May 2012 Blog Posts (17)

Another winner of the 2011 Weatherization Assistance Program National Recognition Award, presented at the National Weatherization Training Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, was Terry Emelander. (You can view an entire list of winners here.)

Terry is the owner and president (along with being a licensed Michigan builder) of T & L…

Jake Staub and Sonia Barrantes, two veteran former U.S. Navy Test Pilots in Portland, and Chris Corson, of EcoCor Design/Build in Belfast, have embarked on Portland’s first Passive House journey set to break ground in Spring 2012.

For Staub and Barrantes, the Passive House, or Passiv Haus for…

A brand new passive solar house completes the first piece of a long held dream for homeowner Jason Peacock. A builder and LEED Accredited Professional, B.A. Jason also works at Maine Green Building Supply where he has honed his sustainable knowledge. Passionate about green, when Jason bought 36 acres of land just outside of Wiscasset, Maine he had a very specific vision in mind.…

   I have found that this topic often goes unnoticed, or can be a guessing game out there in the field.  Diagnosing improper fixed orifice sizes is actually a fairly simple, cut and dry procedure.  First, I would argue for efficiency reasons, as well as ease of proper charging, you should just field install a TXV.  Of course, when you are on the job site you don't want to spend precious time attempting to adjust refrigerant charge with the incorrect orifice. You would never be able to get…

In order to feel comfortable in the cooling season conditioned air has to be at the right air temperature AND relative humidity. Conventional AC dehumidifies when it is running but it is thermostatically controlled by air temperature only. Which means that when air temperature is reached the AC turns off and stops dehumidifying. Not a big problem if you live in an arid climate such as Pheonix but if you live in New England where the summers are very humid and not…

At the most recent National Weatherization Training Conference that took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, six people were presented with a 2011 Weatherization Assistance Program National Recognition Award.

The Recognition Awards acknowledge outstanding contributions that advance the goals of WAP through individual or group achievement, inspiration, or innovation. The Recognition Awards program is open…

If the home performance industry had an online dating profile, it would likely be looking for someone with a great network of friends that he could get to know. Home performance would also be looking for someone with a rich history (like himself), good looks that go beyond the surface, and someone who may be able to get some of his friends a job (hey, not everything in a relationship is about romance). Someone like the real estate market, for example. Unfortunately for home performance’s…

In a post-foreclosure world, home buyers want homes that cost less to own - and energy efficient homes are the means to that end. …

Los Angeles is a prime area for solar power, and its development space is growing. More than 12,000 acres are available on rooftops across the city, which could net families and business owners up to five gigawatts of power. This clean energy reduces oil dependency, helps the environment, and over time cuts energy costs. This broad new opportunity provides the perfect time for solar training.…

I don't know how many times a technician has said that they installed a part based on what was on their service truck.  I have heard of technicians wasting money over-sizing contactors, cutting down air filters, and even using controlled substances to clear condensate drains!  Of course, these scenarios all get the job done, but I would argue the many reasons why not to do these.  The one thing that gets to me is when a technician doesn't verify they are installing the correct size dual run…

Author Note: Here's
 a link to the original post on
 Energy Auditing Blog. Also, it was written to prove that a Mainer does understand air conditioning, at least for the 9 days a year we need it.

It's time to turn to cooling thoughts, even though Maine didn't actually get a winter this year. It's true; we had an…

It may be the…

With the modern innovations made possible through technological breakthroughs, now occurring almost daily, many are becoming increasingly concerned with the negative impact these modern conveniences have on our environment. Never has there been a higher demand for individuals who have gone through solar panels sales training and possess NABCEP Certification.



Most people, when posed with the question of how they can make a positive difference on the environment, are sure to mention…

How many times as a technician have you gone out to the same customer's home because of unrealistic expectations?  Some homeowners expect air-conditioners to work like an ice box, want you to size them for their big party on Fourth of July weekend, and expect you to show up at the drop of a dime when it doesn't meet their impossible notion.  Of course, this could be avoided by establishing a standard during the sales process or a little customer education.  I liked to talk about "The…

Just decades ago, solar power was an idea that had not yet reached its time. However, that has changed dramatically as the global community seeks alternative sources of power. The demand for solar energy rose 40% in just one year alone, making this renewable resource one of the fastest growing industries. The earning potential of businesses involving solar power could be astounding in the near future. Individuals qualified in the industry will no doubt have the advantage over their…

An industry's health is sometimes measured by the enthusiasm of its trade shows. Arguably, ACI is not a trade show, but it certainly is a bellwether for the home performance industry. And it rocked. By all measures, ACI was larger, broader, and more exciting than past conferences.

ACI continues to be a magnet for audiences ranging from contractors just starting out and receiving blower door training to engineers and building scientists. In this way, it serves as the premier…