Home

Ask The Pink Panther™ your energy questions Search the blog

July 31, 2006

Action Plan for Energy Efficiency Due Today

According to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, the "next big idea" to help meet U.S. energy challenges will be unveiled today in San Francisco. California seems like an appropriate place for the launch, given that state's record heat wave and power alerts. The National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency has brought together an unlikely group -- utilities, government officials, environmentalists and consumer advocates, among others. The strategy is spearheaded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help reduce peak-energy demand and to put American consumers on a true energy-independence track. Look for more on this topic in the news today.

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 12:25 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 28, 2006

Energy myths make interesting and educational reading

It is almost impossible to find but here is a direct link to an interesting list of energy myths on the Department of Energy (DOE) Home Energy Saver Website. In some cases, the truth will no doubt surprise you. For example, see what it says about duct tape. The list of FAQs in the Answer Desk is also interesting. The Home Energy Saver Website is designed to help consumers identify the best ways to save energy in their homes and find the resources to make the savings happen. It was the first Internet-based tool for calculating energy use in residential buildings. The project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as part of the national ENERGY STAR Program for improving energy efficiency in homes.

Posted by Pink Panther in Online Energy Resources at 06:40 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 27, 2006

Question: Can I use fiberglass and foam insulation together?

Mike writes from Bonham, Texas: "I am remodeling a house for my daughter and her family. The house was built around the early 60's and has very thin cedar or cypress siding. Before the siding was installed, the house was wrapped in 30# black felt paper, there is no insulation in the outside walls. To rewire the house, I have removed all the sheetrock on the exterior walls. I was thinking of putting in 1/2" foam board between the studs and then putting in the 3 1/2" fiberglass insulation over that. Would that compact the fiberglass insulation too much? Would it help?"

I assume you are trying to achieve a higher R-Value by adding FOAMULAR insulation with the fiberglass insulation. If you have 2 x 4 studs, you would normally use an R-13 (3 1/2") insulation. If you looking to achieve a higher R-Value, keep in mind that Owens Corning also manufactures a high density R-15 (3 1/2") insulation which would fit into a 2 x 4 cavity.

If you still want to use the 1/2" FOAMULAR product, I do NOT suggest cutting it into every stud cavity behind the fiberglass. This would be very labor intensive and would compress the fiberglass. I suggest installing the fiberglass insulation first and then attaching the 1/2" FOAMULAR directly to the studs. Keep in mind the drywall must be attached directly to the studs also. Make sure you have a fastener long enough to penetrate both the drywall and FOAMULAR.

The 1/2" FOAMULAR will give you an added R-Value of 3.

Posted by Pink Panther in Ask the Pink Panther , Energy Efficiency Tips , Frequently Asked Energy Questions at 06:40 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 26, 2006

Harvard wants to save energy

A recent report said Harvard wants to save energy and fit into the neighborhood. Posted by Town Online, the report by staff writer Meghann Ackerman said architect Stefan Behnisch met with the Harvard Allston Task Force to outline some of the concepts he wants to include as the university expands into the Allston neighborhood. Behnisch said wind and sunlight patterns will be considered in the design of the buildings to reduce energy usage. "These are going to be large buildings, so cutting down on energy by 30 percent would be a lot," he told Ackerman. Pumping air into the building from tubes under the building can naturally cool offices and labs by 15 degrees, Behnisch continued. I hope he will also include lots of PINK insulation.

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 08:49 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 24, 2006

Blogroll added

Today you will see I added a blogroll named Blogs I Like (see link in the column on the right side of the screen). The first entry is for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) blog called ShopFloor.org. It is a pretty conservative site and they probably consider me nothing more than a pinko but I think it is good to access a variety of sites and opinions. A recent post on energy prices (see May 26, 2006) has links to the House of Representatives vote on two recent energy issues. You can go there and comment to elected officials as you see fit. There is also a special section for energy stuff that you might like to see. Most of it is about fighting high energy prices. The comments are interesting throughout the blog. Enjoy.

Posted by Pink Panther at 12:34 PM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 21, 2006

Question: How do you test insulation?

Evgene writes from somewhere in the world: "Have you tested R-19 insulation for -40 C? Will 150mm be enough for external wall?"

I can't really answer your question adequately via email. I suspect you are concerned about some underlying issues, such as convection looping. The R value of Owens Corning products is tested in accordance with ASTM C 518. Fiberglass batt R-values are stable and don't experience convection like light density loose fill under normal conditions, including Alaska and Canada in North America. If you want to discuss this with someone at Owens Corning, call 1-800-GET-PINK. I hope this is helpful.

Posted by Pink Panther in Ask the Pink Panther , Frequently Asked Energy Questions at 11:58 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 20, 2006

Question: How should I insulate a room with three outside walls?

Linda writes from Arlington, Texas: "I have a new Carrier Heat Pump, but one room has 3 outside walls and is 5 degrees warmer than the rest of my house. They say it is a design problem. Can I add insulation to the 3 walls to help? The roof is very close to the ceiling of that room."

It is not uncommon for rooms with large amounts of exterior surfaces to be warmer and cooler than the rest of the house. Adding insulation may or may not solve the problem but it should help. If any of the walls are open to an attic space it would be good to add foam insulation to the wall cavity in addition to the attic. You mention the roof being very close to the ceiling of that room. Without proper ventilation and the proper amount of insulation between the roof and the interior of the home you can see elevated temperatures in that room during the summer months. I hope this helps.

Posted by Pink Panther in Ask the Pink Panther , Frequently Asked Energy Questions at 11:20 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 19, 2006

Tips for adding insulation in summer

Adding insulation to the attic is the easiest, most cost-effective thing homeowners can do to reduce home heating and cooling costs. Yet many homeowners put off the job because they believe it is too cold or too hot in their attic. If you want to start saving money immediately by installing insulation now during the peak air conditioning season, there are steps to take that can make the job easier. For example, buy your insulation the day before you plan to install it so you can start early in the morning before the attic heats up. If you can wait a few days, look for a time when a cooler front moves in and drops the temperature and humidity. Get some help so you can get in and out of the attic faster, and be sure to drink lots of fluids before, during and after the job. Regardless of the heat, be sure to wear long sleeves and pants, gloves, safety glasses and respiratory protection against dust. Take a warm shower right after the job is done to remove any dust and fibers that adhered to your skin. Put the insulation receipt in your tax folder so you can take a credit under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Then relax and think about what to do with the money you are saving. For more information about adding insulation to your attic, click here.

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy Efficiency Tips at 10:09 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 18, 2006

Homeowners wasting money on energy costs

A new survey by Owens Corning finds that Americans have a low Energy Quotient (EQ) which the company defines as knowledge of energy-saving practices in the home. According to the survey, 63 percent of homeowners are unaware of the financial benefits of installing insulation in the home, a fact that could be costing them $570 annually. The savings are the dollar equivalent of an estimated 30 percent savings attainable by properly insulating the average American home. In a surprising twist, the survey found that respondents below the age of 30 are less knowledgeable than other age groups on how to make their homes more energy efficient. Only 19 percent of young respondents understand how R-value -- an insulation product's ability to block heat from entering or escaping the home -- impacts home energy efficiency. What's more, 42 percent of homeowners under the age of 30 have no idea how much insulation is in their attic. Lack of knowledge about these basic energy efficiency elements speaks to the fact that those respondents are too young to have experienced the last major energy crisis. To read the company's news release about the survey, click here.

Posted by Pink Panther Energy Efficiency Tips , Energy News , Owens Corning at 10:18 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 17, 2006

New HUD publication about moisture-resistant homes

Insulation information is included in a new publication about moisture-resistant homes issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Appropriately titled Moisture-Resistant Homes, the 125-page booklet says it is "a best practice guide" and includes a section specifically for homeowners. One suggestion is designing basement insulation and finishes to dry to the interior. "Low permeability and continuous vapor retarders, like polyethylene sheeting or vinyl wall paper, on the interior side of basement finishes should be avoided because they will tend to trap moisture vapor moving through the foundation wall and slow the drying process for new foundations. Therefore, unfaced fiberglass batt insulation and permeable paint finishes on gypsum wall board should be preferred on basement finished wall assemblies. Other proprietary basement finish systems, using products such as rigid fiberglass insulating boards, have also performed well in testing and use." If moisture is a problem in your area, check out the new HUD publication.

Posted by Pink Panther in Online Energy Resources at 11:35 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 14, 2006

Nebraska receives $2.5 million to improve energy efficiency

According to an item in Southwest Nebraska News, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded Nebraska $2,586,397 to improve the energy efficiency of low-income households. The DOE's Weatherization Assistance Program provides energy audits to identify the most cost-effective measures for each home, including adding insulation, reducing air infiltration and servicing heating and cooling systems. On average, weatherization reduces a home's energy cost by $358 each year. The report said low-income families spend an average of 14 percent of their income on energy bills.

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 08:19 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 13, 2006

Good advice for energy efficiency

How can you tell if a house you are thinking about buying is energy efficient? Need some ideas about reducing the energy used for hot water? Can a range hood save energy? Answers to these three questions and more are covered in current newspaper columns written by Ken Sheinkopf for the McClatchy-Tribune News Service. The home buying topic appeared in the Detroit Free Press, the hot water column appeared in the Bradenton Herald, and the range hood got a nod in the Chicago Tribune. All three columns are interesting and could help you save energy and money.

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy Efficiency Tips at 09:40 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 12, 2006

More can be done now for zero energy buildings

A recent study of low-energy, high-performance commercial buildings in the U.S. found that while the buildings do save energy -- 25 to 70 percent lower energy consumption than allowed by code -- more can be done to achieve the Department of Energy (DOE) goal of having marketable net-zero energy buildings (ZEB) by 2025. Commissioned by DOE's Building Technologies Program and conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the study analyzed six buildings that represent the current generation of low-energy commercial structures. Not surprising, the study concluded that today's energy-saving technologies can substantially change how buildings perform when they are applied together and properly integrated in the design, installation and operation of the building. The full study report can be viewed at the NREL website.

Posted by Pink Panther in Green Design at 07:26 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 11, 2006

Ontario sets high energy efficiency standards

New homes in Ontario will have to meet the highest energy-efficiency standards in Canada under new building-code provisions that require improvements in insulation levels, windows and furnace efficiency. The requirements will become effective in stages between now and the end of 2011. According to a report in the Globe and Mail, when fully implemented, the changes will increase the cost of a typical 2,000-square-foot gas-heated home in the Toronto area by up to $6,600, while cutting energy use about 35 per cent from current construction standards. The changes were lauded by Energy Minister Dwight Duncan, who said the construction of more efficient homes will help the province reduce its power use, a prime goal in Ontario where electricity shortages are a threat during periods of high air-conditioning use. Over the next eight years, the new measures will save the equivalent of enough energy to run about 380,000 homes and cut greenhouse-gas emissions by about the same amount as taking 250,000 cars off the road, according to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 10:05 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 10, 2006

Guelph plant recognized for energy efficiency

The Owens Corning glass fiber reinforcement plant in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, has cut natural gas consumption by more than 40 percent and received a $120,000 prize from the Union Gas Energy Efficiency Promotional Program. During 2005, the Guelph plant implemented front-end oxygen firing and furnace improvements, saving more than 4 million cubic meters of natural gas annually. Union Gas is the owner/operator of natural gas delivery systems in Southwestern Ontario. The company is a strong supporter of energy efficiency. The company says energy efficiency ensures the ongoing viability of its existing customer base while generating additional capacity to grow. The award program is intended to fund equipment, installation and engineering costs for eligible projects.

Posted by Pink Panther in Energy News at 06:59 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 07, 2006

New Zealand walks the talk on energy efficiency

Environment House, home of the New Zealand government department responsible for environmental issues, has been rated the country's most energy efficient office building. According to a report posted by Scoop, an independent audit has shown that Environment House's energy consumption is only 40 percent of the average energy use of similar buildings in New Zealand. Environment House currently uses 113 kWh/m2 per year, compared to the New Zealand average of 269 kWh/m2 per year for office buildings. The lower consumption means that the Ministry spends approximately $100,000 less per year on energy compared to the average building of the same size. The report says Environment House was not designed as a 'green building' but energy consumption has been kept low through a careful selection of building materials, roof insulation, sensor lights, smart systems for appliances and air conditioning, and a high awareness of energy efficiency among the staff.

Posted by Pink Panther Energy News , Green Design at 11:31 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 06, 2006

ComEd encourages summer energy efficiency

Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) an energy services company that provides electricity to more than 3.3 million homes in Northern Illinois marked the beginning of summer by reminding its customers to use energy efficiently during hot humid days as they use energy to cool their homes. To keep their monthly bills as low as possible all summer, ComEd encouraged customers to follow some simple energy efficiency tips. ComEd also has other information on its website about saving energy and money. Another section lists energy saving tips for renovations. Owens Corning also reminds homeowners that they can save energy in the summer by adding another blanket -- of insulation, that is.

Posted by Pink Panther Energy Efficiency Tips , Online Energy Resources at 09:32 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

July 05, 2006

Nuclear energy and coal

Dylan asks from somewhere in the US: "What material makes nuclear energy?" "Exactly how long does it take for coal to form?"

What, am I helping you with your homework? I thought school was out for the summer in North America!

According to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, uranium is used for fuel in nuclear power plants. If you go to the Students' Corner of their website, you will learn that nuclear energy is a way of creating heat through the fission process of atoms. All power plants convert heat into electricity using steam. At nuclear power plants, the heat to make the steam is created when atoms split apart -- called fission. The fission process takes place when the nucleus of a heavy atom, like uranium or plutonium, is split in two when struck by a neutron. The "fissioning" of the nucleus releases two or three new neutrons. You might also enjoy looking at the California Energy Commission website that presents The Energy Story. Chapter 13 looks at nuclear energy.

The short answer on coal is "millions of years." According to the online Coal Research Tutorial from the Argonne National Laboratory, there were several periods in ancient history where land and climate conditions were just right to allow vast swamps to form and convert to coal over very long periods. One was during the Carboniferous around 300 million years ago. The second was in the Mesozoic, particularly in the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods. In North America, coal was formed in both eras. The coals in the Midwest and Eastern US were formed during the Carboniferous, while the coals in the Western United States were formed in the Mesozoic.

Posted by Pink Panther in Ask the Pink Panther , Frequently Asked Energy Questions at 09:43 AM | | TrackBacks (0)

© 1996 - 2006 by Owens Corning     Privacy Policy