Home Energy Management - The Journey

Published on 19 Feb 2010 at 3:07 pm. No Comments.
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OK, enough hacking for the moment. Need to live with current gadgets a while and tune up our energy use. As blogged earlier, we have already made significant savings without any real reduction in comfort.  The savings have more than paid for the few gadgets we’re using and we’ve created a small budget for further investments aimed at cost and carbon reduction.

Next up for scrutiny are:

  • TV etc. aren’t switched off automatically and one can forget - need to add BBSB programmed zapper.
  • Fridges and freezers contribute most of the 365W base load - need to investigate replacements.
  • The attic. Started to clear it out with increased insulation in mind.
  • The kitchen floor has an air gap underneath and the floor feels cold - maybe insulate that
  • Underfloor heating in conservatory was a bad idea - consumes too much power even when turned right down - could go with off-peak power or a small solar thermal installation.
  • Ventilation currently done by leaving windows open - could look at heat exchangers.
  • Cavity walls already filled with foam so may not be fixable.
  • Windows - could upgrade 20 year old double glazing but benefit would be minimal
  • Transport - get a power-assisted bike to get to station without needing shower and change of clothes
  • Buy an eco-home instead? Not yet thanks.

I also want to do more to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the last year and a half. Although my initial investigations revealed a lot of complacency there are many exceptions - people who want to save and are impatient to do so.  Transition Town groups are probably a receptive audience.  Though our local (nascent) one I came across Global Action Plan/ Eco-teams.  They are recording everything (energy and waste) and have demonstrated some useful progress.

My favourite energy book Without Hot Air by David Mackay. It’s online but a paper copy is nicely presented and worth having. His is a rational, science-based approach to the energy crisis.  Accompanying video how-many-lightbulbs is an accessible explanation of some of the key points.

Gadget providers.  You may need some of this kit:

Ok, enough dreaming.  Back to hacking - and maybe some work ;-)

London Hackspace 10th Feb

Published on 13 Feb 2010 at 11:56 pm. No Comments.
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There’s an App for this too

Published on 7 Feb 2010 at 4:35 pm. No Comments.
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Local Transition Towns Initiative

Published on 27 Jan 2010 at 5:25 pm. No Comments.
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Energy Monitoring - New Year Thoughts

Published on 18 Jan 2010 at 5:38 pm. No Comments.
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Advanced Heating Controls

Published on 8 Dec 2009 at 8:22 am. No Comments.
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Home Networking with 433Mhz RF

Published on 17 Sep 2009 at 8:04 am. 1 Comment.
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Open Hardware Meetup

Published on 9 Sep 2009 at 9:14 am. No Comments.
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BRE Innovation Park

Published on 5 Sep 2009 at 9:09 am. No Comments.
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Homecamp April 09

Published on 26 Apr 2009 at 7:02 am. No Comments.
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