|
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Mapping Michigan's Green Energy Economy
The Environmental Defense Fund has produced maps showing businesses involved in renewable energy or energy efficiency in 12 swing states, including Michigan. Click on icons for business details.
Construction Plans
The construction plans are done (This is part of the title page). The builder and designer are going to meet with the Structural Insulated Panel company (Porter SIPs) next week, and the augercast pile company, so they'll be ready to go once the permits are in place.
Google PowerMeter
Ok, I should be getting back to work, but this is pretty cool:
Google is developing a gadget that will show you the minute-by-minute energy consumption of your house online (or on your smartphone). The idea is it will help people to conserve if they see when use goes up and down and how their behaviour affects usage. It does rely on a smart meter, but they say that 40 million homes will get these as part of the stimulus package. I hope ours will be one!
The gadget is in the prototype testing stage, so it's early. I know there are other meters, and internet based control of furnaces and such, out there. Haven't researched them yet.
Addition Mar 2: For minute-by-minute power consumption, the Power Cost Monitor will show you what happens when your fridge kicks in or you turn on the TV. It does not record, though. MSRP $120.
Google is developing a gadget that will show you the minute-by-minute energy consumption of your house online (or on your smartphone). The idea is it will help people to conserve if they see when use goes up and down and how their behaviour affects usage. It does rely on a smart meter, but they say that 40 million homes will get these as part of the stimulus package. I hope ours will be one!
The gadget is in the prototype testing stage, so it's early. I know there are other meters, and internet based control of furnaces and such, out there. Haven't researched them yet.
Addition Mar 2: For minute-by-minute power consumption, the Power Cost Monitor will show you what happens when your fridge kicks in or you turn on the TV. It does not record, though. MSRP $120.
Stimulus package -- Caps are off!
Updating my post of last week about tax credits as part of the stimulus package:
the caps to the 30% credit for solar hot water, wind power, and geothermal have been removed. Now it is a straight percentage with no limit.
They have also increased the caps for home energy efficiency improvement like efficient furnaces, insulation, windows, and some appliances, and also the fraction from 10% to 30%. This has not been updated at the Energy Star site yet, but I expect they will get to it soon.
There has been an increase in the grants to weatherize the homes of low- and middle-income families (see Weatherization Assistance Program).
the caps to the 30% credit for solar hot water, wind power, and geothermal have been removed. Now it is a straight percentage with no limit.
They have also increased the caps for home energy efficiency improvement like efficient furnaces, insulation, windows, and some appliances, and also the fraction from 10% to 30%. This has not been updated at the Energy Star site yet, but I expect they will get to it soon.
There has been an increase in the grants to weatherize the homes of low- and middle-income families (see Weatherization Assistance Program).
Waiting for permits
We heard back from the DEQ on Friday. What I didn't realize is that they don't just decide on the permit themselves, they seek public input and comment from other branches of government. Which takes time. Neighbours and others have 20 days to comment, and the county and township have 45 days, from Feb. 10. If perhaps the county and township take less than that time, we might hear back sooner.
Meanwhile, spring often brings weight restrictions for vehicles on lesser roads in Michigan. Other states allow only lesser weights during the whole year, and this brings Michigan more into line during the spring thaw period, when road beds are most susceptible to damage.
" Except as provided in this subsection and subsection (8), during the months of March, April, and May in each year, the maximum axle load allowable on concrete pavements or pavements with a concrete base shall be reduced by 25% from the maximum axle load as specified in this chapter, and the maximum axle loads allowable on all other types of roads during these months shall be reduced by 35% from the maximum axle loads as specified. " There are exemptions for utilities and agricultural haulers. It's enforced with portable scales.
For Michigan, there is a website, micountyroads, that tells you which counties have weight restrictions in place. So often there is a hold-up in construction if heavy equipment is needed on the lesser roads.
Meanwhile, spring often brings weight restrictions for vehicles on lesser roads in Michigan. Other states allow only lesser weights during the whole year, and this brings Michigan more into line during the spring thaw period, when road beds are most susceptible to damage.
" Except as provided in this subsection and subsection (8), during the months of March, April, and May in each year, the maximum axle load allowable on concrete pavements or pavements with a concrete base shall be reduced by 25% from the maximum axle load as specified in this chapter, and the maximum axle loads allowable on all other types of roads during these months shall be reduced by 35% from the maximum axle loads as specified. " There are exemptions for utilities and agricultural haulers. It's enforced with portable scales.
For Michigan, there is a website, micountyroads, that tells you which counties have weight restrictions in place. So often there is a hold-up in construction if heavy equipment is needed on the lesser roads.
Solar hot water, tax credits
There was an opinion piece, written by a physics professor, in the New York Times last week. It's not earth-shattering, just points out that while solar hot water is less well known than photovoltaic, electricity-generating panels, is more efficient and less expensive.
They are easy to install and do not have the dramatic reduction in production caused by partial shade that plagues the photovoltaic panels.
He also mentions tax credits, and this part is confusing. The Times posted a correction, which does not help that much. I went to energystar.gov and found this:
Solar Water Heating
* At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.
* The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs.
* The water must be used in the dwelling.
* The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).
Credit is: 30% of cost, up to $2,000
There is a link to IRS form 5695 for this.
For photovoltaic panels, there is a straight 30% credit, with no cap.
Sweet.
The caps were raised and deadlines extended with the 2008 stimulus package. And these postings don't seem to reflect the 2009 stimulus package just passed. The numbers I have seen on that suggest a 30% credit is still in place, but perhaps the $2,000 cap has been removed for hot water. I'll keep my eyes peeled to see if I can confirm this.
They are easy to install and do not have the dramatic reduction in production caused by partial shade that plagues the photovoltaic panels.
He also mentions tax credits, and this part is confusing. The Times posted a correction, which does not help that much. I went to energystar.gov and found this:
Solar Water Heating
* At least half of the energy generated by the “qualifying property” must come from the sun. Homeowners may only claim spending on the solar water heating system property, not the entire water heating system of the household.
* The credit is not available for expenses for swimming pools or hot tubs.
* The water must be used in the dwelling.
* The system must be certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation (SRCC).
Credit is: 30% of cost, up to $2,000
There is a link to IRS form 5695 for this.
For photovoltaic panels, there is a straight 30% credit, with no cap.
Sweet.
The caps were raised and deadlines extended with the 2008 stimulus package. And these postings don't seem to reflect the 2009 stimulus package just passed. The numbers I have seen on that suggest a 30% credit is still in place, but perhaps the $2,000 cap has been removed for hot water. I'll keep my eyes peeled to see if I can confirm this.
Lifecycle analysis of LED lights
To really know if something is "greener" than an alternative, you need a lifecycle analysis. This considers how much energy and materials are used in the manufacture, during use, and for disposal of the items to be compared. It often includes a consideration of the recyclability or toxicity of the items after their useful life is over.
The New York Times has a brief report on a lifecycle analysis of LED lights compared to compact flourescents (CFLs) and incandescents. LED lights have an even longer life and lower energy consumption than CFLs -- but use a lot of energy in their manufacture. However, the lifecycle analysis indicates they use somewhat less energy over their life than do CFLs (and much, much less than incandescents). There are also links to more information about them.
We hope to have LEDs under the kitchen cabinets and in other locations in the new house. Their costs are falling, and this analysis indicates they are greener.
The New York Times has a brief report on a lifecycle analysis of LED lights compared to compact flourescents (CFLs) and incandescents. LED lights have an even longer life and lower energy consumption than CFLs -- but use a lot of energy in their manufacture. However, the lifecycle analysis indicates they use somewhat less energy over their life than do CFLs (and much, much less than incandescents). There are also links to more information about them.
We hope to have LEDs under the kitchen cabinets and in other locations in the new house. Their costs are falling, and this analysis indicates they are greener.
3-D views, June & December
The designer, Eric Hughes, just sent me these cool, beautiful drawings. Actually he sent me a Google Sketchup file that allows you to fly around and look at the house from any angle! These are screenshots showing how it will look at noon in June, when the sun is at the highest angle, and in December, when the sun is at its lowest angle. (Click the images for a bigger view).
June
December
You can see the effect of the awnings and roof overhang on the passive solar heating. The skylights in the sunroom will have shades to block the summer sun. The sun angles were figured using information from Google Earth for the precise site.
June
December
You can see the effect of the awnings and roof overhang on the passive solar heating. The skylights in the sunroom will have shades to block the summer sun. The sun angles were figured using information from Google Earth for the precise site.
Good Home Construction Featured in Today’s Vintage Magazine
Thank you to Today’s Vintage Magazine for putting us on the front cover of this month’s magazine and featuring us in the spotlight article, which highlights some of our recent projects. To read the full article, click here.
To see more samples of Good Home Construction's previous and current projects, click HERE.
Energy efficient washing machines & dryers
The New York Times has an amusing short video about energy efficient washing machines. Washing and drying can use a substantial fraction of the home's energy, so cutting back here is important. Front loading washers use less water (and energy) than top loaders, and may lengthen the life of your clothes. Energy Star washers use about half as much energy as normal washers. The Energy Star site has tips here, and links to lists of qualifying washers.
Dryers are not Energy Star rated, because there is little difference among them, but the more sophisticated dryers will carefully calculate the heat needed. But nothing beats hang-drying for low energy use! If your towels are too stiff after hang drying, you can briefly fluff them in the dryer.
Dryers are not Energy Star rated, because there is little difference among them, but the more sophisticated dryers will carefully calculate the heat needed. But nothing beats hang-drying for low energy use! If your towels are too stiff after hang drying, you can briefly fluff them in the dryer.
Heat
The New York Times had a couple of articles about heat and its distribution this past week. The first was about radiators. Thin, stylish radiators, in many colours. Runtal North America will make custom ones that can serve as balustrades, or run floor to ceiling. And of course there are the towel rack ones. I grew up with radiators, but the big fat ones. At least they did not clank much!
More interesting was a "Second Homes" article about "green" heating systems. It's not comprehensive, but it mentioned a heating system that would also generate electricity. So while you are not there in the winter, it can be rolling your electric meter back (they do have net metering in Michigan).
The Freewatt system (Climate Energy Co.) has an internet hookup, and you can change settings remotely. The cost appears to be on the order of $20,000. It doesn't generate electricity in the summer, apparently, or during a power outage, although the propane version (to be released in April) may do that. It looks rather large for our house, the only size they mention is 12,000 Btu. It might be worth looking at some more; distributed generation is great (a huge amount of electricity is lost as it travels through the power lines). If you are a heavy electric user in a northern or winter-cloudy climate, I should think it would be a nice supplement to a photovoltaic system for year-round electric generation.
The other maker of Micro Combined Heat and Power (mCHP) systems in North America is East Troy, WI-based : Marathon with a grid-linked or off-the-grid system.
There is a New Zealand company, WhisperGen, that is setting up manufacturing in Britain.
More interesting was a "Second Homes" article about "green" heating systems. It's not comprehensive, but it mentioned a heating system that would also generate electricity. So while you are not there in the winter, it can be rolling your electric meter back (they do have net metering in Michigan).
The Freewatt system (Climate Energy Co.) has an internet hookup, and you can change settings remotely. The cost appears to be on the order of $20,000. It doesn't generate electricity in the summer, apparently, or during a power outage, although the propane version (to be released in April) may do that. It looks rather large for our house, the only size they mention is 12,000 Btu. It might be worth looking at some more; distributed generation is great (a huge amount of electricity is lost as it travels through the power lines). If you are a heavy electric user in a northern or winter-cloudy climate, I should think it would be a nice supplement to a photovoltaic system for year-round electric generation.
The other maker of Micro Combined Heat and Power (mCHP) systems in North America is East Troy, WI-based : Marathon with a grid-linked or off-the-grid system.
There is a New Zealand company, WhisperGen, that is setting up manufacturing in Britain.
No Fridge?
The refrigerator uses a lot of energy, even if it is EnergyStar. The New York Times had an article about people who do not have 'fridges: Fridgeless wonders. Turns out, that is a little misleading. they have a freezer and a cooler, and use bottles filled with ice to keep the cooler cool. They have to shop more and plan more when cooking. It would not really work in rural areas, where the store is a drive away (unless you visit it almost every day anyway).
For really serious energy conservation in the fridge department, Sunfrost makes small, highly insulated fridges. They're meant for off-the-grid, solar power situations (I think there is a propane fridge too). They're pretty pricey.
Another way is to use a smaller fridge ... our fridge at the cottage is of a standard size, and was usually pretty empty, so I am thinking of going with a smaller one, as they use less power than the average sized fridge. The average-sized (18-21 cu ft) fridges use 385-415 Kwh/yr; a 14 or 15 cu ft one uses about 355 Kwh/yr, and a 10.3 cu ft fridge uses 309 Kwh/yr; all of these are Energy Star, top freezer, with no ice maker (the most efficient configuration). Smaller is better, but going without a refrigerator in a rural area could lead to more shopping trips, and a net energy cost.
For really serious energy conservation in the fridge department, Sunfrost makes small, highly insulated fridges. They're meant for off-the-grid, solar power situations (I think there is a propane fridge too). They're pretty pricey.
Another way is to use a smaller fridge ... our fridge at the cottage is of a standard size, and was usually pretty empty, so I am thinking of going with a smaller one, as they use less power than the average sized fridge. The average-sized (18-21 cu ft) fridges use 385-415 Kwh/yr; a 14 or 15 cu ft one uses about 355 Kwh/yr, and a 10.3 cu ft fridge uses 309 Kwh/yr; all of these are Energy Star, top freezer, with no ice maker (the most efficient configuration). Smaller is better, but going without a refrigerator in a rural area could lead to more shopping trips, and a net energy cost.
Insulation recommendations by Zip code
The department of Energy has a little program that recommends minimum insulation R-values for your renovation or new house. You provide the zip code (first three digits), a very small amount of information about the house (like the type of heating system, whether there are cathedral ceilings and crawl spaces), and it calculates R-values. It's at this link: http://www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html. They have a good insulation fact sheet if you want to learn more about insulation.
Here is a link to their figure showing where to insulate: Insulation figure .
Here is a link to their figure showing where to insulate: Insulation figure .
DEQ Corrections
Received a fax from the DEQ saying that this is a wetlands proposal, so they need more information and drawings, and also the fee would be $500 and not $50.
So I have tried to meet the demands, and sent it off this morning. Now I'm nervous that we won't be able to get a permit, at least not for the place I would prefer to put the house. We do own more land though, and could put it somewhere else on the lot. The views would not be as good, and we would have to put in a new septic, and likely a new well and driveway too. But perhaps we could leave part of the old house up as a summer guesthouse / studio?
Well, I have my fingers crossed and hope to hear back from them soon.
So I have tried to meet the demands, and sent it off this morning. Now I'm nervous that we won't be able to get a permit, at least not for the place I would prefer to put the house. We do own more land though, and could put it somewhere else on the lot. The views would not be as good, and we would have to put in a new septic, and likely a new well and driveway too. But perhaps we could leave part of the old house up as a summer guesthouse / studio?
Well, I have my fingers crossed and hope to hear back from them soon.
Pasadena Architectural Salvage is Having a Sale
A community member passed on this message regarding a sale at Pasadena Architectural Salvage:
"Starting this Saturday, February 7, 2009, we will be having a massive inventory reduction sale. Everything in the store will be discounted from 20-60% off of the regular price! We have a large selection of vintage lighting, hardware, windows, interior/exterior doors, columns, stained glass windows and an amazing selection of rare plumbing items. Please check our website, as much of our inventory is pictured there. Contact us for availability of items not listed online. Don't miss out on our largest SALE to date. "
*Please note: ALL SALES ARE FINAL
Pasadena Architectural Salvage
30 S. San Gabriel Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
Hrs: Tues. - Sat. 10 - 5, Sun 12 - 5, Monday Closed
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
