Donn & Nancy’s
Novato Retrofit

ABOUT THE HOUSE

• Bought it new, at the end of a cul-de-sac adjacent to open space.

• Made changes over time, a lot of do-it-yourself projects.

BUILDING ENVELOPE

• (DIY) I blew 20” of insulation into the attic. I buried my ducts in 20” of insulation and tightened them up at the register (duct blower). 

• (DIY) I air-sealed the house myself – anywhere there were penetrations in the walls, like under sinks and around outlets.

• The house already came with low-E double pane windows

ENERGY UPGRADES

• Rooftop Solar: Solar 3.5 Kw

• Battery Storage:  I put in a Tesla back-up battery system, which triages the TOU pricing. During peak hours, when electricity is most expensive, I use energy from the battery. 

• Heat Pump HVAC: outdoor ductless mini split system connects to 3 indoor wall units

• Heat Pump Water Heater: in garage, programmable by smartphone app.

• EV Charging: I have a Tesla automobile. I’ve had electric cars for 10 years. To charge, I just use a 240 outlet in my garage. (I did not buy a special charger.)

WATER CONSERVATION

• Low flow faucets, showerhead, and dual-flush toilet 

• Drip irrigation to fruit trees – small garden. 

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

• Use FSC lumber and re-used materials to build shelves in garage

• Purchased used sink from Urban Ore (Berkeley) for garage

LANDSCAPE

• Garden is semi-wild, next to open space 

• Pesticide Free, for birds, wild animals, beneficial insects

• Drought tolerant and native plants

• Bee hives