Lucinda’s San Rafael Home

ABOUT THE HOUSE: 100-year-old bungalow. “Fixing and reusing old things is more sustainable than disposing of old things and buying new ones.” For the home’s 100th birthday, Lucinda (who is a Green Realtor), pursued Pearl Gold and Solar certification, which gives appraisers a way to quantify the added value of green home upgrades.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY:

• Got an energy assessment to figure out how to prioritize their projects.

• Insulation put in walls.

• Air sealing/insulation in attic and Duct sealing/insulation in crawlspace

• Whole house ventilation fan cools down house quickly at night.

• Window replacement by Wood Windows and Doors - replicated the historic windows with double-paned windows, but kept original redwood framing and window sills.

• Bathroom remodel: added electric radiant heat floor and a ventilation fan

• Lift-o-matic clothes drying rack

• Installed large rooftop solar array before NEM 3. Purchased it with a super low-interest loan. It is sized for future heat pump and 2 electric cars. Used Energy Sage to get and compare bids. 

ELECTRIFICATION:

• 36” induction range by

• Electric washer and dryer

• Mr. Cool DIY minisplit heat pump added to backyard studio.

• EV plus EV charger

LANDSCAPE:

• Removed plants near house and replaced with fire safe landscaping

• Removed concrete patio and replaced with permeable paving and raised beds

• Drip irrigation