Learn From My Top 10 Green Home Building Mistakes

July 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

4605283154_d037f746a6_mWhen building a green house, there are a few beginner’s mistakes to keep an eye out for. The first problem is feeling ambitious and trying to complete everything yourself, you need to own a large variety of tools, the job is too long for renting tools.

While a lot of tasks can be handled by a beginner,tasks like creating the electrical system require a trained professional. Its more than the electrical system, problems like properly designing the basement or air ducts can grow out of proportion as you find your greenhouse growing larger and larger than expected making things costly and difficult.

 

Build your green home successfully! Read more here – http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/59860/The-Top-10-Mistakes-I-Made-in-Building-a-Green-Home

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Filed Under: Tips

China Persuades to Have a Call for Action on Climate Change

July 24, 2013 by Leave a Comment

img_aboutFor the first time, the US and China are working together to combat climate change. After four years of talks, the two countries agreed last Saturday to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Production of HFCs, chemicals used in air conditioners and refrigerators, has increased dramatically since the Montreal Protocol required the reduction in chemicals that damage the ozone layer. Though short lived with no impact on the ozone, they are much more potent as greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide. The agreement marks one small step for climate change, and a giant leap for US-China cooperation on climate change.

USA and China unites to solve climate change issues. Read more here how the agreement goes – http://refrigerantauthority.com/china-commits-to-hfc-freon-management-program/

Filed Under: HVAC

The 4 Definitions of Energy Sources for Buildings

July 23, 2013 by Leave a Comment

net-zero-energy-buildingThere is an important distinction between the different energy sources and whether they are classified as “on-site” or “off-site” production of energy. Beyond this distinction, there are 4 differing definitions of “Net Zero Energy Use” for buildings. First is Net Zero Site Energy, where energy production and use are the same for a site in a year.

Next, Net Zero Source Energy produces as much energy as is consumed, including the energy source. Net Zero Energy Costs examines only the price it pays for buying/selling energy. Finally, Net Zero Energy Emissions compares consumption and production of emissions-free energy in order to define Net Zero Energy. It is also important to recognize that some energy sources may not be recognized as site-generated energy. This depends on the specific energy source that is being considered.

 

Consider the energy source you use in your home or buildings. More information here – http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/60056/4-Ways-to-Define-Net-Zero-Energy-Use-in-Buildings

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Filed Under: HVAC

Hospitals & Energy Efficiency

July 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
English: A roadside sign at Santa Clara Valley...

English: A roadside sign at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Like other buildings that operate 24 hours per day, hospitals use a great deal of energy. As a result, there has been much focus in recent years by hospital administrators and building managers on reducing energy consumption and lowering operating costs since hospitals use an estimated 5 percent of all energy consumed in the United States.

 

 

 

But a recent study in the UK complicates the issue somewhat because it points out that by making hospitals “tighter” and more energy efficient, patients may become more susceptible to airborne infections and germs. The study, which was conducted at the University of Leeds, attempted to show how airborne infections might be passed in an average hospital unit. The researchers released balloons filled with carbon dioxide in an effort to mimic the spreading of germs or an infection.

 

 

 

With the use of smoke sticks, researchers were then able to follow the route of the fake infection. The results were that the airborne infection risk was low when windows were open and increased by up to four times when the windows were closed to save energy. According to the lead investigator, it’s important to provide alternative ventilation systems when sealing up buildings for energy efficiency to reduce the risk of airborne infections.

 

 

 

Grab the whole story here:  http://www.goodway.com/hvac-blog/2013/06/iaq-building-performance-energy-efficiency-can-affect-hospital-infection-rates/

 

Filed Under: refrigerant

Checklist For HVAC Cleaning

July 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
English: HVAC, factory-assembled cooling tower...

English: HVAC, factory-assembled cooling tower installed at a hospital. Photo by Eric Dreher (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As the heat of summer descends on us, now is the time to ensure that your facility’s cooling system is prepared to handle the heavy loads it will bear the next few months. If you live in a place where the cooling season never really ends, you should be properly cleaning your system once a quarter. If you live in more temperate regions, your system should be cleaned at both the beginning and the end of the season.

 

At a minimum, there are three key components of your air conditioning system that need to be cleaned: chiller tubes, air conditioning coils, and cooling towers. Each of these components, without being given the proper attention, can be a haven for bacteria, algae, mildew and other organisms that you certainly do not want in your purview. Each component requires certain steps and certain substances in order to be cleaned properly.

 

Here is a link to the checklists:  http://www.goodway.com/hvac-blog/2013/06/hvac-spring-cleaning-recap-of-last-years-checklists/

Filed Under: HVAC

Refrigerants – Flammable Or Not Flammable?

July 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment

300px-Environmental_Protection_Agency_logo.svg_The EPA has just released a list of dangerous flammable refrigerants. Both homeowners and contractors should be vigilant. The list is based on “substitutes” which are reviewed on the basis of ozone depletion potential, global warming potential, toxicity, flammability, and exposure potential.

 

Lists of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes are updated several times each year. A chronological list of SNAP updates is also available. Some of the unacceptable refrigerants include Hexafluropropylene (HFP) which is highly toxic. Acceptable alternatives are determined to reduce the overall risk to human health and the environment. These alternatives may be used without restriction in specific end-uses.

Check out the FAQ for R-22a here – http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/r22a.html

R-22a, also known as 22a Refrigerant, is a really flammable gas/. It’s colorless and even heavier than air. The product’s Material Data Safety Sheet (MSDS) states that it is composed of “liquefied petroleum gas.” Its contents have been identified as propane; in some cases, it may also contain small amounts of other hydrocarbons or a pine-scented odorant. If R-22a come into contact with an ignition source it can explode.

 

Here is a list of acceptable substitutes –  http://www.epa.gov/ozone/snap/refrigerants/lists/homeac.html

Beware of Flammable R-22a Refrigerants!

Filed Under: refrigerant

Refrigerant Pricing Predictions

July 9, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The price of coolant for air conditioners and refrigerators (R-22) is strictly controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

 

The EPA has created a sort of coolant cartel. The price of R-22 might be changing because over the last three months the EPA has increased R-22 allocations, China has agreed to control its emissions, and a new bill was introduced to Congress to enforce refrigerant leaks. Some states are also cracking down on leak offenders.

 

The EPA has created a myriad of legal hurdles and red tape for itself and the cooling industry. R-22’s price remains volatile and unpredictable as does any industry relying on climate controlled environments.

 

Refrigerant Pricing Prediction:  http://refrigerantauthority.com/blog/predicting-refrigerant-prices-availability/

Filed Under: refrigerant

AC Problems Got You Down?

July 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
sweating

sweating (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What do you do when you are having problems with the air conditioning in your home? This article attempts to identify and solve some of the common problems associated with air conditioning. Among the problems it addresses are the automatic turning-on of your air conditioning and unusual noises coming from your unit.

 

One of the first things you should do if your unit is not automatically starting up is to check the thermostat. The wiring in the thermostat may be damaged which will prevent the air conditioner from automatically turning on. If your unit is making odd noises, one of the belts inside the unit may not be seated properly.

 

Read More : http://www.callsinclair.com/lubbock-hvac-blog/bid/81835/Two-Solutions-to-Air-Conditioning-Problems

Filed Under: refrigerant

Closing The Loophole?

July 5, 2013 by Leave a Comment

The EPA was directed to set standards for radi...

In 2009, the EPA banned manufacturers from shipping new A/C units with R-22, an ozone-depleting refrigerant that was intended to be temporary replacement of the old refrigerants until a new type could be developed.

 

However, the ban included a loophole, and over the past few years, A/C units with R-22 have still been installed. That loophole may finally be closing, however, as the price to fill those cheap A/C units with R-22 proves to be substantially greater than more environmentally friendly chemicals.

 

Think costs are high? Just wait two years when the price is expected to drop over 90%.

 

Read The Full Story Here:  http://www.energyvanguard.com/blog-building-science-HERS-BPI/bid/60083/The-High-Price-of-R-22-for-Air-Conditioners-May-Close-the-Loophole

 

 

Filed Under: refrigerant

R-22 By The Numbers in The US

July 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment

refrigerant-tankFrom year 2009 to 2012 about 8 million new air conditioning units are sold with R-22, a charge around 7 LBS each. In 2004 the sale of R-22 was 385 million LBS. The total units in service with the commercial unit would be around 14 years, residential unit is 18 years, and chiller would be 30+ years.

 

The weight of a commercial unit is 16 lbs, residential 7 lbs, chiller is about 450 lbs each. AHRI only releases the data as aggregates, breaking it down is practically impossible! About 11 million A/C units are bought, sold, and used a year in America. over 10000 chillers are sold and installed a year. In 2010-2012 there was 205-290 million lbs used.

 

Going back to 1999 there were 1.2 billion lbs. installed in that year. There was a very steep drop in 2010, now making it 2012-2013 there is approximately 1.5 billion installed in systems today.

 

Read More – http://refrigerantauthority.com/blog/how-many-pounds-of-r-22-refrigerant-are-installed-in-climate-systems-in-the-usa/

Filed Under: refrigerant
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