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VRF Heat Pump Installation - In Progress!!
Product Discussions

VRF Heat Pump Installation - In Progress!!

Hi everyone - I've mentioned in our newsletters about how we are going to be intalling VRF heat pumps in the future, and.... the future is here! I look forward to sharing more information as we finish the project and also as I collect performance data in the future, but for now I can share some early photos and also explain why I am excited. Why am I excited about the VRF units in particular? In the past, HVAC systems were basically either on or off. When off, HVAC systems aren't working for building occupants, meaning that they aren't filtering or ventilating at all. Additionally, the constant turning on and off isn't great for the motors, as they need to work harder to meet set temperatures. This also means the air isn't as evenly mixed, which affects comfort. The newer VRF systems can have longer run times with variable fan speeds to smoothly meet occupants goals. This type of system is better for comfort, energy efficiency, and also for the life of the equipment. This installation is part of a big HVAC project for us. We've been in the house for 17 years, and we knew we would have to o a major HVAC project at some point. We thought about completely electrifying and getting rid of natural gas, but it doesn't entirely make sense here for a few reasons. One is that our electric equipment will be less efficient (but still very efficient!) in colder weather, but we're going to rely on it all we can. We also have a gas-fired generator, and we don't have a suitable alternative at this time. So we did replace our boilers with highly efficient gas boilers, and we're installing the heat pumps and mini splits. We're also going to get an induction stove when we replace our stove, and I'll soon be purchasing a ventless drye, as our washer and dryer aren't working well at this point. We all do what we can and what makes the most sense for our proprties. Key is to evaluate your home and your situation and to have a plan, so you don't get stuck in an emergency with something that isn't ideal for you now and into the future, and so you don't also spend more than you are prepared for. Fortunately, we knew this project was coming. Our goal was to reduce consumption and increase energy efficiency as mucyh as we reasomably can. As I mentione, we knew long ago we'd have to replace the boilers at some point, and we got a lot of advice to keep gas in the property, particularly due to the generators but also because of our climate zone. Actually, the home inspector told us when we moved in that the boilers might last a few months or a few years, so after this long I have been anxious every winter that they were going to fail in an emergency situation - which was honestly fairly stressful. Our old boiler also may have had pre and post combustion gas leaks, so that made me ven more anxious! In addition to the boilers, we wanted to leverage heat pump technology through heat pumps and smaller mini split units where needed. The boilers might br 95% efficient, but above about 30 degrees farenheit, the heat pumps can be 300-400% efficient! In the end, we will have two VRF heat pumps, 2 mini splits, and one older compressor we will replace with a heat pump when it nears the end of its useful life (It's not old enough to really make sense to replace at this time.) We also have another very old single-compressor system we will replace with another mini when the time comes. That should be ideally replaced any time now, but it's just a cooling need in a single space, and we will wait for it to need repair as it's not often used and it's sure nice to control some costs. Step 1: Concrete pad! Step 2: creating bases and starting to install the equipment! This area was already an HVAC compressor location for us, but it was a bit messy from past retrofits. Also, as I shared in an earlier piece , our first mini split compressor was too exposed to snow in this area. That's ok for a mini split that had one zone and was a bit of an extra for that zone only, but we don't want to be shoveling out our main HVC equipment. So we're putting the heat pumps and all compressors on higher stands, and we're going to build a small roof overhand over the equipment, to match the garage look. I'll share that when we're all done! Here are a couple of past images - It's going to be tons better now, but you can see why we thought to redo this area. If nothing else, we needed to get the snow off this equipment, Even without snow, this area isn't attractive and doesn' tmake a lot of sense. A major project gave us the opportunity to rethink!

Heat Pumps
Allison FriedmanApril 30, 2024
Home Indoor Air Quality Monitoring & DIY Automation, A Recorded Webinar with Brett Little and Scott Farbman
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Home Indoor Air Quality Monitoring & DIY Automation, A Recorded Webinar with Brett Little and Scott Farbman

Are you interested in learning more about the mechanics of how we're going to measure and take key steps towards improving our indoor air quality (IAQ?). Brett Little of GreenHome Institute and Scott Farbman, Senior Policy & Ratings Manager at Energy Solutions (also an Architect and Passive House Consultant) invite us into a great and candid conversation about their lived experiences experimenting with indoor air quality monitors in their own homes. Warning: This video is so good we watched it twice. The thing is, if everyone at the leading edge would share their expertise and experiences like this, we'd all learn so much faster and transform the building industry and heck, our global economy and ecosystems so that building and being healthier and more sustainable were a matter of course. We can give you a preview here, but it's worth watching the video. Continue the conversation and post your questions or comments! Brett and Scott start with a brief conversation about indoor air quality (IAQ) and how the market has been developing. Since the COVID 19 pandemic, people have spent even more time inside and we've also become aware that clean indoor air matters and is not something we can take for granted. Both Brett and Scott have experimented with multiple air quality monitors and walk us through what their experiences have been, which is also a review of what the industry has been like in the past few years from the consumer perspective. Put simply, we need clean indoor air as a part of a healthier living environment, especially as we keep tightening up homes and buildings to improve energy efficiency. We do not want to trap toxins and pollutants in our buildings. As part of some incentive and certification programs IAQ monitoring is also required. In the past, building professionals and commercial hygiene consultants might have been the only ones with IAQ equipment, but the good (and sometimes confusing) news is that there are a growing number of IAQ brands and products on the market. The bad news is that we're still pretty much at an experimental moment where you might need to try a few monitors and a few breads to figure out what works best in your home. Scott's also an Architect and a Passive House Consultant, but this project has clearly been a personal one for him, and Brett too. Scott has had a "fleet" of 7 monitors, 1 of which is commercial and one of which is for outside air. He compares data from the outside Purple Air monitor to the EPA's reporting What do the monitors measure? Basics include temperature, humidity, CO2, VOCs, and particulate matter (very fine dust). But there are other pollutants and irritants, including radon. Scott talks us through how he tested how the monitors work with cooking and what some solutions might be to bring in fresh air. (Use your exhaust hood if you have one - every time!) Click to view an introduction to indoor air quality and pollutants and why they're so important. Clean indoor air is a significant air part of making our homes healthier, and increasingly important as we continue to tighten buildings to make them more energy efficient. But sufficient ventilation is essential to bring in enough fresh air to make sure we don’t trap and breathe toxins and pollutants. The #1 advice we've heard before? If you have a kitchen exhaust hood, use it every time you cook, no exceptions. Scott also points out you can do a lot with windows and bathroom exhaust famn, too. More complex mechanical solutions include make up air and ERVs, or energy recovery ventilation. Scott and Brett share their paths from maybe starting with one pollutant more in mind to trying different monitors to measure different pollutants and to see how they all work including looking at accuracy levels. Scott seemed to be looking at specific pollutants at first, while Brett's journey began with a focus on humidity and the conditions that can lead to mold growth. Both seem to have found that different monitors and sensors measure different pollutants and might also give different measurements and also report in different ways back to the user. So both also seem comfortable managing different equipment and multiple inputs, but clearly they're scientists and love the learning process. Scott became very interested early in his journey in automation, and he has definitely made personal strides to measure and even automate his home air quality and HVAC equipment. There is such an experimental process and a learning curve it's both comforting and worrying to hear about. We want manufacturing companies to make it easy and to do the thinking for us, but there are just so many factors. At the most basic level, different sensors are needed to measure different pollutants. And as Brett points out, all the monitors do require the consumer to "do something" to get the information - logging into an app, checking a computer screen, and just checking the data generally. So it's hard for one system to do it all. Also, some pollutants are more likely in different places - you don't put a radon sensor or equipment to check for mold conditions in your kitchen ideally, for example. Accuracy also varies, and equipment can degrade over time for various reasons including dust build up. The equipment also seems somewhat vulnerable - there was talk of banging children. And it's not perfect- Brett relays that one monitor that seems ot measure noise pollution might be sensing its own motor noise. Then there's the question of what we do with this data once we have it. And this is where the presentation moves to automation, and specifically an introduction to Home Assistant, an open-source platform where people can set up their own home management universes, and the possibilities seem limitless. Scott shares a LinkedIn article he posted about Home Assistant . A key strength of this system is that it can combine multiple apps, and many integrations already exist. So a consumer doesn't have to open up multiple apps or look at multiple piece of equipment at all times to learn what's going on in their home. Reactivity is another feature, and really the future of home management. Home Assistant can be programmed to make decisions and turn equipment on and off as conditions change. Even if a device isn't yet smart, one can use tools to enable the through relays that connect to the power source. The user can set parameters and control sequences to adjust for certain conditions and/or time. The systems can even collect data and adjust for peak load pricing if instructed. Home Assistant is apparently fairly user friendly, with some easy choices and drop down menus. But there's also command prompt scripting for those who are more proficient. Users can design their own dashboard, which really brings the home's data together, as one can then see across sensors and across different conditions over time. Home Assistant and tools like it do require some work and upkeep. Parts of the system may also not always function at 100%, with software changes, company changes, upgrades, and product and sensor aging. Brett seems to have liked using some IAQ equipment that was then discontinued and others where the type or location of the data changed and became less user friendly. There's definitely a point there about an emerging market and some risk of relying on companies that may not be around forever. That said, Home Assistant doesn't appear to be going anywhere. If one can put the effort in, iAQ and related home management data can all be together in a single place. There are versions of Home Assistant that have been packaged for easier use, but Scott was clearly never going to choose those. What does the future of IAQ monitoring look like? Scott and Brett discuss the possibility of monitoring companies that can track equipment and help consumers figure out what is happening and what might need to be addressed. Equipment is clearly also going to get more reactive over time. What tasks will the average person be willing to take on, and where are the manufacturers and other companies going to need to fill in? And once we have all of this data, what are we going to do with it? Will someone package all or most IAQ tech into an easier-to-use product at some point? Can we help create better IAQ for all buildings and occupants? Let's hope so!

Health and Air Quality
Rate It Green TeamDecember 5, 2025
Product Discussions

Key Humidity Control Concepts, by Nikki Kruger with Therma-Stor

Nikki Krueger, Building Science and Business Development Manager at Therma-Stor took the time to introduce the company and also to explain several key dehumidification concepts . This interview is a great example of how sharing expertise can help everyone down the green building, healthy building, and smart building learning curve. Humidity is a such a great topic, as both too little or too much moisture can be harmful to people and property. But proper humidity control can be a part of ensuring comfort, health, and clean and safe indoor air quality conditions. Thanks Nikki! Post your questions here in reply, and Nikki will be happy to provide additional information. History of Therma-Stor: If you don’t know already, Therma-Stor has a pretty interesting (and “cool”) history. The Madison, Wisconsin company started out creating tanks for the dairy industry which enabled barns to reclaim heat from the milk refregieration tanks to get “free hot water.” The team then asked, how can we otherwise leverage this technology, and this led to the deployment of similar technology for grocery stores, ice skating rinks and even restaurants. Fast forward to the 1990’s, when the company created the first whole house ventilating dehumidifiers, and then the first horizontal dehumidifiers used in crawlspaces. The company is organized into several brands, all engineered and manufactured in Madison, with a range of options for residential and light commercial use: Phoenix Restoration - Ventilation for extreme weather, water loss, and fire Santa-Fe Dehumidifiers - Commercial-grade dehumidification for residential and light commercial applications, including while house with ventilation options and stand alone for basements and crawlspaces (now includes UltraAire under one combined brand) Quest - Commercial climate control, with a full line of commercial dehumidification equipment Temperature and humidity management are not the same: When we increase ventilation, it’s important to realize we’re bringing more outside air into our buildings, which affects the temperature of our space as well as the moisture levels. We use our HVAC equipment to reach the desired temperature, but we also want to maximize the water removal in getting to that temperature. One temptation is to control humidity with an HVAC thermostat. This activity affects humidity, but really more as a byproduct. The Sensible Load is the temperature we feel on our body, as measured by a thermometer. This temperature is controlled by the thermostat. The Latent Load describes the moisture content of the air, and this is often referred to as relative humidity. 40-60% humidity is the ideal range, but humidity doesn’t exist alone and is relative to temperature. Humidity is impacted by temperature, but not 100%. in fact, for every degree the temperature rises, the RH goes up 2%. If you’ve been wondering what dew point really is, it’s what the temperature would have to be for the humidity to be 100%. Dew point matters with respect to ventilation, as we sometimes over cool to try to remove water. But if we have places that can hit dew point, the air can get too cold, which means registers might start dripping water, or duct work might condense. This is one of the key reasons that over cooling in an attempt to regulate humidity often doesn’t work. Energy is wasted, people aren’t even comfortable (or as healthy) in gooey, clammy air, and… the excess moisture can cause damage. When we size HVAC equipment, one objective is to maximize water removal when the equipment is running. But keep in mind with today’s more efficient equipment and with seasonability (times when the weather might feel just right, and we’re not ventilating), the systems aren’t always running. During that time, a system with no humidification equipment is not addressing moisture in the air. What factors contribute to higher Relative Humidity (RH)? As Nikki reviews, moisture is a top contributor to building degradation, whether through mold and rot, even potentially affecting footers and beams. Most people might be aware that outright water leaks and bulk water such as rain, groundwater are an urgent concern, but fewer people are aware of all of the less obvious ways that water enters and moves through the home. And some of these ways are a direct result of building practices that are evolving as a part of the transition to a clean energy economy: Mechanical ventilation - We ventilate to minimize indoor pollutants, but again we need to be aware of the condition of the air we’re bringing in. This is true regardless of the type of ventilation (See Matt Hoots’ recent introduction to ventilation types ). Buildings will equilibrate we need to add the air, or it will “come from somewhere.” (Another resource: Do walls need to breathe? ) Also as we build houses tighter and want to control air flows, we want to control our air and minimize cooling and heating for efficiency’s sake. This is not always optional for RH levels. Low sensible loads (pertains more to shoulder seasons) - When the dew point is high, it feels mild outside, and many people don’t see a reason to run their air conditioning equipment. But there’s sill plenty of moisture in the air, now not being controlled. Equipment with a high Sensible Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating - AC equipment with a high SHR (sensible heat ratio) is efficient at getting to temperature, but not at removing water Crawl spaces and basements - As the house draws more air up from below grade, the humidity goes right along with it. Diffusion - Diffusion through the wall assembly is another way water enters the home, though not as substantial in terms of volume Construction drying - Surprisingly, it can take a couple of years to dry out from construction. A slab of concrete is made largely of water after all, and buildings contain lots of porous materials, including wood People generate water - Did you know that each person generates about 1/4 pound of moisture per hour. A family of 4 generates 2 pints per hour People operate equipment according to their lifestyles and most people just don’t know enough about moisture control The Sensible Energy Efficiency ratio, or SEER, is the cooling output during a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same period. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit. The efficiency derives from how efficient the unit is at managing the sensible load. A higher SEER means you have even more focus on sensible and less focus on latent heat, and Niki explains that this can result in a higher RH by up to 10%. This means that it’s likely a good decision to add some dehumidification, but instead in the shoulder seasons, any people are busy throwing open their windows as the temperature seems less extreme. The Sensible Heat Ratio, or SHR, is the sensible cooling load/total cooling load. This is a measure of the dehumidification effectiveness of the A/C equipment. According to Nikki .77 is a typical SHR. Why control humidity below the house? Basements and crawl spaces are the first areas we have to get right, according to Nikki, as basements and crawl spaces are the source of the majority of the vapor coming into the house. Apparently, 50% of the air in the home starts below the home. If the air below the structure is not treated properly, then this is going to affect the indoor air quality. In the 1920’s and 30’s, building codes started to address and the main thought was to ventilate. But ventilation does not control moisture In the 21st century, we now allow homeowners to encapsulate attics and crawl spaces instead of ventilating by sealing the space with a waterproof membrane. This is a better approach if done correctly because the systems control of the air coming in and out of the overall structure. The main risk if not done right can be poor drainage and a lack of effectiveness due to improper sealing. These spaces mostly contain mechanical equipment and therefore occupant are not affected by this unconditioned air that is more humid and likely to have poorer quality. Assuming a sealed system, the home’s systems will then work better protected from more extreme outside conditions. Why do we need dedicated humidity equipment? We need to control humidity to protect property, but controlling moisture is also critical to human comfort and health. Comfort is often the top complain when humidity is not ideal, followed by health concerns especially for those who have asthma or other respiratory concerns. We feel or sense when humidity is not within the ideal zones, of 40-60%. Too little humidity, and people and property dry out. Some viruses also remain in the air in these conditions. Too much humidity, and we could be encouraging mold and fungi, and pests like dust mites. As Nikki shares, 80% of the people with indoor allergies are allergic to dust mites - and they die at 50% RH or below! Meanwhile many microorganisms thrive above 75% RH. Thinking about the list above, the point is that we need to accept, aside from a maintenance or repair issue, the way we normally operate buildings creates many conditions which call for humidity control. We are bringing in more air through modern mechanical ventilation, and so we need to then condition that air for our health and investment. And yet, we don’t always run the equipment that might manage humidity a percentage of the time. But even if we did run this equipment, thermostats are efficient at managing the sensible load and not the latent load anyway. Our systems are designed to optimally perform for peak loads, which might be maybe 1% of the year, but that means 99% of the year, we need to be practical and figure out the best way to run them for average and actual conditions. As Nikki says, "Humidity equipment can actually be a sign of a job done right." Sometimes, we've managed other conditions so well, that we now need the right quipment for this job. And finally, who’s opening that window when they shouldn’t? Who’s adding moisture into the home in all kinds of ways they don’t even know? It’s impossible to predict all of the ways occupants can and will affect moisture. Are dehumidifiers energy hogs? (No) Nikki makes an interesting point. Where some might think you’ve done something wrong if you need a dehumidifier, it actually likely means you’ve done everything right, and that you’re using the right equipment for the job. A “nice and tight” house is more efficient (and cheaper) to run, but it means the air has to be actively managed. In a leaky house, we don’t know where the air is coming from, but we do still have to address it - but likely by running the AC a lot more of the time. As Nikki and Green Builder Matt Hoots agree, this is easier all done right in new construction. But much of the time dehumidification is being installed in retrofits. It’s important to understand that in existing buildings, when we change one system of the house, it can affect the rest of the wider system. For example, we can’t air seal and insulate and tighten without addressing the effects. Humidification and proper ventilation do consume energy, but Nikki argues we need to accept the energy penalty to build or repair healthy and comfortable houses - specifically because we are making them energy efficient. So these processes are complementary in the final analysis. Using the Residential Energy Dynamics resource, Nikki shows how it costs $149 per year to remove humidity through one system. As she points out, this is cheaper than trying to use AC to dehumidify, by a lit. She shows us how a typical AC unit might remove 2-3 pints per hour, where a dehumidifier will remove 5 to 9 pints. And… these numbers are only correct for AC when the system is running… What Can Homeowners do to Control Humidity? Most of us think humidity is only in certain climates, but it affects all built structures… We might not be paying attention off season, but that’s where we’re likely to make mistakes. Size wisely - As Nikki shares, systems should be set up to over cool a little bit to help with humidity but we don’t want comfort issues, and we certainly don’t want to create conditions where we can hit dew point. So extremes will not improve performance, or comfort. Choose the right equipment for your particular situation - Putting in systems that aren’t appropriate for the actual conditions won’t necessarily achieve the result. Nikki and Green Builder Matt Hoots agree that for existing homes it’s best to get everything working as close to correctly as we can get it, to minimize filtration needs and seal ductwork, and then see if we need a dehumidifier or other additional equipment. Let’s design for the conditions we actually have. It’s important to also adjust as changes are made to a built structure. Sealing up a building without adding mechanical ventilation can lead to poor air quality and other problems for example. Monitor - Nikki increasingly recommends that builders provide humidity monitoring. This equipment will help ensure that RH doesn’t get too far out of range for extended periods of time. As she points out, “Just because it meets code, doesn’t mean it’s going to work.” Maintain - We talk in this piece about many vapor intrusion types that are less obvious. Normal diffusion is preventable, but some of the other types and methods for vapor movement can be reduced or eliminated at a range of investment to be sure. But it’s important to maintain all equipment, and also to maintain a home generally. Poor drainage or gutter systems might allow bulk or liquor water to enter the home, which can cause significant damage and quickly. Continue to educate yourself - Since people affect all of the systems in a home, it’s worth understanding our systems and equipment and how they work, and what the ideal conditions are. The more educated the occupant, the better systems are likely to perform. All homeowners and occupants should ideally know how a house works, and understand how to make a difference , and even what to use/adjust in what season to achieve the desired conditions and comfort. If you’re reading this, it’s a start! Connect with people like Nikki and some of our other active HVAC experts. Ask questions, and keep learning. One of the problems is that many f us just don’t know enough about humidity and all the other components of IAW as well. Thank you to Nikki for sharing these Additional Resources: Ultra-Aire Psychrometric Calculator , an app by Therma-Stor The Ultra-Aire Psychrometric Calculator app provides calculations such as relative humidity, dew point, grains per pound, and dehumidifier performance. RED Calc Tools by Residential Energy Dynamics Enter your home’s parameters, and this tool will show how to control RH during the year for a particular built space HVAC Talk Look for “TeddyBear!” Advanced Energy (North Carolina) Advanced energy offers a crawl space class that comes recommended. The company also has a page for additional resources on crawlspaces . ACCA offers Manual LLH, HVAC design for for Low Load Home s Additional Humidity Related Reading on Rate It Green: Whole House Humidity Control - Dehumidification and Humidification, with Airplane Humidity, Hardwoods and Homes - The Building Science Approach to Protecting your Investment What is the ideal humidity needed to help maintain hardwood flooring? Whole House Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) Explained, by Panasonic Demystifying Ventilation and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) A Look at How ERVs Work with Panasonic: How 80% Efficiency Might Work in Practice Spot Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) - Designed for One Location (vs Whole House) The Benefits of an ERV + How it Works | Panasonic FV-04VE1+FV-WC04VE1 Whisper Green Fans from Panasonic Eco Solutions - Quiet Prevention for Moisture and Condensation (Video) Green Building Myth Busting: Natural Ventilation - Do Your Walls Need to "Breathe?" (Video) Walking and Talking about Fresh Air and Ventilation with Green Building Expert Matt Hoots - and Oliver Your House May be Making You Sick! Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) 101 - An Introduction, and Starting a Wider Conversation

Humidity Control Equipment
Rate It Green TeamSeptember 29, 2021
Product Discussions

Exploring the Environmental, Health and Community Benefits of Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment with EcoQuiet's George Carrette

George Carrette is greening lawn care, one lawn at a time. George has owned and operated EcoQuiet Lawn Care in Massachusetts since 2014. After George studied Horticulture at UMass Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture, he realized that the millions of acres of lawns in the US make up the country’s largest crop, and that he could have a significant impact by helping the lawn care industry transition from fossil-fuels to electricity. The benefits of this switch from fossil fuels, or electrification, are significant. In this introductory video, George reviews some the environmental and health aspects of electric lawn and garden equipment (ELGE). He also demonstrates several types of electric lawn equipment. This is kind of like seeing an early pitch in a coming revolution that is going to succeed and that we can all cheer without reservation. George decided he wanted his company to be “as electric and as eco friendly as possible.” A key goal was to reduce the associated pollution of lawn care work, but he also realized that electric equipment provided a better way of doing things on multiple fronts. Noise control is a growing concern to many consumers and municipalities, and electric equipment is significantly quieter than gas powered equipment. George points out that people are generally happier with reduced noise and that electric equipment is a win-win, since you get to work with a better product anyway. In George’s expert opinion, "It’s not like food that tastes like cardboard.” (We’re kind of still laughing about that one.) In all seriousness, George points out that electric lawn care equipment is just better in all ways. Electric lawn care also presents a great and growing opportunity for lawn care businesses. According to George, currently only about 1 in 1400 lawn care companies is currently electric, which adds up to all of a few dozen providers total. One reason for the small but growing number is that lithium batteries were not cost effective enough in the past (a $10,000 battery wasn’t really going to work out.) But several forces are converging to encourage industry growth: Electric tools and associated equipment are becoming increasingly cost effective, towns concerned about noise are starting to pass gas leaf blower bans, and consumers are asking more and more for a quieter and more environmentally friendly product. George points out that electric equipment could product 13 newtons of power when he first started his business and have now almost doubled to 23 newtons. Many electric tools now have power parity with gas tools, without the noise. Gas itself is a key reason to go electric. Aside from the impact of 16 billion pounds of CO2 per year, gas has direct environmental and human health impacts. In the absence of regulations, gas equipment use can result in gas leaks, oil spills, and clean ups. Did you know that small gas engines use less than 1-2% of gasoline but produce 5-10% of related emissions? Gas produces smog producing chemicals, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde, among other carcinogens. And partially or unburned hydrocarbons are toxic, both to clients and the people working. Many of these substances have been linked to cancer and lung disease, in addition to other conditions. Meanwhile, mowers can run an average of 2 gallons of gasoline per hour! Lower maintenance is one of several economic factors that make the switch to electric lawn and garden equipment make total sense for a landscaping business. George calls his electric equipment easy and almost free to maintain. It apparently costs $1-2 per DAY to run some of this equipment, with little to no cost in comparison to gas equipment. “Really just blades and electricity.” EcoQuiet Lawn care revenues tripled this year, and the company has never lost money. George believes that those who switch earlier will be paid back, and those who wait will just switch when it becomes completely cost comparable to make the switch. So, why isn’t everyone already using electric lawn and garden equipment? We all know that people and companies can be afraid of change. Gas is simply, “what they know,” as George acknowledges. Some people might resist change as the associate the noise of the equipment and the smell of gas as a reminder of doing work. Also, electric tools aren’t cheap and there can be considerable expense in buying new electric equipment. In a highly competitive industry, it can seem daunting to charge enough to pay the cost to keep purchasing new equipment. According to George, the pioneers who take the risk will be rewarded and the switch to electric will pay itself back. George’s electric tool demonstration is pretty cool. This is a great first introduction if you haven’t really had exposure yet to electric tools. He shows us a super quiet hedge trimmer than can cut through 1-2 inch branches and a Mean Green 0-Turn lawnmower. The mower is apparently super low maintenance - he needs only oil and charge switch the blades, and clean out the deck. He’s not dealing with carburetors or over-heated engines. George also show us an Oregon backpack leaf blower that runs at 50 decibels, which is only 10 decibels above ambient noise. This while running at 525 CFM and 200 miles per hour. This equipment can be operated in most places even when there are noise restrictions! It also doesn’t need to cycle to stop and start, as gas equipment does. George also runs a leaf blower in his warehouse, which would hurt everyone’s hears if the machine were gas. He also shows us a chain saw that is so quiet, he was accused to using a drill to cut a tree! He shows us weed whacker, and it seems like he kind of doesn’t want to put it down. Do you have electric lawn care equipment questions? Post them here, and George will be happy to connect. He’s receptive to talking to others who want to do this work, and he’s happy to talk to the rest of us about this revolution as well. For more information: Related Rate It Green Articles and Discussions: Electric Landscaping 101 Why Landscaping Companies Should Consider Going Electric, by George Carrette, EcoQuiet Lawncare Seven Ways to Prep Your Yard for Electric Landscaping Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment - A Revolution in the Making Electric Lawn Care Equipment by Husqvarna - Eliminate Gas, Reduce Noise and Pollution, and Save Energy (Video) Additional Resources: Quiet Communities America Green Zone Alliance (AGZA)

Landscaping and Land Management
Rate It Green TeamMarch 13, 2021
Product Discussions

Whole House Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) Explained, by Panasonic

We’d like to thank Ken Nelson at Panasonic for his terrific video explanation of how ERVs work and for introducing us to the features and benefits of the Intelli-Balance 200 as well. Have you been wondering what an ERV is and how it really works, as in, how this techology adds fresh air to built spaces while preserving energy and leveraging heat, and how exactly air and water vapor move around in that enthalpic (or magic) core? Do you want ideas on how to explain this technology to clients in terms everyone can understand? Read below for a fairly detailed summary of this presentation, and then plan to sit down to watch Ken's video presentation and conversation to learn more. How we get clean air into our homes is especially important given a range of issues brought to the forefront recently, including wildfires and other pollution, and of course the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we’re spending even more time indoors and at home in particular, and good indoor air quality is essential to our health as well as for maintaining our furnishings. What is an Energy Recovery Ventilator, or ERV? An Energy Recovery Ventilator, or ERV is part of a complex HVAC system that manages air temperature, humidity and particulates in our built environment. An ERV is energy-efficient ventilation equipment that brings fresh air into the home while exhausting some of that “bad” or stale air out, in equal measure. The supply and exhaust airstreams pass each other divided by a specially designed capillary plate that enhances the enthalpic heat transfer process. This transfer lets us keep humidity inside when it’s drier out, or shunt excess moisture back to the exhaust airstream when the outside air is more humid. We also recapture heat, or expel unwanted heat. And finally, the ERV provides cleaner air as a part of this process as it also filters the supplied air. We must realize that our HVAC systems can’t keep up when humidity and temperature differences are too extreme, and the ERV helps us moderate these extremes. As Ken explains, an ERV helps keep the air flows in our systems “predictable” and “uneventful.” That is a primary ventilation goal. Bringing in this fresh air through a supply fan dilutes toxins and improves indoor air quality, while keeping the system in balance by expelling the existing air through an exhaust fan. This idea of balanced air pressure within the home is essential and beneficial. It’s a key objective across the building industry to educate more builders and occupants about this technology as it moves from a leading-edge building practice to a code and healthy home requirement. Moderating or tempering the air helps prevent our HVAC systems from working too hard. Think about it this way - would we want to carelessly expel humid air in the winter, only to bring in colder, drier air we that now needs to be heated and humidified? Re-claiming heat energy and moisture saves us a good deal of energy. The best practice for builders and occupants is to balance supply and exhaust air flows to recapture or expel the heat and humidity that is not optimal. There’s an interesting discussion about upfront costs and ERV ROI, but it depends on how one defines ROI. ERVs technically use energy, but they help the rest of our systems operate more efficiently. Temperature and humidity extremes make people uncomfortable, and when we do not manage temperature and humidity properly, we risk all kinds of property and health problems. Our property is exposed to mold, mildew and pest risk, while people are susceptible to respiratory and other illnesses from poor Indoor Air quality. Ken helpfully begins this awesome science lesson with a glossary of useful terms. He also explains the ideas of ballistics and buoyancy as they apply to ventilation. Ballistics is what happens to items like particulates after propulsion. What happens to a droplet after someone sneezes, for example? Buoyancy is the tendency of an object to sink, rise, or float. We want to create predictable air flows in a house that will allow us to manage buoyant particulates in the air. To bring in fresh air, we certainly don’t want to have to wait for someone to open a window and for the wind to blow. Managing predictable airflow is preferable to waiting for items to fall to the ground or stick to surfaces and then get cleaned. Ken explains how ERVs differ from HRVs, or heat recovery ventilators, which are both parts of an HRVs, or heat recovery ventilation system. In an HRV, heat recovery is similar in that (outside) supply air travels through the core, providing fresh air to the occupants, and return air also becomes exhaust air in balanced system. But the HRV does not transfer moisture between the airstreams as it does not have a capillary system to allow water vapor movement between them. How does an Energy Recovery Ventilator, or ERV work? Ken does a fantastic job explaining how an ERV works, and shares some cool history on how we got here. Apparently back in the 1930’s, Frank Rowley of the University of Minnesota conducted research on how water moves through building materials, and how temperature and materials affect this movement. Frank determined that vapor diffusion could carry a thermal load, and that moisture actually has temperature associated with it. Furthermore, he documented that the higher the temperature difference, the more moisture moves through materials. As we know, air moves from hot to cold, and moisture from more to less. So as the airstreams pass by each other, the first way an ERV works is by conduction, from hot to cold. When the two airstreams pass over the surface of the plate between them, the plate material absorbs the temperature differential. So heat will move from the warmer airstream to the cooler airstream through the plate. The second method is capillarity. The water vapor moves though the capillaries in the enthalpic core from the warmer airstream to the cooler airstream in an ERV. The capillary paths through the core are small enough that actual liquid does not flow through, only the grains of moisture as they seek a balance between the two airstreams. It is important to keep the airstreams moving so that the moisture isn't allowed to condensate and phase change from vapor to liquid. Constant air movement through the core will prevent any moisture-related mold and mildew. This is one reason Ken advocates for continuous ventilation. Ken shares two great examples, from hot to cold and cold to hot, where we can understand how the system captures or recovers heat and humidity. Panasonic's Intelli-Balance 200 Ken shares some questions and aspects to consider when selecting an ERV. He also provides an excellent introduction and demonstration of the Intelli-Balance 200 ERV by Panasonic, including settings and controls. The Intelli-Balance 200 is a 200 cfm (cubic feet per minute, the volume of air flowing for each minute it moves) application, part of a family of products including the Intelli-Balance 100 at 100 cfm and the WhisperComfort model at 20-40 cfm. The Intelli-Balance 200 can service up to a 7500 sf home. Ken does such a great job explaining, it’s worth a listen to process information in the form it’s shared and may be best received. But we can summarize some key Intelli-Balance features here for convenience: Two DC motors - custom pressurization strategies Boost function allows for an occupant controlled airflow increase based on demand, in times or areas of increased activity or occupancy MERV 13 supply filter, with optional MERV 8 and HEPA filters available The unit does not require a condensate line or drain Designed for stand alone use or connect to existing ductwork Carry handles for ease of installation and employee safety Optional remove LCD Designed for single family homes and new air-tight homes built to meet energy efficiency standards Engineered for any North American Climate Zo ne Can operate in areas where temperatures can drop as low as -22 °F (-30°C). Defrost cycle function activates when the outdoor temperature drops to 14°F High efficiency capillary core Recovers heat and balances moisture Core material permeated with anti-mold treatment Sensible recovery rate (SRE) of 83% at 67 CFM Separate control of continuous supply and exhaust airflow External controls Meets Ontario ENERGY STAR and Novoclimate requirements Three installation options - floor, wall or ceiling (chain mount and brackets included) Includes static pressure ports with balancing instructions Powder coat finish for a professional look from a professional installer. No fingerprints or rust 6 year warranty on ECM motor, 3 years on all other parts The Intelli-Balance 200 comes with a MERV 13 supply-side filter, which is becoming standard for quality filtration without impeding efficiency. MERV stands for the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and measures the performance of filters when intercepting particles of .3 to 10 micrometers in size. The higher the MERV filter, the better. HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing filters and is even finer. HEPA filters can make sense in higher air pollution areas, or in the event of wildfires or other irritants. Ken explains that a HEPA filter will need to be inspected and cleaned more often, as it’s working harder to trap more particulate matter. Panasonic prides itself in making quiet ventilation products and achieves this with the Intelli-Balance 200 by strategically locating the fan motors within the device and using an EPS insulation lining throughout. This is efficient and encourages operations as noisy fans cause occupants to turn equipment off. In additional, Intelli-Balance 200 is a relatively small unit for what it does, which may also contribute to its sound reduction. Ken recommends running ERVs continuously. When this equipment is not running, it is theoretically possible for moisture to settle. It is never a good idea for moisture to remain in the core, though Panasonic has added an anti-mold treatment, just in case. When is an ERV ideal? An ERV balances air flows and moderates temperature and humidity differences. It makes the rest of this complex system work less hard, and in non extreme differentials, it significantly helps manage both sensible (heat) and latent (moisture) loads. But an ERV is not a dedicated heater, an air conditioner, or a humidification or dehumidification device. It’s a part of a system, in which, when designed and built right, each part of the system contributes to energy efficient temperature, ventilation, filtration, and humidity management. An ERV helps moderate the air and prevent needless energy loss. An ERV is also best used in habitable space, where the occupants will be, where we typically heat or cool, where it’s worth conditioning our air for much or all of the time. It’s worth listening to Ken and Green Builder Matt Hoots discussing when an ERV makes the most sense and the current evolution of HVAC design and building thinking. Matt brings up that many people are still working to understand HVAC systems. He reviews the difference between balanced ventilation instead of exhaust ventilation (specifically exhausting problematic air in key areas, like kitchens and bathrooms) and supply-side ventilation (pressurizing the structure and pushing the air out). The two discuss where certain elements or strategies might work better and not. We hope and plan to continue this fascinating conversation, and everyone is welcome to add their voice. It’s essential to consider the size of a home, the airtightness, and the climate zone in designing the right system. The Future of Ventilation Systems Ken reminds us that builders are responsible for moisture damage for the first couple of years, so this is another incentive to get it right. With too much moisture in the air, it will seek out a cold surface and condense into a liquid. As a result, walls and floors could get wet from condensation and be susceptible to damage. As Matt points out, using the condition of your hardwood cabinets and floors as a barometer of humidity management can be pretty costly. Where humidity is not significant, an ERV might be sufficient. Where humidity is consistently high, an ERV might better be the backbone of a more extensive system with dedicated dehumidification. The building industry is indeed evolving. The two review that the best strategy for new construction is to “build tight and ventilate right,” meaning that we need to seal and insulate our buildings and then also make sure to control air flow and air quality. And… understand that occupants do indeed have “huge expectations” of their new homes. These challenges are all more easily addressed when we have the luxury of building new. Before adding equipment in existing buildings, both agree that it’s best to tighten the envelope and stop energy loss. Then, one can design or upgrade new systems based on the climate/conditions created. There’s a leading edge group of manufacturers and professionals delivering and installing equipment and whole systems of a type and quality we didn’t have available before. As a result, we have a range of homes from leaky, new and built to code, or tight and even Passive level, at a wide range of square footages, and in every climate zone. We need to continue to talk about indoor air quality and ventilation and to incorporate these strategies as best we can in all houses and buildings. As we continue to learn more and as leading thinkers like Ken continue to take the time to share their expertise, we will keep reporting what we know and learn to you! We also welcome your comments. Balanced ventilation strategies are indeed on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic has made indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation household words to be sure. Ken points out that “supply air is expensive air,” as it needs to be tempered and filtered and controlled. So why not implement a strategy that reduces the energy required to manage this air? Ken points out that he loves talking about the best strategy for a particular situation. We agree with him that we can all learn together and that our goal is "to create a better living environment for the occupant, for the earth.” Ken’s closing question is powerful: "How do we raise the bar?” What are your thoughts and recommendations on ERVs and Indoor Air quality generally? What are your top questions? We’d love to hear, and we bet Ken will be happy to reply. Additional Information: Demystifying Ventilation and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) A Look at How ERVs Work with Panasonic: How 80% Efficiency Might Work in Practice The Benefits of an ERV + How it Works | Panasonic FV-04VE1+FV-WC04VE1 Spot Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) - Designed for One Location (vs Whole House) Humidity Control Master Class from Therma-Stor Humidity, Hardwoods and Homes - The Building Science Approach to Protecting your Investment Whole House Humidity Control - Dehumidification and Humidification, with Aprilaire Whisper Green Fans from Panasonic Eco Solutions - Quiet Prevention for Moisture and Condensation (Video) Green Building Myth Busting: Natural Ventilation - Do Your Walls Need to "Breathe?" (Video) Walking and Talking about Fresh Air and Ventilation with Green Building Expert Matt Hoots - and Oliver Your House May be Making You Sick! What is the ideal humidity needed to help maintain hardwood flooring? Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) 101 - An Introduction, and Starting a Wider Conversation

Energy Recovery and Heat Recovery Ventilation
Rate It Green TeamSeptember 29, 2021
Other Discussion

A Rate It Green Content Guide to: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Indoor air quality, or IAQ, awareness has been growing in recent years due in some part to the COVID pandemic and increasing outdoor air pollution concerns such as wildfire exhaust/pollution, which enters buildings and irritates and causes health problems for occupants. Though IAQ is newer to many as a topic, building scientists and public health experts have long known that indoor air can be more toxic than outdoor air (reported decades ago by the EPA as 2 to 5 times more - or more - than typical outdoor air). This unhealthy air means a greater risk for respiratory problems, including asthma and lung cancer, in addition to other irritations and serious medical conditions. One reason for greater indoor pollution risk is that we’ve been building homes “tighter” or less leaky in our efforts to increase energy efficiency. This evolution makes perfect sense for energy and emissions, savings, and comfort. But it’s important that we properly dilute and exhaust pollutants so that they do not stagnate or build to unacceptable levels. Many factors determine indoor air quality. Indoor air quality of course relates to outdoor air quality, as occupants bring outside air in through mechanical ventilation or through means as simple as opening a door or window. Air also seeps into buildings through cracks in foundations and walls. With mechanical ventilation, good air quality depends on proper filtration, temperature, and humidity management. Keep in mind that indoor air is also greatly affected by our activities inside a building as well as the chemicals and products we bring into buildings, including cleaning products and even furniture. Indoor air is critically important to human health, as we spend up to 90% of our time indoors. We need to increase education as to how air enters and flows through buildings, and how both building professionals and occupants can impact air quality. Would you like to know more about how air enters our homes, key indoor pollutants, the mechanical ventilation systems that can help us filter and condition air to healthy levels, and how we can begin to address indoor air quality and monitor key indoor air pollutants (an evolving industry)? Read on to see the IAQ information we've curated and created to date, and add your voice! What topics can you teach others, what are your questions, and what information are you still searching for? Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Introductions: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) - An Introduction, and Starting a Wider Conversation Walking and Talking about Fresh Air and Ventilation with Green Building Expert Matt Hoots - and Oliver Reviewing the Top Benefits of Healthy Air at Home, with Aprilaire An Introduction to Aprilaire and Whole House Air Quality Systems Green Building Myth Busting: Natural Ventilation - Do Your Walls Need to "Breathe?" Indoor Air Quality and Fossil Fuels: Building Electrification: Why It Matters to Your Wallet, Health, Comfort, and the Environment What is the Future of Gas Cooking? Natural Gas Cooking - An Update and Recent News Making the Connection: Sustainable Living and Electrifying Everything "Gas vs Electricity" Misperceptions Still Tipping the Scales? Ventilation: Whole House Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) Explained, by Panasonic Filtration and Airflow in Whole House HVAC Systems: Filter Cabinets and MERV Options Demystifying Ventilation and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) A Look at How ERVs Work with Panasonic, How 80% Efficiency Might Work in Practice Remote Hood Exhaust Fan Retrofit Delivers Significant Noise Reduction Automatic Bath Fan Sensors Reduce Humidity, Pollutants, and Odors Whisper Green Fans from Panasonic Eco Solutions - Quiet Prevention for Moisture and Condensation (and Smart!) Pros and Cons of an airtight house The “Perfect Wall” defined and demonstrated Hi-velocity HVAC system used in modern designed homes rheia's Comfort by Design - Smaller, Energy and Labor Efficient Air Distribution Systems Humidity: Humidity, Hardwoods and Homes - The Building Science Approach to Protecting your Investment (Video) Humidity Control Master Class from Therma-Stor Whole House Humidity Control ALL Year Long || Aprilaire Whole House Humidity Control - Dehumidification and Humidification, with Aprilaire What is the ideal humidity needed to help maintain hardwood flooring? Filtration: Exploring Whole House Filtration and Particulate Matter, with Aprilaire Filtration and Airflow in Whole House HVAC Systems: Filter Cabinets and MERV Options Air Filtration at the #1920sMakeoverATL Showhouse Sensors, and Smart and Reactive HVAC Equipment and Controls: Reactive Sensors and Controls for Home Ventilation, Featuring Corbett Lunsford Smart Exhaust Controls - Sensors Improve Garage and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Customized Switches and Sensors for Indoor Air Quality || Swidget Schneider Electric's Home Energy Management Suite - Controlling Comfort, Resilience, and Energy Efficiency in One App Air and Vapor Barriers, and Radon: Getting to Know Stego Barrier Solutions - Keeping Vapor, Soil Gases and other Ground Contaminants out of our Homes and Commercial Buildings Radon Control starts with a good design One Family's Radon Story - Testing and Continuous Monitoring are Key Radon and Vapor Control Layers in the 1920sMakeoverATL Showhouse Why Air Sealing and Insulation are Both Essential Pros and Cons of an airtight house 50% of the "perfect wall" control layers with one product What is a "water resistant barrier" (WRB), examples and misconceptions What is ACH50, and why does it matter? Buildings need to dry- not breathe! An Introduction to Dorken: Air and Moisture Barriers for Residential and Commercial Building Products Garage Safety: Garage Fire Safety & Indoor Air Quality Issues The #1920sMakeoverATL Deep Energy Retrofit and Indoor Air Quality: We will also be sharing a great deal of IAQ-related content as a part of our collaboration with the #1920sMakeoverATL project. Originally planned as a deep energy home retrofit, this project has gone all-electric and will now also be a Passive House! Check out the Pre-Construction Virtual Reality Tour , and stay tuned for a project tour and the final big reveal as well. Each tour contains links to relevant videos, articles, discussions, and more. Indoor air quality content includes: High Performance Residential Vapor Barriers - StegoHome and the #1920sMakeoverATL Renovation Air Filtration at the #1920sMakeoverATL Showhouse (Video) Discussing Air Tightness and Blower Door Testing with Corbett Lunsford, Matt Hoots, and Chris Laumer-Giddens (Video) Radon and Vapor Control Layers in the 1920sMakeoverATL Showhouse Asbestos Testing at the #1920sMakeoverATL Deep Energy Retrofit Project Radon Control starts with a good design We've highlighted here several videos, articles and discussions related to understanding and improving indoor air quality, but we’d also like to hear from you, our community members and friends. Do you have great ideas for how homeowners and occupants can improve indoor air quality, including ideas on how we can address this topic more equitably? Do you have expert ideas to share on this topic, or questions you need answers to? So many green building concepts are related, as is the case for indoor air quality and electrification. Be sure to visit our Electrification and Decarbonization Content Guide to learn more abourt why and how we need to transition away from indoor fossil fuel combustion. Let’s start some more indoor air quality discussions . Add your voice to the conversation!

Health and Air Quality
Rate It Green TeamDecember 21, 2021
Other Discussion

Sustainable Demolition - Donating Furnishings and Building Materials (Reduce Waste AND Save on Taxes!)

As Matt Hoots of Sawhorse Inc. reminds us, part of green building is wasting less. There are quite a few ways to reduce waste, but among the simpler methods are throwing fewer items into landfills in the first place, and reusing items that have meaningful life left to them. One person’s trash really can be another’s treasure, so it certainly seems to make sense to give items to someone else that are no longer useful for one building another use and life if they can be helpful. This is one of the ways in which green building is just smart building and common sense. For the #1920sMakeoverATL Showcase House, items planned for reuse include: A living room fireplace French doors Kitchen cabinetry and counters (only a few years old) Matt worked with Nate Johnson at the nonoprofit Lifecycle Building Center to get these furnishings and more to new homes. Nate explained in the video that his team will try to match the items with local nonprofits in need, organizations that might be working on their spaces. If there isn’t a match, the items will go to the Lifecycle Building Center where they will be sold "super cheap" to people who need low cost building materials. This is a win-win as the people who receive the materials receive great items at a low price, and the items are keet out of the landfills. Matt also reminds us that donations are a tax write off! Click to learn more about Lifecycle Building Center . Nate mentions that their Newsletter is a great way to see what’s currently in the warehouse. Want to help out? The Lifecycle Building Center has a capital campaign to renovate their 100 year old, 70,000 square foot warehouse. Do you have a nonprofit, school, community organization, or house of faith that might be in need of building materials? Check out LBC’s Material MATCH program !

#1920sMakeoverATL
Rate It Green TeamDecember 2, 2022
Discussions

The Benefits of Induction Cooking, with SHARP Home Technologies

Why go with an induction stove? Green Builder Matt Hoots had the opportunity at the International Builders show to discuss the benefits of induction technology with Peter Weedfald with SHARP Home Technologies. The top pros of induction technology include: Easier cleaning - The smooth glass surface is easier to clean than a gas stovetop grate Faster cooking - An induction stove can boil water in a minute, faster than a radiant stove and even faster than gas Kitchen Safety - Without open flame, a fire is much less likely. Burns are also less likely, as the induction stove is basically a giant magnet and only heats the metal cookware. Energy efficient - 90% or even almost 100% of cooking heat from an induction stove goes into the post, compared to gas at 40-50% of the energy lost in the flame - and dissipating into the home. Increasingly cost competitive - With growing demand and supply, induction pricing has been decreasing. With current tax incentives, induction stoves may actually save! As induction pricing approaches and beats gas stove pricing, Peter sees it pretty clearly that induction technology will be the clear choice and winner. Currently, induction has only a 5-6% adoption rate in the US, though the numbers are higher in the rest of the world. Education about the technology and health and energy benefits will also impact these percentages. Peter is confident about this shift, stating, "When we all start to learn about induction, I assure you everyone will be cooking with induction - much better, quicker, safer, energy efficient experience.... We are going to see much more induction, I am sure." Health and air quality awareness are also playing a significant role in growing induction adoption. Energy efficient induction stoves are basically large magnets that efficently heat metal cookware, with efficiency greater than 90% and almost 100%, while 50%+ of gas is burned in an open flame and dissipates into the indoor space, bringing pollutants including harmful VOCs. Peter and Matt both remind us that regardless of cooking method, properly ventilation is essential. Occupants must both exhaust pollutants as well as bring in sufficient make up air. Newer, quieter equipment will help ensure that people turn on their exhaust hoods when cooking, as noise complaints are a top past complaint. Increased awareness about infoor air quality is also helping to usher in greater use of existing kitchen ventilation equipment. Please share your experiences with induction cooktops and other energy efficient and electric kitchen technologies. What top benefits have you perceived? What challenges have you experienced and how have you overcome any hesitancies and challenges? Your stories will help other people learn and make the best decisions for themselves. Your questions will help everyone learn as well! Interested in learning more? Check out these related discussions and articles: Top 5 reason induction cooking is safer than cooking with gas "Going Green" is cool again? What is the Future of Gas Cooking? Why everyone is confused about gas and electric cooktops Gas vs. Electricity - Are Misperceptions Still Tipping the Scales? Building Electrification: Why It Matters to Your Wallet, Health, Comfort, and the Environment Residential Decarbonization - Influencing Consumers at Key Inflection Points Reducing the Natural Gas “Bridge,” for Human and Environmental Health Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) 101 - An Introduction, and Starting a Wider Conversation A Rate It Green Content Guide to Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Induction Cooktops
Rate It Green TeamFebruary 25, 2023
Product Discussions

Rheem's Plug-In Hybrid Heat Pump Proterra Water Heater - Energy Efficient and Also Great for Retrofits

Rheem was the first manufacturer to launch a plug-in hybrid heat pump water heater, and Green Builder Matt Hoots got an up-close look and spoke with Scott Cohen of Rheem Water Heating at this year’s International Builders Show. Heat pump hot water heaters are an important part of home electrification, or using electric appliances instead of gas in a move away from gas combustion inside the home. Heat pumps are also incredibly energy efficient as they transfer heat from one area to another, instead of using energy to generate heat. As a result, they save 75% of the energy of a traditional water heater, which also of course saves money. How does the Proterra produce sufficient hot water in a heat pump mode, to prevent the need for back up electric resistance power? As a part of regular operations, the heat pump produces 10-15 gallons of hot water per hour. The water heater stores this water at a higher temperature, and then employs mixing valve technology to mix in cold water and deliver water at safe temperatures. The mixing valve therefore increases the amount of hot water available, by more than 30%. The plug-in Proterra seems like a pretty big step on the path to home electrification, especially in older homes where there may not be space to upgrade an electrical panel. The Proterra plug-in model only requires a 110 volt plug and runs on a shared circuit (there is also a dedicated circuit model). You literally remove the old gas heater and plug in the new one. In this video, Green Builder Matt Hoots points out there builders should be thinking ahead and leaving a little more space in panels to avoid the extra future costs of retrofits. But it’s great there’s a solution that can work well with existing buildings, built when the idea of electrification or an EV charger need was not as obvious. With any water heater it’s important to have enough space so that the equipment can take in sufficient air to operate properly, and also exhaust into the room. For the plug-in Proterra, 700 cubic feet is needed, or suffcient flow can be achieved though louver doors. The bult-in ducted capacity can also be used to bring in sufficient outside air. Rheem has an app for controlling temperature remotely, where alerts and notifications can also be set. Water heating can also be scheduled and set for heat pump only or hybrid mode as needed, with electric back up for high usage times. Scheduling can also be used to manage peak load or time of use pricing, where the user can heat additionally during the preferred times prior to peak pricing periods. The plug-in Proterra is initially targeted at warmer climates, but look for cold weather availability from Rheem soon, and look for more market entrants in the next years, as there’s a lot of work to do to electrify all existing buildings, in addition to new buildings, in order to meet critical climate goals. To learn more about Rheem and Hybrid Hot Water Heat Pumps, visit Rheem's listing on Rate It Green , and the following discussions: The Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Water Heat Pump - A Great Fit for the #1920sMakeoverATL Project (Video) Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heaters by Rheem - 3x More Energy Efficient (Video)

Heat Pumps
Rate It Green TeamFebruary 26, 2023
Service Discussions

First Net Zero Energy Community in Georgia

Even though we are in a hot building market, it is important to innovate and design based on consumers' ever-growing needs. The timing is perfect for a house that matches the realities that we are all facing now. Recent and current events have made homeowners aware of health, comfort, energy independence, and climate change. Finally, one builder in Georgia took on this challenge to create a product that addresses all of those issues, and their clients appreciate these efforts. The formula for building net zero energy is not as difficult as you might think. Steven Sanders-Meyers with Brightwater Homes met with Matt Hoots to discuss their tricks to make this a reality. Steven is working with Matt to share some of the costs, trade-offs, and savings associated with this type of building and will create a series of articles with him. In the meantime, here is a high-level overview of what is needed to create a net-zero-energy home in 3 simple steps. Design for efficiency While taking a code-built house and installing solar and praying that your energy bills will disappear is tempting, that is unrealistic. The first step is to create a design that is energy efficient. The top consumers of energy in the house are HVAC, water heating, and lighting. Since HVAC can be the largest energy consumer, it is an easy target for improvement. A code-built house has basic insulation and an entry-level HVAC system installed. A high-performance house is more airtight, is better insulated, and has better windows and doors. All of these are necessary to reduce the amount of HVAC needed. If the HVAC system is smaller and does not have to run as much, then the energy needed to heat and cool the house comes down. Install ALL ELECTRIC, EFFICIENT mechanical systems. Solar power cannot help you create natural gas for your appliances, so you must install all electric appliances. That is still not enough. Entry-level electric appliances do work. However, they are not all designed for peak performance. At a minimum, install ENERGY STAR labeled products. Steven will be sharing with us in future articles what products they Finally, you can install solar power. Installing solar on a code-built house will slightly reduce energy bills. Installing solar on an energy-efficient home allows you to eliminate energy bills. If you create as much energy as the house uses, then the net consumption will be zero. This is how a house is considered NET ZERO ENERGY. If every house in the neighborhood is net zero energy, it is a net zero energy community. Check out Brightwater Homes profile and make sure you sign up for our newsletter to get notifications from Steven and Matt on the "nuts and bolts" for building a net zero energy home.

Builders/Contractors - Residential
Rate It Green TeamMay 9, 2023
Product Discussions

European vs. American Windows - What's the Difference?

Have you been wondering what the difference is between European and American windows? (And have you had a European window seem to fall on you during vacation, and perhaps you panicked?) Check out this video by Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc., and you'll be on your way to sounding like an expert. We can summarize some key points here, but the visuals and Matt's explanations will also likely be helpful. One main difference between a European and American window is in functionality, or in operability. In other words, they open differently. European windows are typically casement windows, a single panel of glass with a modern clean look, and they have a tilt sash, which means the moveable part of the window tilts. In European windows, the windows tend to tilt IN towards the inside of the building, where American casement windows tend to tilt out. European windows ALSO tend to have side hinges and can also therefore swing in sideways. These windows can seem very different compared to the typical American double hung window that slides up and down, or even to an American casement window that might tilt out. European windows tend to be highly energy efficient. A single panel of glass can provide an energy efficiency advantage, as there are fewer grills and gasket openings, which can allow air and energy leakage. The lack of grills also happens to contribute to the modern look of these windows. A European window screen would typically be on the outside, which is also true of American windows, with the exception of casement windows. American windows that tils out would run into an outside screen. European homes tend to have exterior mounted shutters - these are not typical in America and can cause an egress challenge. European windows tend to have thicker frames, so they're stronger. This strength can come into play with longer durability, especially if an install isn't perfect. They can also be more forgiving to install, since the window will not yield. Note that window treatments can be a challenge with European windows, as a window tilting in might hit or conflict with window treatments. Blinds in front of the window that can be completely moved before opening will work well. Blinds set in the window casing will prove a challenge when the window bumps into them. It's important to note that you can find energy efficient windows whether you select a European or American window. Functionality and aesthetics are likely to play a large role in your choice. Why choose an American window? Design preference is a significant reason for selecting American winnows, and they are also typically less expensive as well. You might prefer windows where the sash moves up and down, or where the look is more typical to what you're used to, or you might prefer additional, "divided" panels. Some people prefer these divided lights for looks alone, while others perceive added privacy added privacy from the additional panels, as they break up views to some extent. Other people prefer windows with fewer panels, particularly where they wish to see more of a clear view. You can also mix the look of your window depending on your design goals and view preferences, perhaps using some single panels and some divided lights, or some casement windows and some sliding sashes. Matt has some suggestions for manufacturers of both window types. For European windows, he's working with a company that was responsive to his desire to have nail fins attached to the windows for easier, accurate installation. He points out that some European window installation instructions assume brick and masonry exteriors, which are more common in Europe. The tape suggested for installation with these endows is not rated for more than 5 or 10 years, which introduces durability risk. Matt's advice is also not to order anything too custom, or you run the risk of people not knowing how to install it properly! For American windows, Matt requests stiffer frames that won't twist or bow out over time and with changing conditions. The idea is to make installation easier, and not make builders have to "fight" the windows for a perfect installation (Make them "idiot proof," he suggests), or years later when repairs or replacement might be needed. The good news is that Matt's confident that both window types installed properly, can provide a great level of energy efficiency. He reminds us that any window not installed correctly introduced risk we can't blame on the window itself, and he suggests always testing our work, even using a smoke pencil if not a more sophisticated home test. If you see air moving around the windows, it's not a good sign. Installed properly, you will not see that air. What are your questions about European versus American windows? What are your other window and entry efficiency questions, or advice you might have to share? Jump in and add your voice to the conversation! If you'd like to learn more about windows and energy efficiency, see our additional window discussions and articles! Windows and Energy Efficiency - Factors for Making Better Choices Top Factors for Selecting New Windows Deciding When to Replace Windows Energy Efficient Steel Windows and Doors - Arcadia Custom

Doors, Windows and Openings
Rate It Green TeamOctober 31, 2023
Product Discussions

Automatic Bath Fan Sensors Reduce Humidity, Pollutants, and Odors

As Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. points out, most people don’t use ventilation properly. Exhaust fans can be a missed opportunity for improving Indoor air quality, or IAQ , because so many people don’t turn them on, or they turn them off too soon. In the kitchen, excessively loud hoods are also less likely to be used. This means that cooking emissions are lingering in the air, and this problem is exacerbated in homes with natural gas stoves , where emissions include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter (PM). Natural gas cooking causes or worsens a range of health problems from short-term health effects to long-term respiratory and other diseases. In bathrooms, exhaust fans can help remove excessive moisture and odors. Occupants frequently forget to turn bath fans on, and they also commonly turn them off when they leave the room, which can cause humidity (and odors) to linger longer than necessary. Over time, excess humidity can damage surfaces and furniture, and can also support mildew and mold growth. Matt reviews a recent project where he installed a Panasonic bath fan with two sensors. The motion sensor stays on for a period of time you can set up to an hour, and the moisture sensor turns on when it senses humidity and remains on until the relative humidity reaches the set level. This fan has some clear benefits, including: Reduces mold, mildew and microbial risk Preserves finishes Bathrooms will smell better! In this renovation, Matt added a new bath fan and removed switches according to design preferences. But fan switches are available, and they can override or compliment fan settings. What ventilation and other retrofits can you share for improving air quality? We look forward to learning from your projects. Ask your questions as well! Related discussions: Remote Hood Exhaust Fan Retrofit Delivers Significant Noise Reduction Whisper Green Fans from Panasonic Eco Solutions - Quiet Prevention for Moisture and Condensation (and Smart!) Reactive Sensors and Controls for Home Ventilation, Featuring Corbett Lunsford Customized Switches and Sensors for Indoor Air Quality || Swidget Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) 101 - An Introduction, and Starting a Wider Conversation A Rate It Green Content Guide to: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Walking and Talking about Fresh Air and Ventilation with Green Building Expert Matt Hoots - and Oliver What is the Future of Natural Gas Cooking? Natural Gas Cooking - An Update and Recent News

Fans
Rate It Green TeamMarch 23, 2024
Product Discussions

Remote Hood Exhaust Fan Retrofit Delivers Significant Noise Reduction

Sometimes, a smaller targeted project can be the best project! I am excited to report that we just completed a retrofit to install a remote hood fan for our kitchen exhaust hood, and it instantly made such a big difference. We reduced the noise of our hood fan significantly, by twenty decibels, and everyone in the family is already more comfortable using this hood, where in the past they complained, resisted, or just didn't use it at all. And given that I know a bit about indoor air quality (IAQ) and associated health risks, it was really upsetting to me that I could not get people to use the hood without a lot of begging. Read about our experience below, and also check out the video about this project! See if you can hear the diffrence in fan noise, but we've also got photos and videos to help as well. Keep in mind - decibel levels are exponential. That means, our change is more significant than it sounds. We can definitely hear and feel the difference! Exhaust fans in kitchens are a critical part of ventilation strategies to ensure good Indoor air quality, or IAQ . All cooking is a chemical reaction, where we know there will be some emissions of chemicals and particles. It's important to remove these pollutants from the air, especially in concentrated areas where more pollutants are generated space, as in kitchens and bathrooms. But where a gas stove is present, it's particularly important to remove the added fossil fuel emissions, which can include carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter (PM). Natural gas cooking causes or worsens a range of health problems from short-term health effects to long-term respiratory and other diseases. We know from multiple studies now, for example, that childhood and long-term asthma rates are higher in homes where children lived and gas stoves were present. The thing is, no one wanted to use this fan! Maybe they didn't quite believe the health risks. I mean, they know from experience that other people also don't always make sure to use their fans, so how big of a deal could it be? They didn't quite think the health risks could be as bad as I suggested. That's a challenge with air quality - it's not something people can always smell and perceive, when there isn't a direct and observable condition or immediate and known health consequence. Prior to the project, the hood measured 75 dBA at its highest setting. Also, this fan was loud, so they just found it too irritating and didn't want to use it. But that turns out to be a problem I could solve. Before the project, I measured the fan noise at 75 decibels on high, and 70 on low. A normal conversation is about 60 decibels, and while 70 doesn't then seem so much more, it is because decibel levels are exponential. At 85 decibels and higher, there's a very real risk of harm, particularly with long exposures. 70 decibels is irritating, which I know from personal experience! Long exposures over 70 can also cause harm. Our fan was indeed annoying. It's also 17 years old. No one was using it no matter how much I begged, except a family member just admitted he used it when I was around so that he "wouldn't get caught not using it." I thought we had to get a new fan as I know that new fans are much quieter, and I was worried about basically landfilling something that shouldn't be waste. Fortunately, we were in the middle of a fairly major HVAC project (we're installing VRF heat pumps!), and after hearing my angst about this hood, our HVAC professional mentioned I could just get a new fan instead of replacing the whole hood. This may seem silly to some but I had no idea this was possible. (Meanwhile, I have sourced an apparently rare small oven part to keep my perfectly otherwise fine oven, so I don't know why this didn't occur to me! Perhaps that was one hope when I mentioned this to our contractor - so don't be afraid to express your concerns and ask questions!) You mght not hear the levels perfeclty in a video, though I think the difference in the "before and after" is actually noticeable, but I admit that this fan was loud. The kids complained, and you really couldn't have a great conversation in the kitchen. To keep perspective, here are some sample noise levels: Breathing is about10 decibels, or dBA Whispering is about 30 dBA Normal conversation: 60-70 dBA Refrigerator 50 dBA Above 75 dBA is considered a loud washing machine Doorbell 80 dBA Blender 80-90 dBA Lawnmowers: 80 to 100 dBA Vacuum 85 to 90 Subway 90-115 Motorcycle 95 dBA Sports events: 95 to 110 dBA Car horn 110 Rock concert 110-120 Sirens from emergency vehicles: 110 to 129 dBA Airplane at ramp 120 Above 140, even one occurrence can cause permanent hearing loss. Fireworks: 140 to 160 dBA (at 3 feet) After the installation, the change was instantly noticeable! We measured the fan at 50 dBA on low and 55 on high. We've now used the fan several times, in fact every time we've cooked, and we agree it's really a different and actually now a pleasant experience. After the remote fan was installed, the hood measured 20dBA lower, at around 55 dBA. This is a significant difference. A normal conversation is now easy, where it wasn't really possible before. I am so excited about this change, because it just makes the experience so pleasant that it's instantly clear we can change behavior. A family member who never wanted to use the hood has now accidentally left it on three times in the first two weeks since the installation! I hope this experience will inspire others to consider this type of project. Please feel welcome to connect and to ask questions! Please share your stories of similar projects, where you were able to achieve an impact in a way you didn't expect, or you achieved health and comfort win-wins that will make a real difference and that overcome some obstacles. in this case, we had a real win-win! This is our old hood fan. Though the new one is bigger, this looks like a bit of a monster to me! And this is the new remote fan, which includes a sound damper. It's bigger, but it's up in the attic working hard to convince everyone to use the hood. For information on Indoor Air Quality: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) 101 - An Introduction, and Starting a Wider Conversation A Rate It Green Content Guide to: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Related content about sensors, and ventilation: Automatic Bath Fan Sensors Reduce Humidity, Pollutants, and Odors Reactive Sensors and Controls for Home Ventilation, Featuring Corbett Lunsford Customized Switches and Sensors for Indoor Air Quality || Swidget Walking and Talking about Fresh Air and Ventilation with Green Building Expert Matt Hoots - and Oliver For more information on natural gas combustion in homes: What is the Future of Natural Gas Cooking? Natural Gas Cooking - An Update and Recent News For more information on noise levels: How Sound is Measured Noise Induced Hearing Loss

Fans
Allison FriedmanMarch 23, 2024
Other Discussion

Smart Exhaust Controls - Sensors Improve Garage and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

"There are good garages and bad garages…” according to Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. And in the good ones, we breathe better air! Matt reviews the benefits and and healthy air risks with attached and detached garages. The good news is that a ventilation fan can help remove the fumes we bring into garages when we park fossil-fuel powered vehicles inside a space that shares a wall with the main living space. A fan will also help dilute and fumes and chemials produced by items stored in a garage. However, it's worth noting that fans only generally “work” can can do their job with there’s some kind of sensor or automation, because people forget (or just don’t think) to turn them on, or off. The fan Matt installed in this project has a motion sensor that turns the fan on when a car pulls in (in addition to other motion of course), and there’s also a timer that can be set for a certain period of time. The fan can also be set to sense certain chemicals or exhaust levels and can run until hazard and pollutants reach acceptable levels. Garages can be such a great convenience, protecting people, vehicles, and equipment from environmental conditions. But it’s essential we build and retrofit with health and safety in mind. Read more about garages and air quality in this video as well. We don’t want to bring in polluted air or introduce fire hazards into our occupied spaces! Additionally, people who spend more time inside their garages should absolutely focus on air quality and good ventilation practices, as well as making sure building materials are the right materials for the job and are installed correctly. Garage Fire Safety & Indoor Air Quality Issues Indoor air quality monitoring is one way to check pollutant levels. to learn more about indoor air quality, or IAQ, check out: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) 101 - An Introduction, and Starting a Wider Conversation A Rate It Green Content Guide to: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Health and Air Quality
Rate It Green TeamMarch 25, 2024
Other Discussion

Strategies for Encouraging Continued Green Building Materials Demand and Supply Growth

I recently had a sober conversation with a colleague where we agreed we should be further along in quite a few ways than we are in terms of green building. I imagine many people in our wider circle won’t find that view surprising. I do of course hear positive news, especially at the leading edge of sustainable building and design, and there have been great pushes forward in many areas of affordable housing. But why hadn’t green building really reached the mainstream more? Why can’t we find the most impactful and effective ways to explain the health, energy, financial, and environmental benefits of building more sustainable, efficient, and healthy buildings? The IRA was supposed to distribute so many billions dollars, and yet how many states have had their rebate programs approved? How are the tax credits working for everyone in practice? It seems to me, and some from personal projects experience now, that not everyone knows how to fill out the paperwork as needed or has processes for timely completion. I do remain hopeful for some current projects to work out better, though. But why is it so challenging? Won’t this dishearten and even dissuade some people? We went ahead with a personal HVAC project, but we did so despite knowing the promised rebates might not come in time or be retroactive. We do plan to get the tax credits regardless, but the last thing energy legislation should do is keep anyone from moving forward! How are your materials specifying and shopping experiences going? On a personal level, I am pleased that have worked with several design professionals recently how have been open and eager to learn more about sustainable products. And yet, the response from manufacturers has been mixed. In a few residential segments, there really don’t seem to me to be more than a small number of available, better items. I can give examples, but I am not looking to disparage particular segments. It is interesting now the difference between some companies saying YES, we have lower impact or more natural products, others openly and refreshingly honestly saying what they are and aren’t doing, and some companies who clearly don’t have sustainable and health information to share, where it’s just not a focus, or they somehow don't find it beneficial enough to share related information for some reason. I find that we’re often buying now from the companies who are open to discussions and can provide SOME information. But it’s not like we can demand an EPD or HPD for every small order, and it’s not like most consumers know what these terms mean. My easy and strong suggestion is for those of us who want to see materials change for the better to keep asking those who sell and manufacture to do better and to communicate what they are doing - Asking and insisting on information is such a signal to companies and also to retailers and distributors that there is interest. A percentage of the time we ask, it feels like someone who is in some kind of position to make some change says that they have learned from the discussion. We don't always get a positive response, but increasingly we're receiving prepared information or follow up from representatives who seem pleased that their company is doing good and did have some information to share. I always feel that our asking is noted, and that all of the asking adds up. A second idea is to increase educational efforts, particularly to end users, and I mean consumers. Too often, it seems to me the industry is still talking more to ourselves than to those who can help increase demand and buy these items. There are a small number of awesome nonprofits and yes utilities working hard to provide online and some in person class, which we work to promote in our green building calendar, but there should be more efforts across a greater number of organizations, in all areas. Some good news is seems to me is that there are more electrification and energy efficiency educational efforts, particularly on the push to electrify, and focusing on heat pumps in HVAC, water heating, clothing drying, and to choose electric vehicles. Another idea is not surprisingly that we have to share inspiring examples and stories, and informative “how to” content. The more we can show people the benefits, and how they can make changes, and the more people can see how projects are done and how this might apply to them, it really seems the more people will feel inspired to take more action! And shares experiences should be honest to have the best impact. What’s easier, what’s more challenging, how have decisions been made, and what would you do the same or differently? I hear so often how important storytelling is, and yet I see only a small group of people making the time to share their experiences. So many people and organizations are all working hard, don’t get me wrong! But we don’t feel on track for things like 50% clean electricity by 2035, or understanding IAQ and reducing asthma and other health challenges related to indoor air. Too many people don’t know what an indoor air quality monitor is, and would we really know what to do, and be able to do it, if we had the information? I admit I bought monitors for myself, and they’re still in the box. Actually, I both three to learn how they work and to compete them and so I would be able to explain to others how they work, and then I didn’t quite get to this, but I DID loan one out… Now I need to check back with the person who borrowed it to see how it’s going! I have taken some steps in my professional and personal life to help improve our home and to help others do the same residentially and commercially as well, but like everyone else I am far from perfect. More recently, you can read about our remote hood fan project at home, and our work to upgrade our HVAC systems and to install heat pumps. These are steps in the right direction. I and we all need to do more, and I am eager to read about your work and your projects and to share these with as many people as we can, so we can reach a time where buildings will be substantially healthier and ore sustainable. We’re not there yet, but it’s certainly time to dig in and to try harder and to keep trying, and not at all to give up!

Advocacy
Allison FriedmanSeptember 21, 2024
Other Green Building Discussions

Top Green Building Educational Resources - Organizations Consistently Hosting Live, Online, Public Events

If you’re looking to attend a green building webinar or online training, or you would like to know about in-person green building or related events, there are a handful of leading US organizations that stand out more and consistently offer educational content, a good deal of which is free. We’re pleased to give a loud shout out to these organizations to thank them for their hard work to share information more widely, here and through listings on our open green building calendar . We try to keep up as we note events, and individuals and organizations are also welcome to post events! Top organizations that seem to have the most full green building calendars are listed below, and we’ve starred several organizations that consistently offer free educational content. Please shout if we’ve missed an organization - there might easily be groups hosting events we’re not aware of. The purpose here is to point people in the direction of resources which regularly provide educational opportunities and that are open to the public. There are also of course many organizations that host a smaller number of signature events each year, and we’d be happy to list those recurring great local or regional events separately. We didn’t focus here on libraries of on demand content - we can list those out as well at some point. Always feel welcome to point out great resources. California: * Pacific Gas & Energy (PEG&E) Learning Center : PG&E offers a wealth (400+ including recordings) of online and in-person energy and green building related educational classes and longer trainings, including on-demand content, all free. Content is both consumer and profesional facing. * Southern California Edison: SCE maintains an excellent calendar of free consumer facing and trade professional classes and trainings, online and in person. SCE operates two in-person educational centers, in Irwindale and Tulare. SCE also provides both consumer and professional content. * Tri-County Regional Energy Network (3C-REN): 3C-REN offers a great variety of free online and in-person courses, for both consumers and trade professionals, including for real estate professionals. The organization primarily serves California’s San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, but space permitting others are welcome and the lessons go beyond California’s borders. USGBC California: USGBC California was recently created by combining several regional California USGBC chapters. This combined entity is hosting an active calendar of events and trainings, some of which are free of charge, which can be unusual for a USGBC chapter. Connecticut: BuildGreen CT: BuildGreen CT combines the efforts and memberships of 4 formerly separate Connecticut green building related organizations. Since its relaunch as a new entity in 2023, the organization has been hosting a consistent roster of hosted and community partner events. Georgia: Southface Institute: Southface offers more technical trainings on a regular basis, online and in-person, and there are consumer facing educational opportunities as well. Most events have a fee, but fees seem lower for consumer-facing content than for professional, technical training. Illinois: Illinois Green Alliance: Illinois Green Alliance consistently lists a range of events, some hosted and some presented by aligned or partner organizations. Hosted events are often free or lower cost, which is not as common for other USGBC affiliates. Massachusetts: Built Environment Plus - Formerly known as USGBC Massachusetts, Built Environment Plus is a USGBC chapter which offers many of its own online and in-person opportunities to learn and connect, Most programs are fee-based and some training program investments are more significant, but Massachusetts businesses with fewer than 100 employees can apply for funding for employees to attend events, as long as the application is submitted 21 or more days prior to the event. * MassSave : Mass Save’s free online training roster currently hosts events on energy codes, stretch codes, and energy modeling. The organization is sponsored by a collaboration of Massachusetts' utilities and energy efficiency service providers. Many of MassSave's services are consumer facing, but the trainings seem more technical. NESEA : The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, or NESEA, maintains a full calendar of hosted events, including a now-annual set of Pro Green Building Tours, and regional and aligned organizational events. Michigan: * GreenHome Institute: GreenHome Institute (GHI) consistently offers a robust set of online courses that are free or can be part of a credential-earning program. GHI hosts some in-person opportunities as well, such as green building tours and trainings. GHI is one of the few organizations aside from a great set of California utilities that truly makes the consumer or DIY individual feel welcome in addition to industry professionals. Missouri: Missouri Gateway Green Building Council : The Missouri Gateway USGBC chapter hosts and lists several events a month, many of which are free. New York: Building Energy Exchange (BEEx); BEEx hosts online and in-person events throughout the year, many of which are specifically New York-focused, and many of which are free. Greening USA: GreeningUSA hosts regular free brown bag lunches on a variety of green building and sustainable topics, many of which are virtual (See their Facebook page for upcoming events) as well as a Sustainability Academy. GreeningUSA also does a good job of making all feel welcome. Urban Green Council : A USGBC chapter, Urban Green offers a range of online and in-person events, sometimes focusing on the organization’s home city of New York, but often enough more widely applicable. Most events seem to have some kind of a fee. Pennsylvania: Green Building Alliance (GBA): A USGBC chapter, Green Building Alliance offers a varied calendar of webinars, in-person events, trainings and green building tours. Most events seem to require some fee (GBA distinguishes between free and non-free events better than most, before you decide to click through.) Green Building United: An aligned chapter of the USGBC, Green Building Alliance offers events, usually with some fee, with some consistency not as full a calendar as some of the other organizations listed. The organization hosts a signature regional symposium annually. Texas: * Austin Energy Green Building : Austin Energy Green Building is a community-owned utility which seems to offer several free events a month. There are also some top national or non-geographically specific organizations which consistently offer online and/or in-person green building educational opportunities: * Passive House Accelerator : Passive House Accelerator maintains a robust calendar of hosted and partner and aligned organization events, some of which are free. * US Department of Energy - Better Buildings Initiative: The Better Buildings Initiative aims to enable residential and commercial energy efficiency, resilience and renewable energy, though the free hosted and aligned calendar events have typically been commercial in nature. United States Green Building Council (USGBC) - USGBC offers a wealth of educational and training opportunities. Some are free, but most have a fee which varies. USGBC offers events targeted to specific geographic areas, aligned with state and local organization chapters, as well as more general topics that are national or global/universal in nature. Let us know who we should add to this list!

Online Courses
Rate It Green TeamFebruary 11, 2025
Product Discussions

Green Building Myth Busting: It IS Fun to Watch a Pot Boil, on an Induction Cooktop (Video)

Have you wanted to see an induction stove at work? Check out this Green Building Myth Busting video by Green Builder Matt Hoots and Lisa Connor, of Sub-Zero, Wolf Southeast, Inc. This video is like a brief, fun science class. Although we personally don’t recommend it anyway, Lisa first busts the myth that you can’t touch an induction cooktop… Myth #2 that “a watched pot never boils” is actually a demonstration of the speed and control of induction cooking. Lisa boils 2-2.5 cups of water in record time, about 2.5-3 minutes This would take about: 12-15 minutes using a typical electric surface, and 8-10 minutes using a gas range product As Lisa says, this is about the only time it’s fun to watch water boil, and we kind of have to admit this is indeed fun. Also as she points out, this method of cooking is faster, more efficient, and better for occupant health and the environment. Next, Lisa takes the pot from a rolling boil down to a simmer, in an almost instant reduction. This alone is pretty cool and worth watching. We have been curious to learn more and to see induction cooking in action ourselves! She can even still touch the burner right away (not that we really recommend it). We look forward to learning more from Lisa about induction cooking! (More videos on this topic are coming soon!)

Appliances
Rate It Green TeamJanuary 26, 2021
Other Discussion

Health, Income, and Energy Efficiency Access: It’s all Connected

Energy efficiency, a term used to compare the amount of energy required for a product to work, is becoming increasingly important in our fight against climate change. Since energy-efficient products use less energy, they call for less electricity which helps lower emissions if the energy source is fossil fuels. There is another appealing factor to these energy-efficient products: energy efficiency means lower electricity bills. Energy-efficient utilities call for lower energy consumption, meaning you pay less for using products better for the environment, so this option seems to be an obvious choice, right? Well, yes and no. The long-term benefits of energy efficiency mean a lower financial burden from electricity; however, the initial costs can be high, especially for retrofitting an existing building. While eventually, energy-efficient products will consistently save a consumer money, putting forth the money for the upfront payment is not an option for everyone. Homes without these products are disproportionately those of low-to-moderate income (LMI), leading to a higher energy burden. This burden means that those in low-income households are spending three times as much of their income, compared to the median spending of non-low-income households, on energy costs. Moreover, the high energy burden threshold is 6%, but in five metro areas (Baltimore, Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston, and Birmingham), at least 25% of low-income households have energy burdens above 18%, three times that threshold. These burdens fall disproportionately on people of color as they are more likely to live in these LMI households. For example, a study shows that black communities are 68% more likely to live within 30 miles of a coal power plant and average 15% lower property values as a result. Without green energy, housing only reaffirms the poverty cycle, disproportionately creating obstacles for people without the proper resources to invest in their futures. Furthermore, not only does energy efficiency in green buildings affect costs, but also on health. Housing without these energy-efficient products leads to symptoms of sick building syndrome or even more explicitly, carbon monoxide poisoning, lead exposure, and respiratory problems; additionally, these unhealthy environments can also worsen pre-existing conditions. We cannot address these health effects without citing asthma as an example. While asthma can be genetic, environmental triggers without proper ventilation and exposure to pollution only worsen it. Additionally, fossil fuels in cooking contribute to asthma, an example of which is that homes with gas stoves increase children’s risk of asthma by 24-42%. This factor specifically affects the black population, as black adult Americans are 40% more likely to have asthma than white Americans and are almost three times more likely to die from asthma. These effects are even worse for black children, as they have a death rate from asthma eight times that of white children and are five times more likely to be admitted to the hospital for asthma. The lack of energy-efficient affordable housing not only contributes to the poverty cycle with higher energy bills but also to the health of those living in LMI households. This is where we should look to loans and grants to provide those living in LMI households with the proper funding to increase their energy efficiency, helping their financial situation and overall health. To create this progress, we must prompt our legislators to produce benefits properly targeted toward LMI households and people of color. To achieve equity, our legislators must help those subjugated to discrimination in housing by providing financial incentives to transition off fossil fuels and gain the equipment to receive lower energy bills and lower healthcare costs. We can achieve this goal by looking to institutions that have begun to model this practice. Massachusetts, with the new Mass Save Program rewrite , will cover 100% of the cost of energy-efficient home measures for those low-income households. Additionally, the state may cover 100% of the costs for air sealing and insulation measures for renters. Also, moderate-income households may qualify for the state's Income Eligible Program, including free upgrades and other savings, and even higher-income residents qualify for specific savings. Another example of this is the Zero-Emissions Homes Act, helping provide up to $10,000 in rebates, or $14,000 for LMI households, for space heaters, water heaters, and electric systems. These measures help alleviate the disproportionate burden on discriminated communities, but also help the entire public transition from fossil fuels toward a healthier, more energy-efficient future. Yet another model we should look to is certain California institutions in their move toward decarbonization. San Joaquin Valley Pilot Programs plan to retrofit homes with green, electric appliances in underprivileged communities at no cost, reducing the household’s energy costs with the ultimate goal of using these homes to encourage energy efficiency on a large scale in San Joaquin Valley. Another program in California, the Energy Saving Assistance Program , offers the cost-free opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of homes for low-income households. Additionally, the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program offers grants for affordable housing to become fully electric, choosing projects on a point system. These programs facilitate access to energy efficiency, meaning lower costs and healthier communities. In our battle with climate change, we cannot overlook the needs of disadvantaged households and look to provide the tools for sustainability to all. Sources [cover image] Vincent Desjardins Carver, Effekhari, Jaffee, Mayrides, Brown, Riemenschneider, Zizza, (2020). “Asthma Disparities in America,” AAFA, n.d. https://www.aafa.org/asthma-disparities-burden-on-minorities.aspx CDC Team, (2022).“Chronic Disease Indicators: Explore by Location,” DPH, CDC, n.d. https://nccd.cdc.gov/cdi/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=DPH_CDI.ExploreByLocation . Colton, Laurent, MacNaughton, Kane, Bennett-Fripp, Spengler, and Adamkiewicz, (2015).“Green Public Housing May Reduce Environmental Health Risks,” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, n.d. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/green-public-housing-may-reduce-environmental-health-risks/ . Drehobl, Ross, Ayala, (2020), “How High Are Household Energy Burdens?”, ACEEE, nd. https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/u2006.pdf Ettenson, Lara, (2020).“Energy Efficiency Reform Is Needed to Reach All Communities,” NRDC, n.d. https://www.nrdc.org/experts/lara-ettenson/energy-efficiency-reform-needed-reach-all-communities . Kresowik, Peterson, (2021). “How Congress Can Accelerate Zero-Emissions Homes,” RMI, n.d. https://rmi.org/how-congress-can-accelerate-zero-emissions-homes/ Noor, Dharna, (2022). “What the New Mass Save Rewrite Means for You,” The Boston Globe, n.d. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/02/02/science/what-new-mass-save-rewrite-means-you/ . OMH Team, (2021). “Asthma and African Americans,” The Office of Minority Health, n.d. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=15 Rewiring America Team, (2021), “High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebates Act (HEEHRA), Formerly Known as ZEHA,” Rewiring America, n.d. https://www.rewiringamerica.org/policy/zero-emission-homes-act . Tieskens, K.F., Milando, C.W., Underhill, L.J. et al., (2021).“The Impact of Energy Retrofits on Pediatric Asthma Exacerbation in a Boston Multi-Family Housing Complex: A Systems Science Approach” Environmental Health, n.d. https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-021-00699-x . Velez, K., Borgeson, M., (2022) CA Building Decarbonization: What’s Coming in 2022? | NRDC [WWW Document]. URL https://www.nrdc.org/experts/kiki-velez/ca-building-decarbonization-whats-coming-2022

Advocacy
gracemorrisonMay 31, 2022

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Appliances (8)Building Automation and Control (2)Cabinetry (1)Cleaning Products (1)Composites (2)Concrete (8)Countertops (4)Doors, Windows and Openings (12)Electrical (2)Energy Management (6)Exterior Improvements (4)Flooring (11)Furniture (2)Glazing (1)Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) (46)Insulation (16)
204 discussions
Product Discussions

How are your Heat Pumps Doing in Winter: The Good, the Bad, & The Ugly?

I don't want to gloat about my heat pumps entirely, believe me, as I just found out an older mini split we have apparently has a refrigerant leak. HVAC is also never easy - and never 100% "done" or "perfect," it seems. We also happen to have water in our house right now from an ice dam.... But that's another story for a different post. I am pleased that our new heat pumps seem pretty good and free of snow! I would love to report sometime that HVAC got easier to get right and that everyitng in our home is working perfectly, but we've got elements of our system that are complex, different, and of different ages. Who else out there has some combiation of VRF heat pumps, mini splits, hydro, radiant heating, radiators, older A/C compressors, forced hot air, and a combination of furnaces, air handlers, zone dampers, ERVs, makeup air, bath fans, humidification and dehumidification equipment, and a generator? I am sure I forgot something, or that some of these don't even belong on the same list. Earlier today, I was sent images of heat pumps that got buried in a coastal snow drift, and I recall back before our big recent project when I was thinking about how to locate compressors so they'd be safe from snow. I am happy to report that we did succeed in two places, though not in the way I planned. For one set, we extended a garage overhang, and that's been working pretty well. For the other, we took advatage of a small pocket in the back of our house. These little odd spaces are the result of projects over the years, by us and others, but I do feel we were rewarded for looking for any opportunities. And I can also say it's work asking and continuing to ask what is possible. An architectand builder helped us in the garage area, and the HVAC folks ptiently explored whether the connections we'd need were possible in the back of our house. So first, here are my heat pumps that I am knd of proud of. I worked for these locations! The extended garage overhang has worked really well. I originally hoped to hang a compressor on the wall here, to keep the snow off. But I was advised against this for a few reasons, including the risk of vibration of the compressor was actually on the wall. We were able to use this old architectural "pocket" to locate another heat pump. This spot has also worked nicely. Next, here are the images I received this morning from a building professional. These images remind me that mother nature has something to say sometimes, and we can't always just raise the heat pumps enough or hang them off a building. Thesehyper heat units are in a shallow ditch and are 24 inches off the ground. But the snow drifted 5 to 6 feet. So, this seems a reminder that if we can't locate the units under cover or they're not off the ground enough for current conditions, someone has to get our there and shovel. So, let's hear how your heat pumps are looking this winter. Are they doing great" Did they get buried? We can pat ourselves on the back togther, or commiserate as needed. And if you need to talk to smoeone about your ice dam, I'm here. For some ideas about snow and HVAC compressors: Mini Split Compressor Placement in Cold Climates (Think about Snow and Other Conditions) To learn more about our VRF heat pump project: VRF Heat Pump Installation For cold weather heat pump advice from Mitsubishi: Mini Split Cold Weather Design Advice and Guidelines, with Mitsubishi

Heat Pumps
Allison FriedmanFebruary 4, 2026
Product Discussions

Our Ice Dam - Frustrating, Expensive, and a bit of a Mystery

If you've had an ice dam, you're not alone. I heard a funny noise late at night in our kitchen, and though I was sure it would be nothing, I went to investigate. As I got closer, I recognized the slow drip sound of water inside our house. As people who try really hard to responsibly maintain our home, it's always deeply disappointing when something goes wrong, like the house kind of let us down in a way. We've been in this 1964-built house for over 20 years now, so we've also completed so many projects and it seems like we've replaced everything in the last couple of years especially - including a huge HVAC project where we added heat pumps, two additional ERVs, a remote hood fan and make up air in the kitchen, and more dedicated humidity equipment, new appliances, and even a large septic and drainage project. It seemed time for a break and for things to go well for a bit! I will likely update when we learn more, but for now I thought I'd share where we are and what's going on, and I wanted to see if people out there have advice or opinions. I have ideas on what I wish to do, but I might be over-engineering solutions in my head. The thing is, when I did that previously, ice dams did not come back in those locations. And that's the goal. We did have the roof raked, which is one reason this was frustrating- it's not like we declined to remove the heavier-than-normal snow. I am hearing that we should have asked that this small roof area be fully raked and that this situation might not have been so bad. Well, it may not be fun to hear this after we had damage, but maybe sharing can help someone else. We were away when the heavy snowfall occurred, but I will surely ask for full raking next time. One thing I’ll say on that though is that in my mind, if the vulnerability exists, then simply not experiencing the damage “this time” is like winning a battle and not the war. I don’t want to have a ticking explosive device and to think our space and our stuff are secure, only to find we had damage later only because I didn’t know or didn’t do something the right way now. So, what happened? I’ve heard two or three major themes so far. First of all, this is an East facing and indented roof area with a lot of trees around, so it’s not getting a lot of sun and warmth. Once formed, ice can remain there for quite a while. Second, we’ve got 4 skylights. They did not leak and look great, but as older less efficient openings, there’s some thought that the thermal energy they conducted might have melted the water on top of the glass. And then that water refroze below the skylights and in and around our gutters. It’s possible there could be vulnerabilities in the flashing around the skylights, but we actually had those redone to prevent leaks. It doesn’t help that this area has lots of corners and angles and is sort of like a bowl, with a lot of roof square footage above. One thing people have said frequently is that water will find a way. So even a perfectly finely built wall or roof has perforations from nails even where if freezing, melting, and refreezing water pushes up against these areas with enough pressure, something is going to get through. It feels like we had a leak bigger than a pinhole though. But that is how ice dams seem to work with shingles, - melted water freezes back up, pushes under the shingles, and melts through. But it is my opinion and experience that a solid water resistant barrier doesn’t actually let water through - it has to sit on top. For now, we’ve called our insurance company on this one. We’ve taken on a lot of issues and projects on our own, but we thought with roofing issues and water and some flooring, this is where insurance makes sense. The roof raking company came back, awesome handymen came by and placed come calcium chloride on the roof, roofers came and took even more ice off the roof, I had a carpenter visit today, a disaster mitigation company is coming tomorrow to check moisture levels and what we can to to dry this all out, as is a flooring repair person. Wow! Who am I forgetting? Ah yes, furniture refinishing for the unfortunate table which absorbed a heck of a lot of water. So, what do I wish to do? I want to put ice and water shield on this roof and on the three walls that surround it. Not just 1-6 feet - wall to wall and the whole roof. We did this once before 20 feet up, and that area of roof has not had a problem since. It was a small amount more above the 6 or ten feet recommended at the time, and the roofers were a little surprised I chose the additional coverage, but why stop short of a durable, quality solution when you have reason to believe it will work? There’s nothing wrong with the skylights, but… I would be ok to replace them as they’re 30+ years old. It would be a waste to keep them and have the seals fail or something. We’ve been advised to use heat tape on this area, and I am not against that. One person thought heat tape only on the second floor roof would solve the problem as there was a good amount of ice up there. But not only did I see “suspicious” sheets of ice on the first floor pushing out of the gutter into the shingles and building in the corner against the wall, we had a crazy situation after the calcium chloride was placed around the gutters and skylights. A little over ten minutes later, water went from dripping to running through the nail holes of the drapes we’d had to remove. That was crazy. It was also informative as it meant there was definitely an issue between the gutter and the skylights. I also worry it means a big enough hole was created that now any snow, ice, or even rain is going to come through. I've been told by one person I can likely fix the inside now and repair the outside later - but then what if water comes through in the mean time and re-damages the inside?? So if we’re using heat tape, the first floor would be my first pick, but I am not against the second floor as well. I fear only doing the attic would pour water on the first floor roof area and could potentially make it worse as it could then freeze on top of whatever else was there and freezing. The second floor ice is a little confusing as we added spray foam insulation in our attic and all areas we worked on in 2025 and 2006. We took an older, leakier house and made it tighter! Which is one reason we also added and then expanded mechanical ventilation. But as this was an existing home we renovated in 2005/6, we certainly can look into whether there are gaps at the bottom of the eaves? Please feel invited to share any thoughts! What am I missing? Where do you think the problem might be, and what are your suggested solutions? I'll plan to share the final decisions and outcomes - and hopefully it will not rain further inside our home. Also, plesse share your ice dam and other home damage, repair and maintenance frustrations, and wins here or in other posts! We can all learn from each other- and help each other as a member community -and beyond. The East-facing back roof. This area was apparently expanded with the skylights before we moved in, back in 1995. You can see the solid glacier strip of ice here. I am not sure why the skylights were not cleared, but this was a major storm and there was so much snow. We were not home, and perhaps the people who came this time didn't even know we had skylights? Another view of the ice built up long the gutters. A closer view of the corner and gutter ice. It looks like some water is pooling on the skylights in this image. But the skylights had no visible leakage and the water is only at the lower edges. It might still have come from the skylights, but we see shingles that look distubred at the roof edges as well, where a lot of the ice was. You can see how the water traveled along the ridge. When we removed the drapes, water flowed slowly our of the screw holes in the ceiling. After the calcium chloride was applied to the roof above, water almost immediately gushed out for some time. And we had wondered if we really had to remove the drapes! The table had apparently been absorbing water, maybe saving the floor and other items from worse damage. I hope we'll be able to refinish it. There's hope that the floors will improve as they dry out and not need too much repair. The floor damage is a bit hard to see on film. Fortunately, it's not too large an area, but it did wick some.

Roofing
Allison FriedmanFebruary 5, 2026
Product Discussions

Green Building Market: Driving the Future of Sustainable Construction

The Green Building Market is gaining significant momentum as the global construction industry shifts toward sustainability and environmental responsibility. Green buildings are designed to reduce environmental impact through efficient use of energy, water, and materials while improving the overall quality of life for occupants. With rising concerns about climate change and resource depletion, both governments and private sectors are increasingly investing in eco-friendly construction practices. The market is witnessing strong growth due to increasing awareness of energy efficiency and the long-term cost benefits associated with green infrastructure. Buildings consume a large portion of global energy, and adopting sustainable solutions helps reduce operational costs while minimizing carbon emissions. This has led to a surge in demand for green construction materials, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally responsible architectural designs across residential and commercial sectors. Government policies and regulations are playing a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of green buildings . Many countries are introducing strict environmental standards, offering tax incentives, and promoting green certifications to encourage sustainable development. These initiatives are pushing developers and builders to integrate eco-friendly technologies and materials into their projects, further driving market growth. Technological advancements are also shaping the future of the green building market. Smart building systems, energy management solutions, and renewable energy integration are becoming key components of modern construction. These innovations not only enhance building performance but also provide better control over energy consumption, making green buildings more efficient and cost-effective over time. Rapid urbanization, particularly in emerging economies, is another major factor contributing to market expansion. As cities grow and infrastructure demands increase, there is a strong need for sustainable development to manage resources effectively. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including India and China, are experiencing significant growth in green construction due to increasing urban population and supportive government initiatives. Despite its growth, the market faces certain challenges such as high initial investment costs and lack of awareness in some regions. However, as technology advances and the benefits of green buildings become more widely recognized, these barriers are gradually being overcome. Developers and consumers alike are beginning to see the long-term value of sustainable construction.

Furniture
alexa kellyApril 13, 2026
Product Discussions

Free Webinar: From Data to Decisions: EPDs in the Age of AI, March 6, 9-9:45am PT / 12-12:45pm ET

The EPD ecosystem is maturing—but the infrastructure behind it is struggling to keep pace. AI is accelerating how EPDs are produced but verification standards haven't caught up. And demand signals from designers and procurement policy, while real, remain hard for manufacturers to read. On March 6, C.Scale CEO Jack Rusk moderates a panel of three practitioners who sit at different nodes of that ecosystem: Anna Lasso at Smart EPD built North America's largest EPD program before building a fully digital alternative. Jack Cove at Pathways automates AI-assisted LCA for heavy building materials. Sean Darras at Lightly used successive EPDs to cut his product's embodied carbon 75% And Jack and the C.Scale team are working to connect material-level EPD data to whole-building design outcomes. Together they'll map what's working, name what isn't, and make the case that EPDs are a powerful design tool, not only a compliance checkbox.

Other Products
srusti_ithalFebruary 27, 2026
Featured
Product Discussions

VRF Heat Pump Installation - In Progress!!

Hi everyone - I've mentioned in our newsletters about how we are going to be intalling VRF heat pumps in the future, and.... the future is here! I look forward to sharing more information as we finish the project and also as I collect performance data in the future, but for now I can share some early photos and also explain why I am excited. Why am I excited about the VRF units in particular? In the past, HVAC systems were basically either on or off. When off, HVAC systems aren't working for building occupants, meaning that they aren't filtering or ventilating at all. Additionally, the constant turning on and off isn't great for the motors, as they need to work harder to meet set temperatures. This also means the air isn't as evenly mixed, which affects comfort. The newer VRF systems can have longer run times with variable fan speeds to smoothly meet occupants goals. This type of system is better for comfort, energy efficiency, and also for the life of the equipment. This installation is part of a big HVAC project for us. We've been in the house for 17 years, and we knew we would have to o a major HVAC project at some point. We thought about completely electrifying and getting rid of natural gas, but it doesn't entirely make sense here for a few reasons. One is that our electric equipment will be less efficient (but still very efficient!) in colder weather, but we're going to rely on it all we can. We also have a gas-fired generator, and we don't have a suitable alternative at this time. So we did replace our boilers with highly efficient gas boilers, and we're installing the heat pumps and mini splits. We're also going to get an induction stove when we replace our stove, and I'll soon be purchasing a ventless drye, as our washer and dryer aren't working well at this point. We all do what we can and what makes the most sense for our proprties. Key is to evaluate your home and your situation and to have a plan, so you don't get stuck in an emergency with something that isn't ideal for you now and into the future, and so you don't also spend more than you are prepared for. Fortunately, we knew this project was coming. Our goal was to reduce consumption and increase energy efficiency as mucyh as we reasomably can. As I mentione, we knew long ago we'd have to replace the boilers at some point, and we got a lot of advice to keep gas in the property, particularly due to the generators but also because of our climate zone. Actually, the home inspector told us when we moved in that the boilers might last a few months or a few years, so after this long I have been anxious every winter that they were going to fail in an emergency situation - which was honestly fairly stressful. Our old boiler also may have had pre and post combustion gas leaks, so that made me ven more anxious! In addition to the boilers, we wanted to leverage heat pump technology through heat pumps and smaller mini split units where needed. The boilers might br 95% efficient, but above about 30 degrees farenheit, the heat pumps can be 300-400% efficient! In the end, we will have two VRF heat pumps, 2 mini splits, and one older compressor we will replace with a heat pump when it nears the end of its useful life (It's not old enough to really make sense to replace at this time.) We also have another very old single-compressor system we will replace with another mini when the time comes. That should be ideally replaced any time now, but it's just a cooling need in a single space, and we will wait for it to need repair as it's not often used and it's sure nice to control some costs. Step 1: Concrete pad! Step 2: creating bases and starting to install the equipment! This area was already an HVAC compressor location for us, but it was a bit messy from past retrofits. Also, as I shared in an earlier piece , our first mini split compressor was too exposed to snow in this area. That's ok for a mini split that had one zone and was a bit of an extra for that zone only, but we don't want to be shoveling out our main HVC equipment. So we're putting the heat pumps and all compressors on higher stands, and we're going to build a small roof overhand over the equipment, to match the garage look. I'll share that when we're all done! Here are a couple of past images - It's going to be tons better now, but you can see why we thought to redo this area. If nothing else, we needed to get the snow off this equipment, Even without snow, this area isn't attractive and doesn' tmake a lot of sense. A major project gave us the opportunity to rethink!

Heat Pumps
Allison FriedmanApril 30, 2024
Product Discussions

Keep Cooking During Power Outages | Impulse Labs Induction Cooktop

The demand for induction cooktops continues to rise as more people discover the health, precision, and safety benefits of cooking with energy efficient induction cooktops over fossil fuels and less efficient electric equipment. A recent breakthrough by Impulse Labs is poised to elevate this technology even further – especially when it comes to resilience. Check out this interview with Green Builder Matt Hoots and Marissa Horwitz from Impulse Labs at KBIS 2025 where Marissa was having a ton of fun showcasing her company’s impressive cooktop and technology. Why is induction cooking important? Health and environmental impacts are top reasons it's important to consider induction cooktops, and other electric equipment, including water heaters and dryers, in addition to vehicles. Gas used in cooking releases particulates and chemicals into the air at levels considered unsafe by the EPA and World Health Organization (WHO). The amounts are higher where ventilation is not sufficient. These pollutants contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular irritations and conditions even with short term exposure, and long term can contribute to or cause asthma, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other conditions. Recent studies have linked gas cooking to higher childhood asthma rates. The environmental impacts of fossil fuel combustion are also significant. On-site combustion in homes and other buildings contributes to pollution and climate-impacting emissions. As researchers at Rocky Mountain Insitutute have pointed out, we should also think of our homes in a sense, at the "end of a pipeline" and system that produces toxic chemicals and leaks throughout, even as this system also provides critical energy. The nitrous oxides produced by this combustion are the same pollutants produced as a part of vehicle and power plant exhaust, and they also contribute to smog. The EPA reports that residential buildings generate 13% of US greenhouse gas emissions on site, but this is an understatement that does not consider construction and transportation. Total emissions including offsite generation are typically reported between 27% to 29 %, and 40% , including construction. Marissa reminds us that home appliances are not replaced that often, on average every 8 to 25 years depnding on the type of equipment, so it's important to make healthier and more long term sustainable choices when these opportunities arise when buildng or renovating, or when purchasing new equipment due to failure or changing needs. It's wise to have a plan for replacing major equipment and when possible to replace the equipment before failure, so that you are not searching for important appliances in an emergency situation when you may not have the time to make optimal choices, or the equipment and service might be more expensive in a rush. Switching away from fossil fuels to electric powered equipment is called electrification and along with increasing energy efficiency and lowering consumption and emissions is part of decarbonization, an overall reduction or elimination of carbon emissions. How is the Impulse Labs Induction Cooktop different? Top novel aspects of the Impule Labs induction cooktop include ease of installation, also known as its plug and play ability, and back up power. This cooktop "plugs in" to regular 120 volt outlets and therefore does not require an electrical upgrade or renovation. As mentioned, appliances and major home equipment are not replaced very often, and speed for replacement is often a priority, especially if equipment is replaced due to failure. This mean means there might not be time to upgrade an electrical panel or otherwise renovate, to say nothing about the funds. The integrated back-up battery power is also really a breakthrough. Instead of relying on a whole house battery, the cooktop basically recharges itself over time, and can conservatively cook three meals once a power outage has occured. Marissa and Impulse Labs lead us to consider the idea of a home full of electric appliances that keep working during power outages and one day can perhaps distribute power as and if needed throughout a building. The Rate it Green team is truly impressed with the Impulse Labs induction cooktop, currently available online with about a 12-week lead time. Key features and benefits include: Speed and Power: Where most induction cooktops can boil water in an impressive 3-4 minutes, the Impulse Lab’s cooktop generates a rolling boil in less than 40 seconds. The cooktop has a 10 kW output, more powerful than typical 4 kW induction cooktops, which are already impressive. Precision: The Impulse Labs cooktop maintains a set temperature within 1 degree, and it will add power to keep the desired temperature if ingredients are added or the pan shifts. Precise temperatures can be set, for as long as needed, to cook without burning. Resilience: The Impulse Labs cooktop has an integrated 3 kWh battery, which allows the oven to function during power outages. The battery can cook 3 meals, estimated conservatively, as it holds enough energy to power a typical refrigerator for a day. Plug and Play: This cooktop needs only 8-12 amps, in comparison to a typical 30-60 amps. It can be hardwired in, or just plug this induction cooktop in without upgrading an electrical panel - a perfect solution for retrofits. Safe: Like other induction cooktops, the burn risk from cooking with this cooktop is much lower, as only the pan is heated and not the cooktop. The surface remains warm from the hot pot’s surface contact only, and this cools rapidly. The stove also has LED rings that indicate temperature. Ventilation needs are also reduced with induction cooking, as there’s no combustion as with gas cooking and also because precise temperature controls means cooks can stay below the smoke point, though Matt and Marissa strongly affirm that ventilation is still always ideal due to the particulates and emissions that result from cooking. Bold, Modern Design: The Impulse Labs cooktop has a sleek modern look to envy, inducing fun hockey puck-like handles that detach for cleaning. Cooktop or record player? Maybe that can be a future feature! Either way, the look is a plus. Easy to Clean: Did we mention the removable dials? Impulse Labs is Partnering with brands like Thor to bring this first product to market. We’re excited to see more! Imagine taking combustion out of the home for health and reducing energy bills and emissions. Imagine appliances playing a significant role in enabling a smoother energy transition to a cleaner, healthier, and more affrodable future. The Impulse Labs cooktop technology really seems to offer an approachable path to resilience, while still promising looks, performance, and health. The initial units are for early adapters it seems, but prices will lower as more brands adopt this technology. That said, the cost of a renovation to install another stove might easily be a far greater investment, to say nothing about a generator to keep the power going.

Cooktop Stoves
Rate It Green TeamApril 16, 2025
Featured
Product Discussions

Key Humidity Control Concepts, by Nikki Kruger with Therma-Stor

Nikki Krueger, Building Science and Business Development Manager at Therma-Stor took the time to introduce the company and also to explain several key dehumidification concepts . This interview is a great example of how sharing expertise can help everyone down the green building, healthy building, and smart building learning curve. Humidity is a such a great topic, as both too little or too much moisture can be harmful to people and property. But proper humidity control can be a part of ensuring comfort, health, and clean and safe indoor air quality conditions. Thanks Nikki! Post your questions here in reply, and Nikki will be happy to provide additional information. History of Therma-Stor: If you don’t know already, Therma-Stor has a pretty interesting (and “cool”) history. The Madison, Wisconsin company started out creating tanks for the dairy industry which enabled barns to reclaim heat from the milk refregieration tanks to get “free hot water.” The team then asked, how can we otherwise leverage this technology, and this led to the deployment of similar technology for grocery stores, ice skating rinks and even restaurants. Fast forward to the 1990’s, when the company created the first whole house ventilating dehumidifiers, and then the first horizontal dehumidifiers used in crawlspaces. The company is organized into several brands, all engineered and manufactured in Madison, with a range of options for residential and light commercial use: Phoenix Restoration - Ventilation for extreme weather, water loss, and fire Santa-Fe Dehumidifiers - Commercial-grade dehumidification for residential and light commercial applications, including while house with ventilation options and stand alone for basements and crawlspaces (now includes UltraAire under one combined brand) Quest - Commercial climate control, with a full line of commercial dehumidification equipment Temperature and humidity management are not the same: When we increase ventilation, it’s important to realize we’re bringing more outside air into our buildings, which affects the temperature of our space as well as the moisture levels. We use our HVAC equipment to reach the desired temperature, but we also want to maximize the water removal in getting to that temperature. One temptation is to control humidity with an HVAC thermostat. This activity affects humidity, but really more as a byproduct. The Sensible Load is the temperature we feel on our body, as measured by a thermometer. This temperature is controlled by the thermostat. The Latent Load describes the moisture content of the air, and this is often referred to as relative humidity. 40-60% humidity is the ideal range, but humidity doesn’t exist alone and is relative to temperature. Humidity is impacted by temperature, but not 100%. in fact, for every degree the temperature rises, the RH goes up 2%. If you’ve been wondering what dew point really is, it’s what the temperature would have to be for the humidity to be 100%. Dew point matters with respect to ventilation, as we sometimes over cool to try to remove water. But if we have places that can hit dew point, the air can get too cold, which means registers might start dripping water, or duct work might condense. This is one of the key reasons that over cooling in an attempt to regulate humidity often doesn’t work. Energy is wasted, people aren’t even comfortable (or as healthy) in gooey, clammy air, and… the excess moisture can cause damage. When we size HVAC equipment, one objective is to maximize water removal when the equipment is running. But keep in mind with today’s more efficient equipment and with seasonability (times when the weather might feel just right, and we’re not ventilating), the systems aren’t always running. During that time, a system with no humidification equipment is not addressing moisture in the air. What factors contribute to higher Relative Humidity (RH)? As Nikki reviews, moisture is a top contributor to building degradation, whether through mold and rot, even potentially affecting footers and beams. Most people might be aware that outright water leaks and bulk water such as rain, groundwater are an urgent concern, but fewer people are aware of all of the less obvious ways that water enters and moves through the home. And some of these ways are a direct result of building practices that are evolving as a part of the transition to a clean energy economy: Mechanical ventilation - We ventilate to minimize indoor pollutants, but again we need to be aware of the condition of the air we’re bringing in. This is true regardless of the type of ventilation (See Matt Hoots’ recent introduction to ventilation types ). Buildings will equilibrate we need to add the air, or it will “come from somewhere.” (Another resource: Do walls need to breathe? ) Also as we build houses tighter and want to control air flows, we want to control our air and minimize cooling and heating for efficiency’s sake. This is not always optional for RH levels. Low sensible loads (pertains more to shoulder seasons) - When the dew point is high, it feels mild outside, and many people don’t see a reason to run their air conditioning equipment. But there’s sill plenty of moisture in the air, now not being controlled. Equipment with a high Sensible Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating - AC equipment with a high SHR (sensible heat ratio) is efficient at getting to temperature, but not at removing water Crawl spaces and basements - As the house draws more air up from below grade, the humidity goes right along with it. Diffusion - Diffusion through the wall assembly is another way water enters the home, though not as substantial in terms of volume Construction drying - Surprisingly, it can take a couple of years to dry out from construction. A slab of concrete is made largely of water after all, and buildings contain lots of porous materials, including wood People generate water - Did you know that each person generates about 1/4 pound of moisture per hour. A family of 4 generates 2 pints per hour People operate equipment according to their lifestyles and most people just don’t know enough about moisture control The Sensible Energy Efficiency ratio, or SEER, is the cooling output during a typical cooling season divided by the total electric energy input during the same period. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit. The efficiency derives from how efficient the unit is at managing the sensible load. A higher SEER means you have even more focus on sensible and less focus on latent heat, and Niki explains that this can result in a higher RH by up to 10%. This means that it’s likely a good decision to add some dehumidification, but instead in the shoulder seasons, any people are busy throwing open their windows as the temperature seems less extreme. The Sensible Heat Ratio, or SHR, is the sensible cooling load/total cooling load. This is a measure of the dehumidification effectiveness of the A/C equipment. According to Nikki .77 is a typical SHR. Why control humidity below the house? Basements and crawl spaces are the first areas we have to get right, according to Nikki, as basements and crawl spaces are the source of the majority of the vapor coming into the house. Apparently, 50% of the air in the home starts below the home. If the air below the structure is not treated properly, then this is going to affect the indoor air quality. In the 1920’s and 30’s, building codes started to address and the main thought was to ventilate. But ventilation does not control moisture In the 21st century, we now allow homeowners to encapsulate attics and crawl spaces instead of ventilating by sealing the space with a waterproof membrane. This is a better approach if done correctly because the systems control of the air coming in and out of the overall structure. The main risk if not done right can be poor drainage and a lack of effectiveness due to improper sealing. These spaces mostly contain mechanical equipment and therefore occupant are not affected by this unconditioned air that is more humid and likely to have poorer quality. Assuming a sealed system, the home’s systems will then work better protected from more extreme outside conditions. Why do we need dedicated humidity equipment? We need to control humidity to protect property, but controlling moisture is also critical to human comfort and health. Comfort is often the top complain when humidity is not ideal, followed by health concerns especially for those who have asthma or other respiratory concerns. We feel or sense when humidity is not within the ideal zones, of 40-60%. Too little humidity, and people and property dry out. Some viruses also remain in the air in these conditions. Too much humidity, and we could be encouraging mold and fungi, and pests like dust mites. As Nikki shares, 80% of the people with indoor allergies are allergic to dust mites - and they die at 50% RH or below! Meanwhile many microorganisms thrive above 75% RH. Thinking about the list above, the point is that we need to accept, aside from a maintenance or repair issue, the way we normally operate buildings creates many conditions which call for humidity control. We are bringing in more air through modern mechanical ventilation, and so we need to then condition that air for our health and investment. And yet, we don’t always run the equipment that might manage humidity a percentage of the time. But even if we did run this equipment, thermostats are efficient at managing the sensible load and not the latent load anyway. Our systems are designed to optimally perform for peak loads, which might be maybe 1% of the year, but that means 99% of the year, we need to be practical and figure out the best way to run them for average and actual conditions. As Nikki says, "Humidity equipment can actually be a sign of a job done right." Sometimes, we've managed other conditions so well, that we now need the right quipment for this job. And finally, who’s opening that window when they shouldn’t? Who’s adding moisture into the home in all kinds of ways they don’t even know? It’s impossible to predict all of the ways occupants can and will affect moisture. Are dehumidifiers energy hogs? (No) Nikki makes an interesting point. Where some might think you’ve done something wrong if you need a dehumidifier, it actually likely means you’ve done everything right, and that you’re using the right equipment for the job. A “nice and tight” house is more efficient (and cheaper) to run, but it means the air has to be actively managed. In a leaky house, we don’t know where the air is coming from, but we do still have to address it - but likely by running the AC a lot more of the time. As Nikki and Green Builder Matt Hoots agree, this is easier all done right in new construction. But much of the time dehumidification is being installed in retrofits. It’s important to understand that in existing buildings, when we change one system of the house, it can affect the rest of the wider system. For example, we can’t air seal and insulate and tighten without addressing the effects. Humidification and proper ventilation do consume energy, but Nikki argues we need to accept the energy penalty to build or repair healthy and comfortable houses - specifically because we are making them energy efficient. So these processes are complementary in the final analysis. Using the Residential Energy Dynamics resource, Nikki shows how it costs $149 per year to remove humidity through one system. As she points out, this is cheaper than trying to use AC to dehumidify, by a lit. She shows us how a typical AC unit might remove 2-3 pints per hour, where a dehumidifier will remove 5 to 9 pints. And… these numbers are only correct for AC when the system is running… What Can Homeowners do to Control Humidity? Most of us think humidity is only in certain climates, but it affects all built structures… We might not be paying attention off season, but that’s where we’re likely to make mistakes. Size wisely - As Nikki shares, systems should be set up to over cool a little bit to help with humidity but we don’t want comfort issues, and we certainly don’t want to create conditions where we can hit dew point. So extremes will not improve performance, or comfort. Choose the right equipment for your particular situation - Putting in systems that aren’t appropriate for the actual conditions won’t necessarily achieve the result. Nikki and Green Builder Matt Hoots agree that for existing homes it’s best to get everything working as close to correctly as we can get it, to minimize filtration needs and seal ductwork, and then see if we need a dehumidifier or other additional equipment. Let’s design for the conditions we actually have. It’s important to also adjust as changes are made to a built structure. Sealing up a building without adding mechanical ventilation can lead to poor air quality and other problems for example. Monitor - Nikki increasingly recommends that builders provide humidity monitoring. This equipment will help ensure that RH doesn’t get too far out of range for extended periods of time. As she points out, “Just because it meets code, doesn’t mean it’s going to work.” Maintain - We talk in this piece about many vapor intrusion types that are less obvious. Normal diffusion is preventable, but some of the other types and methods for vapor movement can be reduced or eliminated at a range of investment to be sure. But it’s important to maintain all equipment, and also to maintain a home generally. Poor drainage or gutter systems might allow bulk or liquor water to enter the home, which can cause significant damage and quickly. Continue to educate yourself - Since people affect all of the systems in a home, it’s worth understanding our systems and equipment and how they work, and what the ideal conditions are. The more educated the occupant, the better systems are likely to perform. All homeowners and occupants should ideally know how a house works, and understand how to make a difference , and even what to use/adjust in what season to achieve the desired conditions and comfort. If you’re reading this, it’s a start! Connect with people like Nikki and some of our other active HVAC experts. Ask questions, and keep learning. One of the problems is that many f us just don’t know enough about humidity and all the other components of IAW as well. Thank you to Nikki for sharing these Additional Resources: Ultra-Aire Psychrometric Calculator , an app by Therma-Stor The Ultra-Aire Psychrometric Calculator app provides calculations such as relative humidity, dew point, grains per pound, and dehumidifier performance. RED Calc Tools by Residential Energy Dynamics Enter your home’s parameters, and this tool will show how to control RH during the year for a particular built space HVAC Talk Look for “TeddyBear!” Advanced Energy (North Carolina) Advanced energy offers a crawl space class that comes recommended. The company also has a page for additional resources on crawlspaces . ACCA offers Manual LLH, HVAC design for for Low Load Home s Additional Humidity Related Reading on Rate It Green: Whole House Humidity Control - Dehumidification and Humidification, with Airplane Humidity, Hardwoods and Homes - The Building Science Approach to Protecting your Investment What is the ideal humidity needed to help maintain hardwood flooring? Whole House Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) Explained, by Panasonic Demystifying Ventilation and Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) A Look at How ERVs Work with Panasonic: How 80% Efficiency Might Work in Practice Spot Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) - Designed for One Location (vs Whole House) The Benefits of an ERV + How it Works | Panasonic FV-04VE1+FV-WC04VE1 Whisper Green Fans from Panasonic Eco Solutions - Quiet Prevention for Moisture and Condensation (Video) Green Building Myth Busting: Natural Ventilation - Do Your Walls Need to "Breathe?" (Video) Walking and Talking about Fresh Air and Ventilation with Green Building Expert Matt Hoots - and Oliver Your House May be Making You Sick! Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) 101 - An Introduction, and Starting a Wider Conversation

Humidity Control Equipment
Rate It Green TeamSeptember 29, 2021
Product Discussions

Learning about Smarter Refrigerant Management with Trakref

This interview with Tedd Atwood of Trakref and Matt Hoots is a must listen for building owners and operators/managers. Managing refrigerants better will save money and energy and equipment life. It’s really worth everyone understanding more about refrigerants and refrigerant leaks, as the problem is bigger than most of us are aware. The extent to which refrigerant is poorly managed and tracked is really surprising, given that these products affect operations costs and energy bills, to say nothing about environmental impact. As a part of HVAC or refrigeration systems, refrigerant helps transfer heat out of our built environment to make it cooler. But as Ted explains, we don’t have a good grasp on what’s happening to refrigerants in their service life, as invoices are often used as an imperfect measure of accounts and impact. Would you believe that refrigerants leak the same amount now as they did about 26 years ago, at about 25%, with the presumption that all refrigerants produced eventually look or assumed to have leaked - meaning “where they end up going" isn’t tracked)? This means that of 600 million pounds of inventory removed or lost each year, 450-500 million pounds is just lost, after accounting for refrigerant transferred to new equipment. Trakref’s software provides the maintenance team with an effective way to communicate the information building management needs to track leak rates and make informed repair and replacement decisions. The process begins with great asset records and history and continues with accurate information throughout the life of refrigerant-using equipment. Top clients include grocery stores, data centers, commercial properties, hospitals, and hotels. Trakref employs activity tracking in place to supplement the information on invoices - With a 2 minute questionnaire, service providers help bring visibility to leak rates so service companies and building owners and managers have the information they need to make critical refrigerant management decisions. The process is easy so that service providers are set up for success in the middle of a busy schedule. Most often, related equipment decisions have been made base on historical costs to repair - but this process can be misleading and often allows for avoidable expense and errors. Declining refrigerant costs led for many years to false assumptions that systems were “working,” even as they kept leaking at the same rates. Additionally, data might be provided quarterly instead of within hours and days. Why do refrigerant leaks matter? From an environmental perspective, refrigerants have what is known as a high GWP, or global warming potential, a measure of the destructive potential of a climate pollutant. It’s important to understand that refrigerants today are often many multiples time more polluting than carbon dioxide, with a GWP set to 1. Today’s most common refrigerant has a GWP of almost 2000 times that of carbon dioxide, to give some perspective. One tank of R-22 refrigerant is equivalent to the annual fuel for 7 cars, and R404A, another refrigerant, is equivalent to 14 cars.* Refrigerants also come with the risk of contamination, which happens when oil of moisture enters the system, or when 2 refrigerants are accidentally mixed together. Reducing leaks and proper reclamation techniques are top ways to keep these refrigerants from impacting the climate and causing other environmental damage. Reducing refrigerant leaks also makes a great deal of financial sense. According to Ted, there are 3 top areas of financial impact due to refrigerant leaks: Increased Maintenance Expenses: Pretty clearly, more leaks mean more maintenance. Additional Energy Expenditures: There is apparently a 1/1 correlation between refrigeration leaks and energy consumption. This literally means that 25% leak rates mean that 25% more energy is expended due to the leak. Reduced Equipment Life: Leaks tax equipment and both lower efficacy and life expectancy. Additional challenges Ted describes makes sense once he shares them but might be surprising to building professionals who don’t work directly with refrigerant (and might be familiar or not to those who do): With poor records, building owners and managers often do not know with 100% accuracy what systems and refrigerants they have. Even something like faded equipment labels can cause problems, even in relatively new equipment, as operators and owners might literally not know the proper type of refrigerant to use (leading to increased contamination risk) Without information, operators can even be wasting money trying to maintain equipment that is already in an obsolete stare. Ted reports that the COVID-19 crisis is not surprisingly bringing more attention to air filters. A client survey revealed that 70% of building operators report that they do not think filters get changed out at the optimal time, and that the resulting contained systems have higher leak rates and are running at increased stress, which can result in clogged filters, lower system charges, and frozen coils, in addition to other problems. Trakref added filter tracking to the company’s software to help with this critical maintenance concern. One way to think of these refrigerant and related problems are that the “lungs of the building are often not getting adequate resources to function properly.” Ted’s bottom line? “What comes out of the box doesn’t mean it’s what you’re getting.” Builders and building operators have to install properly, change filters, manage refrigerant to get the stated and expected efficiency/performance of the product. For decades, it might not have been as clear when systems are leading, especially without penalties and operations and energy people who might not have been communicating optimally. A problem that might not be clear with maybe a 10% leak will suddenly be very clear in extreme weather situations, when the system suddenly seems not to be performing. And then it’s time to triage, which likely means a more drastic repair or replacement and a greater expense. With today’s tracking ability and technology, improved communications, and a greater emphasis on managing energy and appliances, refrigerant becomes a more obvious KPI for building operators. According to Ted, a lot more awareness and education is key, especially when we’re talking about a vented product you can’t see like some tangible widget. We agree that refrigerant leaks can and should be a “more sexy topic!” We hope you enjoy and learn from this interview. Add your questions and opinions below! *Additional source: California Air Resources Board

Software
Rate It Green TeamAugust 24, 2020
Product Discussions

Basics of Solar Electric Systems, a Free On Demand Webinar Hosted by PG&E

On Demand Course Title: Basics of Solar Electric Systems Host: Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Available Through: December 31, 2026 This on-demand class provides a high-level overview of how solar electric systems work and the key concepts a homeowner would need to know when purchasing a photovoltaic (PV) system. It is an introductory class that will define PV terminology, performance characteristics, and PV system components and describe the ways to architect a system solution. The class will also cover the benefits pairing energy storage to a PV system and how solar billing plan works. Additional resources are provided for more information. Learning Objectives: Describe the function of solar electric systems and why they are important Summarize benefits of energy efficiency Define basic electric terminology, how the electric grid works, and common electric grid terms Define photovoltaic (PV) terminology, performance characteristics, and PV system components Describe the ways to architect a PV system solution Summarize the benefits for having a grid tied PV system with an energy storage solution Define the ways to architect a PV and Storage system solution Describe how the solar billing plan works and identify where to find rate information Agenda: Introduction and safety message What are solar electric systems and why are they important Basic electric terms About the CA electric grid PV terminology Types of PV system solutions Benefits of PV and storage Solar billing plan and rates Resources for more information Tala Daya is the Senior New Whole Building Coordinator at the PG&E Energy Center. She is an experienced engineer with a demonstrated history of working in energy & environmental sustainability, energy-efficient systems, and healthy materials management and development. Tala holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering with a specific concentration on sustainability, manufacturing, and design with an emphasis on green chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley. She also holds an M.Eng. from UC Berkeley and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Northeastern University. Course url: https://pge.docebosaas.com/learn/courses/2314/basics-of-solar-electric-systems Image: Portland General Electric

Solar Energy
Rate It Green TeamDecember 24, 2025
Product Discussions

I need a fabulous water-based poly or other eco floor coating

I need a recommendation for a water-based poly. When I mentioned using a more environmentally friendly floor coating, I got a shrug and a maybe. Please let me know if there's a product out there you love and can highly recommend! We're refinishing our wood floors this summer, and for our health and the planet I just want to use a low or no VOC product that is also really high quality. Thanks!!

Flooring
Allison FriedmanMay 13, 2015
Product Discussions

Whole House Humidity Control - Dehumidification and Humidification, with Aprilaire

Two building industry experts get on a Zoom, one in Wisconsin and one in Georgia… There’s a lot to discuss about humidity! In all seriousness, Aprilaire’s Joseph Hillenmeyer joins Matt Hoots for a helpful discussion about humidity in our air, and how humidity relates to comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Relative humidity is used to describe the amount of water vapor that is in the air, generally expressed as a percent. Most people have some awareness of humidity, but we might not fully understand why it’s important. Like temperature, humidity has an optimal range for human comfort and health, and also for the preservation of the home or building. Whether too low or too high, Joseph explains why we have issues on both ends of the scale. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, commonly known as ASHRAE, recommends a humidity range between 30 and 60%, but if possible, it’s really a narrowed 40-50% range where humans are most comfortable and have the most benefits for health maintenance. As the above chart shows, bacteria and viruses benefit from the extremes, both too dry and too moist. Fungi and mites prefer more moisture. People with respiratory infections often benefit from efforts to increase humidity when an environment is too dry, but those suffering from allergies suffer in both excessively dry and excessively humid environments. In the 40-60%, 40-55% humidity range, our immune systems are a little better able to fight off health challenges. Our immune systems need the moisture to function their best. Our building environments are also sensitive to humidity. Wood provides an example of a material which unfortunately frequently suffers from humidity extremes. As Joseph explains, “Wood, like people, doesn’t appreciate being overly saturated or too dry, and if you do both of those in one year, you can particularly cause damage.” Building industry professionals have likely unfortunately seen that with wood flooring or trim from time to time, among other products. It’s true that we all know about doors that stick in the summer and don’t stick in the winter… The good news, according to Joseph, is that it really is possible to stay within that band with solutions available to us now. When it’s too dry, such as in the North and particularly during the heating season, if we’re not adding the right moisture levels to the air, our heating systems lower the amount of moisture the air can hold. This lower humidity makes us feel dry and can cause bloody noses, as well as itchy skin and eyes. Oddly enough, it also cases static shock (Would you imagine that static shock is one of the most searched terms for people looking for humidifiers?) An evaporative humidifier adds humidity through the use of a wick, and then increases the relative humidity percentage by sending the air through the forced air system. This is a fairly simplistic but effective whole house system. And it sure beats trying to use multiple portable units. Maintenance generally consists of changing the water panel from time to time, approximately once per season, where a portable unit likely needs a new panel daily. This said, Joseph recommends doing something over nothing - portables can help in smaller apartment or where a whole-house option is not possible. A steam humidifier pushes steam into ductwork by heating water within a canister through the use of electrodes. The steam is then dispersed carefully so it’s absorbed. These units are higher capacity, and are effective in very cold climates and in larger buildings, of 3500 square feet, or more. They can also be effective in arid climates where it’s dry most of the time. Interestingly, demand isn’t yet as high in the West and Southwestern arid climates. One theory is that people have become used to the drier air, or think they have. People often believe that air conditioning systems will “take care of” dehumidification, but this isn’t entirely sensible. As Joseph explains, a dehumidifier’s sole purpose is to remove the moisture from the air, where the purpose of air conditioning is to change the temperature of the air. These processes work similarly, but they have different goals, and it’s best to use the right tool for the job. It also takes different levels of energy and different amounts of time to do each job properly. If there are high levels of humidity in the air, especially air coming into the house, you’re going to want to treat that with something that was made to lower the relative humidity. Doing this in conjunction with air conditioning equipment will allow the system to maintain energy efficiency - while also creating a healthier, more comfortable environment. For example, simply lowering the temperature drastically won’t magically, properly dehumidify the air the optimal amount. It’s a combination of temperature and humidity working together that create this zone where people are most comfortable, and it’s more complicated than most people would think. One reason is that it’s more difficult to add and remove humidity from the air than it is to change the temperature of the air. It’s worth thinking through for humid climates the following comparison: 72 degrees and 45% humidity is actually more comfortable than 62 degrees and 55% humidity, where one will feel both cold and clammy This example shows that comfort is not based on temperature alone, and that humidity plays a significant role. We might perceive comfort the same for both of those conditions listed above in theory, but this won’t match the reality (ask Matt, in Georgia, where it gets pretty humid). So a person in the first situation might attempt to lower the temperature to lower the humidity, but the temperature will drop quickly and the humidity won’t be able to keep up. Energy wise, the higher temperature and lower humidity also cost much less to maintain. If we attempt to use a system without dehumidification equipment to lower humidity, the temperature decreases to the set point, but the humidity change is likely insufficient, and the occupant isn’t even more comfortable. Some thermostats can integrate to control temp and humidity. Key is to embrace the technology and to be smart about the design of the home, to use the right tool for the job. It’s important that builders not just oversize systems. In these cases, the system will get to the temperature quickly, but there won’t be enough time to properly cycle out the humidity in the air. Instead, systems should be sized for the conditions and then humidity controls should be added for maximum comfort. Matt Hoots points out that so much of this discussion is about comfort, and not energy efficiency. “If we really cared about energy efficiency, we would take cold showers and turn the HVAC system off. But then we’d be uncomfortable, and we’d be miserable. It's’s about human comfort and how can we create this human comfort in an efficient manner." It’s key to note that ideal humidity range is a goal and not always possible. One barrier to even a properly sized system might be a leaky house. For example, if a house in the Northeast is really leaky, it might be difficult to get even to ASHRAE’s 30% suggested humidity goal. In the right conditions, with today’s equipment Joseph and Matt agree that 40% humidity is possible. In a leaky house or if it’s super cold outside, occupants might have to be happy at a much lower number. According to Joseph, the goal is to take a moving target and move it up to the best of our reasonable ability. The COVID-19 pandemic brought humidity and other aspects of indoor air quality into the forefront of public health and healthy building discussions. Originally, there was hope that summer would reduce the virus drastically. Some of this expected effect is because people are outside more in warmer weather, but indoors it’s the case that viruses are less effective in higher humidity environments. Thesis because they can stay in the air longer in drier air, where they attach to moisture and tend to fall to the ground more quickly in humid environments. In creating ideal indoor air quality conditions, humidity plays a key role, along with ventilation, filtration and purification. As Joseph says, “It takes a little bit of everything to conquer these problems. That’s where all these systems come together, and they have to working conjunction in a while house approach.”

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Rate It Green TeamApril 8, 2021
Product Discussions

Whisper Green Fans from Panasonic Eco Solutions - Quiet Prevention for Moisture and Condensation (and Smart!)

Check out Matt Hoots’ interview with Ken Nelson from Panasonic Eco Solutions at the International Builders Show/Kitchen & Bathroom Show . In this video, Ken gives an introduction to the Whisper Green Select line of fans, and he also shares a bit about fans and moisture generally. What makes a quiet fan? How quiet is quiet anyway? What might consumers and builders want to know? Today’s tighter building envelopes can mean more moisture and therefore more condensation. To prevent or mitigation moisture related issues, Panasonic has added condensation sensors to the Whisper Quiet line. The Whisper Green Select fans provide continuous ventilation, and offer a module that will automatically trigger when it detects moisture or a combination of temperature and moisture combination that causes condemnation potential. Whisper Value fans offer an integrated condensation control and automate trigger as well, with slightly small wings and a smaller footprint. What might trigger the sensors? Showers/hot water Laundry Kitchen range hood Ken’s rule of thumb which we think is worth sharing: "A fan has no value if not turned on." That may sound obvious, but how many of us have lamented as homeowners or property managers when someone refuses once, or repeatedly, and maybe even for years, to make use of the fan. Sensors do sound like a sensible solution for when we forget or for those who don’t think to turn the fan on when needed. Homeowners might prefer control, and then the sensors can override when needed. In some properties, it might make sense to provide only the sensors and not separate controls, so the property will be automatically protected. Ken shares his recommendations on ideal fan placement in a home, and we are sure he would welcome your comments and discussion!

Fans
Rate It Green TeamAugust 9, 2020
Featured
Product Discussions

Exploring the Environmental, Health and Community Benefits of Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment with EcoQuiet's George Carrette

George Carrette is greening lawn care, one lawn at a time. George has owned and operated EcoQuiet Lawn Care in Massachusetts since 2014. After George studied Horticulture at UMass Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture, he realized that the millions of acres of lawns in the US make up the country’s largest crop, and that he could have a significant impact by helping the lawn care industry transition from fossil-fuels to electricity. The benefits of this switch from fossil fuels, or electrification, are significant. In this introductory video, George reviews some the environmental and health aspects of electric lawn and garden equipment (ELGE). He also demonstrates several types of electric lawn equipment. This is kind of like seeing an early pitch in a coming revolution that is going to succeed and that we can all cheer without reservation. George decided he wanted his company to be “as electric and as eco friendly as possible.” A key goal was to reduce the associated pollution of lawn care work, but he also realized that electric equipment provided a better way of doing things on multiple fronts. Noise control is a growing concern to many consumers and municipalities, and electric equipment is significantly quieter than gas powered equipment. George points out that people are generally happier with reduced noise and that electric equipment is a win-win, since you get to work with a better product anyway. In George’s expert opinion, "It’s not like food that tastes like cardboard.” (We’re kind of still laughing about that one.) In all seriousness, George points out that electric lawn care equipment is just better in all ways. Electric lawn care also presents a great and growing opportunity for lawn care businesses. According to George, currently only about 1 in 1400 lawn care companies is currently electric, which adds up to all of a few dozen providers total. One reason for the small but growing number is that lithium batteries were not cost effective enough in the past (a $10,000 battery wasn’t really going to work out.) But several forces are converging to encourage industry growth: Electric tools and associated equipment are becoming increasingly cost effective, towns concerned about noise are starting to pass gas leaf blower bans, and consumers are asking more and more for a quieter and more environmentally friendly product. George points out that electric equipment could product 13 newtons of power when he first started his business and have now almost doubled to 23 newtons. Many electric tools now have power parity with gas tools, without the noise. Gas itself is a key reason to go electric. Aside from the impact of 16 billion pounds of CO2 per year, gas has direct environmental and human health impacts. In the absence of regulations, gas equipment use can result in gas leaks, oil spills, and clean ups. Did you know that small gas engines use less than 1-2% of gasoline but produce 5-10% of related emissions? Gas produces smog producing chemicals, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens such as benzene and formaldehyde, among other carcinogens. And partially or unburned hydrocarbons are toxic, both to clients and the people working. Many of these substances have been linked to cancer and lung disease, in addition to other conditions. Meanwhile, mowers can run an average of 2 gallons of gasoline per hour! Lower maintenance is one of several economic factors that make the switch to electric lawn and garden equipment make total sense for a landscaping business. George calls his electric equipment easy and almost free to maintain. It apparently costs $1-2 per DAY to run some of this equipment, with little to no cost in comparison to gas equipment. “Really just blades and electricity.” EcoQuiet Lawn care revenues tripled this year, and the company has never lost money. George believes that those who switch earlier will be paid back, and those who wait will just switch when it becomes completely cost comparable to make the switch. So, why isn’t everyone already using electric lawn and garden equipment? We all know that people and companies can be afraid of change. Gas is simply, “what they know,” as George acknowledges. Some people might resist change as the associate the noise of the equipment and the smell of gas as a reminder of doing work. Also, electric tools aren’t cheap and there can be considerable expense in buying new electric equipment. In a highly competitive industry, it can seem daunting to charge enough to pay the cost to keep purchasing new equipment. According to George, the pioneers who take the risk will be rewarded and the switch to electric will pay itself back. George’s electric tool demonstration is pretty cool. This is a great first introduction if you haven’t really had exposure yet to electric tools. He shows us a super quiet hedge trimmer than can cut through 1-2 inch branches and a Mean Green 0-Turn lawnmower. The mower is apparently super low maintenance - he needs only oil and charge switch the blades, and clean out the deck. He’s not dealing with carburetors or over-heated engines. George also show us an Oregon backpack leaf blower that runs at 50 decibels, which is only 10 decibels above ambient noise. This while running at 525 CFM and 200 miles per hour. This equipment can be operated in most places even when there are noise restrictions! It also doesn’t need to cycle to stop and start, as gas equipment does. George also runs a leaf blower in his warehouse, which would hurt everyone’s hears if the machine were gas. He also shows us a chain saw that is so quiet, he was accused to using a drill to cut a tree! He shows us weed whacker, and it seems like he kind of doesn’t want to put it down. Do you have electric lawn care equipment questions? Post them here, and George will be happy to connect. He’s receptive to talking to others who want to do this work, and he’s happy to talk to the rest of us about this revolution as well. For more information: Related Rate It Green Articles and Discussions: Electric Landscaping 101 Why Landscaping Companies Should Consider Going Electric, by George Carrette, EcoQuiet Lawncare Seven Ways to Prep Your Yard for Electric Landscaping Electric Lawn and Garden Equipment - A Revolution in the Making Electric Lawn Care Equipment by Husqvarna - Eliminate Gas, Reduce Noise and Pollution, and Save Energy (Video) Additional Resources: Quiet Communities America Green Zone Alliance (AGZA)

Landscaping and Land Management
Rate It Green TeamMarch 13, 2021
Product Discussions

rheia's Comfort by Design - Smaller, Energy and Labor Efficient Air Distribution Systems

Now that we think about it, thanks to rheia, why is HVAC ductwork so big and bulky, and tangled? We’ve made changes to electrical and plumbing systems, so why not HVAC ducts? Clearly, it’s time for something new. How about 3” ductwork that works with a conventional air handler and snaps together easily, and also provides greater comfort and efficiency? Sometimes, you learn about a product and think, “Why hasn’t this been done before?” and, “This could address some key industry challenges!" As building energy requirements evolve, and labor and material costs rise, we need new cost-effective ways to build for energy efficiency and comfort. rheia’s "Comfort by Design” low-velocity air distribution system seems to be a solution at the leading edge of ventilation. rheia’s top innovations include moving ductwork and HVAC equipment inside conditioned space, which is a prerequisite for the system. Think about it. As Nigel Watts of rheia points out, why would we locate HVAC systems and ductwork where there are extreme temperatures and they therefore have to work harder and consumer more energy? 50% of our energy might typically be used for heating and cooling - why not lower this figure, especially when we can add comfort and save labor? The company also manages to reduce building time and costs as well as material waste through a simple set of easy-to-install parts. Cycle time also improves, as builders can get the job done and move to the next project faster. Our team at Rate It Green is excited to bring our Community Members and visitors information about this innovative system. First, Matt Hoots has created an efficient summary of rheia’s top benefits on the Sawhorse, Inc . YouTube Channel , delineating the top features of rheia’s system. Matt also provides some fun comic relief about pesty traditional ductwork systems, that might be long overdue given that we’ve been fighting with them for some reason, for so long. Matt asks us, “What if there’s a better way?” in a system that looks good, performant well, and the mechanicals aren’t all fighting with each other without compromise. Why are we hacking through framing? You can also find the full interview with Nigel Watts of rheia on Rate It Green’s YouTube Channel . We’ve shared a summary of the key points of these videos below. But for full information, click to watch the videos or head on over to YouTube! What’s so exciting about rheia’s air distribution system? As Nigel and Matt Share in detail, top features and benefits include: Smaller diameter ducts: As mentioned, rheia has 3” diameter ducts, which can fit in 2/4x walls, with 4” in certain circumstances where additional air flow is needed Home run network approach: rheia relies on a central manifold located next to the air handler - Ducts then run to each room from the central point, The greater number of ducts means that static pressure is not higher (this is not a high-velocity system) Reduced cooling tonnage Simple, easy-to-use system: rheia has only 16 SKUs, and the ducts and boots snap together easily Works with existing equipment: rheia’s system works with any conventional air handler and is not high velocity. The system operates at standard air handler static pressures for supply and return, because the installing builder runs enough ducts to relieve the pressures to provide the air amount needed in each room Jobsite waste reduction: Snap-fit connections, eliminates need for tape or mastics, and the system is material efficient overall, and compact. The number of boxes and pallets of material is also literally reduced. Installation time savings: Ease of installation and system simplicity can add up to a 50% installation time improvement (25-50% is typical, with about 50% savings for a 2K sf home) Improved occupant comfort: rheia located more ducts and diffusers per room and adjustable dampers (easy to adjust) in every duct improve air delivery and mixing (fewer hot and cold spots). The rheia app helps manage system balancing post installation, including verification or adjusting as needed The company also located diffusers high on walls, which is good for airflow and reach, and also eliminates the all-too-common problem of ducts blocked by rugs and other furniture More comfort also means fewer callbacks System verification: Part of occupant comfort, verification also deserves its own bullet space. rheia has software and an app that builders use to test each run and determine how to modify the system to increase or decrease airflow for balancing. Ease of installation and this verification really mean that non-HVAC experts can be comfortable working with this system, with the rheia engineers to design the system and the software to verify operational performance Available Incentives: Potential additional savings are often currently available through federal and state tax credits Part of the point here is that rheia has looked at cost savings in another way. Instead of focusing on reducing the cost of the materials themselves, the company uses an efficient amount of high quality materials that are so easy to use, they save on the labor side of the equation. In other words, the builder can save on labor but still make a return on the product mark up. Nigel Watts shares some interesting company history, which explains rheia’s focus on the production building industry. First of all, and impressively, quite a few leading production builders have partnered or contributed to bring this product to market, some through direct investment. One key reason is that production building demands cost-effective solutions, and the potential labor savings of smaller and simpler ducts could make a more critical difference at scale to these companies. More wins are then added with greater comfort and energy savings. The system was piloted as early as 2018 in Pittsburgh with early support from Carrier, but really started to ramp production in 2021 backed by 40 different individuals and organizations. rheia also managed to do some online training like everyone else to move from piloting to production throughout 2020, while the company also made some software, production, program, and other tweaks, and also lined up some key certifications. The company aims to install systems in 20,000 homes in 2022, a twenty-fold increase. Nigel walks us through a great level of detail, reviewing key system components and both the required and voluntary UL certifications of the system. The system is tested to 17 different measures, including heat, leakage, crush, and mold growth tests, really measures that all ducts and connections should comply with, according to rheia. The idea is to meet current energy codes and also anticipate future requirements as well.. He also walks through how the system is designed by the rheia team and how builders build the manifold on site using 1.5 duct board, or sheet metal when strongly preferred. Matt and Nigel share some good conversation about the product’s evolution and production, as Matt asks what might be on most people’s minds: “When can we use this for all construction?” The systems are mostly distributed for production builders currently, but there are plans to distribute more widely over time. Some custom work is starting, partly through companies that have been involved in production builds. And of course, another question is going to be when rheia’s systems will be commonly available in retrofits. Clearly, smaller ductwork helps because the pathways will be smaller, which is key in retrofits. And retrofits are of course a key part of making buildings part of energy and climate solutions. I mean, who doesn’t want to see fewer battles between plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractor for real estate within the walls? Matt Hoots is clearly super excited to be installing rheia’s 3” ducts in the #1920sMakeoverATL deep energy retrofit in Ansley Park, Atlanta. What a great opportunity to showcase how these systems work, as a part of the ATL team’s effort to show people and companies what’s behind the walls and how everything is working together as a system. As Matt points out, the more energy efficient, the smaller a system can be, and therefore also the less ductwork is needed. As he sees it, this seems to be how everyone will be doing ductwork in ten years. The way we see it, raise your hand if you want to be considered for a retrofit pilot?!! In all seriousness, join this exciting discussion and ask your questions!

Ductwork
Rate It Green TeamApril 15, 2022
Product Discussions

Schneider’s Home Energy Management System (HEMS) - One App Can Do It All

Green Builder Matt Hoots of Sawhorse, Inc. continues to be impressed with Schneider’s systems to make home energy management integrated and seamless to operate. In this video, Matt interviews Will Pfleger, a Residential Microgrid Development & Strategy Manager at Schneider. What becomes clear is that Schneider’s Home Energy Management System, or HEMS for short is comprehensive. The system integrates rooftop solar with a back up battery system and a smart inverter connected to the Central Smart Electrical Panel so the user can monitor and manage load control, all integrated with wireless devices and through a single user interface/app. EVs are also seamlessly integrated. Seriously, one app can do it all. Not only does the system help manage solar, batteries, and inverters, but the user can also control plugs and outlets. Imagine the kids staying up too late playing video games? Parents can literally switch those outlets off though the app. In all seriousness, information and control can play important roles in preparedness and resilience. The app can warn residents about storms or other expected energy disruptions, allowing the resident to change strategies. For example, the homeowner can adjust from returning renewable energy in real time through the grid to storing energy up locally in advance of an outage. Instead of shutting down like traditional solar, this property can now use stored energy to literally power through an outage. Load management is especially important in an outage - the resident gets to prioritize what to power. The system is also preventive, assisting with finding and preventing patterns, including alerting users when energy levels are out of alignment with normal practices. This information puts so much power and control in the hands of occupants to manage energy, including finding opportunities for savings. Top system benefits include: Integrated platform for all core home energy components Central Smart Electrical Panel (Schneider Pulse) to connect all energy sources, and to facilitate control of all energy uses and locations Real time monitoring enables energy optimization So why doesn’t everyone have an HEMS yet? They’re coming! For new buildings, this type of system can be specified and planned for from the beginning, including ensuring the space needed for system elements. Up front costs and installation complexity will be higher for existing homes as the system replaces the main electrical panel and involves steps like rewiring and shutting off the power at times. This work will also likely require some patches and repairs to existing finishes. Have you installed a HEMS? What has your experience been? What can you share with others to make this process easier? What are your questions for people who are just learning about these systems?

Energy Management
Rate It Green TeamAugust 13, 2025
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