How To Hide The BS In Your Work
Building Science (BS) is pretty powerful stuff. Home performance contractors have been providing data and improving building science techniques for well over 30 years now. But while there is no question building retrofits have many benefits, selling the concept to homeowners and property managers is no small feat. While early adopters and others who have…
Read MoreEfficiency First is Now Part of the Building Performance Association
Two years ago at the Home Performance Coalition conference in Nashville, a few folks had an after-hours conversation discussing the state of the efficiency industry and the players involved. At the time, Efficiency First National was struggling financially and with membership growth. From the conversation, it became evident that several organizations were replicating each other’s…
Read MoreResidential Energy Efficiency Business Partners You Might Be Overlooking
The Flores family used REEL financing to make energy-efficiency upgrades and improve the comfort of their home. The role financing plays in building comprehensive projects. If you are a contractor, you most likely spend a fair amount of time generating and presenting proposals to your potential clients. This is a time consuming and sometimes frustrating…
Read MoreMembership Is The Power Of Many Voices
We are in a push to build membership. Recently I stopped to ask myself what is the message we need to send in order to get folks to join? To answer the question I stepped back and asked myself “world how did I get here?” to quote the Talking Heads. Specifically, what was the path…
Read MoreWill PG&E’s Bankruptcy Filing Help Or Hurt The Industry?
The Grid Is Changing The recent fires in California have had tragic consequences. Thousands of people have lost their homes. Many have lost loved ones too. In many cases, the fires were caused by downed or damaged power lines or failed electrical distribution equipment, and the utility, PG&E, has been blamed. If PG&E is found…
Read MoreLaunch Of Our New Website
After much consideration and research, we’re very excited to announce the launch of Efficiency First California’s new website! We’re now using a software solution called GrowthZone which is a comprehensive management tool that meets all our needs. Our website, membership database, billing, events, and ads are now all linked to this one platform and we’re…
Read More2018 IHACI Trade Show- What You Missed
Recently, I attended the 39th annual Institute of Heating and Air Conditioning Industries (IHACI) trade show in Pasadena, California, in the hopes of learning about some exciting new products and maybe a couple new technologies for the heating and cooling industries (HVACR). It’s been about four years since I was actively involved as a contractor/installer,…
Read MoreHome Performance In California Is Changing
Home performance hasn’t changed much over the past 30 years. Recently though, a few big things have started to change in the world of energy. Contractors need to be aware of what’s happening and why, in order to prepare, adapt, and take advantage of new opportunities.
Read MoreQuality Work Is Worth The Effort
A few rotten apples The world is full of contractor horror stories. Over the years, contractors have lost customer trust, often for good reason. Simple mistakes like forgetting to re-install a water heater vent after a roof replacement could have drastic consequences if the exhaust fumes, and potentially carbon monoxide, were to re-enter the…
Read MoreWhat You Missed At The ZNE Retreat
It’s amazing how many energy efficiency conferences and workshops have surfaced recently. The Redwood Energy Zero Net Energy Retreat, which takes place twice a year, is one of the best conferences. Our Executive Director Charley Cormany, with help from EFCA’s Board Member Debra Little give their perspective of the conference for this month’s blog.
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