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. 

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.

-->

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
-->

Ensuring Success StLouis Small Biz Energy Efficiency Design Build Project

In todays day and age of small business enterprises I rarely find that a local St Louis area small business is actually thriving.  And when I learned that this successful small business needs to expand to meet the needs of her growing business I was more than happy to assist her in making her business a continued success by utilizing proven advanced energy efficient construction techniques for this Attic Conversion.

"Proper Design Build Energy Conservation Techniques used in this project will ensure that this business owner will keep the energy costs low and comfort levels high-Scotty,Scotts Contracting"

Here is behind the scene work on the Design Build Energy Efficiency-Attic Conversion and the Small Business Customer Must Haves for the project and how I am going to convert the unused attic space into a functional and energy efficient design build project that meets and exceeds the clients requests: 

Here are the clients Must Haves:

• Energy Efficient Design (part1)
• Open Floor Plan (part 2)
• Kid Sized Plumbing Fixtures located in the Bathroom (part 3)
• 1 Sink located outside the Bathroom with Extra Counter-space (part 3)
• Flooring options require materials that do not transfer sound and are easy clean up (part 4)
• No Harmful VOC Building Products (part 4)
• Cost Effective (part 4)
• Financing this Small Business Success Story Design Build Project (part 5)

Designing for Energy Efficiency

Since this project will be in the top floor of a two story building special attention was given to ensure that proper levels of insulation are utilized as well as eliminating air leakage.  

Here is a CAD drawing of the planned Ceiling and modifying the existing Roof Construction that addresses building code requirements for energy efficient design and construction.

Three Main Aspects of proper ceiling construction for energy efficiency: (1)Natural Air Flow, (2) R49 Ceiling Insulation, and (3) AirTight Electrical Junction Box Covers

CAD Detail cutaway view of the above Energy Efficient design calling out not only the proper ceiling construction with insulation and air barrier added to the Attic Knee Walls and Dead Space

CAD Detail-Energy Efficient Ceiling and Wall Construction by Scotty-Scotts Contracting

In the above photos you see that Natural Air Flow is mentioned numerous times.  The importance of natural air flow-is not only suggested it is required by the new building codes that are slowly being adopted and utilized in today's energy efficient building designs.

What gets me is that why some builders leave out this crucial step.  Its not a new concept and one that I learned in my first year of Drafting classes in 1989 while designing my final year Residential Home Drafting Project.  

What this natural air flow does is keep the upstairs cooler in the summer and is needed to assist in eliminating ice dams during the winter.

Rule of Thumb for determining this natural air flow from eve to roof peak is: 1 square inch for every square foot of space.  

This 1 square inch is then divided equally in half between the top and bottom of the building.  In the case of this building we will be using: Soffit Vent as well as Roof Peak Vent and to ensure there is unobstructed air travel Air Baffles will be utilized in the areas where the insulation contacts the underside of the roof.

Never let a Building Contractor neglect this important step in any of your building projects.

Stay Tuned for Part 2 of the Design process where I address the open floor plan.

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotts Contracting- St Louis Home Improvement Projects and Energy Reducing Needs Get Your Green Building Tips and Resources at St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

Scotts Contracting-St Louis Renewable Energy Services

• Scotts Contracting St Louis Renewable Energy Home Office Location South Side St Louis

Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy offers the Following Services for Home and Business 

Specializing in Green, Eco-Friendly, and Sustainable Building Projects with
Energy Reducing Resources and On-Site Solar PV Clean Energy Systems
for the St Louis Region

Scotts Contracting has a crew of skilled craftsman that are available and willing to handle your building projects whether its a bath or kitchen remodel, major rehab for an investment property, or the basic home repair project. 

You will find the Services at Scotts Contracting are: Affordable Punctual Experienced

Building Improvements Job Site Photos of many of the projects that Scotts Contracting has been a part of. Remodel Rehab Services are available for the St Louis Region Investment Property Rehab-Protect your bottom line with proven Design Build techniques that will translate into greater Tenant satisfaction Repair Services-Scotts Contracting realizes that sometimes the cost to build new are not in the budget and can fix and repair many of the Issues that are needed for the home. Interior Carpentry-This is the first step in building a functional space that is both pleasing and  CAD Designs for every project Increasing Curb Appeal Energy Conservation St Louis Brick Home Front Porch CAD Designs additional CAD Front Porch Designs for determining the best fit for Increasing the Curb appeal while providing a functional space. CAD Deck Design-Simple CAD drawing of Deck with Pergola and hot tub. Porch Footing and Pier CAD Designs Interior and Exterior Energy Efficient Carpentry-Examples of how to add Energy Efficiency into the Build of any project Kitchen and Bath Kitchen  and Bath Remodels that meet your Budgeting Concerns Kitchen Project Photos-Photos was taken from a kitchen remodel in the South Hampton Region- Coffered Ceiling, Plumbing Stack, Garbage Disposal, New Sink-Cabinets-LED lighting-Counter Top, Accent and Under the Counter Accent Lights Weatherization and Energy Conservation Wall R Values for various carpentry framing techniques Air Sealing Ceilings Lights Ceiling Fans Fire Proof Electrical Ceiling Junction Box Attics and Attic Insulation Vapor Barriers and the importance of the Building Benton Project-Green Build Techniques incorporated into the project Energy Rating Missouri Home Energy Efficiency Stats Insulation for your Home Insulation Saves Money Insulated Roof Walls and Floors Spray Foam Insulation Insulation that Works Spray Foam Tuckpointing Interior Tuckpointing-If you can see loose mortar, falling bricks, or daylight through the bricks its time for Tuckpointing Decorative Tuckpointing- Using Soulard Red Mortar Mix Exterior Tuckpointing on an Investment Property is S StLouis Home Foundations Stone or Rock Foundation Repair-Typical St Louis Style Home using Pro-Mix Mortar Rock Foundation With Waterproofing Added and Mold Remediation Repair Guide Exterior Finishes Siding Project Photos from projects located on the Hill in St Louis Stucco Repair from water damage on Interior Wall Masonry Concrete with Decorative Concrete Finishes Repair Instead of Replace- repairing concrete steps instead of replacing-Job Notes, Suggestions, with Hints Decorative Concrete- Stain plus Waterproofing on a pool Eco-Friendly Driveways Drywall Installation and Finishing Benton Project- See how we brought the Old Western-Old South St Louis Decor and Feel into a Modern Day Apartment Law Office Project-As well as installing French Doors with Dual Action Saloon Door Hinges, we also remodeled the Reception Area as well as the addition of 2 new offices-Network Closet-Small Kitchen for the Staff- as well as an Energy Efficient Point of Demand Water Heater! Flooring Options Wood Flooring Options using Green Build Techniques Ceramic Tile Installation Photos Carpet Installation that uses eco-friendly materials