Category Archives: low e windows

Residential Energy Services – This Resnet site is pretty cool

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Sorry I had to put this website up piece meal, but it is so photo and graphic intensive that all I could manage is bits and pieces. As with all the posts this week I can not verify the veracity of these folks but they do seem comprehensive and have the customers best interests at heart.

 

http://www.resnet.us/

RESNET professionals have
specialized energy efficiency training. 

RESNET: A name you can trust!

Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Call: 760-806-3448

Looking for a: 
RESNET professionals have
specialized energy efficiency training. 

 

ENERGY AUDITS & RATINGS
  • Find Raters and Auditors
  • » Search for Certified Energy Raters and Auditors

 

ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING & RETROFITS
  • Find Contractors and Builders
  • » Search for ENERGYSMART Contractors & Builders

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Sorry I could not capture the last 2 videos. You will just have to go to the site and watch them.

Why Should I Have My Home Rated? 

Watch Now
Why Hire EnergySmart Contractors?

 

Why Hire a Certified Rater?

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More tomorrow.

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Residential Energy Services Around The Country

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http://cec-mi.org/structures/services/residential-energy-audits/

Home » Structures » Services » Residential Energy Services

Residential Energy Services

The average Michigan household spends more than $2,000 annually on energy bills. But with Clean Energy Structures’ assessments and tools, we can help you achieve lower energy bills, greater comfort and increased property values.

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dot dot dot

Infrared Analysis

Infrared imaging is a powerful tool to detect insulation gaps, air leakage, and other hidden energy losses. This tool is most effective when combined with blower door testing. A full report including infrared and reference images with detailed captions will be provided.

Efficiency Verification + Contractor Coordination

Clean Energy Coalition can assist you as you implement energy efficiency upgrades in your home. Once you have completed a home energy assessment, we will make recommendations for specific, vetted contractors that will best fit your project. Our trained energy analyst will evaluate the installations and performance of these energy-saving upgrades and provide a report detailing the changes made in your home.

*$75 DTE Energy Rebate available

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dot dot dot

Construction Consultation

Our trained staff will consult with you as requested to help make your residential construction project as energy efficient as possible.

Service Contact Information

Nick Helmholdt
Structures, Project Manager
734.585.5720 x13
nick@cec-mi.org

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More tomorrow.

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Meditations On All Things Solar – Let us start with the big guy himself

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That is right the Sun creates all the energy on the Earth. Well, the Sun or its cousins because the heavy metals that we use for our version of “nuclear power” were created in Suns of the past that blew up. The oil, natural gas and the coal we burn are nothing but dead congealed plants and animals nurtured by the sun. Really think about it what is “natural gas”. The stink of the dead from the past. So why do we do that? We can get all the energy we need directly from the Sun? The point is that if the capitalist system can sell you bottled water then it surely can sell you petroleum products.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun

Sun

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

This article is about the star. For other uses, see Sun (disambiguation).
This article is semi-protected.
The Sun Sun symbol.svg
The Sun seen through X-ray
Observation data
Mean distance
from Earth 		1.496×108 km
8 min 19 s at light speed
Visual brightness (V) ?26.74 [1]
Absolute magnitude 4.83 [1]
Spectral classification G2V
Metallicity Z = 0.0177 [2]
Angular size 31.6? – 32.7? [3]
Adjectives solar
Orbital characteristics
Mean distance
from Milky Way core 		~2.5×1017 km
26,000 light-years
Galactic period (2.25–2.50) × 108 a
Velocity ~220 km/s (orbit around the center of the Galaxy)
~20 km/s (relative to average velocity of other stars in stellar neighborhood)
396.5±3.0 km/s[4] (relative to the cosmic microwave background)
Physical characteristics
Mean diameter 1.392×106 km [1]
109 × Earth
Equatorial radius 6.955×105 km [5]
109 × Earth[5]
Equatorial circumference 4.379×106 km [5]
109 × Earth[5]
Flattening 9×10?6
Surface area 6.0877×1012 km2 [5]
11,990 × Earth[5]
Volume 1.412×1018 km3 [5]
1,300,000 × Earth
Mass 1.9891×1030 kg [1]
332,900 × Earth[5]
Average density 1.408×103 kg/m3 [1][5][6]
Different Densities Core: 1.5×105 kg/m3
lower Photosphere: 2×10?4 kg/m3
lower Chromosphere: 5×10?6 kg/m3
Avg. Corona: 1×10?12 kg/m3 [7]
Equatorial surface gravity 274.0 m/s2 [1]
27.94 g
28 × Earth[5]
Escape velocity
(from the surface) 		617.7 km/s [5]
55 × Earth[5]
Temperature
of core 		~15.7×106 K [1]
Temperature
of surface (effective) 		5,778 K [1]
Temperature
of corona 		~5×106 K
Luminosity (Lsol) 3.846×1026 W [1]
~3.75×1028 lm
~98 lm/W efficacy
Mean Intensity (Isol) 2.009×107 W·m?2·sr?1
Rotation characteristics
Obliquity 7.25° [1]
(to the ecliptic)
67.23°
(to the galactic plane)
Right ascension
of North pole[8] 		286.13°
19h 4min 30s
Declination
of North pole 		+63.87°
63°52′ North
Sidereal rotation period
(at equator) 		25.05 days [1]
(at 16° latitude) 25.38 days [1]
25d 9h 7min 13s [8]
(at poles) 34.3 days [1]
Rotation velocity
(at equator) 		7.189×103 km/h [5]
Photospheric composition (by mass)
Hydrogen 73.46%[9]
Helium 24.85%
Oxygen 0.77%
Carbon 0.29%
Iron 0.16%
Sulfur 0.12%
Neon 0.12%
Nitrogen 0.09%
Silicon 0.07%
Magnesium 0.05%
This box: view • talk • edit

The Sun is the star at the center of the Solar System. It has a diameter of about 1,392,000 kilometers (865,000 mi), about 109 times that of Earth, and its mass (about 2 × 1030 kilograms, 330,000 times that of Earth) accounts for about 99.86% of the total mass of the Solar System.[10] About three quarters of the Sun’s mass consists of hydrogen, while the rest is mostly helium. Less than 2% consists of heavier elements, including iron, oxygen, carbon, neon, and others.[11]

The Sun’s color is white, although from the surface of the Earth it may appear yellow because of atmospheric scattering.[12] Its stellar classification, based on spectral class, is G2V, and is informally designated a yellow star, because the majority of its radiation is in the yellow-green portion of the visible spectrum.[13] In this spectral class label, G2 indicates its surface temperature of approximately 5,778 K (5,505 °C; 9,941 °F), and V (Roman five) indicates that the Sun, like most stars, is a main sequence star, and thus generates its energy by nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium. In its core, the Sun fuses 430–600 million tons of hydrogen each second. Once regarded by astronomers as a small and relatively insignificant star, the Sun is now presumed to be brighter than about 85% of the stars in the Milky Way galaxy, most of which are red dwarfs.[14][15] The absolute magnitude of the Sun is +4.83; however, as the star closest to Earth, the Sun is the brightest object in the sky with an apparent magnitude of ?26.74.[16][17] The Sun’s hot corona continuously expands in space creating the solar wind, a hypersonic stream of charged particles that extends to the heliopause at roughly 100 astronomical units. The bubble in the interstellar medium formed by the solar wind, the heliosphere, is the largest continuous structure in the Solar System.[18][19]

The Sun is currently traveling through the Local Interstellar Cloud in the Local Bubble zone, within the inner rim of the Orion Arm of the Milky Way galaxy. Of the 50 nearest stellar systems within 17 light-years from Earth, the Sun ranks 4th in mass.[20] The Sun orbits the center of the Milky Way at a distance of approximately 24,000–26,000 light years from the galactic center, completing one clockwise orbit, as viewed from the galactic north pole, in about 225–250 million years.

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The sun will come out tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jdpc7aaAlQ&feature=related

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Cash For Caulkers Bill – Houston Neal explains it all

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OK I am burned out on the Gulf Oil Spill. Houston Neal offered to let me post his piece on the Cash For Caulkers Bill. Normally such offers are from scammer links and such. Houston is involved with a software company so it is clear that he has advertising intents BUT it is such a damn fine article that I will post part of it so you can see for yourself and then you can go there and read it for yourself.

http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/construction/cash-for-caulkers-the-definitive-guide-to-the-home-star-bill-1061110/

Houston Neal close Houston info gravatar Houston Neal

Director of Marketing at Software Advice
(512) 364-0117 LinkedIn
houston@softwareadvice.com v-card

See Authors Posts

Cash for Caulkers – The Definitive Guide To The Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010

Posted on June 11, 2010 at 11:41 am

“Cash for Caulkers” is nearly here. Last month the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5019 – also known as the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 or “Cash for Caulkers” – to kick-start construction, create jobs and cut back carbon emissions. While the bill still needs to clear the Senate, supporters predict it will pass this summer.

This is great news for homeowners and contractors alike. The bill provisions $6 billion for energy-efficient or “green” retrofits. It is expected to fund renovations for 3 million families, create 168,000 new jobs and save consumers $9.2 billion on energy bills over the next 10 years.

But in order to cash in on upcoming rebates, homeowners and contractors will need to do their homework. There are 13 types of retrofits eligible for funding. Each retrofit has unique eligibility requirements and set rebate amounts. You can read the full text here.

We made it really easy to wade through the legalese. Below is a table that breaks down the 13 retrofits of the bill, along with the requirements and rebate amount for each. In addition to the requirements we listed, each retrofit must comply with Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards or other procedures to be approved by the Secretary of Energy.

Retrofit Requirements Rebate Amount
Air sealing Rebate covers both interior and exterior sealing and includes use of the following products: sealants, caulks, insulating foams, gaskets, weather-stripping, mastics, and other building materials. $1,500
Attic insulation Must meet the attic portions of the Department of Energy (DOE) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thermal bypass checklist. You must add at least R–19 insulation to existing insulation, and it must result in at least R–38 insulation in DOE climate zones 1 through 4 and at least R–49 insulation in DOE climate zones 5 through 8. Finally, it must cover at least 100 percent of an accessible attic or 75 percent of the total conditioned footprint of the house. $1,000
Duct replacement and sealing Sealing must be installed in accordance with BPI standards or other procedures approved by the Secretary of Energy. For duct replacement, you must replace and seal at least 50 percent of a distribution system of the home. $1,000
Wall insulation Insulation must be installed to full-stud thickness or add at least R–10 of continuous insulation. It must covers at least 75 percent of the total external wall area of the home. $1,500
Crawl space or basement insulation Insulation must cover at least 500 square feet of crawl space or basement wall and add at least R–19 of cavity insulation or R–15 of continuous insulation to existing crawl space insulation; or R–13 of cavity insulation or R–10 of continuous insulation to basement walls. For rim joist insulation, you must fully cover the rim joist with at least R–10 of new continuous or R–13 of cavity insulation. $250 for rim joist insulation
Window replacement Must replace at least 8 exterior windows, or 75 percent of the exterior windows in a home, whichever is less, with windows that are certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council. Must comply with criteria applicable to windows under section 25(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or, in areas above 5,000 feet elevation, have a U-factor of at least 0.35 when replacing windows that are single-glazed or double-glazed with an internal air space of 1/4 inch or less. $1,000
Door or skylight replacement Must replace at least 1 exterior door or skylight with doors or skylights that comply with the 2010 Energy Star specification for doors or skylights. $125 per door or skylight with a limit of 2 doors and 2 skylights
Heating system replacement See second table below $1,000
Air-source air conditioner or heat pump installation Must be installed in accordance with ANSI/ACCA Standard 5 QI–2007. The air-source air conditioner must meet or exceed SEER 16 and EER 13; or SEER 18 and EER 15. The air-source heat pump must meet or exceed SEER 15, EER 12.5, and HSPF 8.5. $1,500
Geothermal heat pump installation Must be an Energy Star qualified geothermal heat pump that meets Tier 2 efficiency requirements and that is installed in accordance with ANSI/ACCA Standard 5 QI–2007. $1,000
Water heater replacement See third table below $1,000
Storm windows or doors installation Must be installed on at least 5 existing doors or existing single-glazed windows. Must comply with any procedures that the Secretary of Energy may set for storm windows or doors and their installation. $50 for each window or door with a minimum of 5 windows or doors and a maximum of 12
Window film installation Window film that is installed on at least 8 exterior windows, doors, or skylights, or 75 percent of the total exterior square footage of glass in a home, whichever is more, with window films that are certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council. Must have a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.43 or less with a visible light-to-solar heat gain coefficient of at least 1.1 for installations in 2009 International Energy Conservation Code climate zones 1–3; or a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.43 or less with a visible light light-to-solar heat gain coefficient of at least 1.1 and a U-factor of 0.40 or less as installed in 2009 International Energy Conservation Code climate zones 4–8. $500

We also decided to combine these retrofits into three packages that will help homeowners get the best bang for their buck. But first, let’s review the program details.

Who is Eligible and How to Qualify?
The Home Star bill offers two rebate programs, the “Silver Star” program and “Gold Star” program. Here are details for each:

  • Silver Star – Unless another amount is specified in the “Rebate Amount” column above, homeowners will receive a $1,000 rebate for each retrofit listed in our table. The maximum amount of rebates paid out will be $3,000 or 50% of the total cost, whichever is lower. For example, if a homeowner spends a total of $4,000 on eligible retrofits, they will get $2,000 or 50% back as a rebate. If they spend $8,000 on eligible retrofits, they would only receive $3,000 in rebates instead of $4,000 (which would be 50% of the cost).
  • Gold Star – To qualify for the Gold Star program, homeowners must reduce their total home energy consumption by 20%. A $3,000 rebate will be rewarded for this reduction. Homeowners can receive an additional $1,000 for each additional 5% reduction, up to a total rebate of $8,000 or 50% of the total retrofit cost. Rebates may be provided for any of the retrofits listed under the Silver Star program, or for any other energy-saving measure, including: home energy management systems, high-efficiency appliances, highly reflective roofing, awnings, canopies, and similar external fenestration (window) attachments, automatic boiler water temperature controllers, energy-efficient wood products, insulated vinyl siding, and mechanical air circulation and heat exchangers in a passiv

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Please go to this article and read the rest of it….Conservation is in the air.

More tomorrow.

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City Water Light And Power – Energy Efficiency in Springfield Illinois

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I forget to give them the credit they deserve. We have a local utility that has invested in wind power and early Energy Conservation Programs. And it was created by a socialist.

http://www.cwlp.com/

Welcome to the home page of City Water, Light & Power (CWLP), the municipal electric and water utility for Springfield, Illinois. CWLP also owns and manages Lake Springfield, the primary source of drinking water for Springfield and one of Central Illinois’ premier recreational resources.

City Water, Light & Power’s general offices are located on the fourth floor of Municipal Center East, 800 East Monroe, Springfield, IL 62757. Contact information for the General Office and other utility offices can be found on the Contact Information page in the About CWLP section.

For more information about the utility or its various divisions, select one of the main topics or subtopics in the left-hand column of this page.

Top l CWLP Home l CWLP Contact Info l Search l City of Springfield

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These guys are the best.

http://www.cwlp.com/energy_services/energy_services.htm

The CWLP Energy Services Office offers a variety of services designed to help our residential and commercial customers increase personal comfort and convenience while reducing energy and water costs. The office is staffed by a team of  Energy Experts who work diligently to keep abreast of the latest developments in energy-related technologies. They share their knowledge with CWLP’s residential and business customers via several avenues, including advertising; free publications produced specifically with our customers’ needs in mind; bill inserts; informational videos; home energy audits; and Low-Cost/No-Cost Efficiency Workshops and other community involvement programs. The Energy Services Office also administers CWLP’s efficiency rebate programs.

The  Energy Services Office is in downtown Springfield on the northwest corner of Monroe and S. 6th Streets. We invite customers to stop in and visit us, view our energy-efficient lighting displays and water conservation exhibit, pick up free efficiency literature, or talk with the Energy Experts. We also welcome questions or requests for information that come through the mail, by phone or FAX, or via email.

Reach us at: 2nd Floor
231 S. 6th St.
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: (217) 789-2070
FAX: (217) 789-2210
email: nrgxprts@cwlp.com

For more information about CWLP’s Energy Services Office or about how you can make your home or business more energy efficient, select any of the topics or subtopics listed in the left-hand column of this page.

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See you at jam band friday…

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Burning Behavior And The Energy Audit – It is very clear the connection between knowing and doing

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The whole purpose of this blog is to combat burning behavior. Burning Behavior is very primite and at this point in our culture counterproductive behavior. Information can counter this largely instinctive behavior. Notice how quickly you want to put caulk in a hole that the smoke test shows you.

So while this meditation was about Energy Audits it is also about what to do when the audits produce KNOWN results. So let us go back to windows for a moment. It is true that they should all be caulk up by now and any holes filled with expanding foam from a can. Another basic question you need to ask for the heating and the cooling seasons is, “Do I have “storm” windows. These windows were originally installed to protect the interior window from storm damage, particularly in tornado country from damage by wind driven objects. They have since been taken on as an integral component of what is called the exterior envelop. In other words the dead airspace that they provide ups the R value of 2 pieces of glass whose R value collectively might be as low as 2. If you do not have storm windows or during the height of the cooling season in particular you put the back of you hand near the low e film cover window and you still feel cold, you may need to apply plastic to the outside or inside of the windows. You amy also need to think about buying new windows. This can be daunting at 160 $$$ a pop still it also is motivation to considering getting rid of some windows all together.

The exterior application used to be about the only way to do it. You bought a roll of 3 mill or 6 mill plastic, cut card board strips, and used carpet tacks to nail them up. With the invention of the staple gun things got alot easier but you still do damage to the window sills themselves. second story windows also require a 16 foot extension ladder. They come in kits now and may even include adhesive strips:

http://www.google.com/products?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1B3RNFA_enUS268US269&q=plastic+window+insulator+kit+exterior&oq=&ie=UTF-8&ei=2C-ES6uAIYzgngfwmrnpAQ&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CCYQrQQwAg

  1. Outside Window Insulator Kit

    $14.00 new

    BIC Warehouse

    Outside Window Insulator Kit

    … an extra pane of insulation, preventing frosty windows Special weather-resistant … door plastic weatherstrip wndw insul kit window outside wndow insltr.

    Add to Shopping List

  2. Frost King P712H Economy Outdoor Plastic Storm Window Kits 3-Foot ...

    $1.95 new

    Frost King P712H Economy Outdoor Plastic Storm Window Kits 3-Foot …

    2 Pack, 3′ x 6′, 1,25 Mil, Exterior, Storm Window Cover Kits, With Fiber Framing Strips & Nails.

    Add to Shopping List

  3. Outside Window Insulator Kit

    $13.58 new

    GrabCart

    Outside Window Insulator Kit

    … an extra pane of insulation, preventing frosty windows Special weather-resistant … door plastic weatherstrip wndw insul kit window outside wndow insltr.

    Add to Shopping List

  4. Window Stretch Film Kit By Thermwell Products V93h

    $4.99 new

    eBay

    Window Stretch Film Kit By Thermwell Products V93h

    Frost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit Outdoor use only, plastic stretch film installs easily from the outside. Apply double-face tape to metal, ….

    Add to Shopping List

  5. Frost King P712H Economy Outdoor Plastic Storm Window Kits 3-Foot ...

    $1.42 new

    Frost King P712H Economy Outdoor Plastic Storm Window Kits 3-Foot …

    2 Pack, 3′ x 6′, 1,25 Mil, Exterior, Storm Window Cover Kits, With Fiber Framing Strips & Nails.

    Add to Shopping List

  6. Frost King P712H Economy Outdoor Plastic Storm Window Kits 3-Foot ...

    $2.36 new

    noble-sales-co-inc.amazon…

    Frost King P712H Economy Outdoor Plastic Storm Window Kits 3-Foot …

    2 Pack, 3′ x 6′, 1,25 Mil, Exterior, Storm Window Cover Kits, With Fiber Framing Strips & Nails.

    Add to Shopping List

  7. Frost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit

    $4.37 new

    BIC Warehouse

    Frost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit

    W. x 504? L (42′) Brand #: Thermwell Prods. Co. V93H UPC: 077578018119 Keywords: window insulator kit stretch shrink film wndw insul plastic weatherstrip patio.

    Add to Shopping List

  8. Frost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit

    $4.61 new

    Frost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit

    V96H: Patio doors up to 7′ x 9′ or picture window kit: 1 plastic film sheet 84” W. x 110” L., 1 roll tape 1/2” W. x 504” L. (42′).

    Add to Shopping List

  9. Frost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit

    $4.24 new

    GrabCart

    Frost King Outdoor Window Insulation Kit

    … 504A” L (42′) Brand #: Thermwell Prods. Co. V93H UPC: 077578018119 Keywords: window insulator kit stretch shrink film wndw insul plastic weatherstrip patio.

    Add to Shopping List

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But for many reasons the  indoor kits are the ones that I would use. They are much easier to use, require no ladder and do no damage to the sills. My sister Joann puts them up at my dads house every year and I can attest to their effectiveness:
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3M 2141W Indoor 5-Window Insulator Kit
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3M 2141W Indoor 5-Window Insulator Kit

Other products by 3M

4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
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List Price: $22.54
Price: $17.93 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details
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Special Shipping Information: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.

Technical Details

  • Reduces heating costs and saves energy
  • Stops cold drafts, helps prevent frost build-up and reduces condensation
  • Performs like an extra storm window
  • Shrinks tight for wrinkle-free, clear-as-glass results
  • Increases R-value by 90% over an average single pane window.

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Get your home ready for winter with 3M energy solutions. Our window insulator kits are easy to install, and help keep your utility bill low during the cold months. Plus they use Scotch Window Film Mounting Tape and have the clearest film. The cost of heating your home may be rising, but there’s something you can do. 3M window insulator kits help keep the warm air in and cold drafts out. And your energy bill down. Tape: 1/2 inch by 12 yard. Film: 62 inch by 210 inch.

Product Description

Stops cold drafts and helps prevent frosty windows. Clear as glass. Easy to install requires only scissors and a hair dryer for installation. Safe application to aluminum, painted or varnished wood, or vinyl clad window moulding. Film wrinkles are removable.

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Oh and in the heating season don’t forget to bag and seal you window air conditioning unit.

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Last Post On Windows – For this meditation on home energy improvements

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Windows and Doors in your residence are the fine line between Rehabilitation and New Build. To use Professional Speak, your house consists of an interior and an exterior envelop with insulation inbetween even if that insulation is only air. The whole goal of energy rehabs is to dramatically tighten both the interior and the exterior of the house and then increase the insulation where possible. This is a separate issue in a way from the energy consumption in the house itself. So when you get to the parts that move…eg windows and doors that is where the expense can climb rapidly. If you are a home owner, new windows and doors make sense BUT once you open the cavities shouldn’t you check the insulation and what about upgrading the wiring? Why not tear the whole thing down and start again? HMMMM

So if you are interested in new here are all the usual suspects:

https://web.pella.com/supportcenter/Pages/Consultation.aspx/?Network=Google&Campaign=Champaign_722:{keyword:defaulttext}:P&Branch=Champaign+Local&gclid=CMnLu5–958CFRk45wodfk3tXA&sissr=1

http://www.searshomeimprovements.com/productoffer1.aspx?o=3&t=1482&gclid&OVMTC=Phrase&site=&creative=3524009401&OVKEY=windows%20and%20doors&gclid=CI62jcO-958CFdKO5wodhgaaYA

http://installation.homedepot.com/windows/google/index.html?cm_mmc=SEM|RPM|HS_Windows|GGL_8152

http://www.andersenwindows.com/

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For a lot cheaper you can get low e-films that will keep the heat in during the winter and out during the summer. You have to decide how far you go.

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/low-e-window-film.html

Green Your Home for Winter: Apply Low-E Window Film

Jasmin Malik Chua, Jersey City, USA

Jasmin Malik Chua
By Jasmin Malik Chua
Jersey City, NJ, USA | Sun Mar 23, 2008 01:21 PM ET

If you haven’t socked away enough money for new, energy-efficient windows-or you’re a renter who doesn’t have the latitude to make major home improvements-consider applying one of several types of window film to your panes for instant energy savings.

A plastic film with low-emissivity (low-E) coating, which can reduce heat loss through old windows by 30 percent to 50 percent, provides a thin metallic coat the blocks off heat and ultraviolet rays. Apply the low-E film to the inside pane of your window to trap heat indoors in the winter. When the mercury begins to rise, flip the film over to the outside pane to keep the sun’s heat out of your domicile. Plus, according to Lowe’s, insulating window films will pay for themselves in less than a year in reduced utility bills.Do-it-yourself window film is available in rolls or in precut kits, but you might want to consult the professionals on very large windows. Here are some companies that manufacture energy-saving window films:

1. Bekaert

2. CP Films

3. Film Technologies

4. Madico

5. Plastic View International

[Via ::The Daily Green]

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

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My brother tried it in Las Vegas and they dropped the temperature a lot. To summarize we have covered windows and door from shutters, to new windows and doors to films and sprays for windows and doors. The final step tomorrow is to deal with awnings. Isn’t the green economy fun!

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What A Year For Energy And Related Fields – Cash for Clunkers, Caulk for Clunkers

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Everywhere you look there are things a poppin.

http://www.technologyreview.com/energy/24280/page1/

The Year in Energy

Liquid batteries, giant lasers, and vast new reserves of natural gas highlight the fundamental energy advances of the past 12 months.

By Kevin Bullis

Monday, December 28, 2009

With many renewable energy companies facing hard financial times (“Weeding Out Solar Companies“), a lot of the big energy news this year was coming out of Washington, DC, with massive federal stimulus funding for batteries and renewable energy and programs such as Energy Frontier Research Centers and Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (“A Year of Stimulus for High Tech“).

Credit: Roy Ritchie

But there was still plenty of action outside the beltway, both in the United States and around the world. One of the most dramatic developments (“Natural Gas Changes the Energy Map“) was the rush to exploit a vast new resource; new drilling technologies have made it possible to economically recover natural gas from shale deposits scattered throughout the country, including in Texas and parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Advances in drilling technology have increased available natural gas by 39 percent, according to an estimate released in June. The relatively clean-burning fuel could cut greenhouse gas emissions by becoming a substitute for coal. Natural gas might even provide an alternative to petroleum in transportation, especially for buses and taxis–if only policymakers could take advantage of the new opportunity.

Meanwhile a number of technologies promise to cut down on emissions from coal plants. Feeding heat from the sun into coal plants could at once increase the amount of power that can be generated from a given amount of coal and reduce the cost of solar power (“Mixing Solar with Coal to Cut Costs“). And technology for capturing carbon dioxide (“Scrubbing CO2 Cheaply“) and storing it (“An Ocean Trap for Carbon Dioxide“) is finally emerging from the lab and small-scale projects into larger demonstrations at power plants, even while researchers explore potentially cheaper carbon-capture techniques (“Using Rust to Capture CO2 from Coal Plants“).

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I hate to Post The Whole Thing, but it’s so good.

This year was also the year of the smart grid, as numerous test projects for improving the reliability of the grid and enabling the use of large amounts of renewable energy got underway (“Technology Overview: Intelligent Electricity“). The smart grid will be enabled by key advances, such as superconductors for high-energy transmission lines (“Superconductors to Wire a Smarter Grid“) and smart networks being developed by companies such as GE (“Q&A: Mark Little, Head of GE Global Research“).

Cellulosic ethanol–made from biomass such as grass rather than corn grain–moved closer to commercialization, with announcements of demonstration plant openings (“Commercializing Garbage to Ethanol“) and scientific breakthroughs that could make the process cheaper (“Cellulosic Ethanol on the Cheap“). But at the same time, a number of companies are moving beyond cellulosic ethanol to the production of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from biomass–fuels that can be used much more readily in existing infrastructure and in existing vehicles. Exxon-Mobil announced substantial investments in algae-based fuels (“Big Oil Turns to Algae“). Remarkably, one startup declared its process–based on synthetic genomics and algae–could allow biofuels to replace all of transportation fuels without overwhelming farmland (“A Biofuel Process to Replace All Fossil Fuels“).

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So? It’s the end of the year – sue me…

Still, most people think biofuels will only supply a fraction of our transportation needs (“Briefing: Transportation“). To eliminate carbon emissions and drastically curtail petroleum consumption will require plug-in hybrids (“Driving the Volt“) and other electricity-powered vehicles (“Nissan’s Leaf: Charged with Information“). Advances that could double (or more) the energy capacity of batteries and lower their costs could one day make such vehicles affordable to the masses. These include new formulations such as lithium-sulfur batteries (“Revisiting Lithium-Sulfur Batteries“), metal-air batteries (“High-Energy Batteries Coming to Market“) such as lithium-air batteries (“IBM Invests in Battery Research“), and batteries that rely on nanowires and silicon (“More Energy in Batteries“). A novel concept for super-fast charge stations at bus stops could make electric buses practical (“Next Stop: Ultracapacitor Buses“).

Getting the electricity to charge these vehicles–without releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide–could be made easier by a number of advances this year. A new liquid battery could cheaply store energy from wind turbines and solar panels for use when the sun isn’t shining and the wind isn’t blowing (“TR10: Liquid Battery“), making it practical to rely on large amounts of renewable electricity. Vast arrays of mirrors (“Solar Thermal Heats Up“) are being assembled in the desert to convert solar heat into electricity, and photovoltaic solar farms for converting light directly into electricity (“Chasing the Sun“) are getting a boost from the federal stimulus money. And researchers are finding ways to increase the efficiency of solar cells (“More Efficient, and Cheaper, Solar Cells“) and are discovering new photovoltaic materials to make solar power cheaper (“Mining Fool’s Gold for Solar“). And although progress on nuclear power is moving slowly, some advances on the horizon could help this low-carbon source replace fossil fuels (“TR10: Traveling-Wave Reactor“). Researchers even fired up the world’s largest laser system–one that’s the size of a football stadium–for experiments that could lead to a new form of fusion (“Igniting Fusion“).

Last, and almost certainly least, researchers have decided to look beyond the conventional sources of renewable energy–solar, wind, and waves–to hamsters. Researchers at Georgia Tech fitted the rodents with zinc-oxide nanowire jackets (“Harnessing Hamster Power with a Nanogenerator“), and watched as they generated an electrical current while scratching themselves and running on a wheel. See a video of the powerful hamsters here.

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Kevin Bullis is a journalistic GOD

http://www.shinygun.com/story.php?id=128

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R 60 In The Attic – When I first started talking about this everyone thought I was crazy

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I will be the first one to admit, our attic is finished. I had no control over that. The build out and remodel all took place 50 years ago. Does it make it better that we have a metal roof? When I first started saying PACK YOUR ATTIC with all the insulation you can get your hands on. Everyone said, “How can you say that. There is no payback. There is no room. What if you change your mind” That was of course in an R10 or an R13 world. Then everything changed. Guess what it will change again.

That is because we have all been raised in a “pay as you go” energy system. Have been for generations. But if you think of a world where you pay your energy costs “UP FRONT”. Then you quit worrying about Paybacks and “is it worth it”? You start thinking in terms of how much do I need.

Again for the entire class: You can never lose money by CONSERVING energy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superinsulation

Superinsulation is an approach to building design, construction, and retrofitting. A superinsulated house is intended to be heated predominantly by intrinsic heat sources (waste heat generated by appliances and the body heat of the occupants) with very small amounts of backup heat. This has been demonstrated to work in very cold climates but requires close attention to construction details in addition to the insulation.

Superinsulation is one of the ancestors of the passive house approach. A related approach to efficient building design is zero energy building.

There is no set definition of superinsulation, but superinsulated buildings typically include:

  • Very thick insulation (typically R40 walls and R60 roof)
  • Detailed insulation where walls meet roofs, foundations, and other walls
  • Airtight construction, especially around doors and windows
  • a heat recovery ventilator to provide fresh air
  • No large windows facing any particular direction
  • No conventional heating system, just a small backup heater

Nisson & Dutt (1985) suggest that a house might be described as “superinsulated” if the cost of space heating is lower than the cost of water heating.

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That last is important because what if you are using free solar. Then your costs are both zero. So one of them has to be a negative number…haha

http://www.builditsolar.com/Projects/SolarHomes/constructionps.htm

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On a more serious note, everyone agrees that the standard currently is good for NEW Construction…I say it is good enough for old as well:

http://www.residentialarchitect.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=275&articleID=886806

massachusetts pilot project explores super insulation for old houses

new construction could also benefit from techniques.
Publication date: February 24, 2009

By Nigel F. Maynard

Alex Cheimets and Cynthia Page live in a duplex that used to consume about 1,400 gallons of heating oil a year. But now their building is one of the most energy-efficient in its Arlington, Mass., neighborhood, thanks to a pilot project that retrofitted the structure with almost $100,000 worth of insulation and other products to increase energy efficiency and lower utility costs.

The so-called Massachusetts Super Insulation Project seeks to determine the benefits and cost-effectiveness of retrofitting old energy-wasting houses with insulation upgrades in key areas. Though the cost for the upgrades in the home were substantial, some of the techniques used—among them proper air-sealing and adequate moisture barriers—are easily applied to new construction at a relatively low cost.

Massachusetts officials are keenly interested in the results of the project, because it dovetails nicely with the state’s efforts to become more energy-efficient. “Our governor, the state House and Senate, and the executive branch are aware that the nation’s energy strategy is not acceptable, and a big part of it is the existing housing stock,” says Philip Giudice, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DER).

“Nationally, buildings account for 40 percent of all energy consumption, and one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions,” says Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, who chairs Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick’s Zero Net Energy Buildings Task Force. “This superinsulation project in Arlington promises to be a model for the type of innovation in the building industry that the Patrick Administration hopes will soon be widespread across Massachusetts.”

Read more articles related to:

More articles from the headlines section

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Federal Tax Credits For Windows And Doors – I see the light

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Now we enter the marvelous world of windows and doors. As someone who has been in the building trades most of my life I prefer that people live in CAVES. That is right. I have been opposed to windows and all but rudimentary doors for most of my life. There are exceptions. For instance, if you live in a rammed earth house or if the window is part of the heating and cooling system. My attitude is if you want to look outside…GO outside. Not only that but it gets rid of all of those pesky “window treatments”. I am also a MAN and I lose these arguments all the time mostly to gay interior decorators.

 http://www.customwindowdecorators.com/drapes.html

OH sorry I mean with women.

http://www.lnt.com/category/452/1/window.html

But if you must put windows in at least have them have an impact on the world and on your taxes too:

 http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits#c1

Windows & Doors Exterior Windows and Skylights

*Important Change:

Before June 1, 2009:
Must meet ENERGY STAR criteria

After June 1, 2009:
U factor <= 0.30

SHGC <= 0.30

 30% of cost, up to $1,5002 Not all ENERGY STAR labeled windows and skylights qualify for tax credit.More information
Storm Windows Meets IECC1 in combination with the exterior window over which it is installed, for the applicable climate zone 30% of cost, up to $1,5002 View our FAQ on storm doors and storm windows.
Exterior Doors

*Important Change:

Before June 1, 2009:
Must meet ENERGY STAR criteria

After June 1, 2009:
U factor <= 0.30

SHGC <= 0.30

 30% of cost, up to $1,5002 Not all ENERGY STAR doors will qualify.More information
Storm Doors In combination with a wood door assigned a default U-factor by the IECC1, and does not exceed the default U-factor requirement assigned to such combination by the IECC 30% of cost, up to $1,5002 View our FAQ on storm doors and storm windows.

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http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows

Home > Products > Windows, Doors, and Skylights

 

Residential Windows, Doors, and Skylights for Consumers

(Are you a partner? For Partners)

Want more from your windows? Ask for ENERGY STAR.
ENERGY STAR-qualified windows, doors, and skylights save you energy and money, increase the comfort of your home, and protect your valuable possessions from sun damage. They are also better for the environment because lowering your energy use means less air pollution from power plants.

Window with ENERGY STAR label

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Windows like these:

http://info.championwindow.com/championw/unique/114318.php?keyword=WINDOWS%20TAX%20CREDIT&gclid=CP_2-6OW7JoCFSQMDQodhQ9tCA

 

The typical U.S. family spends over $1,600 a year on utility bills
All Champion windows feature our exclusive, insulated Comfort 365® Glass, which sets the industry standard…Just some of the benefits of Champion vinyl replacement windows:
  • Comfort 365® Glass keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter
  • Blocks harmful UV rays and reduces fading of carpets and furniture
  • Custom designed and manufactured in our factory specifically for your home
  • Available in a full line of customized colors
  • Exceed ENERGY STAR® standards in all 50 states
  • Earned the Good Housekeeping Seal
  • Covered by a Lifetime Transferable Warranty

Improve your home’s look and overall energy efficiency; contact a Champion representative today to schedule your FREE in-home consultation. See just how quickly and easily you can replace your old in-efficient windows with new Champion vinyl replacement windows!

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And these:

Replacement window experts for the greater Central Illinois, IL area.

Renewal by Andersen offers a start-to-finish replacement windows process, you get custom-crafted, energy-efficient windows and doors professionally installed for you.  Simply request a free in home window consultation and you’re on your way to enjoying your beautiful replacement windows and patio doors for years to come.  You’ll love your new windows!


Learn More
 

 

Visit our window or door product visualizer

Window and Door Visualizer Configure your windows or doors with our product visualizer!

 

2009 Tax Credit

2009 Energy Tax Credit The new stimulus plan includes replacement windows. Receive up to a $1,500** tax credit. Many Renewal by Andersen products qualify – Learn More

 

Need financing for your project?

Window and Door Financing We provide attractive financing options through GE Money – learn more

 

Read about our SmartSun™ glass

Windows with SmartSun Glass Announcing our most energy-efficient glass ever! New SmartSun™ glass is up to 70% more efficient. More

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Next up the scintillating topic of INsulation. …By the way if you live in the Connecticut area, you might check these guys out. I hear they do pretty good work….

http://www.simplyadditions.com/

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