In this segment, host Paul Ryan once again visits the residence of Alvin Sain -- an experimental home that tests the limits of energy-saving technology. Because of its carefully thought-out design, this is considered to be one of the most energy-efficient homes in the US. Sain's career as a professional engineer taught him about a lot of new technologies designed to enhance home energy-efficiency. He decided that he wanted to build a house that utilized as many of those technologies as possible. This segment focuses on some of the innovative energy-saving devices used inside the home.
Home Automation System An X-10 home automation system allows lighting and heating to be controlled from anywhere in the home. It utilizes the standard wiring in the walls as the communication network, so no additional wiring is needed to put the system into use. It simply uses transmitter and receiver modules (figure A) to control signals that turn electrical devices on and off. Electrical devices, such as a table lamp, are simply plugged into a receiver module (figure B) which is, in turn, plugged into a standard wall outlet. A numeric code is set on the receiver, which is now ready to receive a signal. The transmitter -- also plugged into a wall outlet -- is set to the same numeric code as the one being used by the receiver. The transmitter can then be used to turn the lamp on and off from anywhere in the house -- as long as it's plugged into a wall outlet. The system can be used to control other electrical devices throughout the house, such as thermostats, outside lights, alarm systems, etc. The system used here features a "sleep" button, which automatically turns off outside lights and lowers the thermostat (figure C) at night, thereby reducing energy consumption. Installation of this home automation is an easy project for any do-it-yourselfer.
Water-Saving Devices In bathrooms and kitchens located far away from a home's water-heater, it can take several minutes for hot water to reach the spigot once the hot-water faucet has been turned on. This results in wasted water and energy. In Sain's bathroom, a on-demand circulation pump. To get hot water immediately, a button on the basin cabinet is pushed. The switch engages the pump (figure D), which draws water from the hot water tank and simultaneously pushes the cold water in the pipes back into the tank. When the pump senses the hot water has arrived at the sink, it shuts off. Water and energy are both conserved because, rather than letting the water to flow until it gets hot, the pump does the work of transferring the water from the heater. The installation of a pump like this is fairly easy. It comes with two flexible hoses -- one for hot water and one for cold. Plumbing t-valves (figure E) need to be installed on both the hot and cold side of the existing plumbing to accommodate the hoses. Additionally, since the pump has an electric motor, a wall-outlet may need to be installed beneath the sink. This may require the services of an electrician. The cost of this particular pump is about $200. To further reduce hot water consumption, a pedal valve is installed at the kitchen sink. Foot operation of the valve (figure F) causes water to flow from the spigot (figure G) without turning on the regular faucet controls. This reduces wasted water during such tasks and rinsing dishes and washing hands. It can also save energy, since it may reduce use of hot water for ordinary washing and rinsing tasks. Following the manufacturer's instructions, installation of the pedal valve is fairly simple. A hole is cut in the bottom of the cabinet, the pedal is dropped through the hole, and the valve is mounted to the cabinet bottom. There are four hoses leading attached at the back -- two connected to the hot and cold supply, and two connected to the faucet. The water simply bypasses the original plumbing, and is connected directly to the faucet (figure H).
RESOURCES :
136 Best Ways to Save on Your Home Energy
ISBN: 0376012048
(January, 2002)
Sunset Publishing Company (Division of Time Warner)
Website: www.sunset.com
Retrofitting for Energy Conservation
Model: 0070119201
Author: William H. Clark
McGraw-Hill Companies
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com
Energy-Efficient Building: The Best of Fine Homebuilding
ISBN: 1561583405
From The Best of Fine Homebuilding book series.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Save Energy, Save Money
ISBN: 0028642791
Authors: Alvin Ubell, George Merlis
Macmillan / Alpha Books
Website: www.macmillan.com
Achieving Energy Independence -- One Step at a Time
Model: 0966933605
Author: Jeffrey R. Yago
Dunimis Technology
Solar Living Source Book: The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living
Model: 0916571041
Author: John Schaeffer (Editor), Doug Pratt (Editor)
(Real Goods Solar Living Sourcebook, 11th Ed)
Real Goods
Website: www.realgoods.com
The Solar Electric House: Energy for the Environmentally-Responsive, Energy-Independent Home
ISBN: 0963738321
Author: Steven J. Strong, William G. Scheller
Chelsea Green Publiishing Company
Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems
Model: 1890132071
Author: Paul Gipe, Karen Perez
(Real Goods Solar Living Book)
Chelsea Green Publiishing Company
Wind Power for Home & Business: Renewable Energy for the 1990s and Beyond
Model: 0930031644
Author: Paul Gipe
(Real Goods Independent Living Book)
Chelsea Green Publiishing Company
IBACOS
Ibacos
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-765-3664
Website: www.ibacos.com
Kitchen-sink pedal valve
Pedal Valves, Inc.
Website: www.pedalvalve.com
On-demand hot-water pump
ControlPoint® home-automation system
ControlPoint ® acts as a bridge that integrates devices on the home network. Devices are automatically configured to communicate with other networked devices - including many existing appliances, systems and equipment such as televisions, stereo receivers, lighting systems, security systems, and heating and air conditioning systems. Any device with a serial port can be incorporated into the home network.
Home Director
Website: www.homedirector.com
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