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Archive for January, 2008

Energy Saving (part 17)

Jan-30-2008 By nature

Calibrate thermostats so they maintain the right set point.
Adjust the ceiling diffusers to spaces that are over or underheated. If the diffuser is not adjustable, replace it with one that is.
Post signs near thermostats to remind people of the ideal setting.
Consider automatic door closers on swinging exterior doors.
Relocate thermostats if they are near outside walls, in seldom used areas, near heat sources or in a draft. The best position is near the return air grill on an inside wall.
Thermally seal all unused windows.
Add reflective or heat absorbing glazing to windows. They diminish the natural daylighting but can reduce
the solar heat gain substantially.
Reflective materials on the window side of draperies reflects solar heat when the curtains are closed.
If roof insulation cannot be added, then put it at the top floor ceiling.
Painting ceiling and walls with a lighter and more reflective paint, ceiling tiles or floor coverings will increase the light level in a room.
Wash windows frequently to take best advantage of daylighting.
Replace light fixture lenses that have become yellow or hazy with age with a clear acrylic lens that will permit the most light to pass.
Water indoor plants more often in the winter because central heating dries the air out.
Purchase an energy efficient home or upgrade your older home with the latest energy conserving materials and equipment.
Keep a kettle simmering on the oven to raise indoor humidity in the winter for increased comfort. You will also be able to turn the thermostat down a few degrees and still be comfortable.
Move desks and work surfaces to take advantage of daylighting.
Use room and area lighting only when it is needed.
Increasing light levels in a cool room in cold weather may improve the occupant’s perceived comfort.
Arrange work surfaces so that sidewall daylighting crosses the task at a perpendicular angle to the line of vision.

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Energy Saving (part 16)

Jan-29-2008 By nature

Reduce the use of internal heat generating office equipment such as lights, computers and copying machines during the summer in exterior zones and all year long in interior zones.
Turn all central HVAC equipment off by a fixed timeclock schedule.
Cooking with lids on pots and pans can reduce by half the heat required.
Don’t use hot water to rinse the kitchen dishes.
Colored clothes do not have to be washed in warm or hot water. This wastes energy and causes the colors to fade.
Clean the lint trap of the clothes dryer regularly to maximize the air flow within the machine.
Keep indoor shading devices clean so they can work properly.
Consider replacing the pilot lights of gas burning furnaces and water heaters with electronic ignition devices.
Natural light can be reflected deep into a room by reflective sills, blinds and other architectural features to supplement artificial lights.
Keep auto mufflers and exhaust systems in good repair to reduce emissions and to keep the miles per gallon high.
Operate kitchen exhaust hoods only when the cooking surfaces are actually in use.
Designate an energy monitor at the office.
It is important to provide adequate ventilation when using kerosene space heaters or wood burning stoves. There must be sufficient oxygen available for complete combustion and the products of combustion must be vented from the occupied space.
Use paints and toxic chemicals in a well ventilated space.
Blue flames on a gas stove mean it is not adjusted right. The flames should be yellow.
Ground source heat pumps are efficient and environmentally friendly.
Electronic dimmers can cause harmonic distortion in a building’s power distribution system. Avoid using them where equipment is sensitive to the quality of power.

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Energy Saving (part 15)

Jan-28-2008 By nature

Store only foods that must be refrigerated in the icebox.
Keep foods covered tightly to reduce moisture buildup in the icebox. It takes more energy to cool humid air than dry air.
Wipe moisture from bottles and cartons before putting them in the refrigerator to be sure they do not add to the latent load.
Establish rules and post them asking everyone to keep outside doors closed and to use them only as necessary.
Cover the fresh air intake for through-the-wall air conditioning units when they are not used for a season to keep air from entering.
Interlock restroom exhaust fans with the lights and control the lights with an occupancy sensor/switch combination so they operate only when the room is in use.
Install a thermostat to control the attic fan so that it operates only when the temperature is ten or more degrees above ambient.
Partially close attic vents and louvers in the winter so that warm air will remain in the ceiling space and not escape and be replaced with cold outside air. (allow for some ventilation)
Purchase vent hoods that introduce a percentage of air as untreated outside air instead of exhausting 100% of conditioned air from the space. Existing vent hoods can sometimes be modified with this option for great savings.
Gasket the bottom of all garage type doors if they enclose a conditioned space.
Check the refrigerator door gasket and replace it if it is not sealing tight.
Use heat tracing to keep hot water piping warm and adequately insulate the lines.
Reuse old file folders, dividers and manila folders in the office by using new labels.

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