Ask EnergenieJanuary 2000 |
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1. What can I do to reduce condensation and freezing on single-pane windows?Condensation occurs when air cools below the dew point temperature. Dew point is the temperature at which air is saturated, unable to hold any more moisture. "To reduce the window condensation, you must either increase the temperature of the window or reduce the amount of moisture in the air," said Gene Meyer, extension mechanical engineer at Kansas State University. "You can raise the window temperature by adding another layer of glass or plastic, or replacing the window with a double-pane window," Meyer said. "This extra layer provides a dead air space, which slows heat loss and raises the glass temperature." Meyer suggested applying a heat-shrinkable film to the window because it seals tightly and looks better than plastic. Heat-shrinkable film comes in sizes large enough to cover a sliding glass patio door. "When using heat-shrinkable film, follow the instructions carefully to avoid air leakage," he said. "Keep in mind that the inside film must be sealed tight to prevent moisture from coming in contact with the outside pane." You may choose to replace the single pane with double-pane glass if you are remodeling or building a new structure. In most cases, the cost of replacing single-pane windows will be more than the energy savings gained from the double panes. "However, if you are purchasing new windows, the difference in cost between single and double-pane windows can be justified by the energy savings," Meyer said. The other way to reduce condensation on windows is to lower the humidity level. If you operate a humidifier, reduce the setting during cold weather. Other sources of moisture include cooking, clothes washing, bathing, and plants. Operate vents when cooking and bathing, and be sure the clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Unvented gas logs and space heaters release large quantities of water vapor into the space also. If you are considering new windows, check out our new publication on energy-efficient windows later this month on our Web site at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_nrgy/engext/eehome.htm. Back to Top |
2. What is an energy-efficient mortgage?"In general, implementing major residential energy-efficiency measures and technologies has a high initial cost that many homeowners can’t afford," said Richard Nelson, extension specialist in energy at Kansas State University. "An energy-efficient mortgage (EEM) allows homebuyers or homeowners to incorporate these costs into their monthly mortgage payment," he said, "because energy-efficient improvements will result in lower utility bills, thereby allowing a greater portion of the homeowner’s monthly income to be available to meet the monthly mortgage payment. This may also enable homeowners to qualify for a larger loan and purchase a larger, more comfortable home. Also, low utility bills make their home more attractive and affordable to buyers when it comes time to sell. To qualify for an EEM, the home must first be inspected by a certified home energy rater. Contact the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing at 785-296-5865 to learn more about energy efficient mortgages and the Kansas Energy Star Program. Back to Top |
3. If the EPA's radon risk assessments are based on 70-year exposures, why are they concerned about risk in schools, where exposure is much shorter?"EPA tested 130 schools nationwide and found that elevated radon levels in schools may be at least as common as in private residences," said Bruce Snead, extension specialist in residential energy at Kansas State University. Many schools in Kansas have already tested out of concerns raised by EPA, but many have not because there is no requirement to test. Children may be more sensitive to radon exposures than adults because their smaller lungs cause them to breathe in and out more rapidly, thus increasing their intake of air (and radon, if it's present). In addition, there is the potential for children to have a higher cumulative risk since exposures can build up and affect their health later in their lifetime. EPA has recommended that all schools be tested for radon and has produced four documents to help schools deal with this health and environment issue. Radon Measurements in Schools has been developed to help school administrators complete radon testing according to the most current guidelines. There is a self-paced Training Workbook with the same name that school personnel can follow to assure quality measurements are conducted. To help schools with elevated radon levels, EPA published Reducing Radon in Schools: A Team Approach. And to try to prevent radon from being a problem in new school buildings, guidance for new construction was produced under the title, Radon Prevention in the Design and Construction of Schools and Other Large Buildings. These publications are available from Engineering Extension, Kansas State University, 133 Ward Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506-2508; or call 785-532-6026. Back to Top |
4. I live in a rural area and I'm always concerned about power outages during the winter months. I have family I could go stay with, but what would I need to do to protect my house from freezing if the power was off for more than a day or two during very cold weather?"It is quite possible to freeze-protect your house, but it will require a systematic approach and some advance preparation," said Doug Walter, president of Kansas Building Science Institute, Manhattan. First, shut off the main water valve. "You can find the shut-off valve by following the main cold water line back to the point where it enters the house," Walter said. "The valve should be located just inside the entry point." If the main water valve is the lowest point in the plumbing system, water is drained from the pipes at this point. There should be a drain valve near the shutoff valve or on the valve itself. Open the drain valve and then open all hot and cold water taps in your house. This lets air into the lines, draining the water out. "Gravity draining probably won't completely empty the water lines," Walter said. "You may need to blow compressed air from a portable air compressor or air tank through the lines." Walter said individuals can rent compressed air tanks from a rental center or a service station. Drain water lines to outdoor faucets, automatic icemakers, humidifiers, water softeners and other water-using appliances. Also, disconnect and drain water hoses to clothes washers and dishwashers, and empty the water heater through drain valve located near the bottom. Toilets and drains require special attention. Flush each toilet and hold the handle down until the tank has completely drained. Then add one pint of antifreeze to each toilet bowl and one cup of antifreeze to every drain in your house, including sinks, bath tubs, showers, floor drains and washer drainpipes. Walter advised using a nontoxic antifreeze such as propylene glycol. Never force the water out of a drain trap as a means of freeze protection as this will allow potentially explosive sewer gasses free entry into your house. You should also protect the main water valve to your house. Insulate the valve and any exposed piping leading to it. "As a precaution, you may want to contact your municipal or private water supplier and have the water shut off at the water main," Walter said. If your home has a hot-water heating system, drain the circulating lines and boiler unless the system already contains antifreeze. Walter said one should not add antifreeze to a steam boiler since antifreeze will raise the boiling temperature of the water. Therefore, if you have a steam heating system, simply drain the boiler. "It's difficult to determine if your plumbing system is adequately protected," he said. "Therefore, you would be wise to have a professional plumber check your preparations before evacuating your home. As a backup, arrange for a friend or neighbor to periodically check your house while you're gone. Back to Top |
5. When shopping for new appliances such as refrigerators, washer and dryers, will the lowest price always guarantee the best deal?"The lowest price does not always reflect the best deal for the consumer," said Richard Nelson, extension specialist in energy at Kansas State University. In most cases, the initial cost of the appliance is relatively small compared to the total long-term cost. Higher priced models are usually more energy-efficient, so they cost less to operate over their lifetime. This means that you will actually save money with an efficient, higher priced model. "To calculate the simple long-term cost of owning an appliance, multiply the appliance's annual energy cost by the number of years you expect to use it," Nelson said. "Then add this amount to the original purchase price." Average lifetimes for refrigerators are approximately 20 years; washers and dryers, 15 years; and water heaters, 13 years. To compute the annual energy cost, multiply the cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour by the number of kilowatt-hours the appliance uses. Expected annual kilowatt-hour usage is presented on the EnergyGuide label placed on all energy-efficient appliances. Nelson gave the following example for calculating the best alternative between two refrigerators expected to last 20 years. Refrigerator #1 costs $1,650 and has an expected annual energy cost of $100. Refrigerator #2 costs $1,300 and has $150 a year in energy costs. The simple long term cost for refrigerator #1 is $3,500, while the cheaper refrigerator will end up costing $4,300 over its lifetime. Therefore, refrigerator #1 is the most cost-effective choice. Back to Top |
6. I've seen products you toss on a fire that are supposed to help clean the chimney. Some produce a green-colored flame. Are they effective in controlling creosote?"No," said Gene Meyer, extension mechanical engineer at Kansas State University. "According to John Zerbe at the Forest Product Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, salts added to a burning fire will not help reduce creosote buildup in your chimney. Zerbe suggested burning only seasoned hardwoods to control creosote buildup. These burn hotter than damp or soft woods and reduce creosote accumulation. "You should also have the chimney cleaned on a regular basis by a professional chimney cleaner," Meyer said. "This will remove any creosote that has accumulated and allow an inspection of the flue and chimney for signs of damage." Back to Top |
7. What is green pricing and how does it work?"'Green pricing' refers to an offer made by an electric utility whereby its customers can elect to pay an additional charge on their utility bill to have electricity generated from renewable energy resources," said Richard Nelson, extension specialist in energy at Kansas State University. In general, electricity produced from renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and biomass costs more. Green pricing allows customers to choose the environmental benefits associated with renewable energy over less expensive, fossil fuel-produced electricity. Environmental benefits include improved air and water quality and a significant reduction in the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. "Most green pricing programs increase the rate the customer normally pays per kilowatt-hour, or add a fixed surcharge to the customer’s monthly bill," Nelson said. Nationally, rate increases vary from an additional 1.5 cents to 3 cents per kilowatt-hour or an additional $3 to $12 per month. In Kansas, Western Resources offers green pricing for an additional 5 cents per kilowatt-hour bought in 100 kilowatt-hour blocks. This means that Western customers who normally pay 6.5 cents per kilowatt-hour would pay 11.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for "green" electricity if they wish to participate in the green pricing program. Back to Top |
8. ?A There doesn't seem to be much air coming out of my warm-air registers. Do I need to have a service technician come out? "Not unless you unit has major problems," said Gene Meyer, extension mechanical engineer at Kansas State University. "You may be able to fix the problem yourself." "Here are a few things you can do before calling a service person," he said.
"If any of these areas needed attention and you did the necessary work, air flow should increase, thus improving your furnace's heat output," Meyer said. Call a qualified service person if your furnace's performance does not improve. Back to Top| Home | |
Ask Energenie is produced by the Kansas Energy Extension Service through Kansas State University. This material was prepared with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grant No. DE-FG48-97R802102. However, any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of DOE.Mike DorceyEditor Extension Engineering Kansas State University 133 Ward Hall Manhattan, KS 66506-2508 785-532-6026 |