Investing in your home: More comfort and more money.
A penny saved is a penny earned; a kilowatt saved can be more than a few pennies earned. When looking to invest, too often people fail to reduce spending as a way to have more income. There are often very simple things that can be done to reduce the money spent on energy in a home that will pay for themselves in a few months to a year. These efforts can have significant dollar savings while making a home safer and more comfortable. Please join us for a chat to discuss ways to put more money in your pocket by reducing home energy consumption. The chat will be Thursday, October 29th at 11:00 am Eastern time. You can access the chat at http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/managingmoney. The expert panel includes Dr.Claudette Reichel, Louisiana State University; Dr. Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University; Michael Goldschmidt, University of Missouri; Dr. Shirley Niemeyer, University of Nebraska- Lincoln; and Dr. Mike Vogel, Montana State University. Your moderator will be Dr. Michael Gutter, University of Florida.
OPENING/Resources
Michael Gutter: - Welcome to our chat focused on Investing in Your Home to Get More Comfort and More Cost Effectiveness. Hello and thank you for joining us! I’m Michael Gutter (University of Florida), your moderator for today’s chat along with our technician, Dustin Hiatt (Connect System). Today’s chat, that will last about one hour, is sponsored and supported by members of the Financial Security for All Community of Practice. Today we are working with a great team of experts in energy efficiency in homes. Our panelists are Dr. Carl Pedersen, North Dakota State University; Dr.Claudette Reichel, Louisiana State University; Dr. Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University; Michael Goldschmidt, University of Missouri; Dr. Shirley Niemeyer, University of Nebraska- Lincoln; and Dr. Mike Vogel, Montana State University. All are highly qualified to talk about this subject; their photos and qualifications were displayed online at http://cop.extension.org/wiki/Investing_in_your_home:_More_comfort_and_more_money. A reminder that this chat is text only, and also that you can hit F11 to enlarge your screen making it more readable. In case you miss anything, you can send an email to msgutter@ufl.edu and I will send you an email when a transcribed copy of this chat can be viewed on the eXtension Web site. As is our tradition, our panelists had some initial thoughts that they wanted to share with you to set the stage and then we will take your questions.
Shirley Niemeyer: Hi Everyone. Welcome. When you are looking for resources on the Internet, here are some web sites to explore for educational information or research information. Energy Efficiency Information Links - Some examples include: Alliance to Save Energy: www.ase.org; American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy: www.aceee.org; California Institute for Energy and Environment: www.ciee.ucop.edu; Center for Energy and Climate Solutions: www.energyandclimate.org; Consortium for Energy Efficiency: www.cee1.org; Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. DOE: www.eere.energy.gov; Energy Information Administration, U.S. DOE: www.eia.doe.gov; ENERGY STAR, U.S. EPA: www.energystar.gov; Industrial Assessment Center, U.S. DOE: www.iac.rutgers.edu; Industrial Technologies Program, U.S. DOE: www1.eere.energy.gov/industry; International Association of Energy-Efficient Lighting: www.iaeel.org; North American Insulation Manufacturers Association: www.naima.org; Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships: www.neep.org.
Shirley Niemeyer: In addition try, U.S. Green Building Council: www.usgbc.org; World Energy Efficiency Association: www.weea.org and for youth try the EnergyHog site at www.energyhog.org - fun site.
Ken Hellevang, NDSU: Another source for information is the NDSU web site http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/energy.htm.
Mike Vogel: Montana Extension also has a coloring/activity book for kids.
Megan O'neil: Mike is it available in bulk for free to Extension agents????
Mike Vogel: Megan - for Montana agents the publications are free - for other there is a min cost. Several states have taken the publications and customized them for their own state.
Megan O'neil: Is it going to be made available in electronic form on MITTnet for use/adaptation, Mike?
Mike Vogel: Dealing with the eXtension Home Energy CoP, I am taking the lead on Existing Homes and Weatherization. Montana has 16 home energy conservation brochures that can be found on www.weatherization.org.
Carl, NDSU: We as Americans need to concentrate on the triple bottom line: economics, social, and environmental concerns of energy issues. In North Dakota we are working to develop statewide as well as regional educational and informational programs dealing with the efficient use of energy in residential buildings, small commercial and agricultural operations. The goal of these efforts is to increase our awareness of the opportunities to save financially as well as natural resources through the efficient use of energy.
Pat Swanson: Carl, tell me more about the educational programs you are developing for efficient use of energy in residential buildings.
Carl, NDSU: We have done a number of things trying to provide energy education for homeowners, businesses, and ag producers. They range from publications, presentations, as well as workshops on various topics to coordinating a group in North Dakota that deals with energy efficiency. If you want more detailed information email me at carl.pedersen@ndsu.edu, or visit the web site www.ndsu.edu/energy.
Shirley Niemeyer: Pat, We have a new educational curriculum with 7 modules focused on energy efficiency, finding energy efficient home to own or rent, budgeting, and communications with utility companies (complete with teaching guide, DVD for each modules, plenty of activities, and in English and Spanish). Contact me, and I can visit with you about obtaining the resource. Also a new 4-H project "Design Decisions," that has a new module 20 pages on the Env. Touch. Contact me about for more information.
Michael Gutter: - We are now ready to receive your questions. You will find the rectangular box at the bottom of your screen to type in your question. DO NOT HIT THE ENTER KEY UNTIL you are finished typing your question; your typed message will wrap around. You do not need to print your name; the program tells us who is sending the question. Your questions please!
Greywater Systems
Mark Major - Teton Co. MT: Not sure who to direct my question to, but what experience do any of you have with grey water systems?
Michael Goldschmidt: Mark: I have experience with Greywater recycling systems, but they are not always allowed in some states. You are welcome to ask a more specific question about the systems to me.
Mark Major - Teton Co. MT: Michael: How do the economics of such a system work? How long does it take until they pay for themselves?
Michael Goldschmidt: Mark: They have been pretty expensive systems, but they are useful in reducing irrigation costs on homes and buildings. If that is the use for the Greywater system, it can be a quick payback.
Shirley Niemeyer: Mark: You may want to check with city, county, or state codes. We have some codes in our state that prevent use per regulations of our state health departments.
Building Smaller Homes
Lori Scharmer: Is there a movement to build smaller homes instead of McMansions to save energy?
Carl, NDSU: There is beginning to be a push to build smaller houses. This link provides books that are published to give information on building smaller homes. http://architecture.about.com/od/buildingplans/tp/smallhouseplan.htm
Shirley Niemeyer: Lori: I think there is more interest in smaller homes and energy efficiency, but I haven't seen a recent study or information from the National Home Builders Association. The size of the homes has doubled in the past 25 years and some even more than doubled. There is more equipment and more technology; there are more bathrooms, more bedrooms, more garages, etc. While ENERGY STAR® has helped to encourage more efficient appliances and equipment reducing the load, the number of electronics, appliances, and other items is increasing the load even if the homes may be smaller. Efficient space use and efficient structures are important in reducing energy and resource materials. Thank you for focusing on this topic.
Mary Yearns: Regarding smaller homes, Sara Susanka, the architect and author of the Not So Big Home series, has long been an advocate of building smaller and better. See her work at www.notsobighouse.com
Shirley Niemeyer: Mary and Sarah, yes, Not so Big Homes is a good book.
Cross Disciplined Teams
Vickie J. Hadley, CFCS: We are in discussion on establishing a cross discipline sustainability team. Have others done so? Your guidance would be appreciated. I appreciate all the resources listed so far as these will be great links for our web site or whatever is developed.
Michael Goldschmidt: Vickie: We have a cross discipline team here at University of Missouri, and it works well. I recommend it as the team members all have specific research lines that are compatible.
Water Heaters
Andrea Ceartin: We are building a new home, and we are trying to decide what energy saving option to pay the extra money for. The main question is: will the extra money invested pay back and if so, how long will it take? We have already made the decision to go with a ground source heat pump system to heat and cool our home. Now we are deciding between conventional water heaters and on-demand rinnia system. Do you have any information on comparing these two? What is the payback? Is there really the 40% energy savings that the dealers claim. I'd love to hear any comments any of you have.
Megan O'neil: Good question Andrea.
Claudette Reichel: Andrea, where do you live? Climate makes a big difference.
Andrea Ceartin: I'm in Bozeman, Montana.
Bruce Hauschild: Andrea! Get a Desuperheater with your ground source heat pump for your hot water needs, and forget the rinnia.
Andrea Ceartin: Bruce, I'll have to look up what that is, but will it work with a closed system ground source heat pump system?
Bruce Hauschild: Andrea, this is just an option you get with your heat pump. It is offered on most all units, and most come with it already installed. When your a/c portion of your heat pump is working, you are pulling heat out of the air in your home. The Desuperheater takes that heat and puts it back into your hot water. Free hot water in the summer. Very little additional cost to the system. Yes, it works with ground source or any other geothermal system. No other hot water system comes close to comparing efficiency.
Claudette Reichel: Andrea, tankless water heaters eliminate standby losses, so the savings depend on the use pattern. But, many choose that option for other benefits of endless supply of hot water and to save the space used by a tank.
Mike Vogel: Andrea - For cold climate instant-demand water heaters, the research and performance data is not clear. While the systems are economically available the performance has not been the best. Call me locally at 406-994-3451.
Shirley Niemeyer: About Heat Pump systems: This may be helpful to use from the ACCEE and EERE both High Efficiency Heat Pump Systems Geothermal, hybrid-geothermal, or low temperature heat pumps. Geothermal heat pumps can provide heating, cooling, and hot water. Low temperature heat pumps are designed to function more efficiently without resistance heat backup at below 40° F outdoor temperature. Geothermal and hybrid-geothermal heat pumps may save about 15-25 percent of total building energy use in nonresidential buildings (FEMP 2002). Consider the geologically favorable locations.
Bruce Hauschild: Shirley, FYI, the Low Temperature statement is probably referring to air source heat pumps. I have used our RemRate program (HERS) to see what happens with super insulation. Because the cooling loads have internal gains that don't change, the heating load comes down to meet the cooling load (in cold climates). It is possible to actually make the heating load match the cooling load, in which case a geothermal system could be sized for both, by increasing the insulation level (which seems to occur around R-70 in Nebraska - walls and ceilings). Almost no backup heat would be needed, except for those oddball times when we get the arctic fronts coming down and extreme temps. To get to that level of insulation, you must think about HIGH density foams in the walls. R-70 ceilings is not a stretch. And of course minimum Window to Wall Ratios (WWR).
Reuse of Building Materials
Katherine Hale: Are there codes/zoning issues about the reuse of building materials for homes and are there resources to help homeowners find builders and supplies of materials?
Michael Goldschmidt: Katherine: I encourage the use of recycled materials in most cases. There are no specific codes EXCEPT you are not allowed to recycle items with lead paint or asbestos in most states. Also CCA treated wood (which is most outside wood like decking) should not be reused as CCA is a hazard. Reusing some materials might be problematic if the material is more flammable than the code allows. Otherwise, recycle, reduce, reuse.
Tax Credits
Megan O'neil: I and others are getting very detailed questions about the tax credit (e.g. what counts, what doesn't, how do I determine the ENERGY STAR rating on shingles, if my homeowners insurance paid for the replacement can I still get the tax credit, etc... Where and how can people get real answers fast to these detailed questions about the tax credit?
Claudette Reichel: Megan, new cool color shingle technology has enabled some to qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. Verification would need to be provided by the vendor, and www.energystar.gov should have a list of qualified products. The tax credit should apply to ENERGY STAR shingles, and we hear that the homeowner can get it even if the insurance helped with the cost.
Megan O'neil: Thanks Claudette!
Lori Scharmer: Anyone heard a roll-out date for the tax credit on ENERGY STAR Appliances slated for this fall/winter?
Carl, NDSU: The roll-out date for tax credits depends on the state. Each is different.
Pat Swanson: www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index has information on energy tax credits
Megan O'neil: Is there anything like a myenergy.gov site or anything coherent in one place to answer the detailed/ situation and geography specific questions consumers are posing? Will there be?
Claudette Reichel: Megan O'neil, there is zip code tailored info for homeowners at www.energystar.gov. In addition, two excellent sources for climate specific building guidance are www.buildingscience.com and www.buildingamerica.gov (the Dept. of Energy Building America program which is their residential energy research initiative).
Michael Goldschmidt: Megan: All of the people on this chat are part of the national effort to make that content available to consumers. It will be available in January. Until then, Claudette's links will be sufficient. It will be specific to climate zones.
Pat Swanson: Energystar.gov also has a kids site
Carl, NDSU: The ENERGY STAR web site also has a frequently asked questions box and area to ask questions that are responded to reasonably timely.
Claudette Reichel: Another great source of info on energy tax credits and incentive programs -- both national and for every state -- is www.dsireusa.org (North Carolina Solar Center)
Getting General Public Interested in Topic
Bev Mancuso - Genesee Co: I'm in western New York - and the challenge seems to be getting the general public interested in this topic - any clues how to make that happen?
Mike Vogel: Bev - one key with working with the public is to keep the messages simple and factual. They like no-cost low-cost tips like FREEBIES 1. Request a free energy audit from your utility, 2. Space Heating Thermostat Control, 3. Water Heating Thermostat Control, 4. Get Heat or Cool were it needs to go - clear obstruction for air flow, 5. Clean/replace HVAC filters monthly, 6. Appliance management - unplug, shut off/down, turn down, 7. Wash clothes in cold water, 8. Use window treatments, 9. Shut off spaces that are not being used (be cautious of freezing pipes in adjacent spaces/walls)
Working With Youth
Bobbie Shaffett: Is anyone working with youth? Our MS State Department of Energy says they do many programs for youth. That should be a good way to get information into homes.
Carl, NDSU: We are working with youth in North Dakota through our 4-H program and beginning to visit more schools with an energy bike we have recently acquired.
Shirley Niemeyer: Bobby: About the 4-H and youth programs, see information about new project on the Environmental Touch as a part of the Design Decisions 4-H project ages 12-18. Also NCSU has a new example of state of art 4-H building for energy and water efficiency. Also Green Teens. The SET focus for 4-H and youth is an opportunity for housing, energy, efficiency, water, finance etc. I can find the state that uses Green Teens and the contact if needed. They use it in connection with community, public policy training, and youth involvement.
cy: Are there any best practices with youth to move ahead with cooperative based power?
Michael Goldschmidt: cy: My experience is mostly in single turbine/single array systems, so I'm not an expert on the cooperatives. I am not familiar with any 4-H program on wind except http://www.umext.maine.edu/Washington/washington4HWindPower09Pics.htm.
cy: Midcoast green collaborative at http://wwwarttec.net/Thermal-Windows/index.html.
cy: Maine has AmeriCorps with 4 members doing educational pieces on Wind Power with 4H.
Wind Turbines
Julie Moberg: Michigan is just moving into wind energy, but on a large scale to sell to the grid. Are you seeing a movement from homeowners to install wind turbines for their homes?
Michael Goldschmidt: Julie: In areas where the wind is sufficient to do so, and at heights under 30 feet, we are seeing single turbine installation in homes. Even in locations with the wind farms.
cy: What success is there in drumming up interest in solar wind cooperatives?
Michael Goldschmidt: cy: We are seeing them in Florida because of the incentives from the utility companies, but otherwise they are pretty sporadic. With net metering becoming standard, we expect to see more interest.
Jim Skeeles: I am an educator in Ohio with a terminal degree in Family Resource Management, but work primarily in Agriculture. I am continually inundated by homeowners and farmers that want to look at grants for alternative energy and want to do the payback period with the grant, primarily small wind, solar, and wood burners. What web site can I go to help them?
Michael Goldschmidt: Jim: The payback at this time (low tax incentives, grants, etc.) is not good. About 30 years for a photovoltaic array or wind turbine system.
Jim Skeeles: Thank you, I know the payback is not good, but they still want to do it and calculating in the current low interest rates what to calculate specifically for them is there is even a payback. I assume your 30-year payback is just for principle?
Michael Goldschmidt: Jim: These systems cost between $5 - $8 per watt, and if you assume that the energy costs are approximately 8 cents per kilowatt-hour, you can see how it is a long payback.
Michael Goldschmidt: Jim: Yes.
Claudette Reichel: Jim, payback is also affected by any federal and state incentives. Fed. offers 30% tax credit, some states offer hefty ones too (Louisiana offers 50% tax credit to homeowner for solar).
Home Energy Saving Tips/Resources
Mike Vogel: Here is list of low-cost home energy things most home occupants including renters can apply.
Mike Vogel: Low-Cost 1. air-sealing - sealants, caulking, weather-stripping; 2. insulate water heater; 3. insulate hot water pipes; 4. stop hot water leaks and drips; 5. install water flow restrictors; 6. use compact florescent bulbs; 7. install disposable storm window kits.
Jeong Lee (UF): Univ. of Florida also has a series of Energy saving at home factsheets at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_series_energy_efficient_homes. Also there is a chapter in our homebuyer education curriculum about saving energy at home from no-cost easy steps (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/CD052).
Megan O'neil: Will the FL fact sheets be going into eXtension.org or MITT.net??
Jeong Lee (UF): You can get the information directly from UF website as I listed above.
Pat Swanson: Jeong - I like that you are including energy savings in your homebuyer education curriculum.
Jeong Lee (UF): Also, I recently did an exhibition at the Sunbelt Expo and used some of Dept. of Energy materials to teach energy saving from home electronics and appliances. Major appliances shopping guide summary can be found at Source: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/printable_versions/shopping_guide.html, general energy saving tips can be found at http://www.energy.gov/applianceselectronics.htm Also some facts about standby/phantom/ghost power can be found at http://www.eereblogs.energy.gov/energysavers/post/Please-Stand-By-Reduce-Your-Standby-Power-Use.aspx.
Claudette Reichel: Jeong, a number of UF fact sheets on energy topics were developed and peer reviewed by the southern region CoP, and they are being loaded into our Home Energy eXtension site. We would indeed invite you to send other articles to one of us for filling voids.
Mike Vogel: For home energy volunteer programs Montana has a Conservation Corp program called Warm Heart - Warm Homes - great program.
Liz Gorham - SDSU: To be able to tell which system is best for your area, we have a spreadsheet to look at local costs of materials/fuels to determine which system is best for the homeowners - SDSU Extension
Carl, NDSU: NDSU has a new publication on Top Ten Home Energy checklist for homes in Northern Climates that can be found at http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/abeng/pdffiles/ae1442.pdf.
Jeong Lee (UF): In addition to the UF Energy Efficient Home Series, more related publications that are developed in 2009 can be found from http://www.floridaenergy.ufl.edu/?page_id=273
Megan O'neil: Is anyone aware of a really nice online accessible grid showing - make this change in your average 4 bedroom home experience this $ savings annually less the cost off changeover equals this total net $$ savings? Is it available at one of the previously mentioned sites?
Jeong Lee (UF): Megan, where did you find it?
Megan O'neil: I don't have it, I am wondering if it exists?
Shirley Niemeyer: Home Energy Saver allows you to change the items you are thinking about purchasing such as more insulation or less, more efficient windows etc., and can compare the options before you make the decision. Do plan on having some measurements, utility bills, number of windows, characteristics of home, etc. Some online energy audits ask for more detail.
Mary Yearns: Web site for Megan: Suggest the Home Energy Saver calculator from the Lawrence Berkley Lab:
Mary Yearns: Web site for Lawrence Berkley Lab Home Energy Saver: http://hes.lbl.gov/
Megan O'neil: Thanks Mary.
cy: Maine Efficiency is moving forward with Habitat for Humanity on making removable window inserts instead of the disposable shrink-wrap method.
Megan O'neil: What is a removable window insert?
cy: It is using pine slats measured for windows that have shrink-wrap plastic sheets attached and tabbed. Generally, this plastic shrink-wrap is bought at Walmart for $10.
Claudette Reichel: Megan, try energystar.gov and their energy audit tool, but it really depends so much on the house. A Home Energy Rater can do a audit and use software to develop savings estimates for making specific improvements.
Mike Vogel: Many utilities and electric cooperatives may also provide energy audit services.
Most Important Low-cost Energy Saving Tip
Barb O'Neill: What is the single most important thing that people can do to save energy this heating season, and about how much will they save?
Michael Goldschmidt: barb: What location are you? It affects the answer.
Barb O'Neill: Northeast (NJ). Yes, I guess location would be key.
Mike Vogel: Barb - The single most important low-cost measure is thermostat control and air sealing.
Air Quality Issues
Jeong Lee (UF): Have any of you heard that a tightly sealed home can make the resident sick because of lack of air exchange between in and outside?
Mike Vogel: Jeong Lee - when doing weatherization, having an energy audit done with a blower door is an important step to assure the building is not too tight.
Jeong Lee (UF): Mike V., thanks.
Claudette Reichel: Jeong Lee, all buildings need some fresh air, but natural ventilation in our hot humid climate can make matters worse if it leads to moisture problems or enters from the attic, crawl space, or nooks and crannies with pesticides and dust. We highly recommend, build tight and vent right with filtered mechanical fresh air and a damper plus right sized A/C. If RH stays too high, then supplemental dehumidification may be needed for control of bio pollutants (dust mites, mold, etc.).
Ken Hellevang, NDSU: Jeong Lee - Homes do require some air exchange to maintain indoor air quality, but generally, there is enough air infiltration so it does not become a health hazard. In very tight homes, an air exchanger is recommended to control moisture and indoor air quality. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers provide some recommendations on the minimum ventilation required. It is also covered in the following NDSU publication. http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ageng/structu/ae1393.pdf(2294KB)
Megan O'neil: What about tightly sealed homes and radon risk, too? Where is the cost/benefit on that?
Carl, NDSU: Mechanical ventilation with Air to Air heat exchangers can alleviate the air quality issues. For more information check out the extension publication http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ageng/structu/ae1393.pdf
Mike Vogel: For low-cost weatherization measures, where the cost of an energy audit is too expensive, it is important to warn consumers about over tightening -especially if they have fossil fuel appliances.
Liz Gorham - SDSU: Fossil Fuel appliances - is this common terminology used?
Mike Vogel: Fossil fuel - natural gas, propane, heating with wood, coal, etc.
Shirley Niemeyer: Efficient buildings plus ventilation is important in providing air exchanges. Options include mechanical ventilations, Air-to-Air Heat Exchanges, HRVs, etc. Reduce pollutants in home, use low emitting materials, store chemicals etc. outdoors if possible or buy only what use, select low-formaldehyde materials, look for GreenPlus if using carpets and adhesives for carpets, ask that new materials be out gassed before being brought in, have any gas combustion appliances checked (e.g. CO). Make tight, ventilate right and reduce moisture and pollutants.
Phantom/Standby Power
Katherine Hale: Is there info out on the electrical drain of all of our technology gadgets - computers, TVs, stereo systems, cell phone chargers, iPod chargers and their impacts on family electric bills? Any tips on reducing these costs?
Jeong Lee (UF): Katherine: Are you talking about the standby/phantom/ghost power?
Jeong Lee (UF): Those are the names of power that is drawn by turned-off but still plugged-in electronics and appliances. Is that what you were curious about?
Jeong Lee (UF): Here is a quote from DOE regarding the power: "Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These phantom loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. This can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance."
Jeong Lee (UF): UF recommend people to use power strips with on/off button to prevent standby power.
Michael Gutter: Jeong - Thank you!
Carl, NDSU: Katherine the link http://www.eereblogs.energy.gov/energysavers/post/Please-Stand-By-Reduce-Your-Standby-Power-Use.aspx addresses some of these issues
Megan O'neil: So a power strip that is off is not drawing any power either?
Jeong Lee (UF): Megan, yes.
Jeong Lee (UF): That will also save you time and efforts to unplug and plug everything every time.
Megan O'neil: Shirley - did you already give us that url?
Michael Goldschmidt: A power strip does draw some power. It is not much.
Michael Goldschmidt: I meant an off power strip does draw some power. It is usually not too much to worry about.
Carl, NDSU: The vampire/phantom loads are significant when added up for the entire population, but if someone wants to truly reduce energy consumption there are much better bangs for their bucks such as replacing light bulbs with CFLs and weatherizing homes.
Jeong Lee (UF): DOE has the list of power consumption by each appliances and electronics.
Jeong Lee (UF): http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/appliances/index.cfm/mytopic=10040
Insulating Attics
Claudette Reichel: I have a question for Mike Vogel. What do you do about old knob and tube (forgot term) wiring in the attic when adding insulation?
Mike Vogel: The Department of Energy has two recommendations for attic: 1. remove it so it can not be reused/hooked up. 2. bridge over it with a non-conductive material. For walls with knob and tube the wall cavities should not be insulated.
Megan O'neil: Thanks again, Michael.
Volatile Organic Compounds Materials
Katherine Hale: There was mention of low-formaldehyde materials and GreenPlus materials - is this for carpets only, or does it include things like house paints? Is there a source for homeowners to find these products?
Shirley Niemeyer: Katherine: Green Plus program focuses on about 14 chemicals as their criteria for levels and also for adhesives. Yes, there also are low-VOCs paints, adhesives, and other products. Also, out gassing some of these materials helps before bringing in to the home, and perhaps sealing front and back and sides very well for surfaces may help. Use a low VOC sealant. Best to try to purchase low VOC. In addition, some Bamboo flooring may have formaldehyde due to some manufacturing process. Check the specs on materials, the labels, and any qualified certifications labeling by third party organizations.
Megan O'neil: What does VOC stand for?
Jeong Lee (UF): Megan, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are various types of gases that are emitted from certain solids or liquids. The EPA indicates that concentrations of many VOCs are up to ten times higher in our homes than outdoors. Common sources of VOC emissions in homes include: paints, paint strippers and other solvents, wood preservatives, aerosol sprays, Household cleaning products, air fresheners, dry-cleaned clothing (perchloroethylene emissions), and automotive products including fuels.
Shirley Niemeyer: Megan: VOC means Volatile Organic Compounds – example: formaldehyde.
Wrapping Hot Water Heaters
Gloria Nye, LSU: Is there any advantage or disadvantage to wrapping hot water heaters that are located inside the house where it is already heated and protected from the cold?
Claudette Reichel: Gloria, yes it is still helpful, especially when we air-condition much of the year. Even in winter, insulation holds the heat in better. There is a still a big difference between indoor temperature and hot water temperature.
Shirley Niemeyer: Gloria, Consider lowering the temperature of the water heater if possible as well. Some are set at 140 degrees and may be able to be reduced to 120 F. However, for very soiled laundry and immune suppressed household members, etc. you may want to turn it back up for those times. Insulate the hot water pipes for as far as possible you have access to and even the cold pipes. Also, perhaps add a backflow preventer
Megan O'neil: How effective and cost-wise are hot water heater wraps, and does it make a difference whether the unit is outside or inside if you wrap it?
Jeong Lee (UF): But some of the Healthy Home issues regarding the water temperature is that EHatly Homes professionals recommend using 140 degree water to wash beddings.
Biographies
Dr. Claudette H. Reichel
Claudette, a Professor and Extension Housing Specialist with Louisiana State University AgCenter, spearheaded LaHouse Resource Center, a regional sustainable housing initiative, has received 10 national and state awards for educational outreach program excellence, authored more than 100 Extension publications and has presented at many national events, including the National Building Museum.
Dr. Ken Hellevang
Ken has a Ph.D. in Engineering and is a Registered Professional Engineer. As a Professor of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering at North Dakota State University, he has provided education and technical assistance in crop post harvest, structures, indoor environmental engineering, mold and moisture problems in structures, flood preparation and recovery, and energy efficiency to professionals and citizens across the United States and internationally since 1980. Dr. Hellevang has authored or co-authored more than 150 publications. These include technical papers, proceedings, professional standards, chapters in handbooks, and peer reviewed Extension circulars and bulletins. The publications have been distributed by private business, professional societies, and universities internationally.
Michael Goldschmidt, AIA CSI LEED - AP
Michael is a Housing and Environmental Design Extension Specialist at the University of Missouri – Columbia. He is a registered architect and interior designer, and a LEED accredited professional with the United States Green Building Council. Michael brings a professional architectural background along with specific knowledge about housing and alternative energy issues (solar and wind).
Dr. Shirley Niemeyer
Shirley Niemeyer is an Extension Specialist at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Her focus is housing and environment with an emphasis on energy and indoor air quality as well as Healthy Homes. Her research focus is in energy burdens of small retail businesses and residential homes. Dr. Niemeyer earned an M.S from Iowa State University in Housing & Family Environment, and her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1990.
Dr. Mike Vogel
Dr. Vogel is an established professor and a housing and environmental health specialist with Montana State University Extension. Since 1991, Vogel has served as Director of the Montana Weatherization Training Center serving 12 states in the central United States. Vogel also serves as national director of the Tribal Healthy Homes Assessment, Mitigation and Training Center, based at Montana State University.