Dirty Energy Teams Up against the consumer

 Here is yet another attempt to keep people indebted to the dirty energy companies. 

Which St Louisians does this really help?  

StLouis this is sneaky sneaky, the only one who pays is the consumer, writer of the article must have been PAID OFF to word it as they did>
Typical Dirty > Energy companies teaming up to help Missouri customers make energy-efficient upgrades https://t.co/ZbYjGbJwjy via @ksdknews

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) June 1, 2022

I have never seen an electric and gas company working together in such a blatant matter before.  Please note the items listed to reduce the energy demand: aka Items that require electricy or natural gas.  

Nowhere did the article state: 

If the the energy audit performed by company sponsored energy auditting company determined that when you

1.  insulate the the Basement Walls with a Rigid Foam insulation panel or
2.  Adding to the Insulation Depth of 16 inches in your Attic or
3.  a R40 Insulation Attic level will reduce your demand load.  

There should be a warning label on slight of hand tactics like this. 

Warning We Are Scamming You. Your energy use went down but your utility bill didn't. Thank you for your money!  

Look at the Wording to describe the program:

Pay as You Save

Spire and Ameren Missouri launch a “pay as you save” program to help customers upgrade energy efficiency with little to no upfront costs. https://t.co/DV1FfXq4CV

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) June 2, 2022

I bet they split the cost between themselves.  and guess who is still on the hook for the cost of the Electric/Gas upgrades: The consumer doesn't catch a break and pays with the cost of the upgrades tac'd on their utility bills every month. 

Nowhere in the article does it say anything like:

 Because your Demand for energy dropped YOU STILL OWE US

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information is needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. 

Arched Window Shade CAD Design Sketches

I love the Arched window and the light it lets into and fills the room. But sometimes I would like to be able to block and filter the light. The Off the Shelf stuff for window treatments I didn’t feel are affordable and a good fit for what the vision I have for the window and how it fits in with the other decor. 

The design of the Window Treatment sold at Lowes I don't feel fits the decor and style of the Home Office Space I am creating.

The desired look I created in this space is a combination of Modern and Old World Style that eliminates the expensive molding and framing used to enclose or picture frame the window. I chose the sleek "no frame" inexpensive sheetrock only frame that blends in with the walls without destracting from the focal point of the room - Fireplace and Mantle.

Here are a my sketches of how I am going to DIY a window covering.  Scotty Nov 2020

I love the Arched window and the light it lets into and fills the room. But sometimes I would like to be able to block and filter the light. The Off the Shelf stuff for window treatments I didn’t feel are affordable and a good fit for what the vision I have for the window and how it fits in with the other decor.  Here are a my sketches of how I am going to DIY a window covering.  Scotty Nov 2020

While pondering the materials to use for the shade I am realizing how easy the oriental style fan design would filter the light, that train of thought inspired the idea that two or more filter systems could be created in varying degrees of filtration.

Stay Tuned as I figure out how to put it all together and work out the small stuff. I'll be posting more info in the near future on the Covid Home Office Makeover.

The upgraded and upcycled Antique Fireplace Mantle is also nearing completion! I should have it all put together soon.

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information is needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

Home Fire Repair and Remodel

The following photos are images from the job site, highlighting areas that the prior weatherization crews missed -when they were insulating this building.  

The missing insulation in critical areas causes greater energy needs - adding to the carbon footprint of this home.

The Hemp Insulation Solutions to Thermal Bridging

Industrial Hemp Insulation stops thermal bridging!

Fire repair, gut rehab- property was one of the most insulated buildings I've worked on in StLouis (that wasn't mine). The prior so called "energy experts" who installed all the insulation, missed insulting the spots most needed.

In this home's lower floor is where a garage and storage rooms are located. There are two giant heat traps one of which extends thru the home to the roof area- the chimney & The other heat sink is the metal post and beam system that supports the second floor;floor.

Heat and cold transfer thru denser materials faster and more efficiently that a porous substance.

All the second floor boards are supported by this heat sink. This allows the heat and cold a way into the building thru conduction- thermal conductivity.

The homes chimney is also located in the coldest part of the home and thermally conducts all the absorbed heat & cold into the second floor.

To stop the thermal conductivity- building owner should insulate both of these areas and stop the heat or cold from ever reaching the heat sinks. By wrapping the chimney & metal it will never get cold or hot eliminating thermal conductivity.

My suggestion- stop Thermal Bridging with Hemp Insulation! Sustainable-Eco Friendly - Hemp is the Future of Green Buildings. pic.twitter.com/k2m26KjZ7N

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) December 2, 2016

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

Green Build Bar Build Notes Suggestions Annotations

Notes-Suggestions-Ideas

I am going to mention ideas and suggestions on ways that will reduce your monthly bills in utility savings by incorporating the following examples into the Green Design of your building.  My suggestions will include: PV Solar Electric, Solar Water Heating, and Energy Conservation.  

The greatest use of your investment dollars will come by installing Insulation in the various parts of your building.

 

As a general rule it is cheaper to save energy than it is to create energy.  

It does not matter if this is in gas or electric. Basically: If you can save it you don’t have to make it.

The Department of Energy suggests for our region various levels of insulation

Ceiling: R38 - R60

Walls: R13 -R19

Floor: R25 - R30 

Examples of where to insulate. 1. In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space. (1A) attic access door 2. In finished attic rooms with or without dormer, insulate (2A) between the studs of "knee" walls, (2B) between the studs and rafters of exterior walls and roof, (2C) and ceilings with cold spaces above. (2D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows. 3. All exterior walls, including (3A) walls between living spaces and unheated garages, shed roofs, or storage areas; (3B) foundation walls above ground level; (3C) foundation walls in heated basements, full wall either interior or exterior. 4. Floors above cold spaces, such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages. Also insulate (4A) any portion of the floor in a room that is cantilevered beyond the exterior wall below; (4B) slab floors built directly on the ground; (4C) as an alternative to floor insulation, foundation walls of unvented crawl spaces. (4D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows. 5. Band joists. 6. Replacement or storm windows and caulk and seal around all windows and doors. Source: Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Following the above guides let's focus in on the areas that we discussed: Ceiling, Floor, Walls.

Ceiling:

1565 sq feet of estimated roof (see solar estimate).  Normal Ceilings are constructed with 2x12 lumber.  That is not enough space to provide adequate insulation with normal batt type insulation to meet the suggested level of R60.

My suggestions are:

• Put the Insulation on top of the roof eliminating any insulation in the cavities.  As we talked about I feel that when the Insulation is on the outside is like a person having a coat on.  It eliminates the hot or cold from entering.  
• Commercial Buildings utilize this type of insulation to stop the cold/heat from getting to the steel, because when the steel gets hot or cold it expands/contracts and is a big energy problem.
• They also make this in tapered sections to direct water easily.
• Exposed Roof System for Aesthetic purposes

I used Menards for a guide.  I suggest go to: the Roofing place at Vandeventer/44 area.  The old RSG under new owners. Johns Manville R-23.6 4" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation Model Number: 1631150 Johns Manville R-17.4 3" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation Model Number: 1631149 Johns Manville R-11.4 2" x 4' x 8' Fiberglass Face Polyiso Roof Decking Insulation Model Number: 1631147 Volume Pricing of $25.59 / ea- 24 units or more.

Floors:

• Suggested R Value 25.  Use 8 in Batt or Spray Foam Insulation.  8 Inch batt would be cheapest but not necessarily the best.

Green Possibility: It is possible to install a heated flooring system that would eliminate the need for HVAC heat system.  This type of flooring system is called radiant heating.  The heating is accomplished using electricity to heat wires, heat mats or tubes with liquid that is heated by electricity, solar, or gas.  

• Radiant Flooring systems warm the floor and the heat rises into the rooms.  This also eliminates cold spots hvac fail to work in.
• The use of this may depend on the final floor choice selected.  If it was going to be a tile floor I say yes.  Maybe not a good idea if a finished wood floor is chosen-discussion needed.  If you chose to install a concrete floor I definitely suggest a radiant floor heating system.

Walls:

• For a total Green Aspect (but not $ viable suggestion) Exterior insulation would once again be suggested.  Leaving you the option of utilizing the interior brick walls for aesthetic and old world design purposes.
• This same type insulation can be used on the inside but has to be covered to meet fire code.  1/2In Sheetrock.
• The Money saver is to build 2x4 framed walls with normal batt insulation and sheetrock.  But you loose the kool looking brick look.
• This is a final design choice you have to make.

Additional Points for consideration:

• Hot Water could be heated during the daytime easily with Solar.  I suggest an instant type heater installed for use when needed.  
• Liquid radiant flooring systems can be heated by Solar, tied into what ever system is used, or be independent with their own broiler system.
• Instant heaters without solar would require ½ the amount of pipes needed.  Only one cold water pipe to the fixture is needed.
• I work with Dale Or and Suzie with “Master Plumbers StLouis” permits and as my go to person to call for advice.
• I would like to introduce you to Slim Shady, Shady Jack’s son.  He is the one who built Shady Jacks and the 15+ bars they owned previously.  He knows his stuff about building bars and these old buildings.
• Everything in your place is going to use electricity.  Put in extra electric boxes or places to connect future lines.
• Along the same lines.  Buying Energy Star Rated Kitchen equipment when you can is a smart investment.
• Upgrades to electrical motors and fans on commercial equipment qualify for discounts from Ameren UE.

Solar:

1,565 sq ft estimate roof space from a couple of solar measuring satellite images- The “net cost” price quoted in the 3rd image is way off the mark.  Your system would be cheaper.

  

Notes:

• Using satellite imagery for determining roof size and using an electric bill of $400 / month.  Solar PV would cover the 50% or up to $200 per month.  $200 x 12 months = $2,400 yearly savings. 22 KW system
• Bill Size $500 Solar would cover 40%
• Additional Solar Panels could be installed on the West Wall of the Building- capture the afternoon sunlight.
• Additional Solar Panels could be used to create Open Air Spaces below where people could gather.  See picture above.
• Pole Mount systems picture above in the background.

• I’ve considered many things for your building.  The above suggestions would be my first choices and places that would save you money and create a green building to capture all the tax and other benefits available.  
• I welcome further discussion about anything I’ve mentioned and also assisting you with the renovations.
• For detailed and specific estimates I need to see: blueprints, design notes, floor plans.
• I have Green Building Financing Resources that may work to your benefit they will assist in: Solar PV and Water, Energy Conservation, Windows, Doors, Insulation, etc.

Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

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Design Build Loft CAD designs with Build Notes

Design Build Energy Efficient Loft Home Design CAD drawings and Build Notes for Brick Home LEED Rated Project:

• Exposed Brick Interior Walls- Soulard Red Mortar
• 2nd Floor Loft Railings will reflect the design chosen for the finishes- Modern, Rustic, Traditional, etc.
• Fireplace, Mantle, Smoke Stack- Final Design chosen to match existing finishings and the exposed brick walls.
• 3 Bedroom
• Master Bed w/Bath ea floor
• 2 Full Bath,
• 2-1/2 bath,
• Open Floor Plan-Kitchen,
• Utility Room,
• Dining,
• Great Room,
• 1st Floor Sun Room/Study,
• 2nd Floor Office/Spare Bedroom,
• 2nd Floor Deck,

• 

  Design Build Energy Efficient Loft Home Design CAD drawing

  
  

I propose:

• Make Fireplace focal point of front room and second floor Loft Area
• Loft removing 1/2 of the front room ceiling and floor system.
• This opens the entire floor plan up and gives options for incorporating fireplace, mantle, and smoke stack up the wall for Vertical Appeal.
• 2 Draw Backs to this design: 
• a: it is not as energy efficient to have ceilings that tall, windows that large and numerous. 
• b: the size of the opening is about the size of a bedroom.  So you lose a bedroom.

• On the Adjacent Wall- copy the existing design of where the Glass Block in the 1st Floor to Ceiling.  Directly above- copy and build this set up into the 2nd Floor as well.  This will tie the vertical space together. 
• Glass Block or:
• Stained Glass- would or could also be used for accent options.
• Since the existing flooring is damaged in the center of the room on the first floor; I also suggest to incorporate a design into the floor as an accent in front of the fireplace.  Matching the existing floor could prove to be a challenge- here's an example
• If you choose to use the fireplace for more than looks and for actual heating purposes, it wouldn't be too big of a deal to channel that hot air back into the rooms.

Energy Efficiency:

• Exposed Brick walls have little to no insulation value.
• If insulation is desired you have to insulate the outside or build walls on the inside.
• I have additional energy saving design tricks for brick walls up my sleeve that I will share at a later date.
• I say sacrifice the R Value for Koolness factor,
• To combat the energy loss from the walls means that whatever makes the heat needs to run cheap and use no fossil fuels.
• Geothermal is my first choice,
• Solar w/ Instantaneous is 2nd choice
• Full Insulation in Attic/Ceiling as well as
• Basement Walls and Ceiling (full ins)
• Geothermal Infloor heating or radiant floor heating with electric are heating options to minimize the HVAC heating.
• Fireplace- Emergency use or heating choice (high efficiency insert into a fireplace for increased energy efficiency- could be ducted into existing hvac ducts and used to heat home.)

Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources from Scotty-St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog
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