Re: I'm looking for idea's to make my home energy efficient

We need to start a support group.  My husband and I are fixing up his families ancetral home in South Carolina. (Columbia)  It was built in the mid 1800's and has had little done to it over the years.  I'm from CA, where the "green" products are much easier to come by.  How far along are you in your project?

 I have also heard horror stories about making a breathable house too tight and creating problems with moisture, which seems like it could be a problem with the humid weather here.  I have a quote to add a cellulose insulation to our walls (essenstially recycled newspaper with some boric acid for fire proofing).  We are also having someone come out and give us a quote on the soy-based foam and weigh the pros and cons of such a tight seal.  (I know of contractors for this in columbia and charleston). 

 As for the floors, if FSC certified wood is out of your price range (it is for us and our sq footage is 1700), you could try a salvage place and reuse flooring from another old home that is destined to be torn down.  (I did find one that was extremely well priced in Anderson county.)

What else are you looking for?  Ours is a complete renovation so I've been researching all aspects. 

I would love to find out what you have learned also! You can email me at amdjones@gmail.com