice in the process.
So many decisions must be made, often times with not enough information.
Unfortunately, most builders and remodelers don't take into account the techniques and materials which can make your remodel not just an asthetic improvement, but an energy improvement as well.
When you add onto your house, or change the function of a room in your house, even if you just remodel you bath or kitchen, you will change the air dynamic in your house.
Additionally, you can't rely on building codes and builders to use the best practices to improve your home, they will use what is standard or traditional.
The best practices include: strategic prevention of air infultration, insulation choices, HVAC system design and others.
If you want best practices implemented, your role as the buyer becomes more critical. You can spend hours researching and directing the builder, or you can hire us to serve as your energy representative.
The best time to engage us in your project is at the planning stages, but don't hesitate if you've already started to call, we are always glad to help.
Green Advocacy and Education:
A lot of work needs to be done in education and advocacy for the earth. There is a great deal of information, and you can spend hours reading websites and articles - don't!
Call us and we will be happy to teach your group new ways to help the earth.
We can attend and present at meetings, host events or educational sessions.
Together, we can teach to improve.
RECENT Green PROJECTS:
We were contracted to remove a 40 year old sunroom and replace it with a new sunroom which was integrated into the house. The old sunroom was mostly aluminum, and every pound of it was recycled. When we removed the wood, we reused whatever wood we could, and gave the rest to a recycler. We were required to use treated lumber, so we chose a lumber which was not toxic for humans and had as little impact to the earth as possible. When we tore out the driveway, all the concrete removed was sent to recycling to become another product. Finally, we added a 500 gallon water sistern to the property, and the homeowner is using it to water the back yard and for outdoor use. In the first weekend it was installed, one rain filled it up 3/4 of the way.
When painting we used Sherwin Williams Harmony a Zero VOC paint (www.sherwinwilliams.com) and we used Interface Flor carpet tiles (www.florcatalog.com) which are made sustainably of recycled materials, and can be recycled by the manufacturer into new carpet.
See, it's simple to be green!!!
Having your home remodeled or built can be a huge and daunting task, we can be your voice in the process.
So many decisions must be made, often times with not enough information.
Unfortunately, most builders and remodelers don't take into account the techniques and materials which can make your remodel not just an asthetic improvement, but an energy improvement as well.
When you add onto your house, or change the function of a room in your house, even if you just remodel you bath or kitchen, you will change the air dynamic in your house.
Additionally, you can't rely on building codes and builders to use the best practices to improve your home, they will use what is standard or traditional.
The best practices include: strategic prevention of air infultration, insulation choices, HVAC system design and others.
If you want best practices implemented, your role as the buyer becomes more critical. You can spend hours researching and directing the builder, or you can hire us to serve as your energy representative.
The best time to engage us in your project is at the planning stages, but don't hesitate if you've already started to call, we are always glad to help.
Green Advocacy and Education:
A lot of work needs to be done in education and advocacy for the earth. There is a great deal of information, and you can spend hours reading websites and articles - don't!
Call us and we will be happy to teach your group new ways to help the earth.
We can attend and present at meetings, host events or educational sessions.
Together, we can teach to improve.
RECENT Green PROJECTS:
We were contracted to remove a 40 year old sunroom and replace it with a new sunroom which was integrated into the house. The old sunroom was mostly aluminum, and every pound of it was recycled. When we removed the wood, we reused whatever wood we could, and gave the rest to a recycler. We were required to use treated lumber, so we chose a lumber which was not toxic for humans and had as little impact to the earth as possible. When we tore out the driveway, all the concrete removed was sent to recycling to become another product. Finally, we added a 500 gallon water sistern to the property, and the homeowner is using it to water the back yard and for outdoor use. In the first weekend it was installed, one rain filled it up 3/4 of the way.
When painting we used Sherwin Williams Harmony a Zero VOC paint (www.sherwinwilliams.com) and we used Interface Flor carpet tiles (www.florcatalog.com) which are made sustainably of recycled materials, and can be recycled by the manufacturer into new carpet.
See, it's simple to be green!!!
