tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21666290536100835052024-03-21T13:23:32.808-05:00Paul LaGrangeSolutions for Builders & HomeownersPaul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-8068766601724058062015-08-17T16:35:00.002-05:002018-05-17T13:40:56.374-05:00Thermostat Setting - ON versus AUTO<div style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: proxima-nova, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding: 0px;">
Thermostat Setting - ON versus AUTO</div>
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Ever walked into your home and it feels like someone just took a shower? The air is heavy and muggy...</div>
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If so, then you know the first thing you do is quickly google the number of your local AC repair company. Of course, your next thought, "Please don't let this be an major expensive fix". When your technician arrives he will measures the relative humidity levels inside your home. If levels are elevated, your technician will attempt to assess what might be wrong with your AC system or causing elevated humidity. One of the many components your technician should check is the thermostat.</div>
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<img alt="" src="https://c3filedepot.s3.amazonaws.com/paulshouse/wysiwyg/cooling-tower_fynGRtBO.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 10px; max-width: 100%; width: 300px;"></div>
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Who knew the settings on your thermostat can drastically affect the humidity levels in your home? Your AC system has two functions, cooling and dehumidifying. If you have left your thermostat fan setting to 'ON', your AC will continuously move air throughout your home, even after the cooling component has shut off. What happens next? You will now have air moving through your home that is not being cooled and dehumidified creating conditions with high humidity levels. We all know that high humidity levels can create less than ideal comfort levels. The air will feel moist and create damp conditions in your home. </div>
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Here’s the fix ~ Setting your thermostat fan position to "AUTO' allows the fan to push air through your home ONLY when the cooling component is running creating less humid conditions and a more comfortable home. In the 'ON' versus "AUTO' debate, the 'AUTO' setting is the most ideal and recommend for comfort conditions.</div>
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<span style="color: #555555;">If you have any additional questions about thermostat settings, send click on over to the </span><a href="https://lagrangeconsulting.com/contact-us" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Contact LaGrange Consulting</span></a><span style="color: #555555;"> and we will get back in touch with you. </span><span style="color: #555555; line-height: 1.5em;">#LaGrangeConsulting </span></div>
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<a href="http://facebook.com/LaGrangeConsulting" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook.com/LaGrangeConsulting</span></a></div>
Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.comLouisiana, USA30.9842977 -91.9623326999999924.0246352 -102.28948119999998 37.9439602 -81.6351842tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-321752257713944072014-11-17T10:54:00.000-06:002018-05-17T13:24:54.019-05:00Recycling Heat<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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If you own or work at an office with computers or servers,
it’s likely you’ve realized how much heat they give off. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, most computers are equipped with a
small fan which helps to dissipate the intense heat so as not to burn the house
or office down. Thinking back to your ninth grade physical science class, you
may recall that heat is just another form of energy….energy we waste a lot of
when it comes to computers. </div>
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Someone in the Seattle area recently must’ve wondered what
would happen if they actually harnessed all that wasted energy from computers
and computer servers because there is a new energy plan being developed for
Amazon’s skyscraper campus in Seattle, Washington. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amazon’s Data Center is pushing for a design wherein
the excess heat from the Data Center (servers) will be used to heat the
neighboring Amazon office buildings. It is estimated that this will save about
80 million kWh over the next 25 years. Based on today’s energy costs, that
works out to roughly $7.7 million in savings. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Now THAT'S thinking outside the box!</span></div>
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I am using wishful thinking and am hoping
Amazon passes those savings on to its customers! </div>
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You can read a bit more detail about this project <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2014/09/heating-a-skyscraper-with-a-data-center-amazons.html?page=all" target="_blank">here</a> . </div>
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Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-50159646688724648812014-11-13T14:44:00.000-06:002018-05-17T13:22:06.081-05:00Keeping it Real....I mean, WARM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://thechronicleherald.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/ch_article_main_image/articles/B97269004Z.120140110114044000GQP4GN99.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://thechronicleherald.ca/sites/default/files/imagecache/ch_article_main_image/articles/B97269004Z.120140110114044000GQP4GN99.11.jpg" height="180" width="320"></a></div>
As we jump into our first real cold snap of the season, it is a great time to review the list of things to be done to get your heating system ready to perform at its best. Some of the article below was posted on our blog back in 2010, but it is still VERY useful. Hope you all keep toasty tonight!<br />
<br />
Here are a few tips to stay safe and get the most out of your heating system:<br />
<br />
<strong>Gas Heat:</strong><br />
The
best thing you can do for your HVAC system (winter and summer) is to
regularly change the filter. Even if your filter has a 60 or 90-day
life, go ahead and look it over once a month. Some houses are dustier
than others. Some systems also have built-in “lifetime” filters which
still need to be inspected and occasionally cleaned. The next best thing
you can do is to have the system inspected and serviced by a licensed
technician. Winter is also a great season to spend some time in the
attic checking for duct leakage (see particulars below, in the Heat Pump
section.) <br />
In general the more gas appliances you use, the more
necessary it is to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your
home. Even though a gas furnace is (usually) located in the attic, any
return duct or plenum leakage could draw combustion by-products like CO
directly into the house. This is even more of a risk where furnaces or
water heaters are located inside mechanical closets in conditioned
spaces.<br />
If you ever suspect a gas leak or CO problem, get out of the
house immediately. Leave exterior doors open so that the house can air
out and call your gas provider (go ahead and program them into your cell
phone…) Until the problem is resolved, do not use any appliances or
devices that could generate a spark (including cell phones) inside the
house. <br />
Every once in a while, check the exterior gas line/meter
connection to make sure it is completely level. (Strange things do
happen – a lady in our office had her house shored and it twisted the
meter almost 45 degrees).<br />
<br />
<strong>Heat Pump:</strong><br />
If your
heat pump doesn’t seem to be keeping up with the cold, check all of the
duct connections and the air handler unit to make sure it is air sealed.
Air leakage takes much more of a toll on the winter/heating function
than summer/cooling operation. Use the smoke from a stick of incense
(no cigarettes!) – return leaks will draw the smoke in, supply leaks
will blow the smoke away. Check both ends of ducts, around the air
handler and the full length of the plenums. All of these areas should be
sealed with mastic, which is readily available at any home improvement
store.<br />
<br />
<strong>Fireplaces:</strong><br />
Both gas and masonry
fireplaces should be inspected annually to ensure that the chimney or
flue is in good shape with no obstructions, soot buildup or weak spots.
Read older blogs (<a href="http://buildwrite.blogspot.com/2009/01/some-like-it-hot.html">here</a> and <a href="http://buildwrite.blogspot.com/2009/01/santa-loves-chiminea.html">here</a>) to get the scoop on chimney safety. <br />
If
the area in the attic around the chimney is “open” (you can see down
along the chimney to the top of the firebox), it provides a direct route
for frigid attic air to enter your house. The floor of the attic
should extend all the way to the chimney (metal flues should have a
metal collar and fire-rated foam connection) and be covered in
insulation.<br />
Double-check the damper to make sure it’s closed when the
fireplace is not in use. If you have an older fireplace that leaks a
lot, install an inflatable draft stopper.<br />
<br />
<strong>General Safety:</strong><br />
<strong>NEVER </strong>use
candles, the stove, grill, etc. to heat your home! If you are worried
about heating costs or paying your bills, contact your electric or gas
provider to discuss your options. Some companies can actually help out
with costs in emergency or difficult situations.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-26809234519312977682013-09-24T03:08:00.000-05:002018-05-17T10:33:14.457-05:00Beautiful Recycling - Paper Bag Floors"Paper or plastic?"<br />
You usually hear this question come out of your grocery cashier's mouth, but what about answering this question when redoing the floors in your home? Yes, you can use brown paper bags to make beautiful floors.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbORpUB9SmDSLXTV5yS3ciiirLQ1tAMQxwFO7Ngm0uB65xPO53MhbBzLCJDPz8_6YOqAhLC7xYhei-2HIQt4cZe2t-gSR4HlAjQRQXKB6HLulcCr9gGYfnK7BfFlfF3ZIBlILn49qkbF8/s1600/brown+paper+bag+floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbORpUB9SmDSLXTV5yS3ciiirLQ1tAMQxwFO7Ngm0uB65xPO53MhbBzLCJDPz8_6YOqAhLC7xYhei-2HIQt4cZe2t-gSR4HlAjQRQXKB6HLulcCr9gGYfnK7BfFlfF3ZIBlILn49qkbF8/s320/brown+paper+bag+floor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Don't reach for your glasses. You read correctly. Using brown paper bags to cover old floors can make an absolutely beautiful (and resourceful) addition to the decor in your home. Take a look at this DIY <a href="https://www.domesticimperfection.com/paper-bag-floors-a-tutorial/" target="_blank">blog posting</a> by Ashley from Domestic Imperfections. Who knew that recycling brown paper bags was not just for covering school textbooks back in the 80's?<br />
<br />Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-86508836066177713782012-12-29T10:29:00.000-06:002018-05-17T10:30:09.520-05:00Conservation Is a Very Large Part of Being Green<div>
Old people know stuff......See the story below. We could learn a few things.</div>
<div>
</div>
Being Green (borrowed from a social network post)<br /> <br /> Checking out at the
store, the young cashier suggested to the older woman, that she should
bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the
environment. The woman apologized and explained, "We didn't have this green thing back in my earlier days." The young clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation
did not care enough to save our environment f or future generations." She was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day. Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to
the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and
sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over.
So they really were truely recycled.<br />
<br /> But we didn't have the green thing back in our day.<br /><br />
<br />
Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags, that we reused
for numerous things, most memorable besides household garbage bags, was
the use of brown paper bags as book covers for our schoolbooks. This
was to ensure that public property, (the books provided for our use by
the school) was not defaced by our scribblings. Then we were able to
personalize our books on the brown paper bags.<br /><br /> <br />
But too bad we didn't do the green thing back then. We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store
and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb
into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.<br /><br /> <br />
But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day.<br /><br />
<br />
Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the
throwaway kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy-gobbling
machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry our
clothes back in our early days. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their
brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.<br /><br /> <br />
But that young lady is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day.<br /><br />
<br />
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every
room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember
them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen,
we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines
to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the
mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or
plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn
gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human
power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club
to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.<br /><br /> <br />
But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then.<br /><br />
<br />
We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or
a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled
writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the
razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just
because the blade got dull.<br /><br /> <br />
But we didn't have the green thing back then. Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes
to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi
service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of
sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized
gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles out in
space in order to find the nearest burger joint.<br /><br /> <br />
But isn't it sad
the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just
because we didn't have the green thing back then?<br /> Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-29079632596866633392012-09-15T21:44:00.000-05:002018-05-17T10:29:19.887-05:00FTC Warns Window Makers on Exaggerated Energy Claims<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If you are building a new home or replacing older windows with newer, more efficient windows, beware of the salesmanship that many window manufacturers have been using to sell their particular windows. Early this year, five window makers <a href="http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/green-building-news/ftc-rattles-windows-over-energy-savings-claims" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">agreed to settle Federal Trade
Commission charges</span></a> that the firms had made deceptive claims about
the energy efficiency and energy cost savings that their windows could deliver.
But that was just one step in the agency’s quest to address deceptive marketing
in this building-component category.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/forward/emailref?path=node/25391" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/forward/emailref?path=node/25391" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Click here to read the entire article.</span></a></span></div>
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Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-16988180760289952042012-09-08T09:38:00.002-05:002018-05-17T10:28:07.181-05:00Steps to care for your portable gas generatorHurricane Isaac has forced us to bring out our generators. But now that most of us are done with them, storing them for the next power outage is a concern. See the steps below on how to properly treat and store your portable gas generator.<br />
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After 48 hours of usage, the oil in a portable gas generator should be changed. Turn the unit off and allow it to cool down. Then change the oil per the manufacturer’s instructions.<br />
<br />
If you are finished with your generator and want to store it, the following steps should be taken:<br />
1. Allow the unit to cool off if it has been running.<br />
2. Change the oil per manufacturer’s instructions.<br />
3. Add a gas stabilizer such as Sta-bil to the gas tank to stabilize the gas and ethanol in our gas today.<br />
4. Top off the gas tank and run the unit for about 15 minutes to allow the stabilizers to run through the carburetor.<br />
5. Turn the unit off, top off the gas tank again, and allow it to cool.<br />
6. Store the unit in a place that is safe from rising waters and rain.<br />
7. Take the generator out every 4 months and run it for about 15 minutes and plug some small appliance into it to make certain it still produces power. Then top off the gas tank and re-store it.
Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-59567477620311729582012-07-18T01:23:00.001-05:002018-05-17T10:23:32.677-05:00Cool Story on 110 Years of CoolingMany Baby Boomers raised in the South remember attending schools without A/C and they don't necessarily remember being traumatized by it. However, kids today could not imagine the idea of going to a classroom without air conditioning - even sometimes in the winter (if they live down here in southern Louisiana). We've grown so accustomed to our easy-set thermostats and temps below 79 degrees that we start closing businesses and schools if the A/C malfunctions on a hot September day.
Well, 110 years ago, today, Willis Carrier came up with his invention that made our views shift drastically about how we control our indoor climates. He invented air conditioning. Read all about the interesting history of our beloved A/C and how it has actually changed the history, population, and politics of our nation.<a href="http://www.treehugger.com/green-architecture/happy-110th-birthday-air-conditioning.html"> <i>Click Here - </i></a><br />
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPTics4ywlyhtgF92nG_D0r7MIE2iuNiy6O4bN6_sKOruPgD-FGBgtjVOaVv1XUDlRg4mpdJT-rSNX-Picqqfn66oqZD0bq09MOii-D6IxYCVD18Vm-FQDQ90hRotdaiX_PRrn698rFw/s1600/willis_carrier_with_1st_chiller.jpeg.492x0_q85_crop-smart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPTics4ywlyhtgF92nG_D0r7MIE2iuNiy6O4bN6_sKOruPgD-FGBgtjVOaVv1XUDlRg4mpdJT-rSNX-Picqqfn66oqZD0bq09MOii-D6IxYCVD18Vm-FQDQ90hRotdaiX_PRrn698rFw/s200/willis_carrier_with_1st_chiller.jpeg.492x0_q85_crop-smart.jpg" width="200" /></a></i></div>
<i>
Happy 110th Birthday, A/C!</i>
Thank you, Willis, that we no longer have to sweat through the Louisiana summer heat!Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-91579631682396880522012-07-16T02:25:00.003-05:002018-05-17T10:22:25.350-05:00Improving Indoor Air Quality - Green StyleThe air inside our homes is far more polluted than the air outside our homes, so taking steps to remedy this problem is always a good investment in our health and comfort. Here is a great article on which houseplants can actually improve your indoor air quality. Check out this <a href="http://www.mnn.com/health/healthy-spaces/photos/15-houseplants-for-improving-indoor-air-quality/a-breath-of-fresh-air">link</a> on a very green method of cleaning up the air you breathe at home.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-28957015810754246102012-03-22T13:19:00.008-05:002018-05-17T10:21:37.608-05:00Homeowner rebates on the horizen? Could it be?The Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) Act is a bipartisan legislation to provide incentives for homeowners who perform energy retrofits. It is slated to be presented to the House in the upcoming weeks. This bipartisan bill means that homeowners making energy efficiency improvements to their homes could get from $2000 to $8000 in federal rebate monies!<br />
<br />
You can read all about how the program would work if the legislation passes. Just click this <a href="http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/mwaltner/bipartisan_homes_act_is_the_pe.html#.T2uJjpyXRV4.email">link</a> to read all about how Democrats and Republicans, alike, are work together to provide opportunities for construction jobs, while encouraging people to improve their home's energy efficiency (and decreasing our dependence on foreign oil!).Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-75967720674795702882012-02-02T10:01:00.004-06:002018-05-17T10:20:34.582-05:00Your Home's "MPG"I'm sure you're all familiar with the sticker on the windows of the cars at the dealership announcing their "Miles-per-gallon". What if when you went home-shopping, there was a sticker on the home's window giving you a similar rating that lets you know how energy efficient that home is as compared to any other home? <br />
<br />
Considering that the purchase of your home will probably be one of the biggest financial investments you will make and considering that the energy costs for that home will be the largest bill associated with your home on a monthly basis, wouldn't it be wise to know how efficient (or how much of an energy hog) your potential home could be? <br />
<br />
Enter the HERS score. HERS stands for Home Energy Rating System and it is a national home rating system that tells how efficient a home is. In order for a home to get a HERS rating, a certified RESNET rater must inspect AND test the home and all of its energy efficient features. After inputting that data into a nationally recognized software, the HERS score is produced and can be associated with that particular home. <br />
<br />
So I could drone on for hours about how the HERS score works, but RESNET has come out with an easy to use website that explains it graphically. Check out this <a href="http://www.resnet.us/hers-index">link</a> to see the graphical explanation that outdoes any explanation I could give here on the blog. I hope you'll consider looking for that HERS score next time you are house shopping. It may save you a LOT of money!Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-88936732416012956842011-11-03T09:16:00.003-05:002018-05-17T10:19:10.466-05:00Bringing Thermostats Into the 21st CenturyJust like dental floss and Wii Fit, programmable thermostats only work if you actually USE them. According to a blog on <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1665275/the-ipods-inventor-strikes-out-on-his-own-and-inventsa-thermostat">CO.Design</a>, only 6% of people take the time to do what they know they should - at least as far as their HVAC system is concerned. In response to this obvious lack of bonding between owners and their thermostats, the "inventor" of the iPod has developed a sleek new look and intuitive functions to bring thermostats up-to-date. Check out the link above for more info and a video that introduces the Nest Learning Thermostat.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-79855559612046261822010-09-01T21:20:00.003-05:002018-05-17T10:17:03.769-05:00New solar energy conversion process discovered by Stanford engineers could revamp solar power productionHere's an article worth reading! Wouldn't it be great to be able to power our homes with solar at an affordable price?!?...Read on....<br />
<br />
Stanford engineers have figured out how to simultaneously use the light and heat of the sun to generate electricity in a way that could make solar power production more than twice as efficient as existing methods and potentially cheap enough to compete with oil.<br />
<br />
Unlike photovoltaic technology currently used in solar panels – which becomes less efficient as the temperature rises – the new process excels at higher temperatures.<br />
Called "photon enhanced thermionic emission," or PETE, the process promises to surpass the efficiency of existing photovoltaic and thermal conversion technologies.<br />
"This is really a conceptual breakthrough, a new energy conversion process, not just a new material or a slightly different tweak," said Nick Melosh, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering, who led the research group. "It is actually something fundamentally different about how you can harvest energy."<br />
And the materials needed to build a device to make the process work are cheap and easily available, meaning the power that comes from it will be affordable.<br />
Melosh is senior author of a paper describing the tests the researchers conducted. It was published online Aug. 1 in Nature Materials.<br />
<br />
"Just demonstrating that the process worked was a big deal," Melosh said. "And we showed this physical mechanism does exist; it works as advertised."<br />
Most photovoltaic cells, such as those used in rooftop solar panels, use the semiconducting material silicon to convert the energy from photons of light to electricity. But the cells can only use a portion of the light spectrum, with the rest just generating heat.<br />
<br />
This heat from unused sunlight and inefficiencies in the cells themselves account for a loss of more than 50 percent of the initial solar energy reaching the cell.<br />
L.A. Cicero Nick Melosh, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, stands beside the ultra-high vacuum chamber used in the tests that proved the PETE process works.<br />
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If this wasted heat energy could somehow be harvested, solar cells could be much more efficient. The problem has been that high temperatures are necessary to power heat-based conversion systems, yet solar cell efficiency rapidly decreases at higher temperatures.<br />
<br />
Until now, no one had come up with a way to wed thermal and solar cell conversion technologies. Melosh's group figured out that by coating a piece of semiconducting material with a thin layer of the metal cesium, it made the material able to use both light and heat to generate electricity.<br />
<br />
"What we've demonstrated is a new physical process that is not based on standard photovoltaic mechanisms, but can give you a photovoltaic-like response at very high temperatures," Melosh said. "In fact, it works better at higher temperatures. The higher the better."<br />
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While most silicon solar cells have been rendered inert by the time the temperature reaches 100 degrees Celsius, the PETE device doesn't hit peak efficiency until it is well over 200 C.<br />
<br />
Because PETE performs best at temperatures well in excess of what a rooftop solar panel would reach, the devices will work best in solar concentrators such as parabolic dishes, which can get as hot as 800 C. Dishes are used in large solar farms similar to those proposed for the Mojave Desert in Southern California and usually include a thermal conversion mechanism as part of their design, which offers another opportunity for PETE to help generate electricity as well as minimize costs by meshing with existing technology.<br />
<br />
Courtesy of Nick Melosh <br />
<br />
A small PETE device made with cesium-coated gallium nitride glows while being tested inside an ultra-high vacuum chamber. The tests proved that the process simultaneously converted light and heat energy into electrical current.<br />
"The light would come in and hit our PETE device first, where we would take advantage of both the incident light and the heat that it produces, and then we would dump the waste heat to their existing thermal conversion systems," Melosh said. "So the PETE process has two really big benefits in energy production over normal technology."<br />
<br />
Photovoltaic systems never get hot enough for their waste heat to be useful in thermal energy conversion, but the high temperatures at which PETE performs are perfect for generating usable high-temperature waste heat. Melosh calculates the PETE process can get to 50 percent efficiency or more under solar concentration, but if combined with a thermal conversion cycle, could reach 55 or even 60 percent – almost triple the efficiency of existing systems.<br />
<br />
The team would like to design the devices so they could be easily bolted on to existing systems, thereby making conversion relatively inexpensive.<br />
The researchers used a gallium nitride semiconductor in the "proof of concept" tests. The efficiency they achieved in their testing was well below what they have calculated PETE's potential efficiency to be – which they had anticipated. But they used gallium nitride because it was the only material that had shown indications of being able to withstand the high temperature range they were interested in and still have the PETE process occur.<br />
<br />
With the right material – most likely a semiconductor such as gallium arsenide, which is used in a host of common household electronics – the actual efficiency of the process could reach up to the 50 or 60 percent the researchers have calculated. They are already exploring other materials that might work.<br />
<br />
Another advantage of the PETE system is that by using it in solar concentrators, the amount of semiconductor material needed for a device is quite small.<br />
<br />
"For each device, we are figuring something like a 6-inch wafer of actual material is all that is needed," Melosh said. "So the material cost in this is not really an issue for us, unlike the way it is for large solar panels of silicon."<br />
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The cost of materials has been one of the limiting factors in the development of the solar power industry, so reducing the amount of investment capital needed to build a solar farm is a big advance.<br />
<br />
"The PETE process could really give the feasibility of solar power a big boost," Melosh said. "Even if we don't achieve perfect efficiency, let's say we give a 10 percent boost to the efficiency of solar conversion, going from 20 percent efficiency to 30 percent, that is still a 50 percent increase overall."<br />
And that is still a big enough increase that it could make solar energy competitive with oil.<br />
<br />
The research was largely funded by the Global Climate and Energy Project at Stanford and the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Science, which is a joint venture of Stanford and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, with additional support from the Department of Energy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-81193151614106593122010-06-29T12:32:00.004-05:002018-05-17T10:14:58.489-05:00What Exactly is "Cap and Trade"?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uukoZQkuYcRQiQDryjAlm4rAPxWED7gHz9RWvkYl7ZRYQxNjsvWkf_Kver4fa6tu6120b8rvvuvVxIm1N7cF1qcF4DBVht78hDahYIdnmYZiXGBH2Be-ypuLhSvjlhgLSQ29IBiEnBU/s1600/CO2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488252281907900290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uukoZQkuYcRQiQDryjAlm4rAPxWED7gHz9RWvkYl7ZRYQxNjsvWkf_Kver4fa6tu6120b8rvvuvVxIm1N7cF1qcF4DBVht78hDahYIdnmYZiXGBH2Be-ypuLhSvjlhgLSQ29IBiEnBU/s200/CO2.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 177px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a><br />
We've heard the term "Cap and Trade" thrown around a lot over the last few weeks as Congress revives a bill that was quieted a year or so ago. Some people believe that this bill is the answer to global warming, while others think that it will send us on a financially downward spiral, with little to no effect on the environment. The link below shows a short video that explains what Cap and Trade means and what the implications are for us in the U.S. and for us as a global society. Watch it and determine for yourself if you are in agreement with this up-and-coming legislation.<br />
<a href="http://www.cornell.edu/video/the-story-of-stuff-project-cap-trade">"Cap and Trade Explained"</a>Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-33872957134349203542010-05-03T11:18:00.003-05:002018-05-17T10:04:35.371-05:00Parade of Homes Green Building ShowcaseTwo exciting demonstration houses will be featured in this year’s St. Tammany Parish Parade of Homes. Both houses were built by Kenny Adams of Integrity Builders and showcase the new standards of Green Building. Although energy efficient homes have appeared in past Parades, the Green Building concept takes conservation and efficiency to the next level. Green Building methods (established by the National Home Builders Association) consider ALL aspects of a construction project – Site Preparation, Resources, Energy and Water Efficiency measures, Indoor Air Quality and Owner Education - from start to finish. Houses are given a rating of Bronze, Silver, Gold or Emerald based on points earned in the categories mentioned above. <br />
<br />
The two houses featured in the Parade have achieved Silver ratings while also meeting Energy Star requirements. LaGrange Consulting was proud to be part of the Green Building projects by providing testing and 3rd party verification during construction. The first house is located in the New Canaan Hills subdivision at 926 Agnes, Lot 12A in Mandeville. The second house can be found in the Autumn Gardens enclave of the Autumn Creek subdivision at 401 Bigleaf Maple, Lot S33 in Madisonville. All future homes in Autumn Gardens will all be constructed using Green Building standards.<br />
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The Parade of Homes will be held April 24-25, May 1-2, and May 8-9. Visit the <a href="http://sthba.org/parade_homes.html">HBA website site</a> for more information and a full version of the 52 page Parade Magazine.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-75916131550788236812010-03-04T09:41:00.003-06:002018-05-17T10:03:54.287-05:00Baby It's Cooooooold Outside!The weather in New Orleans seems particularly cold this winter – probably a consequence of the Saints winning the Super Bowl and hell freezing over…WHO DAT! Here are a few tips to stay safe and get the most out of your heating system:<br />
<br />
<strong>Gas Heat:</strong><br />
The best thing you can do for your HVAC system (winter and summer) is to regularly change the filter. Even if your filter has a 60 or 90-day life, go ahead and look it over once a month. Some houses are dustier than others. Some systems also have built-in “lifetime” filters which still need to be inspected and occasionally cleaned. The next best thing you can do is to have the system inspected and serviced by a licensed technician. Winter is also a great season to spend some time in the attic checking for duct leakage (see particulars below, in the Heat Pump section.) <br />
In general the more gas appliances you use, the more necessary it is to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home. Even though a gas furnace is (usually) located in the attic, any return duct or plenum leakage could draw combustion by-products like CO directly into the house. This is even more of a risk where furnaces or water heaters are located inside mechanical closets in conditioned spaces.<br />
If you ever suspect a gas leak or CO problem, get out of the house immediately. Leave exterior doors open so that the house can air out and call your gas provider (go ahead and program them into your cell phone…) Until the problem is resolved, do not use any appliances or devices that could generate a spark (including cell phones) inside the house. <br />
Every once in a while, check the exterior gas line/meter connection to make sure it is completely level. (Strange things do happen – a lady in our office had her house shored and it twisted the meter almost 45 degrees).<br />
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<strong>Heat Pump:</strong><br />
If your heat pump doesn’t seem to be keeping up with the cold, check all of the duct connections and the air handler unit to make sure it is air sealed. Air leakage takes much more of a toll on the winter/heating function than summer/cooling operation. Use the smoke from a stick of incense (no cigarettes!) – return leaks will draw the smoke in, supply leaks will blow the smoke away. Check both ends of ducts, around the air handler and the full length of the plenums. All of these areas should be sealed with mastic, which is readily available at any home improvement store.<br />
<br />
<strong>Fireplaces:</strong><br />
Both gas and masonry fireplaces should be inspected annually to ensure that the chimney or flue is in good shape with no obstructions, soot buildup or weak spots. Read last year’s blogs (<a href="http://buildwrite.blogspot.com/2009/01/some-like-it-hot.html">here</a> and <a href="http://buildwrite.blogspot.com/2009/01/santa-loves-chiminea.html">here</a>) to get the scoop on chimney safety. <br />
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If the area in the attic around the chimney is “open” (you can see down along the chimney to the top of the firebox), it provides a direct route for frigid attic air to enter your house. The floor of the attic should extend all the way to the chimney (metal flues should have a metal collar and fire-rated foam connection) and be covered in insulation.<br />
Double-check the damper to make sure it’s closed when the fireplace is not in use. If you have an older fireplace that leaks a lot, install an inflatable draft stopper.<br />
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<strong>General Safety:</strong><br />
<strong>NEVER </strong>use candles, the stove, grill, etc. to heat your home! If you are worried about heating costs or paying your bills, contact your electric or gas provider to discuss your options. Some companies can actually help out with costs in emergency or difficult situations.<br />
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Go ahead and get these things taken care of now…If the Saints win it again next year, Lord only knows what will happen to Hell.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-75252840720989404112009-12-16T14:02:00.003-06:002018-05-17T10:00:24.117-05:00Santa's Coming Late this Year...For those big-hearted givers among you looking to buy your significant other the perfect energy efficient appliance for Christmas...you might want to wait until the new year arrives. According to a recent LSU news release (below) there is an upcoming energy efficient appliance rebate program slated to begin in January 2010. <br />
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DNR awarded $4.2 million for Energy Star Rebate Program <br />
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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been awarded $4.2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support energy efficiency and alternative energy efforts in Louisiana homes through the Energy Star Rebate program.<br />
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In awarding the funding, DOE approved the comprehensive plan drafted through DNR’s State Energy Office for providing rebates to Louisiana homeowners who replace existing household appliances through the purchase of appliances with the “Energy Star” efficiency rating.<br />
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The State Energy Office has committed to making all DOE Energy Star-eligible appliances available to homeowners through the Louisiana program, except those that are not appropriate to Louisiana’s climate. <br />
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<em><strong>Included on the list of applicable appliances are clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, HVAC, and room air conditioners. The rebate amounts will range from $75 to $500, depending on the appliance purchased.</strong></em><br />
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DNR Secretary Scott Angelle said the Energy Office staff has been working to make sure that the program is managed in the most quick and efficient way possible to meet the needs of consumers and ensure the funding is handled appropriately. “This rebate program serves two important goals,” Angelle said. “It is an economic boost to businesses selling these appliances and it will help consumers to use less energy and cut their household costs in the long run.”<br />
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The State Energy Office will be working with a third-party contractor to help manage the program, and expects to formally announce the schedule for rolling out the program in January 2010, at which time the details will be spelled out.<br />
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In addition, DNR will be partnering with utility companies, retailers, and other stakeholders to assist with marketing the program. That will be done in part through bill inserts and other publicity measures to ensure the public is made aware of the program once the rebates are available.<br />
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Louisiana homeowners will receive a mail-in rebate for the purchase of an Energy Star appliance once they’ve submitted proof of purchase. The Energy Star federal guidelines require replacement and proper disposal of old inefficient appliances. Therefore, participants will be required to certify compliance with LA R.S. 30:2421, which requires disposal of those appliances in an environmentally safe manner.<br />
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To learn more about the program, go to <a href="http://www.dnr.louisiana.gov/stimulus">DNR's website</a>.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-46113824464602517082009-12-15T23:42:00.000-06:002018-05-17T09:57:05.711-05:00'Twas the night before meter reads'Twas the night before meter reads, when all through the house<br />
Not an electronic device was whirring, not even my mouse;<br />
The computer was in sleep mode; the screensaver bare,<br />
In hopes that I’d save some energy there;<br />
<br />
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,<br />
Having visions of their ipods plugged in close by their heads;<br />
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,<br />
Had just plugged in our cell phones to charge for a snap,<br />
<br />
When on the side of my house there arose such a chatter,<br />
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.<br />
Away to the window I flew like a flash,<br />
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.<br />
The floodlights on the breast of the new-fallen snow<br />
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,<br />
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,<br />
But a spinning of the numbers on my electric meter here.<br />
<br />
With everything turned off, the house was all dark,<br />
But I knew in a moment it must be a farce.<br />
All those ipods and vcr’s and tv’s I liked,<br />
were gobbling up all of my wattage by night.<br />
How could this happen? What a cruel game!<br />
I mumbled and grumbled and called them by name,<br />
"Now, printers! now, Tv’s! now, answer machines!<br />
And stereos! And cellphones! And Nintendo Wii!<br />
Stop wasting my wattage and raising my bills!<br />
Just turn off for real, not just sleep mode, if your will"<br />
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And then, in a twinkling, I knew what to do <br />
I’d spend the whole night, unplugging all, not just a few<br />
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As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,<br />
My wife met me asking what exactly I’d found.<br />
I just sighed and told her I was on my way to bed<br />
A better solution I would need instead,<br />
<br />
So I stole a few moments to search on the web<br />
And find a few power strips that kill vampire loads dead<br />
I ordered them quickly and turned off the light<br />
When I remembered my computer pulling wattage all night <br />
After shutting it down, I turned off the strip<br />
That powered my whole desk with one button flip <br />
And giving a nod, I shuffled off to sleep<br />
With the assurance that our standby load would soon history be,<br />
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Later the next month, when the meter man came,<br />
He stared at my meter and then did exclaim,<br />
“Wow! This family must have unplugged half their home!<br />
Or maybe declared a ‘no vampire zone.’”<br />
I heard the meter man say, as he drove out of sight,<br />
<br />
"They got rid of their standby load, now that’s savings outright!" <br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">Composed by <br />Rachel Miller<br />of LaGrange Consulting</span>Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-89404162373685595072009-11-11T10:27:00.001-06:002018-05-17T09:54:41.699-05:00Have You Hugged Your Heater Yet This Year?Cooler temperatures are finally here, and now is a good time to prepare for the upcoming heating season. Whether you use a gas furnace or heat pump or heat strip, it is important to have them regularly inspected for safety and efficiency. A typical inspection will cost between $150 and $200 and should include the following:<br />
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<b>Gas Furnace:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Burners checked for debris</li>
<li>Heat exchangers inspected for cracks</li>
<li>Proper venting and combustion air</li>
<li>Safeties working</li>
<li>Blower motor operation</li>
<li>Adequate temperature rise</li>
</ul>
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<b>Heat Pump:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Proper pressures on condenser unit</li>
<li>Defrost board and electric heat for defrost mode</li>
<li>Auxiliary heat and safeties are working properly</li>
<li>Inside and outside coils are clean</li>
<li>Adequate temperature rise</li>
</ul>
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If you need a recommendation for a HVAC service company, please feel free to call the office at 985-845-2148.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-22829309316131407042009-11-04T11:36:00.002-06:002018-05-17T09:53:30.018-05:00Improvements from the top downI’m sure as soon as the weather cools off, your first instinct will be to head up into the attic to start an energy efficiency overhaul. No? Well, even if it’s your second (or third…or tenth) choice, giving a day or two of attention to this space can have a beneficial impact on your comfort, indoor air quality and utility bills. Here are a few ideas to get you started:<br />
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1.Use caulk or expandable foam to air seal holes for wiring or piping.<br />
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2.Any non-horizontal surface in an attic that adjoins an indoor space should be air-sealed with rigid foam board and foil tape. Areas that need air sealing include skylights, 2nd floor walls (also called kneewalls) and cathedral ceilings. <br />
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3.Inspect insulation covering the attic floor. Make sure it forms a fluffy, continuous layer over all of the indoor spaces with no crushed or compacted areas. Attic decking on top of the ceiling joists is fine as long as it does not compress the insulation.<br />
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4.Install dampers on bathroom exhaust fans and add ducting to vent them through the nearest soffit.<br />
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5.Use a stick of incense to locate leaks in the HVAC system. While the system is running, hold the incense near duct connections, register boots and different areas of the HVAC cabinet and plenum. Supply leaks will blow the incense smoke away, return leaks will draw the smoke in. All leaks should be sealed with UL 181 rated mastic which can be purchased at any home improvement store. If using incense is a problem, look for telltale signs such as mold, rust or waterstaining. All of these are caused by condensation formed when the cold, conditioned air leaks from the system, mixing with the hot, humid attic air. Areas of dirty insulation indicate return air leaks where dust and dirt has become trapped as it is drawn into the system.<br />
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6.Build an attic box to fit over your access panel (see instructions at this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89GFFQtV8Yo">website</a>) or insulate and weatherstrip the attic access door.<br />
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7.Insulate the evaporator drain line around its entire circumference for its entire length.<br />
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Hopefully these simple ideas will spark your enthusiasm for bigger, whole-house energy improvements! The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement….Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-34974211996917392432009-10-02T15:07:00.001-05:002018-05-17T09:48:21.569-05:00Education is Never a WasteIf you have time this weekend, Southern Homes is hosting a <strong>FREE</strong> open house for their High Performance Home in Ponchatoula. Southern Homes is working in partnership with LSU, US DOE and the Louisiana DNR to produce a house that is energy efficient, comfortable year-round, durable, healthy and a great investment. There will be live demonstrations at 10 & 12:30, along with educational materials and experts available throughout the day.<br />
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Here are the particulars:<br />
Saturday, October 3rd<br />
9am – 2pm<br />
161 Jack Pine Lane (Lot 80)<br />
Pine Island Subdivision in Pontchatoula<br />
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<strong>Also…</strong>Southeastern Louisiana University’s branch location in St. Tammany is offering more continuing education courses as part of their Green Living Series. This coming Tuesday (October 6th) I will be presenting a 2 hour seminar on energy inspections, audits and diagnostic testing and the information these tools can reveal about your home. I’ll also cover general information on HVAC systems, CFL lighting, energy efficient doors, windows and skylights. Finally, I’ll explain some of the incentive programs available and their requirements as well as other resources for information and research. The seminar is being held at the St. Tammany Center on Koop drive from 11 am to 1pm. It’s brown bag so bring your lunch, your questions and your curiosity. Visit the <a href="http://www.selu.edu/admin/stc/noncredit/#home">St. Tammany Center’s website</a> to get details on registration and location as well as other courses in the Green Living series.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-31691276651428162222009-09-24T15:14:00.003-05:002018-05-17T09:47:38.418-05:00LRA Chinese Drywall ReliefGood news! On Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009, the Louisiana Recovery Authority approved the contaminated drywall assistance action plan. They have set aside $5 million of federal Community Development Block Grant money to help reimburse homeowners affected by contaminated Chinese drywall. <br />
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The LRA will write a draft program on the application process, eligibility, etc. that will be open for public opinion and comment. After public input is incorporated, the final plan must be approved by the LRA, legislative budget committee and the US Department of Housing and Urban development. The Louisiana Home Builders Association will be working closely with LRA on their program guidelines. To monitor the progress of the plan or find contacts, visit the <a href="http://www.louisianarecoveryauthority.org/">Louisiana Recovery Authority website</a> and search “Chinese drywall.”Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-18508310270940756302009-09-11T16:44:00.003-05:002018-05-17T09:44:05.346-05:00Water, Water EverywhereThe last few days have been just fabulous weather – if you’re a duck. Or frog. Or gator. All of this rain has provided an excellent “opportunity” to evaluate the water runoff patterns around our homes. In many of the houses we inspect, outdoor water control (or lack of) has a significant impact on indoor moisture and air quality. It is definitely worth taking some time to make sure water runoff is not an issue for your foundation or crawlspace.<br />
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Any water that does not soak into the ground, whether it comes from a heavy rain or sprinkler runoff, has to go somewhere. Ideally, our houses are elevated so that water runs away from each and every wall. In the real world, it seems like this hardly ever happens. <br />
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Impervious surfaces such as roofs, walkways and patios repel every drop of rainwater that falls on them. A 1-inch rainfall on a typical 1,200 square foot roof generates almost 750 gallons of water. Since these surfaces are man-made, they are usually installed with at least some slope to drain the water, which means that gutters, pipes and drains can be added to catch runoff. Once this water is collected, it should be directed as far from your foundation as possible. Many people assume that the angled downspout at the base of the gutter pipe is sufficient to keep water away from the house, but this is hardly ever true. Splash blocks, extensions and flexible spouts are all important “accessories” for a complete and effective gutter system. Also remember that a clogged gutter is a useless gutter. Clean both the gutters and the full length of the downspouts to prevent backups. <br />
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Uncovered paving also generates runoff and can impact the foundation if not properly drained. Because we have little or no ground slope in this part of the world, moving that paving runoff can be a bit of challenge, but it is do-able. New installations can use continuous grates and piping to collect and direct water. Runoff from existing paving can be managed by adding a narrow french drain (gravel-filled trench) along the full length of the lowest edge of paving. The french drain should be sloped to lead away from the house into a discharge area such as a ditch or curb inlet. Please be mindful that moving water off of your property might wind up moving it into your neighbor’s yard. In the Gulf South, both good fences and good ditches make good neighbors.<br />
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Rain isn’t the only source of runoff water – landscape irrigation, especially when run on a regular basis – can contribute heavily to water issues. Foundation plantings in particular should be carefully sloped away from the house. Also, for raised houses, be sure that the foundation planting does not block a drainage pathway and cause pooling in the crawlspace. Using soaker hoses on timers instead of sprinklers reduces runoff, overall water use and your utility bill as well.<br />
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Finally, be sure that all service drain lines for the HVAC system and appliances extend well past the foundation and that their discharge does not form puddles.<br />
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On a larger scale, good drainage is just as important in subdivisions or rural neighborhoods. Improper drainage in these areas can impact lift stations, road access and mosquito populations. If you live in an area with subsurface drainage, watch the drain inlets and keep them free of yard debris and trash. Neighborhood associations should stay in regular contact with the parish to ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of stormwater pipes. If your neighborhood relies on a network of ditches for drainage, make sure that the area you are responsible for stays open and weed-free. Culverts (short lengths of piping under roads and driveways) must be in good condition to allow the maximum flow of water and the ditches themselves should be regularly dredged or dug by the parish to maintain proper slope.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-54709300237122399862009-09-05T09:32:00.002-05:002018-05-17T09:40:06.655-05:00Sittin' in the ShadeDepending on which way your windows face, exterior shading can be a very effective strategy for cooling the inside of your home. Individual exterior window shades have the advantage over interior shades because they block solar heat and glare before it reaches the window. Any heat absorbed by the shade itself stays outdoors – never impacting the interior of the house. Properly placed shade trees are also very effective at blocking heat and glare. Be sure to evaluate a tree’s “cooling” ability before cutting one down or planting. <br />
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Interior shades can also play a part in blocking solar heat, but choose carefully. Depending on their color and material, interior shades will absorb some amount of solar heat which becomes transferred back into the room. Cloth and wood shades will absorb less heat than aluminum. The outward (window) facing surface should be as light-colored as possible to reflect the most heat. White is ideal. Interior shades should also cover the window as completely as possible to form an “air pocket” between the window and shade. Trapping air in this manner keeps it from circulating inside the house, adding to the heat load.<br />
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The images below come from the <a href="http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/">Florida Solar Energy Center</a>’s Homeowner’s Guide to Residential Window Selection. You can find more information about exterior shading as well as all other things solar at <a href="http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/">http://www.fsec.ucf.edu</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTVS3UcXWL9LCFmZlLQR_8sA6cmFpNEEdSZA5lIS1nTUu1DveFO4DJbdOhu6HiR8aiq_lJBBMLKZHaaqEUkTi5ZqBFTOZZ75hwaBZowAYzYCrg7bnI58uoAZ8hhvwlKafy8hteGJh3tk/s1600-h/Exterior+shading.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377992112523834178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTVS3UcXWL9LCFmZlLQR_8sA6cmFpNEEdSZA5lIS1nTUu1DveFO4DJbdOhu6HiR8aiq_lJBBMLKZHaaqEUkTi5ZqBFTOZZ75hwaBZowAYzYCrg7bnI58uoAZ8hhvwlKafy8hteGJh3tk/s400/Exterior+shading.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a>Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166629053610083505.post-82054672591517805392009-08-22T06:39:00.000-05:002018-05-17T09:38:17.270-05:00Resisting the SurgePower surges caused by lightning can wreak a significant amount of damage to a home’s wiring and electronics if the house is not properly protected. According to the Insurance Information Institute, both the number of homeowner claims for damage due to lightning as well as the average payout have both increased markedly in recent years.<br />
<br />
The most essential element in protecting a house from power surges is correct grounding. Electricity in a wire is comparable to water running through a hose. Quick increases in flow or pressure (surges) will cause major damage at the end of the line if there is no where for the water (electricity) to drain. Luckily for us, our clay soils and high water table provide a very large conductive “drain” to dissipate electrical surges. Running a ground wire from a home’s wiring provides an outlet for the larger part of the surge to drain before it reaches then entire electrical system.<br />
<br />
Any line carrying an electrical signal, including phone lines and coaxial cables (TV, satellite dish lines, etc.) is a conduit for an electrical surge. It is important that all of the lines into the house (electrical, phone, coaxial cable) be grounded on the same element. Multiple grounding rods (a common installation on older houses) create differences in pressure/current that also cause problems. The present building code requires that all house wiring be grounded on the same rod to address this issue. Be sure to regularly check the ground rod and wiring - during my most recent inspection, I discovered the coaxial ground had been neatly clipped off by my weed eater. <br />
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Another important element of protection is a surge suppression system installed in-line with all electrical systems including the circuit panel, phone system and coaxial cable. The circuit breakers in our homes are not designed to handle supply-side surges – they only manage the draw from our indoor appliances. Surge suppression systems installed at the electrical panel are designed to handle any of the excess current that makes it past the ground element. <br />
<br />
Even though most of us relay on point-of-use surge suppressors to keep our electronics protected, they are the last (and weakest) line of defense. In reality, there is a wide variety in how much protection they provide and for how long. Cheaper ($5-$10) units are little more than multi-outlet plugs and offer almost no protection. More expensive suppressors afford better security but they too will burn out when exposed to repeated surges and spikes. When relying on a point-of-use surge protector, do your research and be sure that you are getting the amount of security that matches your investment.<br />
<br />
A full-house, professionally installed lightning protection system typically costs $1,500. These systems come with a 25-year guarantee and eliminate the need for point-of-use surge protectors.Paul LaGrangehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13885923317529886527noreply@blogger.com0