bob329

While Peter is right about the two goals not being incompatible, Sally brings up a very valid point. Old houses--particularly those with some kind of historical significance--need to be upgraded very carefully. In some cases I would argue that preserving the character of the buliding is the overiding goal, even at the expense of energy efficiency. Owners of old houses get this, and willingly will live with a higher heating bill in return for an old house that's "alive". That doesn't mean nothing can be done, it just means that utility bills in an old house might be higher than a new one. A tradeoff I can live with!

Nice article, I'm amazed there are no comments on it! It's good to see reality pop up from time to time in energy efficiency conversation. Maybe people don't want to consider that the $10,000 (or more) they just spent on new windows isn't nearly as cost effective as the replacement window industry led them to believe!

When my son was little we would watch NYW every week together. Thanks, Norm, for those memories!

Lots of comments here! Everyone has their own likes and dislikes. I like granite, but I do agree that it's getting old. We're a trendy society, and the "next big thing" is just waiting to become the new must have. The timeless white appliance will be back too, just watch!