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Europe is different
 In the U.S., folks rip out radiators and boilers and install furnaces. But in Europe (in this case, the U.K.), they're tearing out forced air systems, which they say is similar to the systems found in cars, and installing boilers and radiators. The reasons why they're doing this are in this article. |
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Hey!
 Or rather, hay! Thanks to subscriber, Robert O'Brien, for sharing this story about the potential hay has to make inroads into more-traditional fuels, such as oil. Jim Trussler got to speak at a TED conference, and dopey people don't go to TED conferences, so I'll keep an eye on this and let you know when I learn more. |
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Speaking of TED
 And this has absolutely nothing to do with heating, but it's one of the most amazing speeches I've ever listened to. Give yourself a half-hour without distractions to watch and to listen, and as you do, keep in mind that Evelyn Glennie is totally deaf. |
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MIT is at it again
 Or I should say still. The brains of Cambridge never seem to sleep, and they just came up with a new way to store solar-thermal energy. Read all about it here. So intimidated. |
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Body heat
 Thanks to subscriber, Clint Andrews, for sharing this article with us. Imagine using a sensor on your arm to control the comfort conditions in a room. In New York, we've been using our arms to control temperature for hundreds of years. Too hot? Use that arm to open the window! |
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Got an old Hummer?
 Need a new place to live? All you have to do is get yourself four more and turn them into a house. Isn't that just wonderful? And I imagine you could have four-zone heating too! Ready to move in? |
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One dopey decision
 You have to wonder about the folks in charge of making this decision. I know the world has gone a bit crazy lately, but to waste this much water for this reason just seems like madness to me. What do you think? Thanks to subscriber, Noel Kelly, for the heads-up |
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Last word
Last week, I offered a link that addressed the difference in efficiency between fabric and metal ductwork. Subscriber, Lee Feigenbaum, wrote the same day and I asked if I could share his thoughts with you. He graciously said sure. Good points, well made. Thanks, Lee!
Dan,
As a sheetmetal contractor I have to challenge the article about fabric ductwork. Rather than disputing the science, I feel it necessary to dispute the practicality. Textile ductwork cannot match the durability of galvanized duct. While more efficient, no building owner is willing to tear down ceilings every few months to replace their fabric duct. For the purposes of LEED jobs I doubt it's possible to insulate textiles to the same R value is sheetmetal with traditional fiberglass insulation. As a final point, we've spent decades refining best practices to produce ductwork in a variety of shapes and sizes as quickly as possible. Can textile duct manufacturing keep up with my coil line on a 100 hundred story building?
Best,
Lee
Lee Feigenbaum
Project Manager, LEED AP
Heritage Mechanical Services
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Hug your kids.
Dan
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