MetaEfficient Reviews » Heating

An Energy Producing Home In Disguise

benjamin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:24:44 +0000

The Energy Producing Home (image: Neumann Developments)

Who says that a home with cutting-edge energy efficiency has to look like an ultra-modern pod? This recently completed Wisconsin home packs so much energy tech that it makes money by selling electricity back to the grid, and it still keeps a low neighborhood profile.

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“Low-E” Windows Maximize Buildings’ Energy Efficiency

benjamin — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:12:10 +0000

“Low-E” Windows Maximize Buildings’ Energy Efficiency (photo: EWC)

Low-E stands for low emissivity, and these windows are constructed to minimize heat transfer through the glass. Since windows are essentially huge holes in the walls of a building, choosing a low-E window design that’s appropriate for local climate and architecture can greatly increase a structure’s thermal efficiency, while reducing energy use and utility costs.
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Tankless Water Heaters: A 2009 Review

Justin — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 06:54:19 +0000

Tankless water heater have been used in Europe and Asia for 50 years, and they are gaining popularity in the US. Right now they represent about 8% of new sales in the US. Tankless heaters, also called on-demand, flash or instant water heaters, qualify for a $300 federal tax credit.

How efficient are tankless water heaters? (more…)

SolarDucts: Heating Air and Generating Power

Justin — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:47:50 +0000

Solar energy is often used to heat water or generate electricity, but it can also be used to heat air. The SolarDuct is a new device that uses sunlight to heat air before it enter a ventilator. They are modular units that can be installed on buildings with flat roofs. (more…)

Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Justin — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 19:56:45 +0000

Note: This post has been expanded and updated for 2009!

Tankless water heaters only heat water when it is needed. About 8% to 30% of the energy consumed by a standard water heater goes to keeping the water hot while it’s not being used. New tankless systems heat the water instantly when you turn on the faucet, rather than keeping a tank full of hot water 24/7 whether you’re using it or not. Tankless heaters run on either electricity or gas, just like regular heaters. They start out at about $300 for electric and $600 for gas.

There are two main brands of whole-house electric tankless water heaters: Stiebel Eltron and Powerstar. They come in various models, which are rated on the “gallons per minute” that they deliver.

The online store Low Energy Systems has a good selection of tankless water heaters, both electric and gas-powered. You can also find tankless water heaters reviewed on Amazon–this is one of the few places you’ll find reviews from owners themselves.

See more information about water heaters and electrical savings at Ask Mr. Electricity

Metaefficient: Trombe Walls

Justin — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 00:20:49 +0000

Incorporating a Trombe Wall into a house is one of the most efficient ways to capture the heat of the sun. They work in the mildest to the most severe of climates.

Basically, sunlight strikes the wall through a window, and the Trombe Wall heats up, causing warm air to flow into a room.

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Efficient Floor

Justin — Wed, 08 Feb 2006 10:20:44 +0000

Using stone to capture heat from the sun is metaefficient.

The Solar House: Free Heating

Justin — Mon, 02 Jan 2006 20:37:16 +0000

People often think of using solar energy for producing electricity, but it is actually easier to harness the power of the sun to heat your home. It’s free heat that has been utilized since ancient times but few modern architects or builders really understand the principles involved. The Solar House, by Dan Chiras, explains architectural techniques that can be incorporated into a house to capture heat and store it. The techniques use ordinary building materials and work in both cold and warm climates. They add little expense to the overall cost of a home. See more about this book on the author’s web site. See also Passive Solar Home, which is another book that explains solar heating.

Available from Amazon for $19.77

Efficient Soapstone Stoves by Tulikivi

Justin — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 06:38:36 +0000

These soapstone stoves are made by the Finish company Tulikivi. They use radiant heat to warm up your house, which is a highly desirable type of heat because it’s even and non-drying. Radiant heat passes through the air in a room, and warms all of the solid surfaces in the room that it “shines” upon. Tulikivi uses soapstone to build their radiant stoves because it holds heat very well, and releases it gradually. The stoves are also very effective at burning wood. Because the fire burns so hot, the wood is totally vaporized.

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Corn Stoves Are Hot Too

Justin — Fri, 14 Oct 2005 06:16:16 +0000

Corn burning stoves are similar to pellets stoves but use corn kernels as fuel instead. Most corn suppliers are located in the interior states, so these stoves are most useful in those areas. Corn is a fuel that burns clean and does not require a conventional chimney. You can vent corn stoves outdoors by using a type “L” or “B” double wall vent. Golden Grain sells stoves that have a range of 13,000 to 40,000 BTUs. Their corn stove models 1101 and 2004 are capable of heating most average homes. Northern Tool and Equipment also sells a corn stove for about $2000. Backwoods Home has a good but dated article about a first-hand experience with using a corn stove. Popular brands are: Brixby and Harman.