In this segment, host Paul Ryan visits Pittsburgh-based research facility IBACOS Innovation Center to see some of the products on the cutting edge of home-energy savings technology. Demonstrations for do-it-yourself installation of a high-efficiency exhaust fan and a sealed-system gas fireplace are included. High-Efficiency Exhaust Fan The exhaust fan (figure A) installed in the demonstration bathroom is a high-efficiency model that uses only about 20 percent of the wattage of a standard exhaust fan -- 20 watts vs. 100 watts, for the same volume of air delivery. The light panel on the fan uses compact florescent bulbs (figure B) for additional energy savings. One final advantage with this model is that, when running, it is much quieter than standard fans. Steps: - Turn off the power to the existing fan and light fixture at the main breaker box (figure C).
- Remove the plastic cover from the old fixture.
- Disconnect the electrical plug connector, and remove the old fan (figure D ).
- In the attic, remove the screws that hold the unit secured to the ceiling joists (figure E), and disconnect the exhaust duct from the housing.
- Using the new unit's housing, mark the outline of the housing on the ceiling (figure F).
- Enlarge the opening in the ceiling using a drywall saw.
- Screw the new mounting bracket to the ceiling joists, and connect the exhaust duct. The old, vinyl duct is replaced with a more efficient, insulated duct (figure G).
- Insert the new fan and housing into the enlarged opening in the ceiling (figure H). Two thumb-screws hold the unit in place temporarily.
- Install a series of screws through the housing (figure I), and into the ceiling joists, to hold the unit permanently in place.
- Install the light fixture (figure J) onto the blower unit using screws.
- Two mounting springs clip into slots in the housing to hold the new grill cover.
- Make the electrical connections in the attic, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Once the wiring is complete, turn the power back on and check the operation of the fan and light.
Sealed-Combustion Direct-Vent Gas Fireplace
This gas fireplace is very efficient, and is a rated gas appliance -- meaning that it can be used for home heating. Optional ducts can be added to it to channel hot air to rooms throughout the house. Because the unit is direct vented, the exhaust can be channeled through an exhaust opening cut in an exterior wall, instead of through a chimney.
Preparations taken care of before the actual installation began included building a frame, cutting an exhaust hole in an exterior wall, and installation of a gas line and electrical wiring. Building codes were checked as well.
Steps: - With the exterior hole already cut, a fire-stop is installed (figure K) to protect the drywall from excess heat. The fire-stop is fastened through pre-drilled holes using drywall screws.
- The fireplace is slid into the rough opening (figure L).
- The first vent pipe, with fiberglass collar, is installed on top of the fireplace (figure M). The pipe twists and locks into place.
- A 90-degree elbow is installed on top of the first vent-pipe section (figure N).
- The last interior vent pipe is connected to the elbow (figure O).
- Outside, a short vent pipe is run through the opening.
- The termination cap is installed on the end of the vent pipe and fastened to the exterior wall (figure P).
- The fireplace is fastened to the wood frame with screws.
- The gas line is connected (figure Q) and tested.
- The electrical connections are secured (figure R).
- Finally, the fireplace is wired to the home's thermostat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
In a house that is well insulated and built for energy efficiency, energy enhancements to lighting, appliances and hot-water use may add up to an additional 25 percent savings on the total monthly utility bill for the home.
RESOURCES :
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(January, 2002)
Sunset Publishing Company (Division of Time Warner)
Website: www.sunset.com
Retrofitting for Energy Conservation
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McGraw-Hill Companies
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ISBN: 1561583405
From The Best of Fine Homebuilding book series.
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com
Save Energy, Save Money
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Authors: Alvin Ubell, George Merlis
Macmillan / Alpha Books
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Achieving Energy Independence -- One Step at a Time
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Author: Jeffrey R. Yago
Dunimis Technology
Solar Living Source Book: The Complete Guide to Renewable Energy Technologies and Sustainable Living
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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
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Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Small and Micro Wind Systems
Model: 1890132071
Author: Paul Gipe, Karen Perez
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Chelsea Green Publiishing Company
Wind Power for Home & Business: Renewable Energy for the 1990s and Beyond
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Chelsea Green Publiishing Company
IBACOS
Ibacos
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-765-3664
Website: www.ibacos.com
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