by srmi | Jan 26, 2012 | Energy News
We all have expectations for the lighting of our living and working spaces. Like many electrical energy uses, lighting presents three main energy conservation opportunities. Remove light fixtures Reduce the wattage of lamps and ballasts Increase the off time of...
by srmi | Jan 19, 2012 | Energy News
A company called Energetechs in Missoula Montana sells energy expertise with energy products. This must be a good strategy because they’ve been in business for over 25 years. The company was formed by Gary and Gregg Mazade and was sold to Russ Hellem some years ago....
by srmi | Jan 16, 2012 | Energy News
The subsidy for ethanol expired on the last day of 2011 and I didn’t shed any tears. To make a gallon of ethanol, start with 23 pounds of corn with a potential energy of about 185,000 BTUs. Add 40,000 to 80,000 BTUS of fossil energy per gallon and presto you...
by srmi | Jan 10, 2012 | Energy News
Cities are the best places for large power plants. I read a recent Time Magazine article about the Fisk Coal plant in Chicago and its cost in respiratory problems to the citizens of that great city. Time hinted that the city isn’t a good place for a power plant...
by srmi | Jan 3, 2012 | Energy News
I’ve never coined a word and never wanted to either. The English language has approximately 600,000 words: that’s enough. However I need some catchwords for Saturn’s efforts in the new year of 2012. My first new word is the verb: complexify. We complicate, we...
by srmi | Jan 2, 2012 | Energy News
Many homes with cathedral ceilings or flat roofs have little or no insulation. The IRC 2009 building code requires a ventilated space of at least one inch above the roof insulation. Building scientists sometimes ask how useful the ventilation is and how much...
by srmi | Dec 27, 2011 | Energy News
For years the weatherization industry calculated whole-house ventilation by ASHRAE standard 62-1989. This standard was mercifully simple compared to the new ASHRAE standard 62.2-2010. The BPI building analyst training still trains to the old 62-1989 standard. That...
by srmi | Dec 27, 2011 | Energy News
A steam heating system combines a steam boiler with a distribution system consisting or pipes, valves, and radiators. Steam heating requires more maintenance than hydronic or warm air because of the make-up water flowing into the boiler. Often the boiler water needs...
by srmi | Dec 19, 2011 | Energy News
Saving energy in multifamily buildings is similar to saving energy in homes. The choices become different for multifamily housing as the building increases in size. The fact that one building is home to many people also becomes a factor in selecting energy...
by srmi | Dec 5, 2011 | Energy News
Many recent advertisements tout specific electric space heaters as being superior to others. This article explains the operation of the two general types of electric space heaters and discusses advantages and disadvantages of different designs. Electric resistance...
