ATTIC FANS AND WHOLE HOUSE FANS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY ON AIR-CONDITIONING
Efficiency in cooling is the name of the game for homeowners who like to stay cool. One source of added efficiency often overlooked is the attic fan. There are two types of attic fans, one cools only the attic and is properly called an attic fan, the other one is really a whole house fan and cools the whole house using outside air instead of air conditioning. Both fans can be used with satisfying results.
WHOLE HOUSE FANS
Many people use whole house fans as an alternative to air-conditioning. A whole house fan is most effective when outside air temperatures are below 82ºF. It brings a cooling breeze in through the windows of the home and cools more efficiently than an air-conditioner (Click on picture to enlarge).
Some times central air-conditioning is too expensive to install. When a house has been originally built with hot water radiator heat, installing central air-conditioning can be cost prohibitive because there is not any ductwork to distribute air throughout the house. Also, a whole house fan only uses about ¼ of the power that a central air-conditioning system does. Some people just don't like air conditioning or may want the option of using outside air for cooling and ventilating their homes. Whole house fans draw massive amounts of air through a home. Moving air feels cooler than still air so high volumes of air are usually preferred.
One objection that some people have with whole house fans is the sound that is created when running. There are basically three types of noise created: air noise, motor vibration and shutter rattle. A well-engineered whole house fan will address all of these issues.
Generally speaking the more blades a fan blade has the quieter it will be, (five blades are better that four). Each blade does less work and thereby creates a smoother, even sound as opposed to fewer blades where the sound is choppy and irritating. One strategy for sizing a whole house fan for a house is to get the largest fan that will fit into the ceiling area of a hallway where a fan would typically be installed. Any size fan will be quieter when run at a slower speed; so by getting a large fan that has a low speed you can get less noise and still move a high volume of air because of the large size. Running on low speed also creates less wear and tear on the fan and saves electricity. Better whole house fans will have the whole fan isolated from the homes framing with foam strips or rubber mountings that will not transmit sound into the framing of the house. This keeps the motor hum from resounding through the framing and drywall of the home. It is better to have no direct mechanical connection to the house framing. Heavier fans are better because they rest on foam weather stripping held down only by their own weight.
Higher quality shutters will be heavier and have connecting rods connecting vanes of the shutter so they act together. This prevents one or more vanes from oscillating and possibly clapping shut and re-opening. Also, a better shutter will have an adjustable spring that will assist in opening the shutter as the fan sucks it open and cushion and slow the closing when the fan is shut off. This prevents the shutters from creating a loud thump when shutting when the fan is turned off. Some shutters even have a felt strip at the edge of each vane to seal in air when the fan is off and to silence the shutter when it closes.
Having as timer is also a good idea. A timer will let the fan run a pre set length of time so that you can set it before going to bed an have it shut off automatically when you feel it may get too cold at night. Thermostats are not a good idea because they could turn the fan on when no one is home and preparation hasn't been made for it to come on. Windows must be opened first. Also, a fire in the fireplace could trigger it to come on unexpectedly with danger of sucking flames in from the fireplace. Obviously, some caution must be used when operating a whole house fan. The drill is really pretty simple: turn off heating and air-conditioning, open windows, no fires in fireplace and then turn the whole house fan on. Without opening windows first, some air could also be drawn down other vents or chimneys for heating and water heat, possibly blowing out pilot lights.
The amount of work required to install a whole house fan varies from house to house, but can generally be retrofitted into an existing house by a professional in about 8 to 16 man-hours. One major variable is the venting, if you plan on running the fan on high speed, (most people do) you need to make sure that there is at least enough exhaust venting for high speed setting. Fans are rated by cubic feet of air per minute or cfm. A good rule of thumb is to provide one square foot of net free venting area for every 750 cfm. Net free venting is the area after subtracting for louvers and screens. Generally the vents are roof vents, louvered wall vents or eave vents. Some roof vents and some eave vents have their respective net free venting areas stamped right on them. Ridge vents, depending on type, are not as good for providing the bulk of vent area needed although they do help slightly.
One strategy is to get an attic fan with a whole house fan. Special timer switches (DPST) are available and when installed they will turn on both fans to help expel some of the air being pushed into the attic. It is important to use only this type of switch for this application, because with a normal switch the attic fan thermostat would back feed and run the whole house fan even when the homeowner has not selected the on position for the whole house fan switch.
Better whole house fans have a welded frame. Effectively they are one-piece construction using heavy gauge steel for the venturi and motor and fan supports. This type of construction is better because it will never loosen up or begin to squeak. The only problem might occur if the installer was trying to fit the fan into a very small attic space; it may not fit through the opening when turned up on end before hitting the roof. Fans that can be disassembled can be fit through and then reassembled in the attic. One strategy for installing a welded frame fan into a smaller attic is to use a larger shutter than is required so the fan could be lifted into the attic in a horizontal or flat position and then supported by ledger strips around inside of opening. The larger shutter would then fill the larger opening that was made in order to lift the fan through in flat position.
To visit one source for higher quality whole house fans, click here....
ATTIC FANS - SOLAR & ELECTRIC
When the temperature climbs above 82ºF and you decide to use air conditioning, you can shut the windows and crank up the air knowing that the attic fan will save up to 30% on cooling costs by getting rid of trapped super hot air that tends to collect in attics and cause heat to back up into the home. (Click on picture to enlarge)
Attic temperatures can get up to 150ºF without an attic fan. Attic fans create a positive air-flow through your attic that does not rely on wind or require excessive passive venting. Excessive passive venting can cause excessive moisture infiltration in the form of snow or rain. The attic fan is normally mounted up on the roof of the home toward the back about two feet down from the peak. It goes on and off automatically with a thermostat, so it only runs when it is beneficial. The attic fan has a flashing that fits in with the shingles and is water-proof. Attic fans use less than 300 Watts, and offer these important advantages:
1. Lowers upstairs room temperatures by 10º.
2. Lengthens roof life by keeping shingles cooler.
3. With an optional humidistat, keep attics dry during winter months.
4. Saves up to 30% on air-conditioning costs.
The exact savings obtained depends on several factors like: the color of your roof, if the home is shaded, the amount of insulation you have, and the efficiency of your cooling system. Ideally, an attic fan installation will pay for itself within 3 years. A high quality attic fan is recommended. A heavy screen is required to stop pests. All metal construction is preferred as plastic fans do not hold up as well and over time will crack. A quality thermostat is also essential to save from climbing up into the attic for resetting. A firestat, which shuts the attic fan off for extremely high temperatures, is needed in case of a home fire. A permanently lubricated motor, insures quiet, maintenance-free operation.
There are 2 types of attic fans: roof top, and gable-end. Attic fans can be electrical or solar powered.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Consumer education and marketing will play an important role in increasing the demand for clean energy.
Consumer education and marketing will play an important role in increasing the demand for clean energy.
Some consumers still believe that when the wind stops blowing or clouds cover the sun their homes will lose power. Others believe that buying and using clean energy requires the adoption of some kind of hippie lifestyle. We must educate consumers that clean energy sources are reliable, mainstream and simply do not require any lifestyle changes.
Beyond basic information about clean energy, consumers need guidance for how to take action. In many states, clean energy already exists on the grid, yet most consumers don’t realize this or know how to purchase it.
Marketing clean energy to consumers can have a significant impact on the demand for cleaner energy sources. To spread the word that clean energy is available and reliable, ES has worked with communities to launch comprehensive community outreach campaigns, through newsletters, public service announcements, letters to the editor, community events, door-to-door canvassing, internet outreach, municipal competitions, school-based outreach and educational forums. These efforts have been effective: In the past year alone, close to eighty towns and municipalities in Connecticut and twenty-three in Pennsylvania have signed on to ES’s 20% clean energy by 2010 campaign.
The time is right to speak to consumers about energy options like wind and solar power. Phrases like ‘green chic’ and ‘eco-living’ are on magazine covers across the newsstands.
Some consumers still believe that when the wind stops blowing or clouds cover the sun their homes will lose power. Others believe that buying and using clean energy requires the adoption of some kind of hippie lifestyle. We must educate consumers that clean energy sources are reliable, mainstream and simply do not require any lifestyle changes.
Beyond basic information about clean energy, consumers need guidance for how to take action. In many states, clean energy already exists on the grid, yet most consumers don’t realize this or know how to purchase it.
Marketing clean energy to consumers can have a significant impact on the demand for cleaner energy sources. To spread the word that clean energy is available and reliable, ES has worked with communities to launch comprehensive community outreach campaigns, through newsletters, public service announcements, letters to the editor, community events, door-to-door canvassing, internet outreach, municipal competitions, school-based outreach and educational forums. These efforts have been effective: In the past year alone, close to eighty towns and municipalities in Connecticut and twenty-three in Pennsylvania have signed on to ES’s 20% clean energy by 2010 campaign.
The time is right to speak to consumers about energy options like wind and solar power. Phrases like ‘green chic’ and ‘eco-living’ are on magazine covers across the newsstands.
15 Ways To Save Water Plus an Energy Cost Savings Calculator
15 Ways To Save Water Plus an Energy Cost Savings Calculator
Water is Mother Earth’s most precious resource, but it’s also one that’s easiest to waste, even when we try to be careful. A leaky sink, kitchen faucet or a flush on a water-guzzling, non-low-flow toilet flows down the drain and costs money. Plus, are you still using old-fashioned filament light bulbs? (Really?) You’re being awfully generous to the utility companies!
Everyone’s looking to cut costs right now, especially with the holidays coming up. We found this great energy and water-saving calculator that lets you take a peek at how much money you’d save if you replaced older toilets, tanks, shower heads and faucets with more eco-friendly models.
The ItsEasyBeingGreen.com calculator lets you enter how many of each type of plumbing fixture you have in your home and the approximate times a day each one gets used. Then it adds up your total estimated cost savings if you were to switch out your fixtures to more conservation models.
Even if you don’t think your plumbing leaks or you’ve already installed low-flow toilets, you can still use the calculator to determine energy cost savings on old-time lightbulbs vs. the new twisty CFL (compact flourescent light) bulbs. For example, just replacing 10 filament bulbs that get used 3 hours a day can save you $126 per year!
Here are 15 more ideas for conserving water and saving energy costs from Niagra Conservation, who created the energy cost savings calculator.
Don’t let the sound of a running toilet or a drippy faucet turn into “white noise.” Fix them as soon as you become aware of the problem.
Install water-efficient plumbing fixtures throughout your house–and outside where you screw in your garden hose.
Take a shower instead of a bath, and set a timer to get in and get out. You can save up to 40 gallons of water each time!
Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth or shave.
Add aerators to every faucet.
Use freezer-safe mugs to cool sodas and other drinks. This saves water to make ice cubes and won’t dilute your drink’s flavor.
Use insulated coolers rather than ice buckets to keep bottles and food cool while traveling.
Don’t run your washing machine when you don’t have a full load to wash.
Stop pre-rinsing your dishes. Newer dishwashers thoroughly clean them without this extra water-wasting step.
Use “gray” water from activities like washing dishes (unless you use harsh detergents) and showering to water plants.
Plan ahead to thaw food ahead of time in the refrigerator or use the defrost feature on your microwave. Stop thawing food by running water over it!
Wash your car by hand with water in a bucket or take it to a carwash that uses recycled water.
When buying plants for landscaping, consult a horticulturalist or landscaper. Native plants require less water and maintenance.
Water your lawn in the morning when it’s less likely to evaporate before soaking in.
Hold a family meeting to discuss ways to save water – education and awareness are the first keys!
Water is Mother Earth’s most precious resource, but it’s also one that’s easiest to waste, even when we try to be careful. A leaky sink, kitchen faucet or a flush on a water-guzzling, non-low-flow toilet flows down the drain and costs money. Plus, are you still using old-fashioned filament light bulbs? (Really?) You’re being awfully generous to the utility companies!
Everyone’s looking to cut costs right now, especially with the holidays coming up. We found this great energy and water-saving calculator that lets you take a peek at how much money you’d save if you replaced older toilets, tanks, shower heads and faucets with more eco-friendly models.
The ItsEasyBeingGreen.com calculator lets you enter how many of each type of plumbing fixture you have in your home and the approximate times a day each one gets used. Then it adds up your total estimated cost savings if you were to switch out your fixtures to more conservation models.
Even if you don’t think your plumbing leaks or you’ve already installed low-flow toilets, you can still use the calculator to determine energy cost savings on old-time lightbulbs vs. the new twisty CFL (compact flourescent light) bulbs. For example, just replacing 10 filament bulbs that get used 3 hours a day can save you $126 per year!
Here are 15 more ideas for conserving water and saving energy costs from Niagra Conservation, who created the energy cost savings calculator.
Don’t let the sound of a running toilet or a drippy faucet turn into “white noise.” Fix them as soon as you become aware of the problem.
Install water-efficient plumbing fixtures throughout your house–and outside where you screw in your garden hose.
Take a shower instead of a bath, and set a timer to get in and get out. You can save up to 40 gallons of water each time!
Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth or shave.
Add aerators to every faucet.
Use freezer-safe mugs to cool sodas and other drinks. This saves water to make ice cubes and won’t dilute your drink’s flavor.
Use insulated coolers rather than ice buckets to keep bottles and food cool while traveling.
Don’t run your washing machine when you don’t have a full load to wash.
Stop pre-rinsing your dishes. Newer dishwashers thoroughly clean them without this extra water-wasting step.
Use “gray” water from activities like washing dishes (unless you use harsh detergents) and showering to water plants.
Plan ahead to thaw food ahead of time in the refrigerator or use the defrost feature on your microwave. Stop thawing food by running water over it!
Wash your car by hand with water in a bucket or take it to a carwash that uses recycled water.
When buying plants for landscaping, consult a horticulturalist or landscaper. Native plants require less water and maintenance.
Water your lawn in the morning when it’s less likely to evaporate before soaking in.
Hold a family meeting to discuss ways to save water – education and awareness are the first keys!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Energy sources and conservation
Energy sources and conservation
Our energy sources should not be limited to PV/Solar.
It should be a combination of PV/Wind and many instances Geothermal.
There are also Tidal and Wave Energy, Thermal, Fuel cell, etc.
You could also use renewable energy to convert water into hydrogen which would give you fuel to power generators and cars. We should utilize renewable energy for desalinization and transport the water to its ultimate destination.
People have to realize that in order for this approach to be successful.
We need everyone on board to work together for this common goal.
The Government, Corporate America and the people of the United States must make a commitment to this cause and pursue it relentlessly.
Above all that people have to concentrate on energy efficiency.
“It is cheaper to save energy than make energy”
Many people have to monitor their habits and be conscience of their daily habits in the use of energy and utilities. In changing your daily habits peoples can cut their energy costs between 30-60%, without any physical modification. Tests have proven for this to be correct. Imagine how much more you can conserve and save if you made some minor physical modifications.
There are many programs available to anyone which helps achieve these goals.
It is educating the public to conserve and not waste that will make the difference.
As a nation United States consumes more resources than any other country in the world.
Today’s economic crisis should serve as an impetus to implement a mission of conserving resources for all of the people in the United States. Conserve resources for our sake and the sake of future generations.
Developing Renewable Energy sources should be the “Manhattan project of the 21st century”
Thank you
YJ Draiman, Director of Utilities & Sustainability
Draiman is a candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles 2013
Our energy sources should not be limited to PV/Solar.
It should be a combination of PV/Wind and many instances Geothermal.
There are also Tidal and Wave Energy, Thermal, Fuel cell, etc.
You could also use renewable energy to convert water into hydrogen which would give you fuel to power generators and cars. We should utilize renewable energy for desalinization and transport the water to its ultimate destination.
People have to realize that in order for this approach to be successful.
We need everyone on board to work together for this common goal.
The Government, Corporate America and the people of the United States must make a commitment to this cause and pursue it relentlessly.
Above all that people have to concentrate on energy efficiency.
“It is cheaper to save energy than make energy”
Many people have to monitor their habits and be conscience of their daily habits in the use of energy and utilities. In changing your daily habits peoples can cut their energy costs between 30-60%, without any physical modification. Tests have proven for this to be correct. Imagine how much more you can conserve and save if you made some minor physical modifications.
There are many programs available to anyone which helps achieve these goals.
It is educating the public to conserve and not waste that will make the difference.
As a nation United States consumes more resources than any other country in the world.
Today’s economic crisis should serve as an impetus to implement a mission of conserving resources for all of the people in the United States. Conserve resources for our sake and the sake of future generations.
Developing Renewable Energy sources should be the “Manhattan project of the 21st century”
Thank you
YJ Draiman, Director of Utilities & Sustainability
Draiman is a candidate for Mayor of Los Angeles 2013
Friday, May 6, 2011
Solar Panels
Solar Panels
The utilization of solar panels is a great way to generate clean and renewable electricity that's capable of powering remote appliances or even partially powering your home or workplace.
There are two main forms of solar cells in existence today and these are "solar electricity panels" and "solar hot water panels". The two different technologies available allow you to either generate electricity or provide a hot water supply.
As time goes by we begin to see new, increasingly efficient solar panel designs. This continues to make the use of photovoltaic power more viable to homeowners and businesses over electricity sources derived from fossil fuel sources.
It's unlikely we will see heavy industry using photovoltaic electricity for quite some time due to the much larger energy demand that industry requires, however, with increasingly efficient solar power technologies becoming available, photovoltaic electricity systems may be able to one day power large industrial facilities.
As the technologies surrounding the use of photovoltaics improve, we are likely to see a much greater, widespread use of solar cells.
Solar Electricity Panels
Solar (or photovoltaic) cells are a very useful way of providing electricity to remote areas where the use of electricity may be essential yet the laying of high voltage cable may not be viable. The best example of the importance of solar energy to provide electricity in remote locations can be found in space. For many years, satellites have been using solar panels to catch the sun's rays to provide power to the equipment on board.
Photovoltaic cells can be aligned as an array, as shown to the top of this page. There are many advantages of using a solar cell array with various panels fitted along a mounting system. One of the main advantages is that we are able to combine various numbers of cells to provide a greater output of electricity and this method makes solar electricity a viable option to contribute to powering small homes and businesses. Large scale arrays are capable of powering larger homes and businesses.
The increasing efficiency of solar energy technologies means we are able to purchase and install panels knowing we are likely to receive an efficient means of harnessing energy from the sun's rays to turn into electricity for use in our homes.
It's possible for a household to receive its full amount of electricity from solar energy through the use of solar panels, yet this is unlikely in most cases. The costs involved with supplying a whole house with electricity from photovoltaic panels would be quite high for the average homeowner. The use of solar electricity in the average home is still a viable option to provide a substantial amount of electricity helping to reduce energy bills over the period of operation.
Solar Hot Water Panels
The use of solar panels to heat water is becoming increasingly popular around the world due to the cost savings associated with this method.
A good solar hot water panel system is able to provide an average household with around a third of its annual hot water supply. While this may not sound much, it can reduce energy costs by a considerable amount.
Some installations combine both solar hot water panels with solar electricity panels, helping to provide reduced energy costs whilst harnessing a renewable and clean source of energy.
The combination of a solar hot water panel with other renewable energy technologies such as solar panels or a home wind turbine can work quite well in providing a source of cheap, clean, and renewable energy for our homes.
Integration is key for the success of a solar electricity system, so be sure to consult an expert in this field when planning any installation. Reputable renewable energy installation companies should be able to provide advice on the most appropriate solution for your area and personal requirements.
Clean Energy Sources
Clean Energy Sources
The use of natural energy sources to provide heating and electricity is rapidly increasing in popularity among homeowners.
The increasing use of natural and renewable energy sources is needed to help take the burden off our current dependency on fossil fuels. The significantly high level of fossil fuel products burnt each and every day is polluting of the air and surrounding environments and may also be contributing to climate change.
By making the switch to natural and renewable energy sources, you will be doing your part in helping to improve the quality of the environment and the air we breathe. Although many other issues need to be addressed, making the switch is a large step forward in the fight for a cleaner environment.
With increasing evidence suggesting the burning of fossil fuels is contributing towards climate change, now is the time to switch to alternative means of generating energy.
Clean Energy Ideas was launched in 2007 in an attempt to try and educate visitors to the importance of the use of renewable energy sources. You will find lots of educational material throughout the website, and much of this information relates to how you can get involved in energy conservation and producing your very own natural energy.
The many different natural and renewable energy technologies highlighted throughout the website are by no means breakthrough. Many of these renewable energy technologies have been around for years and as time goes by are increasing in efficiency and benefiting from technological innovation.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Natural Energy Sources
Below are just a handful of the many advantages relating to the use of natural and renewable energy sources:
The sun, wind, tides, and geothermal activity are all renewable.
After the initial cost of; solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal energy systems, the only cost to the consumer relates to any required maintenance. You could even sell excess electricity back to your national grid.
No more price rises from gas, energy or electricity companies. You could be fully carbon neutral, eliminating your dependency on the remaining reserves of fossil fuels.
Use as much or as little of the renewable electricity you're able to generate without feeling guilty for any wastage.
By switching to the use of renewable energy sources we're able to make the remaining oil, gas and coal supplies last longer.
Government grants may be available for some natural energy projects depending on your location.
Below, you can see a selection of the disadvantages relating to the use of clean energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels:
The initial cost of renewable energy systems can be expensive.
It can be very difficult to switch your current energy or power supply to the use of renewable energy, but you could get close with a realistic budget and the implementation of different renewable energy technologies such as a wind turbine and solar panel combination.
Reducing the Effects OF Global Warming
There are many other steps you can take to reduce the effects of global warming which are unrelated to the use of natural energy sources. Many of these steps are easy, affordable and can start at home.
Something as basic as regular recycling can have a significant impact on the environment whilst saving energy during the manufacture of new products.
Carbon emissions are a direct result of not only heavy industry and transport but also the average household. Energy efficiency and conservation is a key aspect in reducing the effects of global warming, and there are steps that can be taken around the home to achieve this.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)