Chic vs. Geek: Fall Improvement Projects

If you’re thinking of listing your home for a fall sale, it’s time to make it look the part. Here’s a punch list of autumnal home improvement projects.

CHIC (PEARL)

There’s no shortage of projects to keep you busy around the house. Restore your carpet to its original beauty. Clean your fireplace to get ready for cold winter months. And embrace your green thumb by trimming back foliage and protecting your perennials from pests.

GEEK (KEVIN)

If you prefer to get a little dirty – like me – you can get up on a ladder to unclog your rain gutters, replace missing shingles, or seal up pesky leaks in your attic. You can also invest in energy saving upgrades like a new furnace or double-paned windows to help the house maintain temperature.

Geek's Number Talk: Going green earns you more green

Did you know? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an average home produces about twice as much greenhouse gas pollution as the average car.

Meanwhile, a recent study showed that a $1 reduction in annual energy bills resulted in more than a $10 increase in home resale value. Indeed, appraisers account for efficiency improvements because they contribute to the livability and economic stability of the home.

Additionally, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has ruled that the cost of energy efficiency measures can be added to a mortgage. And homebuilders find that homes with efficiency upgrades sell faster and at higher prices than similar homes nearby. All the more reason to invest in an upgrade!

Chic vs. Geek: Going Net Zero @ Home

“Net zero” is what happens when the renewable energy you use to power your home matches the need, meaning you have no net impact on the environment. With new heating technology and lower-cost renewable energy systems, any home can get to net zero. Need help getting started? That’s why we’re here!

CHIC (PEARL)

Like any home improvements, there are upfront costs to going net zero, but an investment today could help lock in your energy prices for the next 25+ years. Roof-mounted solar is currently the most affordable way to generate your own energy. With a good financing plan, a photovoltaic (PV) system can deliver electricity at 60% to 70% of what you’re paying PG&E. And because of widespread adoption, solar has never been cheaper! You can also upgrade to efficient electric heating and cooling systems like heat pumps and floor coils.

GEEK (KEVIN)

When it comes to energy efficiency, there’s nothing like some good, old fashioned repairs and upgrades. First, check the air sealing on your home and shore it up where you can. This will give you the biggest bang for your buck year round. Combine that with better insulation, and you can save more money downsizing to a smaller heating/cooling system. And don’t forget to replace old, drafty windows and doors with high-performance, triple-pane brands or storm windows. This will reduce heat loss and provide plenty of natural light.

Chic vs. Geek: How do you flex?

Last week’s excessive heat wave caused flex alerts that asked Californians to conserve energy during peak hours from 4-9pm in order to prevent blackouts. What are some ways you cut back to help out?

CHIC (PEARL)

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m in love with my air conditioning. But with rising energy rates and calls to conserve, I’ve also had to admit that it’s a luxury we can live without for a few hours a day. So we started pre-cooling our house before 4pm, preparing for the hottest time of day. At 9pm, we checked the air outside and either opened up all the windows or cranked that lovely AC. It may have been rough, but we’re lucky to have these options in the first place.

GEEK (KEVIN)

Anybody who knows me knows I love food, and dinner is a very important time of my day. I’m usually in the kitchen during flex hours, cooking with multiple burners, heating up the oven, and going in and out of the fridge and freezer. The flex alerts forced me to change up our routine, eating dinner later in the evening or DoorDashing from one of our favorite restaurants. It’s a great way to support local businesses while you’re flexing your power.

Let them eat mooncakes!

We may be in the middle of a late-Summer heat wave, but this weekend marks the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinese and other East/Southeast Asian cultures. Also known as the “Moon” or “Mooncake” Festival, it dates back over 3,000 years and features lanterns of all shapes and sizes and tasty mooncake pastries.

Looking to impress your friends and family during the Mid-Autumn Festival? Thrillist put together a list of the best places to find mooncakes in San Francisco. Let us know your favorites!