What's going on over at EcoRenovator

[Daox]

I see a lot of discussion going on here and can't help but see there is real interest in home efficiency. So, if you haven't been to EcoRenovator's forum lately you've been missing out on some good stuff going on. Here are a few things.

MetroMPG is trying to squeeze the most from a tiny, old, uninsulated apartment.

I have recently done a lot of work in my attic as far as insulation goes.

We've all been gushing over plans and specs on superinsulated / passive houses. How does a $35 heating and electric bill for December in Illinois sound?

I also built a new efficient computer for myself.

Jwxr7 has setup a very nice small DIY solar PV array and has been tracking his power generation for a few weeks now.

[Daox]

I thought I'd give an update seeing as its been a couple weeks. Come check things out.


jthistle is looking at doing some water conservation with a dual flush toilet conversion.

ftumsh is figuring out how to properly insulate his attic/loft that houses his boiler.

I posted a link to a blog that explains how to get cheap or free solar PV panels.

Of course, MetroMPG finished up the work on his bikegen, a bicycle powered generator made at nearly zero cost.

groar continues his solar pv thread and updates us with the progress and generation hes been getting with it.

[Daox]

Some more updates. Still see a lot of posting going on here so I know there is interest.


I started a new project. It is a clothes dryer heat recovery system for gas or electric dryers.

TimJFowler recently cut his heating bill by 37% by adding additional insulation.

Higgy installed some inline duct fans to boost heat to his living room.

Bob McGovern posted a great write up about small wind power, Part 1.

We've all been mulling over different ideas for rain water collection and reuse.

[MetroMPG]

HEY - don't forget my new thermal floor, which appears to have significantly cut my energy requirements.

OK, that's bad. It's not what you think.

Squeezing the most from a tiny, old, uninsulated apartment - EcoRenovator

[Daox]

I mentioned your thread in the very first post. I suppose there was enough updates to give an update here.

Everyone go see Metro's amazing updates! AMAZING!

[Daox]

I haven't posted anything here for quite a while. There are a few bubbling projects going on over on ER. Come take a look.


AC Hacker has been building a home made heat pump for a while now. This thread is really something as well as the work he has done. Anyone interested in heat pumps needs check this out.

Insaneintention has been giving us all udpates on his garden. Higgy has also given us some looks at his garden including his self watering tomato planters.

I just am gathering info on how to insulate my garage.

I'm also looking into ways to setup an inexpensive solar garage heater.

Jlindstrom has posted some info on a DIY MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracker) circuit. This device can boost solar panel output by up to 15%! Very good stuff to look at when thinking about how much panels cost.

[Bicycle Bob]

I should join that list soon. I had to laugh, though, reading through one long thread about an electric-resistance heated space, where the occupant was careful to minimize more interesting ways to use electricity, which all wind up as heat anyway, except for light that shines out the windows.

[Daox]

Yeah, we're all learning haha. Feel free to comment and help us out over there. We'd appreciate it.

[Daox]

Here are some new updates.


I just posted an blog on DIY Home Air Pressure Test. This explains how to do a DIY version of a blower door test. I'm anxious to try this out myself as I know my house has a lot of leaks.

Ben Nelson just lent me some batteries so I can do more ecorider testing.

I found a great instructable on a DIY passive cooled fridge.

Jlinstrom is looking into installing an efficient fireplace in his cabin.

I also found a great CHEAP solar/wind charge controller kit for $15. It even has a dump option on it.

[Daox]

Here is another update.


Binger posted a good article on the honest truth about blown insulation and how you might have been shorted if a contractor did it. Apparently its a fairly large problem.

There has been some new discussion on a post of mine from a while ago. A clothes dryer heat recovery system for electric or gas dryers.

Again, some good discussion on how to get rid of ants. Mostly discussing green ways, but some non-green as well.

There are EcoRider updates to be read as well.

Homeless (Cd on EM here) did some great work with his fridge/freezer to convert it into a very efficient fridge. His energy usage for the month is amazing.


There are lots of interesting projects going on, so come take a look. It would be great to see more too.