https://energyfreakshow.com/2014/02/25/wood-stove-repairs/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/image.pngimagehttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/20140225_192304.jpgAFTERNew Stainless Steel Secondary Combustion Air Tubeshttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/20140225_190254-e1393445038809.jpgThe Right Tool for the Job!https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/20140114_172053.jpgBEFORESecondary Air Tubes Severely Deterioratedhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wpid-img_20140225_193735.jpgwpid-img_20140225_193735.jpg2024-09-29T12:18:58+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2015/02/12/snow-power/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/wpid-wp-1423772821539.pngwpid-wp-1423772821539.pnghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/wpid-wp-1423772844758.jpegwpid-wp-1423772844758.jpeg2024-09-29T11:56:47+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2017/02/05/dust-blows/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/image.pngimagehttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_23201.jpgimg_23201Nik cleans our mini-split filters because it keeps the mini-split working well, and all that dust is icky: get it out!https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_23221.jpgimg_23221Oooh, yeah. Filters need attention. I guess I should be glad the mini-split has these filters. It keeps our air cleaner!https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_20170128_130616685.jpgimg_20170128_130616685The water heater after a vacuuming-out. Cleaner fins equals better efficiency.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/img_20170128_125142862.jpgimg_20170128_125142862Dust accumulating in the heat pump water heater.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/long-water-heater-cycle.jpglong-water-heater-cycleA normal water heater cycle is shown in dark blue on the left. A freakishly long water heater cycle is shown in dark blue on the right. Spikes in the water heater power is likely the electric resistance element coming on to help the heat pump.2024-09-29T11:55:09+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2017/01/29/this-kind-of-wall/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_21651.jpgimg_2165https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_20170119_091735332.jpgimg_20170119_091735332https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_20170123_151912035.jpgimg_20170123_151912035Spray foam on walls gets between the studs and the old sheathing, making sure the insulation is not interrupted anywhere. At this point in the construction the house has suddenly gotten much more air tight. It's been warm, but I'm expecting to really tell the difference during the next cold snap.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_20170119_091825304_hdr.jpgimg_20170119_091825304_hdrThe walls have been thickened out with a 2X6 spaced off the wall by 1.5". The two eaves have been connected with a tiny shed roof to cover the thickened wall. Here you can see the tar paper that was behind the siding, but this paper will be removed so the spray foam can adhere directly to the sheathing.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_2159.jpgimg_2159https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_2158.jpgimg_2158https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_2224.jpgimg_2224https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_2223.jpgimg_2223https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_2222.jpgimg_2222https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/img_2221.jpgimg_22212024-09-29T11:50:57+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2020/10/28/pandemic-thanksgiving/2020-12-07T14:03:53+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2014/12/11/roof-rake-reinvented/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/2014-12-11.jpg2014-12-11https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wpid-img_20141211_194314360.jpgwpid-img_20141211_194314360.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wpid-img_20141211_191132840.jpgwpid-img_20141211_191132840.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wpid-img_20141211_100858924.jpgwpid-img_20141211_100858924.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/wpid-img_20141211_071126660_hdr-e1418343263265.jpgwpid-img_20141211_071126660_hdr.jpg2017-03-16T14:03:59+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2016/03/20/your-house-is-a-battery/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/heat-pump-capacity-temp.pngheat pump capacity temp2017-01-29T20:06:07+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2015/05/13/active-house-or-active-people/2015-05-14T02:07:47+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2015/05/02/the-wall/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/img_2190.jpgRotting houseHere's the problem with the wall behind our bed. It appears that the addition has no house wrap (tar paper, or the more modern Tyvek) behind the siding. Bad or non-existent siding at the window has allowed the wall to get wet. We can smell the wall rotting away on rainy days. When we thicken this wall out with more insulation and new siding, this rotten spot will have a chance to dry out and be protected from the weather. I think it will be ok to leave it as long as we cover it up before it becomes a structural problem.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/proposed-siding-in-place.jpgProposed wall sectionAn early idea about thickening the wall for more insulation had the original siding left in place. Spray foam over the siding would seal it, and all the lead paint would be encapsulated, never to pollute again. I like this approach because it saves the time and landfill fee of removing the siding, but my builder convinced me it makes all the subsequent construction easier if the siding is removed.2015-05-03T15:42:36+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2015/03/15/positive/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/first-positive-day.jpgPositive DayThat beautiful green hump shows that February 16th was a full-on sunny day without a cloud in the sky. All that sun made more electricity on that day than we used in that 24-hour period. Not just a net-zero day, but an energy positive day!2015-03-16T02:17:25+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2015/02/15/all-is-revealed-solar-finances/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/7-days-cover.jpg7 days coverAs part of a group of articles on zero energy, Seven Days wrote about our house. The author emphasized the ways that we try minimize the costs to take our house to zero energy. For many homes Zero is economical and affordable!https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/solar-roofs.jpgsolar roofsI believe you have a moral obligation to put solar on your roof, if you have a good roof for that. There are lots of places where pv won't fit, or are shaded, or the roof can't support it. If you've got a good roof, and net metering through your utility, do it! It'll save you money and you'll be doing the most with the roof god gave you.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/cumulative-cash-flow.pngcumulative cash flowIn this example from a new home, the total cost of loan service (mortgage) plus energy costs accelerates more quickly without the solar energy than with it. Although the monthly costs with PV start out being higher, because the energy costs are flatlined with your own renewable energy system, over time the savings will more than make up for the early higher mortgage payment.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/return-on-investment.jpgreturn on investmentWith investments one talks about the "return". My retirement fund has a return of 6.6% Determine the return of energy investments and you can compare the value of energy efficiency to the value of any other investment.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/220px-paybackposter.jpgPayback moviePayback... Yeah, it's that bad.2015-02-25T03:50:34+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2015/01/11/solar-specs/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/annual-production-and-usage.jpgannual production and usageIn 2014 we generated about 10.5 MWh of electricity. That's quite a bit higher than what we were expecting out of the array, given the shading from the chimeny, and it's very close to balancing all our electricity use for the year.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cumulative-panel-production.jpgcumulative panel productionThe darker panels to the east of the gap show that the chimney shading on those panels is hurting their electricity generation. The chimney is not centered in the gap, leaving enough space to the west that only minor chimney shading affects output on that side.2015-01-13T03:36:34+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/10/12/falling-leaves-leave-falling-production/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/chart-leaf-whole-panel.jpgChart - leaf - whole panelhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/chart-leaf.jpgChart - leafhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/20131012_1355411.jpg20131012_1355412015-01-11T17:50:20+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2015/01/09/the-crack-that-froze-the-pipe/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20141116_105106-1.jpg20141116_105106-1Behind the trim board, leaning away to the left, I did not find the new wall butted up to the old wall, as I expected. instead, I found this tar paper, which is great because the tar paper keeps the wall dry and it shows that the folks who built the addition did a good job. But what's that hole in the tar paper at the bottom, and why does it look so ... empty?https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20141116_112241.jpg20141116_112241Air sealing is the most important part of preventing freezing pipes. I've pieced in reclaimed foam board, filled the cavity as well as I can, and sealed all the bits together with my one-part spray foam. The incomplete part is that I couldn't get to the top to seal that well, and I didn't go under the porch to seal the bottom well. Next summer: connecting air sealing in the attic and the crawlspace and mouse-proof!https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/20141116_105044.jpg20141116_105044Behind the trim board, leaning away to the left, I did not find the new wall butted up to the old wall, as I expected. instead, I found this tar paper, which is great because the tar paper keeps the wall dry and it shows that the folks who built the addition did a good job. But what's that hole in the tar paper at the bottom, and why does it look so ... empty?2015-01-09T18:00:33+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2015/01/08/cold-climate-heat-pump-put-to-the-test/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/wpid-img_20150107_212235.jpgwpid-img_20150107_212235.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/wpid-img_20150107_201400.jpgwpid-img_20150107_201400.jpg2015-01-08T17:03:18+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2014/06/14/one-year-measured/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/pie-chart-with-wood-heat.jpgpie chart with wood heatWhen you add in the wood heat, this is our total household energy mix, including driving.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/2014-energy-usage.jpg2014 energy usageThere's a big piece of our energy consumption that we're not measuring individually. This includes lighting, dehumidification, plug-in electric heaters, and car charging before we got our Level 2 charger. https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/one-year-measured.jpgMeasured CircuitsAfter one year we can see what our big energy users consume. This helps us make decisions about where we invest in energy saving improvements.2014-06-15T18:02:07+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2014/03/03/edge-of-cloud-effect/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/edgeofcloud.jpgEdge-of-CloudThe Edge-of-Cloud Effect at work2014-03-12T17:26:44+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2014/02/28/heat-pump-water-heater/2014-03-01T03:27:05+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2014/02/28/smart-thermostat/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/smart_tstat.jpgSmart_TstatThe Control Panel (via internet browser)2014-03-01T01:17:01+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2014/02/15/energy-in-barbados/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wpid-img_20140214_222608.jpgwpid-IMG_20140214_222608.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wpid-img_20140214_220244.jpgwpid-IMG_20140214_220244.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wpid-img_20140214_220125.jpgwpid-IMG_20140214_220125.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wpid-img_20140214_215944.jpgwpid-IMG_20140214_215944.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wpid-20140214_165336.jpgwpid-20140214_165336.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wpid-20140214_165250.jpgwpid-20140214_165250.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wpid-20140214_163242.jpgwpid-20140214_163242.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/wpid-20140215_080406.jpgwpid-20140215_080406.jpg2014-02-28T18:38:39+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2014/01/05/wood-bam/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/img_08511.jpgGasification wood burningOur wood stove has gasification clean-burning technology. The jets of flame at the top of the image is where secondary air is introduced into the combustion chamber. The secondary air, which is preheated by traveling around the firebox before shooting out the little holes, ignites the particulates and gases in the wood smoke. We get the extra heat from the secondary combustion and the stuff that comes out the top of the chimney is cleaner because the icky stuff has been burned off.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/20121229_145042.jpgCord wood deliveryHeating with wood involves a lot of slave labor from our kids. This load of wood arrived snowy, which made our garage wet. We had to dry each log in the house for three days before it was ready to burn. Winter is the most expensive time of year to buy cord wood.2014-06-12T21:10:58+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2014/01/08/you-know-its-cold-when/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/wpid-20130127_165914.jpgwpid-20130127_165914.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/wpid-20130127_162719.jpgwpid-20130127_162719.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/wpid-20130127_085652.jpgwpid-20130127_085652.jpg2014-01-08T15:11:07+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/02/02/energy-freakshows-that-we-have-known/2014-01-05T20:02:05+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/02/15/circus-buried-in-the-walls/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_2792.jpgIMG_2792https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_2791.jpgIMG_2791https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_2790.jpgIMG_2790https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_2789.jpgIMG_27892014-01-05T20:00:41+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/07/07/being-the-change/2014-01-05T19:59:31+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/07/07/energy-units/2014-01-05T19:57:46+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/10/10/energy-in-italy/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/img_0435.jpgIMG_0435Old and new coexisting in Rome.2014-01-05T19:57:30+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/07/07/we-need-a-new-dehumidifier/2014-01-05T19:55:23+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/12/22/payback-baby/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/wpid-hdr_1387762138264.jpgwpid-hdr_1387762138264.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/bed-check.jpgSolar payoutOur utility sent us a $1000 check for the electricity we generated with our solar panels. We still have a $586 credit to carry us through the rest of the cloudy season.2014-01-04T18:21:30+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/12/23/mini-split-solars-best-friend/2025-04-17T20:10:59+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/12/31/icegeddon-2013/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/icy-lights.jpgicy lightsFreezing rain fell for 4 days. Some lost power; there were road accidents; others got to enjoy the beauty.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2x4-removing-roof-ice.jpg2x4 removing roof iceNik and the only thing that will budge the ice: a 2X4. The lower panels had been cleared a few days before, using a windshield scraper.2014-01-12T18:04:54+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/05/25/rainy-day-energy/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/20130428_155825-0011.jpg20130428_155825-001Indoor Unithttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/20130428_155825-001.jpgMitsubishi Hyperheat Mini Split Heat PumpThe heat pump delivers heat to a central place in the house.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/20130427_145056-001.jpg20130427_145056-001Outdoor Unit (during start-up)https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/20130427_145056.jpg20130427_145056Outdoor Unit (during initial start-up)https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/20130428_155825.jpg20130428_155825https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rainy-day-energy.jpgRainy-Day-Energyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/wpid-img_20130525_123003.jpgwpid-IMG_20130525_123003.jpg2013-12-23T01:47:07+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/12/21/what-happened-in-the-crawlspace/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/thermal-boundary-defined.jpgthermal boundary definedI thought the crawlspace should be insulated, which theoretically makes the insulation in the floor of the bedroom unnecessary and puts the plumbing in a warm space.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/insulate-porch-floor.jpginsulate porch floorWith the crawlspace trying to hold on to heat, the floor of the porch was a thermal hole. Insulation from the bedroom floor was salvaged and installed in the porch floor to keep the crawlspace warm(ish).https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/enclosure-undefined.jpgenclosure undefinedOriginal condition: the insulation was located in the floor of the bedroom. That left the basement wall exposed to a cold crawlspace and the plumbing mostly unprotected.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/cross-section.jpgcross sectionThe plastic on the floor of the crawlspace is tucked behind the insulation on the crawlspace walls. Junctures between the framing are sealed to keep air from leaking in. Don't forget to insulate the perimeter of the framed floor.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2012-12-22-16-51-45.jpgCrawlspaceThis is what our crawlspace looks like. The stuff just overhead is fiberglass insulation under the bedroom floor. On the other side of the black drain pipe is the uninsulated floor of the enclosed porch. On the left is the poured concrete wall of the foundation. The dirt floor once had plastic over it, but I found it bunched up in the corner. Some previous owner had chucked a bunch of stuff down there like bikes, old fence posts, chicken wire...2013-12-23T01:27:08+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/05/25/what-happened-in-the-attic-2/2017-01-11T01:48:21+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/07/07/we-measure/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/p1010101.jpgWhole Energy Meters(from Left to Right) eGauge, ENVI & TEDhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_37621.jpgSolar Power InverterOur inverter is constantly monitoring our solar panels: temperature, wattage, voltage.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_37631.jpgInverter DisplayThe figure on the left is the current wattage. It's raining, so the panels aren't generating much power.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_37611.jpgPowerCost MonitorThe PowerCost Monitor shows more information than the TED, but arguably it's not any more useful.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/dashboard.jpgIstrument PanelCars keep track of what's going on with all the systems. Imagine your house letting you know that one of the doors is open.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2012-11-18-17-20-26.jpgPlate Pal Temperature and Humidity MeterWe want to know what the temperature (left) is in each room so we develop an understanding of how well heat moves around the house. Humidity (right) is handy to keep track of because it's part of making comfortable, healthy air2013-07-17T03:04:46+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/07/13/fill-er-up-sun/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wpid-20130713_081221_hdr1.jpgwpid-20130713_081221_HDR.jpghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/wpid-20130713_081221_hdr.jpgwpid-20130713_081221_HDR.jpg2013-12-21T11:25:23+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/02/16/seasonal-energy/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-2013-02-16_13-06-05_91211.jpgsolar electric billOur electric utility keeps track of how much electricity we generate and stores it as a credit on our electric account. We can only keep the credit within the last twelve months.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/mban2099l.jpgmban2099lhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/three-cookers-5-11-2012.jpgthree cookers 5-11-2012Here are three of my solar cookers in side-by-side tests. I have to orient them to the sun every hour or so.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/ft-icf-pyo-csa.jpgIntervale Community FarmWe have a membership in a community supported farm. Our subscription buys us a once-weekly share of vegetables, which we go to the farm to pick up.2013-10-11T01:55:00+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/about/2013-07-07T12:29:19+00:00weekly0.6https://energyfreakshow.com/contact-us/2013-07-06T18:47:21+00:00weekly0.6https://energyfreakshow.com/2013/05/18/temperature-effect-on-photovoltaic-output/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/power-voltage_profiles_2013-05-18.jpgpower-voltage_profiles_2013-05-18Power & Voltage (Panel #1.1.11 )https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/power_profile_2013-05-18.jpgpower_profile_2013-05-18Power Generation via eGauge2013-05-19T15:22:59+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/05/05/the-dust-up/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/power-chart-cleaned.jpgPower Chart - cleanedafter cleaning, the 2 panels are back to producing power to within 0.25% of each otherhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/power-chart-dust.jpgPower Chart - DustClean module in Green. Dirty module in Red.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/20130503_063308.jpgdirty dusty solar pretty cruddy, right?https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/capture-forecast.jpgforecastnothin' but sun!2013-11-14T16:52:05+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/02/04/solar-experiment-du-jour/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/20130204_105105.jpg20130204 - Sun Melttotally cleared by late morninghttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/power-chart-2013-02-04.jpgpower chart 2013-02-04https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/wpid-20130204_074249.jpgwpid-20130204_074249.jpg2013-05-10T22:03:33+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/05/05/heat-pump-magic/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/refrigerant-cycle.jpgrefrigerant cycleBy manipulating the pressure of refrigerant, heat pumps move energy from one place to another. Sometimes the energy is low-grade, like cold air. But the heat pump turns it into high-grade energy by moving and concentrating it.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/heat-pump-free-energy.jpgheat pump free energyDoublespeak bullshit. This ad for Zen Heat Pumps is suggesting heat pumps are free AND spiritual.2013-05-10T22:16:40+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/03/01/natural-gas/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/howfrackingworks_1.jpghowfrackingworks_1Any natural gas you use now is supporting fracking, with it's drilling, polluted aquifers and earthqakes.2013-03-01T21:09:06+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/02/24/demand-recirculator-not/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/dmand.jpgD'Mand Kontrol SystemA little pump under the farthest sink can deliver hot water to the sink fast without wasting water.2013-02-25T20:11:08+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/02/09/the-furnace-is-gone/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/2012-12-22-09-20-44.jpgOil furnace innardsHere's the heat exchanger from inside the furnace ready to be hauled away.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0960.jpgOil furnaceClean on the outside, dirty on the inside. You know this is a well-maintained furnace because the stickers show decades of regular tune ups and the service technician has left an extra belt for the next time the blower belt blows.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_2415.jpgdraining oilLeroy pumping oil out of the tank while his helper removes the fill pipeshttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0964.jpgnew oil burnerOld furnace, new burner2013-02-09T18:53:31+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/09/04/choosing-basement-insulation/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sips.jpgEPS panelsEPS is manufactured in many different thicknesses.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/gwp-tool.jpgGWP of XPS, EPS and PICAs you add more insulation the amount of energy saved by each subsequent inch diminishes while the blowing agents continue to increase.2013-02-09T15:46:40+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/01/31/air-quality-1-priority/2013-02-02T13:36:39+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/01/28/house-cleaning/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20130126_100846.jpg20130126_100846https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20130126_0900433.jpg20130126_090043https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20130126_0900432.jpg20130126_0900439:30 AM, -4 Degrees, 2.5kWhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20130126_0900431.jpg20130126_090043https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/cold.jpgcoldhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/power-and-temperature-2013-01-26.jpgpower and temperature - 2013-01-26Solar power output on left scale, temperatures on righthttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20130126_104929.jpg20130126_104929Clear roof! 10:49AM, -2 degrees, 7kWhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20130126_090043.jpgsnow residueThe roof at 9:00 AMhttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/20130126_084026.jpg20130126_0840262013-01-30T13:22:19+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2013/01/27/dont-insulate-your-hot-water-pipes/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_25851.jpgmbath on cold sideMost water draws are too short for the hot water to arrive at the sink. Don't put hot water in the pipe for no reason.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_25881.jpgkitchen tap on cold sideWhen there is a short water draw hot water is not drawn out of the water heater.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_25911.jpgbathroom sinkKeep the tap turned to the cold side all the time.2024-09-24T06:42:50+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/10/09/freakshow-defined/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/wpid-20121009_231644.jpgwpid-20121009_231644.jpgThe grill on top of the water heater tank is where the air is drawn into the compressor. I've ducted out dryer so the air warm blows toward the water heater. That was a really bad idea because everything got very linty.2012-10-13T01:34:36+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/10/03/precious-water/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/yellow-toilet.jpgyellow toiletOur toilet probably flushes between 4 and 5 gallons. But it matches our floor, so I like it.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/indoorwateruse_4web.jpgUS Indoor Water UseBig water uses like toilets should be the first target of water conservation efforts.2012-10-12T20:35:45+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/09/30/energy-and-water/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/globalwatersupply.jpgglobalwatersupplyOnly a small fraction on Earth's water is fresh and life-sustaining for us humans. Of that, only some of it is accessible. Wasting water is a crime against humankind.2012-10-03T12:03:09+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/08/27/the-energy-freakshow/2012-10-02T03:06:16+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/09/25/air-sealing-the-attic/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_1956.jpgIMG_1956Seal everything as well as you can. This is one-part spray foam. It reacts with moisture in the air and expands about 10 times in volume. This type of foam sealant is a mainstay of air sealing work, but I have doubts about its longevity.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_1918.jpgIMG_1918The original roof was covered up when the addition was built. The junction between the old and new house needs to be sealed, but the original roof is in the way. You can see the gap between old and new in the debris-filled bay.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_1826.jpgIMG_1826The top of the outside walls can be accessed from the outside once the soffit has been removed.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_1976.jpgAttic eaveUnder the lowest part of the roof the top of the wall is almost impossible to seal up.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_1963.jpgPlumbing vent pipe in atticSome holes in the building aren't small.2012-10-02T03:05:50+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/08/28/getting-that-big-fat-pig-of-a-water-heater-to-fire/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_18371.jpgIMG_1837[1]The inverter shows 568 watts (.568 kilowatts).https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_18361.jpgThe Energy DetectiveThis whole-home energy monitor has a countertop display that shows the home's power consumption at the moment. It also shows how much electricity has been used over the course of the day. Cost information and a little orange light that glows when we've exceeded our target are pretty useless.2012-10-02T02:56:08+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/09/04/vermiculite-contains-asbestos/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/vermiculite-showers.jpgShowers for Worker DecontaminationThe workers shower after having been in the work area. These showers are in the containment area so they don't track hazardous material outside the work area.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/vermiculite-containment.jpgHazardous Materials Containment AreaThe environmental company built this containment area in our garage. The workers enter the work area through this containment area and are decontaminated here..2012-10-02T02:54:09+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/09/09/the-blower-door-test/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/drawing-of-hall-closet.jpgCloset with drop ceilingAny place where the ceiling is a different height than the rooms around it can be a bad air leaker and can allow stuff from the attic to fall down into the house.2012-10-02T02:53:51+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/08/28/the-humble-lightbulb/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/cold-cathode.jpgcold cathodeThis cold cathode compact fluorescent could last for 50 years. They're used for marquis because they can blink and not wear out. Here it was just the brightest efficient bulb that fits.https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/globes.jpgglobesThese globe compact fluorescent light bulbs use 9 watts each.2012-10-02T02:52:12+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.com/2012/09/30/busted/https://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/mercury_emissions.jpgmercury emissionshttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/sam_9008-001.jpgSAM_9008-001This tubular-type compact fluorescent bulb meet its untimely demisehttps://energyfreakshow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/wpid-20120930_174022.jpgwpid-20120930_174022.jpg2012-10-02T12:17:19+00:00monthlyhttps://energyfreakshow.comdaily1.02025-04-17T20:10:59+00:00