I’ve had several discussions on this blog about the importance of a tight home, “built it tight and ventilate it right”. Continue reading “Mechanicals-Heat Recovery Ventilators”
The Energy Audit-Air Conditioners
Summer has arrived, bringing warm temperatures and higher humidity. As a kid, I remember hot nights sleeping in the upper story of an old farm house, often also suffering from sunburn. Now, I can’t imagine not having at least one cool room in the house for relief. What a wimp I’ve become. Many homes in Minnesota have some sort of air conditioning today. This blog posting is going to discuss the different types, efficiencies, and operating costs of common air conditioners along with the basics of how they operate.
Continue reading “The Energy Audit-Air Conditioners”
The Energy Audit-Dehumidifiers
Working as an energy auditor, I am often in homes that require dehumidification. Controlling the humidity level within a home is very important for indoor air quality and the durability of the home. Continue reading “The Energy Audit-Dehumidifiers”
The Energy Audit-Energy Costs
Most of the energy audits and assessments I conduct are because of a high bill complaint. Some homes have heating related issue, some have specific equipment adding to costs, some, the homeowner just needs a little education. When looking to decrease energy costs, where are the best places save? The Department of Energy has categorized and estimated the energy used by the typical American home…
Mechanicals-Heating fuels
There are many fuel options to choose from for heating a home. Natural gas, if available, is currently one of the cheapest. I’ve also seen fuel oil, propane, electric, wood, and even city produced steam systems heating homes in Northern Minnesota. They all have advantages and disadvantages. Today, I am going to discuss heating fuel costs and heat outputs. Continue reading “Mechanicals-Heating fuels”