Heating Help Header

August 25, 2011
In This Issue
Insulating paint?
Pay me now or pay me later
Dynamic glass
The House of the Future
Think global; burn local
It's all in the planning
Watch out for the Energy Cop!
You're invited!
facebook twitter
We Got Steam Hit Book Cover

We Got Steam Heat! A Homeowner's Guide to Peaceful Coexistence  


quick and basic house wiring

Quick & Basic
House Wiring 


 

heat pumps  

 

Heat Pumps 

 


off the wall


Want to be in Old House Journal?

Quick Links


hh archive


Join Our Mailing List

Insulating paint?
paint cansThis article from the U.K. caught my eye and made me smile to think how gullible we can be. If you're thinking about disagreeing with the writer, read this first. It will probably change your mind.

Taco Banner

Pay me now or pay me later
trahanSubscriber, Robert O'Brien, sent me a link to this article and commented, "I see a lot of people in this situation with heating systems that cost a fortune to operate, but the people don't have the the cash in hand to upgrade. What they pay in fuel bills would pay for a new system." Good point, very well made, and something to keep in mind if you're a contractor.
Dynamic glass
windows at Chabot Community CollegeOnce on the decline in the US due to oversees manufacturing, glassmaking is coming back as American factories specialize in energy-efficient, dynamic glass. That means jobs. Read all about it in this article. Although the end of the article also brings up the important aspects of economies of scale, I still think it's good stuff.
Peerless Banner  
The House of the Future
Popular Mechanics magazineThanks again to subscriber, Robert O'Brien, for sharing this terrific 1939 issue of Popular Mechanics with us. The President of Westinghouse, who wrote the article, had a mighty fine crystal ball. See how many things you can spot that actually came to be.
Think global; burn local
woodpileHere's another college that's moving away from coal and toward biomass gasification to heat their campus. What's interesting about this one is their commitment (so far) to use wood only from sustainable forests within 75 miles of the college. That's a tough challenge, and they're taking a realistic approach as to whether they'll be able to keep doing it as time goes by. We'll see.
Steam Heating App
It's all in the planning
new home developmentI loved this story out of Chicagoland. Brand-new, active houses that produce more energy than they consume. All good to go, except for one minor problem. Well, not that minor. Read all about it here.
Watch out for the Energy Cop!
light switchHe's on the prowl in a school near me. Check out this story about the significant savings achieved with Post-it notes and one person walking around, busting chops. It's not easy to change behavior, but when we do, it really makes a difference.
You're invited!
Here's where you'll find The Lovely Marianne and me in the weeks to come. A good time will be had by all!

Hug your kids.

Dan


If you like what we're doing, your friends will too!
Do a friend a favor - forward this email!
(Click on the link below)