Energy Audit

It's been a couple of months since I've blogged but during that time I've found out a few things that I'd like to share.

I've had my energy audit and along with what I had figured (adding insulation in the attic and basement, sealing around windows and hatch to the attic), I found that there are some very lucrative rebates available for ground and water source heat pumps. The heat pumps are in used in conjunction with a radiant heating system and can provide both heat and hot water. Doing some research, it's recommended to size them to provide 70% of your heating and hot water needs to be cost effective.

Where I live next to a lake, the water source option seems like the better option. I don't have quotes but they can be as much as 14k (although I don't have pricing)

There are some other rebates available for solar hot water heaters as well. Of the glycol and evacuated tube systems, apparently the evacuated tube systems are more efficient. However upon pricing them, evacuated tube systems are MUCH more expensive (roughly 40% more or 6k based on the quotes I've received from local suppliers).

It was mentioned that I could possibly get off oil with both the heat pump and solar water heater but I am skeptical.

I did ask about the Cansolair heater and it was mentioned that they are very effecient at heating your home but of course the sun has to be shining.

I've picked a woodstove option, a Napoleon 1150 Wood Gourmet. At least if the power does go out during the winter (as it has on numerous occasions since Hurricane Juan) we'd be able to cook indoors instead of having to fire the barbeque up in the middle of a blizzard in February.

Once I get quotes on the water source heat pump I'll be making my final decisions. It will be entirely based on payback. It's becoming clear to me that the ultimate solution will be a combination of options with the first step being reducing heat loss and other sources of wasted energy.

Clean Energy "Manhattan Project"

Landing on the moon and developing the first nuclear weapon took 8 and 5 years respectively. I think that energy independence in a generation (30 years) is far to generous. If there was political will, as in any country, it could be achieved within a decade.

Senator poses 'grand challenges' for energy independence
Houston Chronicle - United States
"I propose that the United States launch a new Manhattan Project for clean energy," the Tennessee Republican said, "with the goal of making our nation ...
See all stories on this topic

Electric Cars

I've been doing a little reading about electric cars lately. The two that caught my attention were the Zenn and Tesla Roadster.

The Zenn is under $20,000, produced by a company in Quebec and has been approved for sale in Canada by the federal government. (Note: Provincial governments are responsible for licensing and registering vehicles). The top speed of the Zenn is 40km/h (25mph) and is designed for city driving. I live about 25km outside the city, so this vehicle would be useless to me.

The Roadster is produced in the US and to my knowledge has not not been approved to sell in the Canadian market. It's base price is $109,000. The Roadster goes from 0-60 under 4 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph.

Now if only someone would produce a practicle vehicle, priced for the average person / family that had reasonable performance and was designed for highway as well as city driving. If they did, there would be a market for it, guaranteed.

Water heating

This was another product that I did not know existed. A company by the name of Therma-Coil has designed a water heating attachment that can fit inside your woodstove. It is a stainless steel heat exchanger that connects to a water heater.

I'm not so sure it's a good idea to modify a woodstove as suggested, I'm thinking whoever insures your house would have something to say about it, not to mention voiding the warranty on the stove.

It's an idea that's worth looking into as it provides an option to supplement a solar water heating system.

Solar/DC powered appliances

I found an interesting product surfing the internet last night. A company by the name of Sundanzer makes DC powered refrigerators and freezers.

I've been looking at potential back up systems in the event of power outages. Ever since Hurricane Juan, there have been quite a few of them each year.

What I was looking for was something that could power a fridge, freezer, my oil furnace, a water pump and a handful of lights. These are definitely options. The pricing is roughly the same as what an AC fridge and freezer would be (perhaps a little more) and either of these panels could be powered by a 80-100 W PV panel. The site gives specs as well in terms of sizing a solar power system to accomodate the appliance.

I'm sure there are other products out there, hopefully, with the price of oil where it is, they will become more prevalent over the next few years. With solar energy systems you've got to not only look at your energy usage to size the system, but more energy efficient appliances so you can size your system without draining your bank account.

Energy Audit

Well, the date is set for my home energy audit, the first week of July. It costs $150, they make two visits. The first one is about 3 hours after which they will make recommendations which, if implemented (verified by a follow up visit) you can apply for a rebate from the federal and provincial governments.

Investing in alternative energy

It's the old adage, "money talks". Problem is that right now it's not talking loud enough. If a company marketed an alternative, whether it be solar, wind or a combination that was priced reasonably ($5,000 for a water heater that only gives you 2/3 of your hot water needs and won't heat your house, is not reasonable).

I was surfing the internet last night and starting reading about fresnel lenses and how they can concentrate sunlight to such intense heat that it can melt metal. That kind of energy can easily be used to generate electricity in a steam boiler, provide hot water and space heat if someone can figure out how to harness it and price it reasonably.

It can be a gamble to invest in alternative energy
USA Today - USA
But the prospect of $4-a-gallon gas has focused Wall Street's collective mind wonderfully on alternative energy. "When gas gets dear, it doesn't take long ...
See all stories on this topic