Pyramid of Conservation
Those ancient Egyptians were really on to something when the built the pyramids. The broad base and pointy top really helps us understand that there are some things common and fundamental, and others that are a little more rare. Brilliant!
Today’s pyramidal subject is energy conservation.
Have you ever wondered whether you’re better off insulating your attic or installing a solar panel?
Well, the answer is: insulating you attic. Why? Because it tends to have a bigger impact on your energy consumption, and it’s both less complicated and less costly.
Win win win.
If you’ve considered making improvements to your home or office, visit the Minnesota Power website and enjoy the interactive Conservation Pyramid. Clicking on a strategy will take you to a page with more information.
For my house, I think the next options worth exploring are some more aggressive air-sealing opportunities and perhaps a replacement window. I’m also intrigued by drain water heat recovery. What’s next on your to-do list?
So whether you’re a licensed electrician, or people make jokes about you starting with “How many X does it take to change a light bulb?” there’s an improvement project for you. Including changing your light bulbs!
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Drain water heat recovery – for an engineer (like me), this is an obvious solution. We do this in manufacturing facilities all the time to save energy. But, I didn’t know such inexpensive units were made for home use. Exciting! If only I could install it myself…
One more comment. I would have put air sealing lower on the pyramid. Preventing air infiltration into a home one of the easiest, cheapest, and most impactful things one can do. A tube of caulk and/or spray foam costs what, 2 bucks?
Well, if we’re going to go ahead and re-arrange the pyramid, I’d probably move appliances up. You don’t just go replacing your refrigerator because you’re going to save 40 kWh over the course of a year. I think the tube of caulk makes much more sense.
Have you found a source for the drain heat recovery systems? I don’t have a sense for what they cost.
I just found this web site that says the systems are $300-500. I don’t know if that included installation, but I bet it doesn’t. I didn’t look any further than this.
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=13040
There’s probably a break point where this makes sense, like for a family of 4 paying X dollars for gas who will stay in their house for 5 years or something.
You could probably get additional savings if you use most of your hot water during one part of the day, like for morning showers. That way, you’re reheating when there’s continual demand.
If you put the hot water heater on a timer and let it cool off during the day when no one is home, I’ll bet you could save even more!