When fuel topped $4 a gallon, it got my attention. It’s not just your fuel bill; it has raised the cost of everything you purchase. What can I do? What can you do?

Truth #1: the sun rises every day. Heat from the sun is FREE. All it takes is some design to take advantage of this bonus. Next, insulate the structure to hold on to the heat for as long as possible. We are not talking rocket science here, but it makes no sense to spend a lot of money on high-tech geothermal systems and condition a leaky structure.

Consider foam insulation for the exterior walls. Although expensive relative to fiberglass, the performance far exceeds the glass batt. We wrap the exterior wall with rigid foam to cover all the thermal weak spots. It’s like a parka for your home. The object is to insulate the home that you can heat it with a hair dryer. My goal is a self sustaining home, a home that maintains a moderate temperature with no fossil fuel imput.

Whether you agree with the issues around climate change or not, we can all agree that fuel costs have soared. We at Sunrise Homes have made a moral choice. We will do all we can to change the world one home at a time. When you come to us for a new home or remodeling project, expect us to push you to consider making the commitment to maximizing your energy efficiency. It doesn’t cost, it pays.

Let me hear from readers. Write and tell me what you have done and how it has worked. I look forward to sharing your stories.