Energy and Construction - Clima2007

Alvin Said:

Is it possible to use standard window air conditioners in casement windows?

We Answered:

No. They have special air conditioners for sliding or casement windows. Hope this helps.

Ivan Said:

How can I make my old windows more energy efficient?

We Answered:

I too have some good old windows and didn't want to mess them up, here's what has worked very well for me for four seasons now.
The solution involves covering your window with a sheet of clear vinyl which can be gotten at most harware, fabric or even (gulp) Walmart in the fabric section, it comes in 57 inch wide and is sold by the yard at around $1.79 to $3.99 a yard.
It is used for things like furniture and table top covers, is very tough and durrable and is very clear and only slightly distorted when looking through coming in many thicknesses, you want the medium thickness, the heavier the more distorted when you look through.
Next you get some sticky backed velcro.
Cut the plastic sheeting to completely cover your window and frame, you want to attach it to your window frame with a velcro tab.
Cut a small velcro tab (both pieces of velcro one stuck to the other and stick onto the four corners of your window frame, now peel back the protective cover of the velcro (layer 2) and stick your vinyl to it (saves measuring and you can also recut vinyl in place if needed), do that with all four corners and add velcro tabs where necessary to keep vinyl tight.
Now you have a good thermal barrier that reduces cold infiltration while keeping warm air in the home...the perfect barrier.
Number the window covers and you can take them off come spring and re-use them for many years to come!

Terri Said:

Do you think the congressional Democrat 'all of the above' energy strategy will work?

We Answered:

I think it will work because it will either force the Republicans to compromise or to reveal that they have no intention in supporting any energy solutions except increased drilling, which isn't even a solution. This is a smart strategy by the Dems because it's a win-win. Either they get renewable energy funding or the Republicans reveal their true stripes. And those stripes are painted with oil.

Lawrence Said:

What are the fuel efficiency standards for a car to be considered a low emission / energy-efficient vehicle?

We Answered:

Low emission is very different than energy efficiency. Your car would not qualify for energy efficiency. You would have to see the legislation to see what standards are required but I would guess closer to 50mpg. Low emission vehicles would probably fall into the category of electric, hydrogen or hybrid vehicles.

Dwayne Said:

When are the electrical companies going to produce a dimmable flourescent bulb?

We Answered:

Who told you this? You must believe that the world is flat.

Javier Said:

what are the appliance energy efficient standards in Britain?

We Answered:

All European manufacturers and retailers must tell you about the energy efficiency of household electrical fridges, freezers, washing machines, tumble dryers, washer-dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, ovens and light bulbs. Products are generally rated from ‘A’ to ’G’, with ‘A’ being the most efficient (‘A+’ and ‘A++’ for the most efficient fridges and freezers). In addition many labels will also include the annual energy consumption of the product based on normal usage.

An example of a label is here;
http://howtosaveenergy.blogspot.com/2007…

Because of the inclusion of these labels on all white goods in Europe, it has driven the manufactures to reduce their energy consumption and strive for better efficiency. However having said that, the manufacture set the rating based on which settings they choose, so in most cases they will choose the most efficient cycle or settings, this may not be the cycle or settings you would choose, and may give the impression that european goods are more efficient.

The first 'A' rated tumble drier was released in the UK with in 2003 by White Knight, this is still available, though updated, for $350, however this cycle takes up to seven hours, a normal cycle in this machine, could be rated as low as 'D'.

There is also alot of variance between each rating, two C rated products could use different amounts of electricity, in some cases as much as $60 worth annually.

My advice would be find the appliance best suited to your needs, size wise, then compare products in that size (ie fridges 160 litres, tumble driers 7kg drum, etc) then compare the energy efficiency ratings. There is no point getting a 600 litre fridge, just because its rated A++, when a 150 litre fridge A rated fridge would have used a quarter of the electricity.

A good place to check energy efficient products in the UK is;

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/prox…

and in the US;

http://www.energystar.gov