tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41216846888758882122024-03-16T07:37:44.337-04:00Living in the Shadow of Climate ChangeMy mission is to live as sustainably as I can and share my actions and ideas so that others may benefit from what I have learned.Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.comBlogger166125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-72407103208999769542024-02-10T10:37:00.004-05:002024-02-22T21:39:10.965-05:00My nearly new Chevy Bolt<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbu_k1A5IXtcfT-0jeCYkb_k61Hzdua-PkSrUruKzHezOxHI3bjbFsaoRS3nspchednlR4E9r2PM6gvXZPo1_67OG0wQOdJteHs81P_t84l0ZGr7s8RrqyZcnrNaRXclfFe1Lt-CrpeMmd2kKiV4B6Fk-3jwd4dbWEDMBIq0gQYPD_uPNdVEfAC0J6ZA/s640/Bolt.jpg" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbu_k1A5IXtcfT-0jeCYkb_k61Hzdua-PkSrUruKzHezOxHI3bjbFsaoRS3nspchednlR4E9r2PM6gvXZPo1_67OG0wQOdJteHs81P_t84l0ZGr7s8RrqyZcnrNaRXclfFe1Lt-CrpeMmd2kKiV4B6Fk-3jwd4dbWEDMBIq0gQYPD_uPNdVEfAC0J6ZA/w400-h225/Bolt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Chevrolet Bolt<br /></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />I have owned two Chevy Volts starting back in 2012 when I first heard about the vehicle and was a huge fan. It was GM's experiment to see how people would handle a plug-in electric vehicle with a "range extender" gasoline powered generator on board. They studied aggregated data from their OnStar system and found that the average commute was about 45 miles so they designed the vehicle to run that far in electric mode and then it would switch on a four-cylinder gas engine that powered a 50 kW generator to provide electric power to the vehicle while operating at approximately 40MPG. It was a have your cake and eat it too solution that worked for me for over 12 years.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">They introduced the Chevy Bolt in 2017 - this is a fully electric vehicle with a range of over 200 miles. My 2021 model has an EPA rated range of over 238 miles in theory (more on that later). I purchased it used from a nearby dealer for very reasonable price of $18,500 with only 12,000 miles on the clock. The reason it was so affordable is due to the battery issue that this vehicle had which had caused some fires - a couple of which burned down houses. GM identified the problem as a manufacturing defect in the batteries and offered three options for owners of these vehicles:<br /></span></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">They would replace the battery if it was a known defective one.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">They would install updated software in the vehicle that would limit the charging range to a maximum of 80% charge so as not to stress the battery. And the update would also monitor the battery very closely. If any of the battery cells showed heating or degradation issues they would then replace the battery. If nothing shows up after 6200 miles they would consider the battery safe to drive and would then increase the battery back to the full range.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">They would simply buy the vehicle back from the owner.</span></li></ol><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Car dealers took advantage of this situation and purchased them inexpensively from GM. My dealer had sold 40 of these recalled vehicles last year. In some cases these vehicles had batteries replaced, and in others the software update had been installed. This was the case with my vehicle so the range is limited to around 180 miles nominal. This suits my needs perfectly since over 95% of my driving is local, and on longer trips I can simply stop at a super charging station for an hour or so to add over 200 miles range quickly. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">On a recent trip where I drove around 120 miles round-trip I returned home with 29 miles range left. I was carefully monitoring the miles remaining and the range gauge which we EV owners refer to as the "guess-o-meter" changed from green to amber to warn me of this limited range when it dropped below 30 miles. Temperatures on this trip were in the mid 30s and low 40s Fahrenheit so I was using some cabin heating which draws down the battery, and I also took advantage of the heated seats and steering wheel which use a lot less power to keep me warm. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I plugged the vehicle into my level II (240V) charging station and it was fully topped up after about seven hours. If I were to plug into a (level III) super charging station while on the road, I could fully charge the vehicle in about 1.5 hours. All electric vehicles are provided with a charging adapter for a regular
120 V outlet and this would take about 16 hours for the Bolt. So
clearly it makes sense to install a home charging station. The Bolt draws more power from my home charging station - about 6 kW compared to only 4 kW for the Chevy Volt so I can get more miles of range per hour of charging while charging at home. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">it is important to know that the Volt and Bolt both need to be kept plugged in to a charging station at all times. The reason for this is that the battery needs to be maintained at a comfortable temperature or it could be damaged. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have an energy monitor that shows
that during the winter months the charger delivers power to a heating system in the vehicle
periodically in order to maintain a safe temperature for the battery. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I recently saw a news story about some people who got into their Chevy Bolt and it refused to let them drive it until it had warmed up the battery. Clearly they had not left the vehicle plugged in so it was actually draining the battery down throughout the day in an effort to keep the battery warm. If you drive with a very cold battery, it can be damaged. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Overall I am extremely pleased with this vehicle - it is even faster than the Volt with a neck snapping acceleration of 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. One feature that I enjoy is the so-called "one pedal driving" mode. When you shift from D to L, the regenerative braking system allows you to lift your foot off the accelerator which slows the car to a complete stop without ever touching the brake pedal. (note that the letters D and L no longer refer to gears because there aren't any in electric vehicles). This extends the driving range by putting a lot more energy back into the battery. I was going down a steep hill recently and the dashboard showed that 50 kW (FIFTY. THOUSAND. Watts!) were going back into the battery for several seconds. Holding down the brake pedal gently while in D mode would have accomplished something similar, but I find the one pedal driving mode to be comfortable. There is also a paddle on the left side of the steering wheel which can be used to engage regenerative braking as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are a few things I need to adjust in this vehicle. One of the criteria for any vehicle I own is that it should be able to fit 8ft pieces of lumber inside. A friend of mine has a Bolt and he recently had 6 2X4s inside the vehicle by folding down the front passenger seat and the rear seats. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg9DA6fzVsMChJPDY3OvYGzTKiCCXRxrMBeBZNe_fxbol7oFksKELNRYg6H8o5qdASk2VOwfx4ZP_U5_6TiTRA21U4hbeeC8fs4-cCq7u0T9ywaFIjGrp_H98Yn63NuXenRpsPXdhaGP-TMtrdQBL1Fh64Lev0U83-tCUhiOyLvMfvUZxzGsnhsVPXPQ/s259/cargo%20in%202021%20Bolt.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDg9DA6fzVsMChJPDY3OvYGzTKiCCXRxrMBeBZNe_fxbol7oFksKELNRYg6H8o5qdASk2VOwfx4ZP_U5_6TiTRA21U4hbeeC8fs4-cCq7u0T9ywaFIjGrp_H98Yn63NuXenRpsPXdhaGP-TMtrdQBL1Fh64Lev0U83-tCUhiOyLvMfvUZxzGsnhsVPXPQ/w200-h150/cargo%20in%202021%20Bolt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">In my model year the rear cargo area drops down about a foot behind the rear seats. This would be fine for normal people who use that area for groceries or suitcases, but I prefer a large flat area. I looked at 2020 models and they had a hinged cover for that rear cargo well that brings it up to the same height as the folded down rear seats. </span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiswY_h6uTkD9hXBjY8xUiSyytMtCY52hlX5ZnLxHJ_F_0tRX8C-n_oTWKBqcV6_Lq5aOk2WzB8wM1O1q7y5NLIqrEYztsUKbl9Avj8jDelmb6VEgjGbCIMSjys7i2GQ3OvACIzxNs7EzanztZTyHBIclRD8SZkJmgcYrED1doUEFbq3ZWD0ArLmNt-1M/s275/cargo%202022.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiswY_h6uTkD9hXBjY8xUiSyytMtCY52hlX5ZnLxHJ_F_0tRX8C-n_oTWKBqcV6_Lq5aOk2WzB8wM1O1q7y5NLIqrEYztsUKbl9Avj8jDelmb6VEgjGbCIMSjys7i2GQ3OvACIzxNs7EzanztZTyHBIclRD8SZkJmgcYrED1doUEFbq3ZWD0ArLmNt-1M/w200-h133/cargo%202022.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I did some research and found that I can put a hinged cover back in to replicate what was in those earlier models at a cost of around $140. </span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <br />Another thing I do with all my vehicles here in Maine is put <a href="https://amzn.to/3UOkm2c" target="_blank"><b>WeatherTech</b></a> brand rubber floor mats in the two front locations. Maine is muddy for many months of the year and that can really wear down the front carpets.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Incidentally, the license plate that I've had for many years is SUN PWRD, since all my electric vehicles have been powered from my solar power system which currently has 39 panels rated to up to 7 kW. This means that I am driving essentially for free from the power of the sun it feels like an Infinite Improbability Drive (a reference to the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy). I found a nice chrome emblem that I can add to the back of the car to reflect this:<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin_qvuXfcfbyFAb3AgJiY8a0D3vO5rlu5w90o0c9ArtwAMVTryh_-_WoL4UxtDROZhQE-i9ea8o8PGZ4xofrd8KB0eKoFEtKIbrwmBcIu9t_5agvnJuVBUEQduQS4ky-ht8Zq2iWJccJz2rcs6ZE6zezFfW2eGaWNufY5YthF6AJRYH143n9i2_djfAl4" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="251" data-original-width="500" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin_qvuXfcfbyFAb3AgJiY8a0D3vO5rlu5w90o0c9ArtwAMVTryh_-_WoL4UxtDROZhQE-i9ea8o8PGZ4xofrd8KB0eKoFEtKIbrwmBcIu9t_5agvnJuVBUEQduQS4ky-ht8Zq2iWJccJz2rcs6ZE6zezFfW2eGaWNufY5YthF6AJRYH143n9i2_djfAl4" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">And I always keep a towel in the back of the car, just in case! 😀<br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-34938295264145624602023-11-22T21:55:00.002-05:002023-11-22T21:59:45.539-05:00Repair, re-use, recycle, repurpose<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Four words that represent a sustainable life. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Repair</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My first impulse when anything breaks is to see if I can repair it. I have enough skills to repair anything made of wood, metal, plastic and electronics. Sometimes a bit of duct tape will work, and others require glue, soldering electronics, or making a replacement part. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recently a battery powered thermometer stopped working. Inside the battery compartment I found the alkaline battery had corroded the springs as often happens and there is that classic powdery green corrosion. A simple fix is to use a Q-tip soaked in white vinegar to clean off the corrosion, then wipe it down with a little scotch bright and finally dab it with a paper towel soaked in WD-40. I threw away the dead alkaline battery that was long past its prime, but if it used a rechargeable battery I would have recycled it by dropping it off in a blue bin at the <b><a href="https://corporate.lowes.com/newsroom/stories/fresh-thinking/3-easy-ways-help-recycle-rechargeable-batteries" target="_blank">Lowe's</a></b> product return department. They also accept old CFL lamps that contain mercury.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Battery in store recycling" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="133" src="https://corporate.lowes.com/sites/lowes-corp/files/story-images/battery-in-store-recycling.png" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reuse</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If there are items that I don't need I will turn them into Goodwill to be reused. or, I might offer something to a friend who can use it </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">such as a light fixture.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Other items that I don't need I donate to the <b><a href="https://habitat7rivers.org/restore" target="_blank">ReStore</a></b> such as building materials. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> An absolute last resort is to put something in the trash. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recycle</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Like many people I recycle everything I can, and usually put out far more recycling than I do trash. In a <b><a href="https://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2023/06/redeeming-cans-and-bottles-for-funthe.html" target="_blank">recent post</a></b> I talked about how I ride around my neighborhood on my E bike with large panniers on the back to pick up trash and redeemable cans and bottles. In the last 12 months I have redeemed over 3000 containers using the <b><a href="https://www.clynk.com/" target="_blank">Clynk</a></b> redemption centers at local supermarkets here in Maine - that's over $150 earned! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The the items I cannot redeem are put in my recycling bin, and the trash that is mostly fast food packaging goes in my trash, but some of the paper materials I can recycle. I keep a 50 gallon bin in my laundry room that is close to the kitchen so it's very easy to put kitchen recyclables in there easily. And I recycle a lot of corrugated boxes from shipments that I receive. Mixed stream recycling is picked up every two weeks and I usually fill it to the top. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Used rechargeable batteries and electronic products such as cell phones and toys that contain rechargeable batteries can be returned to any call2recycle location, <b><a href="https://www.call2recycle.org/locator/" target="_blank">here's a link to find a location near you</a></b>. <br /> </span><img alt="Call2Recycle®" class="tt-retina-logo" height="44" src="https://www.call2recycle.org/wp-content/uploads/c2r-sitelogo-2016-retina-1.png" width="154" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Repurpose</span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Often when something breaks, I will see if I can take it apart and reuse some of the materials. If there is wood involved, then I can cut it up and use it for firewood in my woodstoves for instance. I also save all my newspapers to use as kindling.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/685041" target="_blank">I teach wood bowl making classes</a></b>, and each bowl produces several gallons of shavings. I use these shavings for garden mulch, cat litter, and kindling.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every year or so I review all my old gallon cans of household paint to see if they still have liquid paint in them and if I don't need them I can <b><a href="https://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2015/12/safely-disposing-old-paint.html" target="_blank">drop them off at my nearest hardware store</a></b> where the paint is reused. Dry and congealed paint cannot be returned, so I leave it out in the open until it is fully dried and then put it in the trash. Maine is the eighth state in the US that has a Paint Care program for repurposing old architectural paint, <b><a href="https://www.nrcm.org/programs/sustainability/recycling-product-stewardship/paint/" target="_blank">here's a link</a></b> to that program sponsored by the natural resources Council of Maine. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My absolute last resort is to put something in the trash and it typically takes me weeks to fill a 30 gallon trash bin. I'm sure there are many other things that I do that I have forgotten to mention, so drop me a line if you have other suggestions.<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div><h1 style="text-align: left;"> </h1>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-39771495916379927712023-08-11T10:24:00.000-04:002023-08-11T10:24:15.306-04:00Zero waste compostable garbage bags<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhdAB8dODQQpV01FiW3jcvQViV82svHLy-phW7cvH9AkZLVpsjXHmDXdyusFTwY9ogZUCZU5WC7wNDUVCrBhE8-MAjOBco1k0YRhbqxlMmh6MRFmUXkqj9Sx1FBTL2NFubDtqwF5DmdltsS7fPLaRL1zHOKwJm2gcN5zfdurYVHklGhwXKq9L3EM3lXo/s4160/IMG_20230810_192129320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhdAB8dODQQpV01FiW3jcvQViV82svHLy-phW7cvH9AkZLVpsjXHmDXdyusFTwY9ogZUCZU5WC7wNDUVCrBhE8-MAjOBco1k0YRhbqxlMmh6MRFmUXkqj9Sx1FBTL2NFubDtqwF5DmdltsS7fPLaRL1zHOKwJm2gcN5zfdurYVHklGhwXKq9L3EM3lXo/w400-h300/IMG_20230810_192129320.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />It has always bothered me when I throw garbage bags into my trash bin because I know that plastic will last for decades in the landfill or elsewhere. So I was delightfully surprised to learn about hold on bags that are made from plant-based materials that are non-toxic and biodegradable without leaving any toxic residue.</span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Apparently they called the company HoldOn because there was a moment when they came up with the idea and went "hold on", there's a better way to do this.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am using all three sizes:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3qr9pHg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1335" data-original-width="1500" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNjw5SUvDZcw8OmQz3Y_gt9PIe3AbNLHcTnwWl3Ka6mvgqbCweCkydVAtPjSV2xS3T3RNlEb9RUdJJIDx1McGOkJQQ1TzFIj5MK2nD2UtvvzgxB1Byv1AZ7Mtv9dLAZZpTdut2SLH3-muyAna0pRf9ssWZ9M4e7fDVIeARACxIA1uMf616E9D9KuYHWg/s320/HoldOn%20small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span class="a-list-item" style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3Qz56Eg">4 Gallon Trash Bags: Our 17” x 18” small kitchen bags</a></span></p><p><span class="a-list-item" style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span class="a-list-item" style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/45lRyjI" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1467" data-original-width="1500" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdQoBxzCQhOgShxnl7TfhF2MaVg5DceZ-uRK42-UuSsomrF-KE9f-CTcFCInwi6R2UmsoAUmAFO_EjXYhxEqwMj5iALB_5Pwu1wkiRa5THwFaMRTMI8K5id6EgAPeogKJAM1D3-67MFLd9nJf5qnT-pC08Ejjx3fEoy3kxprqTAebLNnoesx6XTEh38o/s320/HoldOn%2013gal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://amzn.to/45r3CQz" target="_blank"><span class="a-list-item">13 Gallon Compostable Trash Bags</span></a></span><p></p><p><span class="a-list-item" style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://amzn.to/47us9q4" target="_blank"></a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/45mzHJA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18HrNj2y0P4KpOuQa4DtLeIWtOKUULsj2KiRpw1iRs8xjEjOdbf0TFmn4FaoWI8MUTP6VtLSZ3KSauV_r5KGoo4qC37IMIdY-9CvBTBCIya8I4vq6AAoChMs386z2Qc0_q0I5QOQ_91vROZ8nydXs1GyBfDsWlFSSbRThdGUbKj64P7pWpUeFWd80g14/s320/HoldOn%20ziplock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://amzn.to/47us9q4" target="_blank"><span class="a-list-item">Compostable zip-seal Snack Bags</span><span class="a-list-item"> </span></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="a-list-item"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(as an Amazon associate, I earn a small commission from sales of these products) </span><br /></i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="a-list-item">I am really pleased with these bags, they are strong and sturdy and hold up to normal use very well. I really wish more products were made to be fully compostable like this, we would leave the world a better place for future generations.</span><span class="a-list-item"> </span></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-17151580399943697512023-07-05T18:04:00.003-04:002023-07-06T09:25:47.261-04:00My solar powered lifestyle<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2w3WUuxx_J4rWY6ms9rSrHZZFh8xSorh-A_Bl9j7SNtLTPi-3NPm-I4-WkgrhXfJM8vVU0Bwz3H2PtCIbPuuJjKnn5mLfCzoNN938xGXfPnT5SIfBEswWlT8JSGvweKSMhh5eBjaTnr-CUG_5fWR59ZvgtMr4_Rm81LWoUm_teIxhGlaGnkenP3HKwQ/s2580/My%20solar%20powered%20life2.jpg" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="2580" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2w3WUuxx_J4rWY6ms9rSrHZZFh8xSorh-A_Bl9j7SNtLTPi-3NPm-I4-WkgrhXfJM8vVU0Bwz3H2PtCIbPuuJjKnn5mLfCzoNN938xGXfPnT5SIfBEswWlT8JSGvweKSMhh5eBjaTnr-CUG_5fWR59ZvgtMr4_Rm81LWoUm_teIxhGlaGnkenP3HKwQ/w400-h217/My%20solar%20powered%20life2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am a DIY guy so I tend to do everything myself. Pictured above left is my grid tied solar array consisting of 40 solar panels that <a href="https://youtu.be/EtKwnlslZNk" target="_blank">I have installed</a> with the help of friends over the years. There is a <a href="https://www.arttec.net/SolarPower/index.htm" target="_blank">very detailed blog on my website</a> covering the design and installation of this system. In peak sun it produces over 6 kW and surplus power goes back into the grid where I get a credit for every kilowatt hour exported thanks to net metering. This allows me to be largely carbon neutral from April through November. A few years ago I self-installed heat pumps in both my workshop building (pictured) and my home (<a href="https://youtu.be/oHZhfpTeitg" target="_blank">here's a video about that</a>). I am located in Maine at the 44th parallel so in the winter, I have less solar and a higher demand for electricity to run the heat pumps, so for a few months I pay a substantial electric bill to run my heat pumps when the average temperature stays below freezing in the winter. (<a href="https://www.arttec.net/SolarPower/9_Stats/index.htm" target="_blank">You can see detailed stats of my solar energy system power here</a>). The utility power is sourced from more than 60% renewable including hydropower, wind, and other renewables. I believe Maine has the highest utility supplied renewable energy offering in the US.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Pictured in the photo above are also the following items:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4IeAh33oxjqXMRKGELeAKZG4fCosJw4G4dva6uc-4XsfhvvF_kLLk9JkM6-lspo2dxupYWoK_zocNNZTG3zEMOU-9N2QlAArfxGCoyToZOocc_CNex3HEG55QZ6eLIg94w4RCG7tJomtvt7vHbNctmv9uaUbnEiuuMXIVjmXyydXuYWxrL4iIBs7hAs/s522/Volt.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="522" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4IeAh33oxjqXMRKGELeAKZG4fCosJw4G4dva6uc-4XsfhvvF_kLLk9JkM6-lspo2dxupYWoK_zocNNZTG3zEMOU-9N2QlAArfxGCoyToZOocc_CNex3HEG55QZ6eLIg94w4RCG7tJomtvt7vHbNctmv9uaUbnEiuuMXIVjmXyydXuYWxrL4iIBs7hAs/w200-h115/Volt.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>2017 Chevy Volt. This is my <a href="https://www.arttec.net/Chevy_Volt/index.htm" target="_blank">second Volt</a> and it is an amazing car that is the fastest and sexiest vehicle I have ever owned. With over 50,000 miles on it I still get a thrill driving it knowing that it is fully carbon neutral and I even put vanity plates on it that say: SUN PWRD.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.aventon.com/" target="_blank">Aventon</a> Level.2 E bike. This is my second E bike and it has an impressive 60 mile range with pedal assist and somewhat less than that if I were to use it in throttle only mode (riding it like a motorcycle without pedaling). It is capable of level III, meaning that pedal assist can take me up to 28 mph easily. (Level II goes up to 20 mph). Despite all the electric assist, I get a lot of good exercise riding an average of 10 miles a day in good weather. And as you can see in <a href="https://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2023/06/redeeming-cans-and-bottles-for-funthe.html" target="_blank">my previous post</a> I have large panniers on the back that I use for picking up garbage and redeemable bottles and cans around my neighborhood.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Green Works self-propelled 80V cordless lawnmower. This mower is an absolute beast and chews through tall grass with no problem at all. I really like the self-propelled feature in the summer when it's unpleasantly hot and humid. My lawn areas are relatively modest, just to keep a setback around the building and open areas around my garden beds, and fruit trees and this mower can cover the whole area on a single charge of the two 80 V 4AH batteries.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Black & Decker cordless 20V string trimmer. This is a surprisingly powerful machine that chews through tall weeds with abandon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Black & Decker 20V cordless hedge trimmer. I refer to this as my "light saber" because it will cut anything up to half inch branches with ease.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The bottom line is my carbon footprint is as low as I can practically get it with my relatively modest funds. By doing my own installation of my solar panels and heat pumps I have saved tens of thousands of dollars, and I also took advantage of federal and state tax incentives and grants to keep the cost down.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I still use a little propane in my home for clothes drying, cooking, water heating, and some building heat to supplement the heat pump. My propane water heater is a tankless unit that is much more efficient than a standard tank heater and it is supplemented by <a href="https://www.arttec.net/SolarDHW/index.htm" target="_blank">solar collectors that I installed on the building</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In both my workshop and home I have <a href="https://www.arttec.net/Solar/11-18-05/November18-05.html" target="_blank">wood stoves</a> that I light when the temperatures drop below 20°F. I harvest much of the firewood from my own property and other sources but also purchase cut cord wood. Typically, I go through about 1 cord of wood per building. (a cord of wood measures approximately 4' x 4' x 8' when stacked). Both my wood stoves are very efficient modern units with low emissions. I consider burning wood to be nearly carbon neutral, but others may see that differently. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't have kids, but I have a daily awareness of the impacts of the climate crisis on future generations. One of my primary motivations for living sustainably is to try and avert the worst of the climate crisis so that today's grandchildren will have a livable world.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-625015884279005802023-06-30T10:22:00.002-04:002023-06-30T16:08:11.112-04:00 Redeeming cans and bottles for fun/the environment/exercise/profit<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqi3Vz-LuhrDGncDc0bCUenk6ael97O2DUEAnNLN9BKWiSIRTPuMXLpJBHOfy1tFOmGQc8EdDsJyGtgA7Lhjvn8NlI1akhwg6Vhgrxg6BQn4AweF_qya7-bj_1j83zaKEy0rFvqhKltaRXZyINLipsO16nzpMo06KocCyoR9aSFZDroqfsFg0qAQbU2M/s1233/Guy%20w-bike.jpg" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBqi3Vz-LuhrDGncDc0bCUenk6ael97O2DUEAnNLN9BKWiSIRTPuMXLpJBHOfy1tFOmGQc8EdDsJyGtgA7Lhjvn8NlI1akhwg6Vhgrxg6BQn4AweF_qya7-bj_1j83zaKEy0rFvqhKltaRXZyINLipsO16nzpMo06KocCyoR9aSFZDroqfsFg0qAQbU2M/s320/Guy%20w-bike.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My e-bike with panniers<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I purchased my first E bike over a year ago and put over 1000 miles on it in the first year. Prior to that I used to walk around my neighborhood with my friend to get exercise and we would also take a garbage bag and pick up trash and recyclables and redeemable bottles and cans. After we both got E-bikes, I installed large panniers on my bike so I can carry more than two grocery bags full of trash. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyw06YAn0qdAv6D23P7DeHvbo8Wb04zyE9dVEaJBAzNj1O4WGY_Z3L49kMJR8ebpNdhnAHn30IKU6Umph8JIxOP1Y72qAM9zrTq9TU8RfeM2Cnn8Jm9C5RKU-oOthXXntbHgY79XA78sdxEL6MKmQ3Jbllyv_226A5i4JW942uMEoH5K3-5IeE4BtAGs/s714/Clynk%20count.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="714" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyw06YAn0qdAv6D23P7DeHvbo8Wb04zyE9dVEaJBAzNj1O4WGY_Z3L49kMJR8ebpNdhnAHn30IKU6Umph8JIxOP1Y72qAM9zrTq9TU8RfeM2Cnn8Jm9C5RKU-oOthXXntbHgY79XA78sdxEL6MKmQ3Jbllyv_226A5i4JW942uMEoH5K3-5IeE4BtAGs/s320/Clynk%20count.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partial screenshot from the Clynk app<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the last seven months, I have redeemed over 1700 containers. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is shocking how many beer cans and bottles and miniature liquor bottles I pick up every week.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Apparently there are dozens of people who drink and drive and then throw these containers out of their vehicles onto the side of the road.😲 I cover a range that encompasses roughly a 3 mile radius from my rural home here in Maine which is all two-lane blacktops. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The redemption system here in Maine pays $0.05 per container redeemed and $0.15 for vodka and wine bottles. I signed up with a system known as <a href="https://www.clynk.com/" target="_blank">Clynk</a> that makes redeeming these containers easy. You just put them in their special biodegradable bag with a barcode and drop them off. They process them in the next few days and then give me a credit that I can pick up at the grocery store as cash.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eiOYHDezyNIyFLuM49Mok08Bvr55Yl0NKwALFTrz7KeCzqjDjj6-g4kuPOhJRjLT-C_aeCQsSW-TDspWa7SRzCwf2NdD8g2bD63XXf_lyeUB1Y6qUUPWUXws_3XtO3FZWubzjKgidsianKbyKZ85Wa5Pftvlh_tKxFvgZs2ZSdJOvoL0HR6gu8y4_o0/s1497/Redeemables.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1497" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5eiOYHDezyNIyFLuM49Mok08Bvr55Yl0NKwALFTrz7KeCzqjDjj6-g4kuPOhJRjLT-C_aeCQsSW-TDspWa7SRzCwf2NdD8g2bD63XXf_lyeUB1Y6qUUPWUXws_3XtO3FZWubzjKgidsianKbyKZ85Wa5Pftvlh_tKxFvgZs2ZSdJOvoL0HR6gu8y4_o0/s320/Redeemables.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a typical catch from a 10 mile bike ride<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />When I get home, I separate out the trash, recyclables, and redeemables. There are many containers that I cannot redeem because they've been crushed on the road, I also clean up dirty cans and bottles before redeeming them, many of the beer cans are filled with dead slugs which is really gross. There are also a lot of fast food containers and other general trash that I pick up.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Shown above is just the separated out redeemables. There is a surprising number of miniature liquor bottles. The state of Maine only recently enacted a law requiring $0.05 per miniature bottle, previously they were not counted as redeemable materials. This does not seem to have diminished the use of these bottles much. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I enjoy getting the exercise and cleaning up my neighborhood - it's like a treasure hunt for me - looking for shiny objects along the road. I call this my "get rich slow scheme" since I make around $100 per year, but it's not about the money for me. I just use some of it to buy candy or lottery tickets.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I encourage those of you who might live in areas where you find a lot of trash along the roadside to walk with a garbage bag and pick it up. Even if your state doesn't have a redemption system, much of the trash I find can be recycled. I feel strongly that it takes all of us working together as a community to improve the planet.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-33805836458858570202022-12-28T14:29:00.004-05:002022-12-28T14:29:59.449-05:00Whole house surge/lightning protection<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EzSWC-mXCGw" width="320" youtube-src-id="EzSWC-mXCGw"></iframe></div><br />As an engineer, I have a lot of electronic equipment in my home and separate workshop building. While I could plug all of these items into separate surge strips, that would be unreasonably expensive and would not offer as much protection as installing a <b><a href="https://www.deltala.com/" target="_blank">Delta surge protector</a></b> in the main breaker box. These devices are designed specifically to absorb the massive energy spikes that come from lightning and other transients. <p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I installed this equipment in my breaker boxes many years ago and I'm really glad that I did! I remember sitting on my front porch watching a massive thunderstorm come through and I saw a lightning strike hit the power pole 20 feet from workshop building with a massive FLASH-BANG that was terrifying. (That's not my home in the video above). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The next day I noticed that my appliances were making a humming sound so I checked the voltage of the electrical outlets and found that I was getting 140 V AC and not the specified 120 V AC. This implied that the pole transformer had been damaged by lightning so I called the utility company. They showed up literally 20 minutes later with a replacement transformer and it took them about 1/2 an hour to replace it. If I had not installed surge protection I would have lost thousands of dollars worth of electronic devices including all my consumer items like TV, DVD, stereo, computers and kitchen appliances like the microwave etc. The only item that fell victim to that massive lightning strike was my cable modem because there was no protection on the cable line. I have since added protection for the cable itself.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSTQIBvATI08oJR3-3j77pAbUVYliwVU4X05mZPOpwMhSNzE4HsoG-wx7Blgt1oCPyA_SVa0TLvm2xa_EOFeTx4gZ4BFAtZZZ_o6RKzwTzxYSXVQ4pegj2c4LwEAd419U0FjUmwFHDOT1VGizoTwcjsgRxb8JC1olFymkUrZMVF8lp2ZHku8n3ScT/s3488/Lighting%20rod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2616" data-original-width="3488" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSTQIBvATI08oJR3-3j77pAbUVYliwVU4X05mZPOpwMhSNzE4HsoG-wx7Blgt1oCPyA_SVa0TLvm2xa_EOFeTx4gZ4BFAtZZZ_o6RKzwTzxYSXVQ4pegj2c4LwEAd419U0FjUmwFHDOT1VGizoTwcjsgRxb8JC1olFymkUrZMVF8lp2ZHku8n3ScT/w200-h150/Lighting%20rod.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My house is on a rise in rural Maine surrounded by tall trees and lightning has hit and destroyed a couple of trees near the house. My workshop building has 38 solar panels mounted to the roof. For this reason I hired a company to install lightning rods on both my home and workshop building. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back in 2010, they installed the systems at a total cost of around $3500 for both buildings.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcnx23W6NhQx_Z5KpNCuIKSmhg4FPgAgY-nv-UmijyOdU-fbwX9zsd6x7VR2b3aTr3HCI-My05Ypoy8XA8OSRdcuk465nbchANpUzp2-2T2NdKJfsI0w95-GPpFb8LTNutfi6l2LQ4I7KC3vbcm4UHedGDTCdL39elJwK6If_cWTr8bNmWbp8AphC/s4160/IMG_20221228_140229327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcnx23W6NhQx_Z5KpNCuIKSmhg4FPgAgY-nv-UmijyOdU-fbwX9zsd6x7VR2b3aTr3HCI-My05Ypoy8XA8OSRdcuk465nbchANpUzp2-2T2NdKJfsI0w95-GPpFb8LTNutfi6l2LQ4I7KC3vbcm4UHedGDTCdL39elJwK6If_cWTr8bNmWbp8AphC/w150-h200/IMG_20221228_140229327.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><br />The roof mounted rods are connected to very heavy woven copper wires about 1/2" diameter that run down to two opposite corners of the building where they are connected to ground rods pounded deep into the ground. If you are at all concerned about the risk of lightning hitting your home this is your first line of defense. Lightning frequently destroys homes with fire and explosive damage.<br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have two surge protection devices installed in my breaker boxes like this: <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pYq44-xbRJdN4-h3wUk49-oDZQwYIWZyL1GT6uC-8a1SbsF72MeJCzVrEuocAJz-v0Kpo-zjOYDWDOCToOy8idSJivXxA-epsxyIXJ3HPiP4bVOvHKuSJuSz1p7UftiDZr3U8P5dR0GSLOYR_WcDROc04wx74k6UvNh3ZUVTuDZ4jr2slyiTAAFn/s440/breaker%20box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pYq44-xbRJdN4-h3wUk49-oDZQwYIWZyL1GT6uC-8a1SbsF72MeJCzVrEuocAJz-v0Kpo-zjOYDWDOCToOy8idSJivXxA-epsxyIXJ3HPiP4bVOvHKuSJuSz1p7UftiDZr3U8P5dR0GSLOYR_WcDROc04wx74k6UvNh3ZUVTuDZ4jr2slyiTAAFn/s320/breaker%20box.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <br />The first is the lightning protector which is model number LA 302-R (<a href="https://www.deltala.com/download/MO302-new.pdf" target="_blank">here's a link to the specifications)</a>. <br /></span><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm8o033-wfZOxts0lqZunUn9nbz3AAuL20QE1WRbYGWOJRONlKzaukhTqqM8v8uvI-aUeHg2W7HMcr3--Hq97TT5SKDSBYtEp8VbwtbY3Mnyptljs7b7vDaojVco7fmGfBEaqay7ulcLHXerrHpIIKyrCTRbKDfijTN0ePTmale2cmfzlkPO5-ifM/s470/LA302R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="376" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqm8o033-wfZOxts0lqZunUn9nbz3AAuL20QE1WRbYGWOJRONlKzaukhTqqM8v8uvI-aUeHg2W7HMcr3--Hq97TT5SKDSBYtEp8VbwtbY3Mnyptljs7b7vDaojVco7fmGfBEaqay7ulcLHXerrHpIIKyrCTRbKDfijTN0ePTmale2cmfzlkPO5-ifM/w160-h200/LA302R.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">LA302-R</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Both these units are available from Amazon, <a href="https://amzn.to/3C4UncA" target="_blank">here's a link to purchase the lightning protection device LA 302-R<br /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also have installed a CA302-R
Surge Capacitor which protects from different types of surges that are
too light or fast <br />for lightning protection devices to function (<a href="https://www.deltala.com/download/SurgCap2.pdf" target="_blank">here's a link to the specs for that unit</a>).</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgteD7zL9LdHAr1SW1bcRIC3Rk9jKw9JTO8Dwqy7A20lBgQfZr9NGmxjuqbSImEXnRAffvZetVMjGgeL5N7weGwncG38-X6zlmCIwNzzDlLm1NUPOUXH0aHsW__yfGA7qK_3G8t47El43WdiSBR8xSze3kVut6Uvi9bR725gtS3O2gLj-Q6MnQWOf/s383/CA302R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="195" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgteD7zL9LdHAr1SW1bcRIC3Rk9jKw9JTO8Dwqy7A20lBgQfZr9NGmxjuqbSImEXnRAffvZetVMjGgeL5N7weGwncG38-X6zlmCIwNzzDlLm1NUPOUXH0aHsW__yfGA7qK_3G8t47El43WdiSBR8xSze3kVut6Uvi9bR725gtS3O2gLj-Q6MnQWOf/s320/CA302R.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">CA302-R</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;">And <a href="https://amzn.to/3GpLzAK" target="_blank">here is a link to purchase the surge capacitor CA 302-R</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)</i><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Both these units are around $50 each and are the cheapest insurance money can buy in my mind!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><b><span style="color: red;">CAUTION! both these devices require opening up the circuit breaker box and installing them inside. If you are not comfortable doing this seek out a professional or licensed electrician. Installation should only take about five or 10 minutes but it must be done safely.</span></b></span><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-80625973481091940332022-11-01T16:41:00.002-04:002022-11-01T16:41:13.631-04:00Bedding in my garlic with wood shavings from my bowl turning classes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVuR3DOgleIDd8kpx9WcUI4pwB7N226k4CSSFtcnhIYtTddyx4aC5cHs6JJP1Gz3pvUhoz6LgYPhgFoiDL6i5q5GTKuVTvcYsEu_6ex990tMk9OILsaQ2sMsLZRtUCPW3ZK2q-y80m8FYPoOX4nVZcts9HoVO2dYVCMCl6P9RVmWoWouHRa9akP2c/s4160/IMG_20221029_143203882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVuR3DOgleIDd8kpx9WcUI4pwB7N226k4CSSFtcnhIYtTddyx4aC5cHs6JJP1Gz3pvUhoz6LgYPhgFoiDL6i5q5GTKuVTvcYsEu_6ex990tMk9OILsaQ2sMsLZRtUCPW3ZK2q-y80m8FYPoOX4nVZcts9HoVO2dYVCMCl6P9RVmWoWouHRa9akP2c/s320/IMG_20221029_143203882.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">it's early November and the time of year when I plant garlic so it will come up in the spring. I purchase heirloom garlic from the local farmers market and simply break off cloves and put them in the dirt about 2 to 4 inches down. Then it is recommended to cover them over with mulch to protect them. So I use shavings from the wood turning classes that I teach. (<a href="https://www.arttec.net/Bowl_making_class/" target="_blank">More info about those classes here</a>). In the spring I purchase basil seedlings from the farmers market and plant those in the same vegetable beds. The whole idea here is to make basil pesto from a combination of my own plants and garlic. I typically can nine or more 8 ounce jars of pesto and store them in the fridge to tide me over through the winter. And of course I enjoy garlic and many of the foods and stir fries that I prepare.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also use my wood shavings for litter and kindling to light my wood stoves - one in my home and one in my workshop. This particular batch of shavings includes some Osage Orange shavings that a student sent me from a tree on his property in Texas. Here's a photo of the prepared bowl blank and a finished bowl:<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzzd5UuVwYUuDfsViWCygvRGlH9eZNLG-xqK-YuBLX-ZtQeoGmQ9y7BWneD2SWyYgi4jKLCc6L64YXu4tHT3GOgbRamEJ7koJViYZuqzlpx5Vkn2UlVkr6_Ji-HnbadeImQORJUZigCn-qt1JGO1wCjdBUOgzL15bWNwOsArdeWIG8LTfX9lB733O/s4160/IMG_20221023_122256849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgzzd5UuVwYUuDfsViWCygvRGlH9eZNLG-xqK-YuBLX-ZtQeoGmQ9y7BWneD2SWyYgi4jKLCc6L64YXu4tHT3GOgbRamEJ7koJViYZuqzlpx5Vkn2UlVkr6_Ji-HnbadeImQORJUZigCn-qt1JGO1wCjdBUOgzL15bWNwOsArdeWIG8LTfX9lB733O/s320/IMG_20221023_122256849.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> This blend of shavings looks quite nice on my vegetable bed:<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtnNjYfEUqsh9yzDJESUBuZ16cJd5XCjLlFjOKp6QpUUrH62YBGgXz4ARMAw-8TMjbRETE-CnSVraWiqrxWUyjMn87ID93d9aZUHFyKZWPzmGTkOeRpEEbdtEZRyK8HbYn0h9hc05lYuEIZjSI-HghyTkqfO3J_g6DTgVULfpYfAlZqz-p-ESJSVc/s4160/IMG_20221029_143249594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtnNjYfEUqsh9yzDJESUBuZ16cJd5XCjLlFjOKp6QpUUrH62YBGgXz4ARMAw-8TMjbRETE-CnSVraWiqrxWUyjMn87ID93d9aZUHFyKZWPzmGTkOeRpEEbdtEZRyK8HbYn0h9hc05lYuEIZjSI-HghyTkqfO3J_g6DTgVULfpYfAlZqz-p-ESJSVc/s320/IMG_20221029_143249594.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I rake the shavings off once I see shoots poking up in the late spring and will either dump them out in the woods, or mulch them in two other garden beds.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />This is all about living sustainably for me and also being self-reliant and saving money.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-49928908663853525202022-10-31T19:37:00.002-04:002022-10-31T19:37:21.598-04:00100% Recycled paper <p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1QkOu8k3IRkEfYaJFPcFzf0lE6XSTz97NVr8e-K9veGVAtxapSM6hctlOgIV_UA7HGF99dDsIM74BqkTxU7qhNL9bIM-Fv5BK1V6t6q3nQbTxMzBlfrbywXvilyWAl2auZjBp7ypdP4hWjAyfv6fcdZdYG6Q0kiJqiU9IuNbCELQeObI7VZYrUnW/s4160/IMG_20221031_183009561.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio1QkOu8k3IRkEfYaJFPcFzf0lE6XSTz97NVr8e-K9veGVAtxapSM6hctlOgIV_UA7HGF99dDsIM74BqkTxU7qhNL9bIM-Fv5BK1V6t6q3nQbTxMzBlfrbywXvilyWAl2auZjBp7ypdP4hWjAyfv6fcdZdYG6Q0kiJqiU9IuNbCELQeObI7VZYrUnW/s320/IMG_20221031_183009561.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When I buy printer paper from <a href="https://www.staples.com/" target="_blank">Staples</a> (or any other office supply source), I always spend a little extra to purchase 100% recycled copy paper from a forestry certified source. Staples also sell 30% recycled content office paper that is slightly less expensive. It's a simple way to vote with my dollars for a more sustainable planet. if more of us did this, we would support an industry that creates fully sustainable paper.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIlZ-ST_abI93mtecVpBqoZBoXU6rdGMFE9UQAz2RN5jbSI0RieEgvUe4oyYrx-24mbTqnX-7AO9b1j9tZgviCZkaKg0UIMa_dLe4MQ4X7B0hxh-EcMvVxyn5o6Nb3nPA8JaHz32V3M1fnx7mYNS-eOaH1eLxz7SLckWRU1GWuAoRbFo_NkSijh6Q/s757/IMG_20221031_183021784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIlZ-ST_abI93mtecVpBqoZBoXU6rdGMFE9UQAz2RN5jbSI0RieEgvUe4oyYrx-24mbTqnX-7AO9b1j9tZgviCZkaKg0UIMa_dLe4MQ4X7B0hxh-EcMvVxyn5o6Nb3nPA8JaHz32V3M1fnx7mYNS-eOaH1eLxz7SLckWRU1GWuAoRbFo_NkSijh6Q/s320/IMG_20221031_183021784.jpg" width="211" /></a></span></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In my small town here in rural Maine we have a biweekly pickup of mixed stream recycling of plastics, metals, paper and cardboard. I like to think that some of the paper I recycled has been turned into fully recycled content that I then purchase later. <br /><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-89822416376065124752022-10-09T16:06:00.000-04:002022-10-09T16:06:30.943-04:00Chives from my garden<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAO_Pwd-mxYQJfLa0-fJ1lvTXrFDL9QU4oSwvOcZ0EUZb_2JUzMAe7N3ldFfg7EGyGpFumoxC7qAeSGWbazph2Jr6uaH5gsUsajCkr6ajiE9us0oCd47vjxLmabnMU_yWNgmaXrgjlXHGfGVqD_4c6adUjLTTIbU3f2Xeo8tOtC4iINlBX18qMb6jB/s4160/Chives%20(4).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAO_Pwd-mxYQJfLa0-fJ1lvTXrFDL9QU4oSwvOcZ0EUZb_2JUzMAe7N3ldFfg7EGyGpFumoxC7qAeSGWbazph2Jr6uaH5gsUsajCkr6ajiE9us0oCd47vjxLmabnMU_yWNgmaXrgjlXHGfGVqD_4c6adUjLTTIbU3f2Xeo8tOtC4iINlBX18qMb6jB/w400-h300/Chives%20(4).jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have two chives plants in my garden beds, on the left is regular chives and on the right, garlic chives. The chives plant is over 15 years old and the garlic chives I've had for over three years now. These are the only perennials in my vegetable beds and I use fresh chives in scrambled eggs and stir fries throughout the growing season which runs from April through October. Today was our first frost night so I have harvested a bunch of chives and dried them for use through the rest of the year.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVLkd9tL_bToP76M8BcAYEbwWXUyP5you5ZsR6Z-wr0wv_dHRUhlWInKqUcszUPT1dDDA0y9MqQLNLkyxb3FOs4zAwHMb94htoQKFaWt5lJjATtTWJWh3yJeNjYaCs2z3Os27AKMTghIOPtiA_RfEoMj_3GuHULnEk1YNATJB---asS8OomzKkwr-/s2000/Chives%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="2000" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlVLkd9tL_bToP76M8BcAYEbwWXUyP5you5ZsR6Z-wr0wv_dHRUhlWInKqUcszUPT1dDDA0y9MqQLNLkyxb3FOs4zAwHMb94htoQKFaWt5lJjATtTWJWh3yJeNjYaCs2z3Os27AKMTghIOPtiA_RfEoMj_3GuHULnEk1YNATJB---asS8OomzKkwr-/w400-h217/Chives%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I cut them up with scissors and lay them on parchment paper and then put them in the oven at 150°F for about half an hour or so.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFqmX0w08-ap5UyJkNV66WSqlD1JeVbEY_hDV30YXY5mdNKJAH7xfQDFEU71u-PcO0_IisyRvzRtYDofHKBxs1cmq4m1rOFH-8NgJ65BHiMyi3qk0x3j4CJhtiCFd2iww5j6mrNOGYujYOB2kEtbQraAKSqCCS0ByHSqFWM7ls89LLCQAqwWgNhKi/s1098/Chives%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFqmX0w08-ap5UyJkNV66WSqlD1JeVbEY_hDV30YXY5mdNKJAH7xfQDFEU71u-PcO0_IisyRvzRtYDofHKBxs1cmq4m1rOFH-8NgJ65BHiMyi3qk0x3j4CJhtiCFd2iww5j6mrNOGYujYOB2kEtbQraAKSqCCS0ByHSqFWM7ls89LLCQAqwWgNhKi/s320/Chives%20(2).jpg" width="291" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once dried I store them in an 8 ounce ball jar with a reusable plastic lid. 4 to 5 ounces usually lasts me through the winter and into the spring. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Npl0oI_VXSnKYSCShUP0c3Sw3fhOPfbyJEhi5Hfss4jqBcOueDJq31ZyEz-bMJAi6c6_fnLmw2LA64iPK2dwM0Ry5Qb9mXBk-JcpcTusaqcDLwEAo4tj4K9tXZtF-ZOcuJ1tv4hVUojtuwpCBgDe1OQlFKSjU_atBZomo7Rku3eXhlQTTBeCkqKn/s2000/Chives%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Npl0oI_VXSnKYSCShUP0c3Sw3fhOPfbyJEhi5Hfss4jqBcOueDJq31ZyEz-bMJAi6c6_fnLmw2LA64iPK2dwM0Ry5Qb9mXBk-JcpcTusaqcDLwEAo4tj4K9tXZtF-ZOcuJ1tv4hVUojtuwpCBgDe1OQlFKSjU_atBZomo7Rku3eXhlQTTBeCkqKn/s320/Chives%20(3).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I usually make scrambled eggs with fresh chives and shredded cheddar cheese. Back when I was running an air B&B from my home my guests really enjoyed my special scrambled eggs. They would watch as I walked out to the garden to cut fresh chives for the breakfast and enjoyed the local resource. I would also use locally sourced free range chicken eggs that I bought at the farmers market. Garlic chives when fresh have a real zing to them that have a definite garlicky flavor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I enjoy making optimal use of all of the resources on my property as part of my commitment to living sustainably. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-28002484587334668102022-09-26T13:53:00.001-04:002022-10-09T16:10:22.473-04:00Solar water heating - 16 years of practical use<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqksZ15yHixE3Fb815g3lWa2ZgNNgLaIlU3leEOnJKJ5CmuiQLnUoeSbc36kNPWw9jZ3svs5jejHfkPIVa20TUejcuY3D-jgzD9Su74XD1hGRKtaArbc_dfGt3jQ2qClFNwrMhaKUfPvTWcNeKY_iduaT2Pw15_OJ3M1RN3H4uHhw2LQxeruxSd1vz/s1333/Collectors%20on%20house.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqksZ15yHixE3Fb815g3lWa2ZgNNgLaIlU3leEOnJKJ5CmuiQLnUoeSbc36kNPWw9jZ3svs5jejHfkPIVa20TUejcuY3D-jgzD9Su74XD1hGRKtaArbc_dfGt3jQ2qClFNwrMhaKUfPvTWcNeKY_iduaT2Pw15_OJ3M1RN3H4uHhw2LQxeruxSd1vz/w300-h400/Collectors%20on%20house.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Solar water heating collectors<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back in 2006 I installed solar collectors on the side of my house that preheated water before it went into a propane water heater tank. (see my <a href="https://www.arttec.net/SolarDHW/index.htm" target="_blank">detailed blog about this installation</a>). <br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh406AOHmBAXDgduPs8FVkrfKmsZKKQI_zUUPsCwmuISjD9-tnD3VSNZ9D0s4AXt1z3OkNNw8jCXOJiVkVN9M5gxvo9_FsHzklqueDKhF4qrL9DaNLthzG8DBE0OK1BX7l_aOiLHa4EbfGrPdhajm3tBj6efxmOb27t8Gr0jg7FhKhkbIjBrEG8x-1C/s2000/inside.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh406AOHmBAXDgduPs8FVkrfKmsZKKQI_zUUPsCwmuISjD9-tnD3VSNZ9D0s4AXt1z3OkNNw8jCXOJiVkVN9M5gxvo9_FsHzklqueDKhF4qrL9DaNLthzG8DBE0OK1BX7l_aOiLHa4EbfGrPdhajm3tBj6efxmOb27t8Gr0jg7FhKhkbIjBrEG8x-1C/s320/inside.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">demand heater on left<br />40 gal. storage on right</span><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;">When that water heater tank failed in 2010 I replaced it with a propane demand unit that uses a lot less propane because it only fires up to heat water on an as-needed basis. Standard water tanks - whether they are heated with gas or electricity waste a lot of energy by maintaining the heat in the tank that leaks out and has to be topped up all the time.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The company that made this complete kit that I purchased was called Butler Sun Solutions, and sadly they are no longer around because Barry Butler the founder has died. Barry was an absolute genius and designed a very simple very affordable system that could be retrofitted into standard water heater tanks. Since installing the system, I have done many upgrades and improvements. But the original design as built had a break even cost (after incentives) of about five years. I paid around $3000 for a complete kit and state and federal incentives reduced that to about $1500. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9huCjT3uB4yqypp6e0cUEqL3gbv1MN8JClEnNGxdGhFqtuABAYQ9SucoTWt33mp4GDgkAyRA93dwAIN2UtYZcGA5JrCsuWHwrvfEIG1wJjeFOhWJrXdD56qxcVubh-Bik-eLOIwp9tjQMZ5i7qMNj5pIEwS4cAnYbC1M3mrWq4fXOH6CGrkUApFK6/s2000/dashboard.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9huCjT3uB4yqypp6e0cUEqL3gbv1MN8JClEnNGxdGhFqtuABAYQ9SucoTWt33mp4GDgkAyRA93dwAIN2UtYZcGA5JrCsuWHwrvfEIG1wJjeFOhWJrXdD56qxcVubh-Bik-eLOIwp9tjQMZ5i7qMNj5pIEwS4cAnYbC1M3mrWq4fXOH6CGrkUApFK6/s320/dashboard.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />One of the improvements I made was to put a "dashboard" on the window frame above my kitchen sink so I could monitor temperatures of the solar collectors and the storage tank. As you can see from the photo above - the 40 gallon storage tank as reached 91.5°F. The peak temperature of the collectors was over 150°F before this photo was taken in the afternoon.</span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVRBI9elINuLx-abeavblB0Vr4lLjez7bJny7b0JEF72wh0nwxql-aggQg3AmKYMxls9xjcphQeG8MMNHyCy17iBUSOK00a1evWCuTN16TLYKUHR_8JH2SsArwULvN1_Is51gbPn9x5apz439rpF_O5WR0FVr_Q1A4b7VUidjF73GRpyvQd8XH9Tb/s824/real%20time%20stats.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="screenshot of live statistics" border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="824" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVRBI9elINuLx-abeavblB0Vr4lLjez7bJny7b0JEF72wh0nwxql-aggQg3AmKYMxls9xjcphQeG8MMNHyCy17iBUSOK00a1evWCuTN16TLYKUHR_8JH2SsArwULvN1_Is51gbPn9x5apz439rpF_O5WR0FVr_Q1A4b7VUidjF73GRpyvQd8XH9Tb/w640-h518/real%20time%20stats.jpg" title="screenshot of live statistics" width="640" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I built a webpage that shows live real-time statistics of the performance of the system, <a href="https://www.arttec.net/SolarDHW/13_Live%20stats/index.htm" target="_blank">click here to see that page</a>. As you can see, on a clear sunny day the water tank temperature can reach well over 100°F. Sudden dips in the tank temperature are due to hot water usage such as dish washing and showers etc.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are trade-offs to having a
propane on-demand water heater. Hot water does not arrive as quickly as it would from a
storage style tank, however you can take really long showers because the
water is heated as needed continuously. The other trade-off is that when the solar storage tank temperature is above 100°F the demand heater gets confused and doesn't contribute heat, so there are sometimes periods where the shower gets cooler for a while before everything evens out. These are small compromises that I'm comfortable making in order to leave the world a better place by reducing my use of fossil fuels.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-qtJCYQvwmkN5YTuzV8jOw9ahnvYZUzaxL8GzLARD_HbdRYLpRNcawzCdOhDAPWkhGb3CpGdZ1XveH9J-6zRJRUJsaVsIX_dFrGY6lHEhPu0p_Bd8jONxb1gODZglenATaz_F9LxmJMCtUKaCZJGGOb20uCb_qXl91Lm63vup0F5qu7Tioksf0eQ/s2521/Solar%20angles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2102" data-original-width="2521" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-qtJCYQvwmkN5YTuzV8jOw9ahnvYZUzaxL8GzLARD_HbdRYLpRNcawzCdOhDAPWkhGb3CpGdZ1XveH9J-6zRJRUJsaVsIX_dFrGY6lHEhPu0p_Bd8jONxb1gODZglenATaz_F9LxmJMCtUKaCZJGGOb20uCb_qXl91Lm63vup0F5qu7Tioksf0eQ/w640-h534/Solar%20angles.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What I've learned about the performance of this system is interesting. I get the best performance around the spring and fall equinoxes. Since I am at a latitude of approximately 43°, this means that the ideal tilt angle for the collectors to orient them optimally towards the sun would be at 43° (or rounded off to 45° for a typical roof slope). But since my collectors are mounted vertically to a wall I'm sacrificing performance. So in the summer when the sun is at its highest, the sun angle is least optimal and performance is compromised, conversely in the winter when the sun angle is much lower, the performance is improved, but with the trade-off of colder temperatures that limit how hot the water can get in the collectors. Here in Maine, the average temperature remains below freezing for months in the winter and can dip well below 0°F </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So clearly the maximum benefit of this system is in the spring and the fall where my demand water heater only has to make up the difference in temperature between what is in the storage tank and 120°F. My well water temperature is about 50°F which is tempered somewhat by a pressure storage tank in the basement for a net of about 60 to 65°F. So any increase above that threshold reduces my propane consumption.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILf9vpS9fCh4LjnH0SLtsQ2X8G5Oipe4y1_NAMi-7SDZOOQqICkTpemle1EvJ_DNtwPxU7HkqyuvCc-Hu3xE1cHf6SEuVYy2XByyCq9Von3Yt368iCKVa_p-Qncj6hdoknaAUp2OyCKGI9VMpRy5SX26VJD9phk2EZtOjY13CUFdNZ2ez6lE-FMNa/s712/chart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="712" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgILf9vpS9fCh4LjnH0SLtsQ2X8G5Oipe4y1_NAMi-7SDZOOQqICkTpemle1EvJ_DNtwPxU7HkqyuvCc-Hu3xE1cHf6SEuVYy2XByyCq9Von3Yt368iCKVa_p-Qncj6hdoknaAUp2OyCKGI9VMpRy5SX26VJD9phk2EZtOjY13CUFdNZ2ez6lE-FMNa/w640-h294/chart.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I update the chart above every year to reflect the heating season's usage and costs. As you can see I have reduced my gallons per year from around 800 gallons to as little as 111.5 gallons in 2020. The <span style="background-color: #ea9999;">red line</span> represents dollars per gallon and clearly the cost of propane is extremely volatile and unpredictable. However as you can see from the <span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">blue line</span> my annual costs are going down despite increasing cost of propane.</span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So the net result is I am reducing my carbon footprint significantly while also saving money on my water heating costs. Clearly, it's a win-win!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I realize that not everyone is inclined to do a DIY installation like mine, but the systems are not unreasonably expensive, especially in southern climates and the return on investment is typically less than 10 years. Most competent solar installers can install something like this. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As the news is constantly filled with epic climate crisis triggered events, it's time we all buckled down and did what we can to reduce our fossil fuel footprints. Thousands of people are dying every year as a direct result of the climate crisis, and those of us with disposable income can afford to make adjustments for the betterment of mankind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-62241661819021243192022-09-19T17:25:00.003-04:002022-09-28T17:17:50.154-04:00Home grown food<div class="separator"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K1VANkyQVsI1T8AlHHb3tYGkqIuXyzQTkHoVe0McShWHHywHK4sZq3GO6sMu9IbOzoDesV9ecRF1Qi79ujpg2jnB2XR-mErYivQX8i9yxxuHSFK4G0d_PTEdioP5OKVwpKLjZy-JMK6wr4KITv3AZ7tz50Goef7XeChm5r_owo-zk02hXeHbx4fx/s4160/IMG_20220919_154739290.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="applesauce in jars" border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8K1VANkyQVsI1T8AlHHb3tYGkqIuXyzQTkHoVe0McShWHHywHK4sZq3GO6sMu9IbOzoDesV9ecRF1Qi79ujpg2jnB2XR-mErYivQX8i9yxxuHSFK4G0d_PTEdioP5OKVwpKLjZy-JMK6wr4KITv3AZ7tz50Goef7XeChm5r_owo-zk02hXeHbx4fx/w320-h240/IMG_20220919_154739290.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This year's applesauce<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I live near the coast of Maine where
the growing season is relatively short. Nonetheless I manage to
harvest quite a bit of food from my property. For me, living
sustainably entails optimizing use of my land and natural resources.
And I like the idea of having my own homegrown
and affordable food sources.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is mid September as I write this and I have recently canned several jars of applesauce. The apples on my tree are small and very sweet and I often pick one just to eat during the day, and I give away or sell my applesauce to friends and neighbors.</span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvBwmZpF7T5RsmY3R2pzsd9j8eIW758xk5ucgpZmAbkEnO-hAM1EUpWFwRpaOZ_7kLatrBLcE9g-RY0Ofz5XAN0Gk6WJRdIXmWCGi85qIxrVOxo6K__gKC3cueFilFW_zgnM9qvHnhXdJeW5m72ESIQg9vnzwbbLpEJGgc74yQzwUtzVrs6q9jHme/s4160/cukes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvBwmZpF7T5RsmY3R2pzsd9j8eIW758xk5ucgpZmAbkEnO-hAM1EUpWFwRpaOZ_7kLatrBLcE9g-RY0Ofz5XAN0Gk6WJRdIXmWCGi85qIxrVOxo6K__gKC3cueFilFW_zgnM9qvHnhXdJeW5m72ESIQg9vnzwbbLpEJGgc74yQzwUtzVrs6q9jHme/s320/cukes.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I started harvesting my cucumbers a month or so ago, for me cucumbers in a salad are the essence of summer! I plant them from seed in the early spring. They are very easy to grow - all I do is keep them watered.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rzPsJSt4wgr3VugyISrwzOkt9vKuXZiwOF7gFK1w_ec6bSlXsaTWMRGvP87jd7dNgpWnjxHd-yLExHJkI-ZcpMezgqlb-4ZBHIYAbp0GzPiVFEaGCr03zeT9uRZuvnZjz4xDRoIvGJoP5Ch6NUVrm59tmNnLvh_9YpOERedWelH8_X--2vGST7gu/s4160/cukes2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rzPsJSt4wgr3VugyISrwzOkt9vKuXZiwOF7gFK1w_ec6bSlXsaTWMRGvP87jd7dNgpWnjxHd-yLExHJkI-ZcpMezgqlb-4ZBHIYAbp0GzPiVFEaGCr03zeT9uRZuvnZjz4xDRoIvGJoP5Ch6NUVrm59tmNnLvh_9YpOERedWelH8_X--2vGST7gu/s320/cukes2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <br /></span><!--more--><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdd5An8t_Psl9QIs2v4TxN5umFj2Z0t5PK8nWfXrVdzaYiVFrPK_UE3kC5jtPnP_McDSfPbfrpFliK1qjVJa7qS_PLkh9khfakom6pwFx0xukEJy8DcprUW4NVtKi9VBLxw9Dnl5im2tpNY1J7AvK6XCYy3u5sUrLEsVC2kApM6T0Rfgx7pOMnNIEu/s4160/chives%20(2).jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdd5An8t_Psl9QIs2v4TxN5umFj2Z0t5PK8nWfXrVdzaYiVFrPK_UE3kC5jtPnP_McDSfPbfrpFliK1qjVJa7qS_PLkh9khfakom6pwFx0xukEJy8DcprUW4NVtKi9VBLxw9Dnl5im2tpNY1J7AvK6XCYy3u5sUrLEsVC2kApM6T0Rfgx7pOMnNIEu/s320/chives%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first edible plant that shows up in my vegetable beds in the spring are my chives. Pictured here are regular chives and garlic chives. I use these freshly cut in scrambled eggs and stir fries a lot. The garlic chives have a real garlic "zing" that imparts a lot of flavor to stir fries.<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcnywpb2TpkgGvPnq1hZQd1XHTJZYEjW8rcW_17JMVDnXzCGDeBXbcfUw0w1T008AB_QlKkeAsaopIN4Kxy7IdYJKTPf8k6RpuiH16cMobr1jDHenZAxEZlbIeFFMRHHMHwOfRtHpVU8_9MBw0NYay_m_vP8ZxkCtsn4YA6gDwY8I70oFWJ5sl9Rd/s4160/drying%20chives.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="drying chives" border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcnywpb2TpkgGvPnq1hZQd1XHTJZYEjW8rcW_17JMVDnXzCGDeBXbcfUw0w1T008AB_QlKkeAsaopIN4Kxy7IdYJKTPf8k6RpuiH16cMobr1jDHenZAxEZlbIeFFMRHHMHwOfRtHpVU8_9MBw0NYay_m_vP8ZxkCtsn4YA6gDwY8I70oFWJ5sl9Rd/w320-h240/drying%20chives.jpg" title="drying chives" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> At the end of the season I chop them up with scissors and put them in the oven on parchment paper for half an hour so at about 150°F. I can then store them in a canning jar and use them throughout the winter and spring.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bjZcJaYuAWbr6-bHSYY7Oz2CzCMOvEzzaNPzHDKnazIgLRe8elYugnF8hLWCCvV9Gf_KTbkap3tcTbwugiBrdTPwNfN4Rh-ZKEvSL5_g-44npw6ffsm5AUGuDtnDZLsZfWVcxlQPywlFOdB1dUALPukGmAiZkqp8bTDAFipCX4qVLXAptn2QyYpO/s4160/making%20pesto.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bjZcJaYuAWbr6-bHSYY7Oz2CzCMOvEzzaNPzHDKnazIgLRe8elYugnF8hLWCCvV9Gf_KTbkap3tcTbwugiBrdTPwNfN4Rh-ZKEvSL5_g-44npw6ffsm5AUGuDtnDZLsZfWVcxlQPywlFOdB1dUALPukGmAiZkqp8bTDAFipCX4qVLXAptn2QyYpO/s320/making%20pesto.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><!--more--></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUQcLwdx-to0wS3fF-ABR93nJ4ivi-KmKUB4wOJOSHX3GPft8hh6fxdXRNWUAtDMjqbTbA4ceNWlKCXgXz9JqhLU3KkPqHwAlnP3tBptHDDbKmAn7thSu3m2dcIxC4HmpiRPtOYLrBoDG7fvaz7z1220XyPmJCWZXC8TEJ70VCuQjy3fMvLbutqoi/s4160/IMG_20200918_185314580.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUQcLwdx-to0wS3fF-ABR93nJ4ivi-KmKUB4wOJOSHX3GPft8hh6fxdXRNWUAtDMjqbTbA4ceNWlKCXgXz9JqhLU3KkPqHwAlnP3tBptHDDbKmAn7thSu3m2dcIxC4HmpiRPtOYLrBoDG7fvaz7z1220XyPmJCWZXC8TEJ70VCuQjy3fMvLbutqoi/s320/IMG_20200918_185314580.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the spring I purchase a dozen or
so sweet basil seedlings from the local farmers market and harvest them
in August so that I can have pesto sauce through the winter. I
simply process the leaves in olive oil, with garlic and a little butter
and salt and then store them in the refrigerator in canning jars. I
pour a little extra olive oil on top to prevent the top layer from
browning from the air exposure. This year I canned about 9 jars. It
takes 2 mature plants to make about an 8 ounce jar full of pesto.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When I prepare a pesto pasta dish, I add crushed walnuts because they're more affordable than pinenuts and I prefer the taste. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4y_jpwm0QwdGfmytMGTgqOobK4DZRFEgcXy3Qwe3SLA-XzGV2M5PQ9pCWPALFKcZ1xmgdatlOqCwpEruQnEeC9saB9qKQ_j58rbwnSKmP1KtcWINRxhHpCRiTx1ITNg5D_aQAwfeeAp7aaMHvwKUl7qh9YrIP_fwAACx-vs-mFEivqtr0QyZ8wrV/s4160/IMG_20200920_195538331_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix4y_jpwm0QwdGfmytMGTgqOobK4DZRFEgcXy3Qwe3SLA-XzGV2M5PQ9pCWPALFKcZ1xmgdatlOqCwpEruQnEeC9saB9qKQ_j58rbwnSKmP1KtcWINRxhHpCRiTx1ITNg5D_aQAwfeeAp7aaMHvwKUl7qh9YrIP_fwAACx-vs-mFEivqtr0QyZ8wrV/s320/IMG_20200920_195538331_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">blueberries on the left and canned pesto on the right</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span><!--more--></span></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSMUd_hibSqAVVN7G2UHXjY445hau0SnBfLay0-1dfnrW9VXE9aXPzHuqaWeMbSy4XeDCjZH_7NIwVz0xFAjMlQJ6fH9koWJAeFKYFKFuRiJGcm0oMTnqgnOYOLu8YaT74s-s1dtkbIp7zGSpslMPvErplblDiiijpD-Y5X9fMnhiXlR3uSrlTg8u/s4160/garlic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSMUd_hibSqAVVN7G2UHXjY445hau0SnBfLay0-1dfnrW9VXE9aXPzHuqaWeMbSy4XeDCjZH_7NIwVz0xFAjMlQJ6fH9koWJAeFKYFKFuRiJGcm0oMTnqgnOYOLu8YaT74s-s1dtkbIp7zGSpslMPvErplblDiiijpD-Y5X9fMnhiXlR3uSrlTg8u/s320/garlic.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In November I plant garlic cloves and bed them in with mulch or wood shavings from my <a href="https://www.arttec.net/Bowl_making_class/index.htm" target="_blank">wood turning classes</a>. When I see shoots coming up in the spring I rake off the mulch and water them throughout the season, harvesting them in August. I try to balance the number of basil plants with garlic so I have the right amount to prepare pesto with some left over for other cooking.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /><span></span></span></p><!--more--><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-TdBjfL9nXAHYMci08ryxu7oVQKAqSbPo2WIKRrOGheTl_dBERbqV7o5MDg_syVItIj0YbCaR_GJrf6mhwcq3iNJdbs_BSqU0eozBejQZhCpaQmlz4uBC55fHw_Tp2crnEJsCuCmKiOEYXqCK8iyZgHfsQE9gDlaMCjIjfMkBwa_NQkHq0vLdBtZ/s4160/IMG_20220119_150927359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-TdBjfL9nXAHYMci08ryxu7oVQKAqSbPo2WIKRrOGheTl_dBERbqV7o5MDg_syVItIj0YbCaR_GJrf6mhwcq3iNJdbs_BSqU0eozBejQZhCpaQmlz4uBC55fHw_Tp2crnEJsCuCmKiOEYXqCK8iyZgHfsQE9gDlaMCjIjfMkBwa_NQkHq0vLdBtZ/s320/IMG_20220119_150927359.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBPwJ0ewWw27-Ps4JVN5KaxHX1OwPluiz4ACDqiyPhhQ2MzYm7ac7xJUge43SgbD8ACGB06KggAmrC-49D_AZhA7LaVg4oa4dwqnGigxDCCrPmbrGOouOj5XLiN0EJcZSQJzC5xHK5OwFfQqdzIpCFMSaMALE4xqzzlRJSw2QyNQdccRS1uyuPEm9/s4160/IMG_20220122_184400683.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBPwJ0ewWw27-Ps4JVN5KaxHX1OwPluiz4ACDqiyPhhQ2MzYm7ac7xJUge43SgbD8ACGB06KggAmrC-49D_AZhA7LaVg4oa4dwqnGigxDCCrPmbrGOouOj5XLiN0EJcZSQJzC5xHK5OwFfQqdzIpCFMSaMALE4xqzzlRJSw2QyNQdccRS1uyuPEm9/s320/IMG_20220122_184400683.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Throughout the year, I like to grow
broccoli sprouts in a mason jar in my kitchen using a special drainage lid that I
purchased for this purpose. It takes the sprouts about a week to grow and then it's relatively simple to strain out the seeds that didn't sprout
and they will keep in the fridge for a week or so. Broccoli sprouts have a pleasant tang reminiscent of radish and are filled
with valuable nutrients. I use the sprouts on my sandwiches and in salads.<br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><!--more--><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2e2vSnlelmJbCoaVAxq0MWT46HLaI7vVZsWLhAIqJqfyBqzej82-9HZQ5Pd-vW8gPjsxRYuDxpW0n1Rz-0u-DfsCXh107s4l4ntz5N_xgGmWzraOOo1Y7hdjB1TEqAvaPSX6sJexfaquEJHtIhPO8hI9qkQy5-JDHAVTVUr7dStPMoY7g7zbcwiX/s4160/Blueberry%20bushes.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2e2vSnlelmJbCoaVAxq0MWT46HLaI7vVZsWLhAIqJqfyBqzej82-9HZQ5Pd-vW8gPjsxRYuDxpW0n1Rz-0u-DfsCXh107s4l4ntz5N_xgGmWzraOOo1Y7hdjB1TEqAvaPSX6sJexfaquEJHtIhPO8hI9qkQy5-JDHAVTVUr7dStPMoY7g7zbcwiX/s320/Blueberry%20bushes.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pictured at right are my four blueberry bushes that are over 23 years old now. Every spring I go through them and meticulously prune them to optimize production. I typically can at least 30 jars of jam and sell it to friends and visitors. This year's production yielded over 40 jars! Apparently I have a reputation of making very good blueberry jam.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymjdPAvyBZEBh6LOiUNyoUexeLvQCL5MIL59mntE37qI_SPZRPrbE1ASfCiTB5vjP0Iw1XAmqk8DWM2vmhGuF4xJ_6NdYcc2BvBRPWAy5F2fgY62aTkvWT6tgK8XkjfbdsQh3krjYU-VSRqKyOwzw9T13FnQll-Brv_THLrRadqHoO8wj1zZhOXR_/s4160/blueberry%20jam.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymjdPAvyBZEBh6LOiUNyoUexeLvQCL5MIL59mntE37qI_SPZRPrbE1ASfCiTB5vjP0Iw1XAmqk8DWM2vmhGuF4xJ_6NdYcc2BvBRPWAy5F2fgY62aTkvWT6tgK8XkjfbdsQh3krjYU-VSRqKyOwzw9T13FnQll-Brv_THLrRadqHoO8wj1zZhOXR_/s320/blueberry%20jam.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Every year I carefully review a <a href="https://youtu.be/osQB7jWeNvs" target="_blank">video from the University of Maine</a> to remind myself of all the details of how to properly prune and maintain my blueberry bushes. You would be surprised how brutal you have to be when pruning these bushes.<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2swneee0k82DDbEGMzsjt04yyE2JecBIfqJnl024M92melyLvamaEGIKDJ1K9uII46mGlIRvuLvqPrRFLXhmaLNKqKP2wLl2URtrQvsmoAbuERV4dP4DV5eBsS8Dt1Ty9Awyf-SlfeR1UiiaXaZy_X3izHQ-R7b7ZIvS_eaRPZc0LPpW-njfyEcxL/s4160/IMG_20200803_210006077.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2swneee0k82DDbEGMzsjt04yyE2JecBIfqJnl024M92melyLvamaEGIKDJ1K9uII46mGlIRvuLvqPrRFLXhmaLNKqKP2wLl2URtrQvsmoAbuERV4dP4DV5eBsS8Dt1Ty9Awyf-SlfeR1UiiaXaZy_X3izHQ-R7b7ZIvS_eaRPZc0LPpW-njfyEcxL/s320/IMG_20200803_210006077.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I make my blueberry jam in small batches of five using just a saucepan. I sterilize the jars and lids in another saucepan and frying pan.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><!--more--><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUQFmAOW-UJaB6CKootODZ7LW3dfAtdRKAfl6rrUmfmEn1Q0Na0KbYdIJbzhwjhGDP_hqoP5olfFJ55IeUkZ2Y7txolqZqrWJdDBfT1QCKOZZhUATsWM4usIZzoMUh5RWmyLMwmC0fCbaMzK7sNuCx4VQquZWQ_8yoKCBdtvDb1ni-i9ityUVIcJ2/s4160/IMG_20220612_112951277.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUQFmAOW-UJaB6CKootODZ7LW3dfAtdRKAfl6rrUmfmEn1Q0Na0KbYdIJbzhwjhGDP_hqoP5olfFJ55IeUkZ2Y7txolqZqrWJdDBfT1QCKOZZhUATsWM4usIZzoMUh5RWmyLMwmC0fCbaMzK7sNuCx4VQquZWQ_8yoKCBdtvDb1ni-i9ityUVIcJ2/s320/IMG_20220612_112951277.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">At left you can see one of my vegetable beds in the spring where I co-planted nasturtiums with basil seedlings. Nasturtiums flowers and leaves are both edible and add a little zing to a salad and the flowers add a decorative touch. The nasturtiums also provide a good bee habitat.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><!--more--><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULr5YBGyuYY7S5ZT-jiS9fv5hJeDiNzTFgne_O42CM4-7kOJmIn19nGYm3aK6UrUAA85dMof4og4Rb8hD5dYdbp-lG_cWzxKGt224Ql33WgWwXT3lVyV2yQVl_BwPacweAtaaDYamxHs8MQXhiIrWKyT_2-5w5LWRW6OQw2jjDlyRZ_jSn1b1scEz/s4160/IMG_20200530_132926312_HDR.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULr5YBGyuYY7S5ZT-jiS9fv5hJeDiNzTFgne_O42CM4-7kOJmIn19nGYm3aK6UrUAA85dMof4og4Rb8hD5dYdbp-lG_cWzxKGt224Ql33WgWwXT3lVyV2yQVl_BwPacweAtaaDYamxHs8MQXhiIrWKyT_2-5w5LWRW6OQw2jjDlyRZ_jSn1b1scEz/s320/IMG_20200530_132926312_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Speaking of bee habitat, pictured at right is the first flowering tree on my property to bloom in the spring which is a dogwood. This is followed by my other fruit trees including crabapple, plum, apple and cherry. I also have a beautiful decorative crabapple tree next to the house that the bees really enjoy. Birds also enjoy those crab apples which are about the size of a pea.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><!--more--><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnHFDxCbm2dYZTOx711tquY2Be7eDUNapQ6XgQuEHKBk0uoF3xDVQ7CccaDRHkj6cVZ6uyZ1ZW2o_k1C6bTg-iA0_Pq_P2i5nQqZqSht3XFjdNuHmzrgsKtbTBvuz0w0TwEgZzs7bBc32uJ-Y09TLL4SThdAxUjGTiRUYlcXuV-ZftOVc1HwcruPM/s4160/IMG_20220914_141235954.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUnHFDxCbm2dYZTOx711tquY2Be7eDUNapQ6XgQuEHKBk0uoF3xDVQ7CccaDRHkj6cVZ6uyZ1ZW2o_k1C6bTg-iA0_Pq_P2i5nQqZqSht3XFjdNuHmzrgsKtbTBvuz0w0TwEgZzs7bBc32uJ-Y09TLL4SThdAxUjGTiRUYlcXuV-ZftOVc1HwcruPM/s320/IMG_20220914_141235954.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I recently took an adult Ed evening
class on how to process acorns into edible food. I have a couple of red oak
trees in my front yard that dropped a lot of acorns and there aren't
enough squirrels or chipmunks to eat them all so this year I'm planning to experiment
with processing them as edible nuts. Once they are shelled and the nuts
have been boiled sufficiently to remove the tannins, I'm hoping to then
add some flavor by roasting them with sugar so that they are similar to
honey roasted peanuts. We'll see how that goes…</span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-55010001005576611112022-08-23T21:01:00.002-04:002022-12-21T10:37:00.711-05:00Replacing a 4ft. fluorescent with an LED equivalent<p style="text-align: center;"></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1RHAW_3bFlawV50fnjmoJ2ucqO8EMx7eIiESawKq4kkM_Eojxma03Y_d3jWlVYqoKI-yGj50MvLmL0Rza464Anq28oVO5VQlKM--gPFan_lxlf1ksRIt0jzUi2amTjBwLBX4yDE2BnCojFWqxg53V_2uxDdDXKwSchQzdw6KYIorpLgp7Ag9j5Gc/s2000/Lathe%20view.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1RHAW_3bFlawV50fnjmoJ2ucqO8EMx7eIiESawKq4kkM_Eojxma03Y_d3jWlVYqoKI-yGj50MvLmL0Rza464Anq28oVO5VQlKM--gPFan_lxlf1ksRIt0jzUi2amTjBwLBX4yDE2BnCojFWqxg53V_2uxDdDXKwSchQzdw6KYIorpLgp7Ag9j5Gc/s320/Lathe%20view.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">New LED light - and old fluorescent<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />I teach wood turning classes in my workshop (<a href="https://www.arttec.net/Bowl_making_class/index.htm">https://www.arttec.net/Bowl_making_class/index.htm</a>) and it is important to have plenty of good quality light. So for years I have had a 4 foot fluorescent fixture right above the lathe, but recently I have been concerned that flying bits of wood that spin off the lathe could go up and hit and break one of the fluorescent tubes which would be really bad. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As you may know, fluorescent tubes contain mercury, and I recently took a bunch of bad tubes into my town transfer station for safe disposal. So I decided to upgrade that fixture to an LED equivalent and I'm very pleased with the result. And of course LEDs do not contain Mercury and are not made of glass so I'm sure they can take a hit without concern.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This new fixture cost about $60 at my local ACE Hardware store which is not cheap, but you can find more <a href="https://amzn.to/3G9Jf0w" target="_blank">affordable ones on Amazon</a>. <i>(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)</i> I hoped it would use less power, but it is a great deal more efficient. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Using my power meter, I learned that the fluorescent was using about 46.3 W while the new LED uses about 42 W</span> LEDs are generally rated for about 50,000 hours which is many more hours than you get from a fluorescent tube. .<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjgLatcqCSnWMk0jrhKb6w1gi-5M4rt2xo2UQGfTyrEYZIQX6ZKnlT2wN6GUZC1yChIcBATHyLjKgZsify2ieifswVI73emza2xBVX4eDxThAEmEVS8DHYnrEsaFedqFECvmf76e0OIeNgL5yH8AOGqHsZ2Ybxkd6X5w5vLnE2_9YZgEfzM3SFQPL/s2665/Power.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="2665" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjgLatcqCSnWMk0jrhKb6w1gi-5M4rt2xo2UQGfTyrEYZIQX6ZKnlT2wN6GUZC1yChIcBATHyLjKgZsify2ieifswVI73emza2xBVX4eDxThAEmEVS8DHYnrEsaFedqFECvmf76e0OIeNgL5yH8AOGqHsZ2Ybxkd6X5w5vLnE2_9YZgEfzM3SFQPL/s320/Power.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The brightness and color rendition index (CRI) are <b>much</b> better with the LEDs. I used my light meter to compare them and as you can see, the LED is more than four times brighter!<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNlxcdAAs7O7P5kSVuZ-TstkVO-dgyMdRULmeUpA1xWD2N5UrKbSIHFnujm7qnw_y0qQ1tF4V5SvAldi8o7Bf_hviq9yo0Q8ZmPPCbfN4muMwQRX9vYhIxSthf3gDm866JIHCee8yFxuBPFkGFGhHe_zP_SctDEaoFFh3_Wzl-H84rp-xzAFXakRH/s5600/Light%20levels.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3816" data-original-width="5600" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNlxcdAAs7O7P5kSVuZ-TstkVO-dgyMdRULmeUpA1xWD2N5UrKbSIHFnujm7qnw_y0qQ1tF4V5SvAldi8o7Bf_hviq9yo0Q8ZmPPCbfN4muMwQRX9vYhIxSthf3gDm866JIHCee8yFxuBPFkGFGhHe_zP_SctDEaoFFh3_Wzl-H84rp-xzAFXakRH/s320/Light%20levels.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm really pleased with this change because I no longer have to worry about safety or disposing used fluorescent tubes. Eventually, I will replace several other similar 4ft fluorescent units with LEDs.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWJGcEFjR0S9ia0WW15sWruIjN-6f_M4gq9D3emAjs9VjoCBugpWRRMVSeaGkn_rJc15fOdicEWBvIFu7nAOwE3NYLHQl_fco1bPSLCHx1wBGvJVlP94z7Ma3yes5qmvEsnYNnJjzRCdAcsWC5kAZlW8aLocIs4MChXD-saFRdIMYFZRz-1AqTk2V/s4160/IMG_20220823_173132384.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWJGcEFjR0S9ia0WW15sWruIjN-6f_M4gq9D3emAjs9VjoCBugpWRRMVSeaGkn_rJc15fOdicEWBvIFu7nAOwE3NYLHQl_fco1bPSLCHx1wBGvJVlP94z7Ma3yes5qmvEsnYNnJjzRCdAcsWC5kAZlW8aLocIs4MChXD-saFRdIMYFZRz-1AqTk2V/s320/IMG_20220823_173132384.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />It is also convenient that these fixtures can be daisy chained, there's a two-pronged socket on the end that allows you to plug another lamp into it. This can really simplify shop light wiring. Another plus!<br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-90664738705372573982022-07-29T14:10:00.002-04:002022-12-21T09:46:12.495-05:00Induction cook top, pans, and a repurposed rug<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In my ongoing effort to reduce my carbon footprint, I have replaced my propane heating systems with heat pumps in both my house (<a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2021/03/diy-install-of-mr-cool-heat-pump.html" target="_blank">see this post</a>) and workshop (<a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2021/11/i-installed-another-heat-pump-this-one.html" target="_blank">see this post</a>). Then I added six more 375 W solar panels to my solar array (<a href="https://youtu.be/hl8r-gZupfE" target="_blank">see this video</a>). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's near the end of July 2022, and I've started picking my blueberries and making blueberry jam which involves using my propane stove daily for about half an hour to boil the jam down. I make batches of five jars and use one pot to boil the jam and another one to boil the jars to sterilize them. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2ULHCNh5xEwXbwc1A8Xy6jqBcMcZZfjt1Cxwlw7d2tEL-jOiKByLvdTDAvdLIocNawgZ5UljoZq6TVWRp4JCxQIBTlEiuh2w-wSWadOiD22fb-byoAxVozafgV_zF6aAk5Rw8m_wf1BKP-OHYZlojqJnZ5H9--iu_QhKmeG3K_wBZ73yx-u-EaJo/s3264/IMG_20210723_183258674.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2ULHCNh5xEwXbwc1A8Xy6jqBcMcZZfjt1Cxwlw7d2tEL-jOiKByLvdTDAvdLIocNawgZ5UljoZq6TVWRp4JCxQIBTlEiuh2w-wSWadOiD22fb-byoAxVozafgV_zF6aAk5Rw8m_wf1BKP-OHYZlojqJnZ5H9--iu_QhKmeG3K_wBZ73yx-u-EaJo/s320/IMG_20210723_183258674.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Running the propane stove this much has always bothered me both due to the fumes, and the carbon footprint. So I did a little research and found that you can purchase an <a href="https://amzn.to/3hDhCDT" target="_blank">induction cooktop for under $50</a>. (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) This surprised me because I thought they were much more expensive. So far I am quite pleased with this unit that can pull up to 1800 W and can be set as high as 450°F. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3hDhCDT" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTAxMAvyZU4U9r50WGeSxR8LZWd71Jr9HGbxB22lyDXjMKBSCmFLQfhJnjc45QOJExvd0k3DCYhYVqEEV82XSOkjpbj6xYL4MjQkc5WTqUpePltSaYU2G6PSpHRDLlNC38qipW0f8eShkznCOSSo6ruUiB8RMsge_7VC7hc7gAIMFIsvmF1D8_S-M/s320/IMG_20220729_125955656.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">click image to order this from Amazon<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu2Qds57h5bwOpT7d3tCYFwn6QT9vfecZ0Vnj3IcPl1YbZt1bbem3_TNJTkDjE_hytKHu0RPUgXETpy9yxB_mROLjNae2yK8skHP_ooYIPvNiJCGuGCdDZAjX4NicxBT8I0PcaxYrFsSLyszZwRr18Kw_HoMxI70vNiD6D2ek1Gv_Oh8Rq0VwIxL_/s4160/IMG_20220729_125934505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEu2Qds57h5bwOpT7d3tCYFwn6QT9vfecZ0Vnj3IcPl1YbZt1bbem3_TNJTkDjE_hytKHu0RPUgXETpy9yxB_mROLjNae2yK8skHP_ooYIPvNiJCGuGCdDZAjX4NicxBT8I0PcaxYrFsSLyszZwRr18Kw_HoMxI70vNiD6D2ek1Gv_Oh8Rq0VwIxL_/s320/IMG_20220729_125934505.jpg" width="320" /><br /><br /></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I didn't have the right cookware - most of my pots and pans are either stainless steel or aluminum which will not work with an induction cooktop unless the stainless steel pans have a steel base. The only thing I had that would work with an induction cooktop is my wok shown above on the right. So I went over to Goodwill and took a fridge magnet with me to test the bottoms of the pots and pans. Induction cooktops will only work with ferrous metal cookware - that includes cast iron and steel pans and also stainless steel pans with a steel base. It's simple enough to test for ferrous metal by just using a magnet, if it sticks it will work with an induction cooktop. I quickly found a nice frying pan for five dollars and a Farberware sauce pan with lid for $10 (shown above), both are in excellent condition. These three pieces of cookware should fulfill most of my needs.</span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrbwk3-vGxH7kF3QbkP_2k991DgCuvOkjgi92sbraKVvNHJLsl3yt_fMixitnDHGnh0EqPYtYUmJ3OinuIJp6K-dLz3t9B3aCa_7nK35PAEjpTkk2NKB3JLRdu80yFGAeyZgQZw7yDDRd2-S6it8ebTbSoKKCtwUPO9-3OxDQ9cBrg-4S25SO1OQc/s4160/IMG_20220729_130403449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrbwk3-vGxH7kF3QbkP_2k991DgCuvOkjgi92sbraKVvNHJLsl3yt_fMixitnDHGnh0EqPYtYUmJ3OinuIJp6K-dLz3t9B3aCa_7nK35PAEjpTkk2NKB3JLRdu80yFGAeyZgQZw7yDDRd2-S6it8ebTbSoKKCtwUPO9-3OxDQ9cBrg-4S25SO1OQc/s320/IMG_20220729_130403449.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">While I was in Goodwill I noticed a rack of 5 x 7' rugs with a recycle logo on their labels so I looked closer and learned that they were made from repurposed carpets. I had read about companies that are doing this, and I'm happy to support that industry. I find it amusing that the label says: "Made from 100% undetermined fiber". I'm trying it out in my front hallway, but may move it to cover the tiled floor in my basement. I tend to track in a lot of dirt and grass clippings as I come and go, and a rug like this will help me wipe my shoes off and keep me from tracking dirt in to the house.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrSprDm4HlArtwvBQWkz8h0WPE7oCx5HxoFG3disVPzr2uVZws7JlqL_OzQSUPP4W9jRc16EGrqfVYjy1KoRYwsWS9zDdqvy-4wJDjNSgYKpAZ_dyY-CT4jAJsUTceZjeu-cATLXF32Ku6kywvmCIrJXES8i4QMOyobWijxfe7sp8JhdICKN2Vkhb/s4160/IMG_20220729_131234760.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrSprDm4HlArtwvBQWkz8h0WPE7oCx5HxoFG3disVPzr2uVZws7JlqL_OzQSUPP4W9jRc16EGrqfVYjy1KoRYwsWS9zDdqvy-4wJDjNSgYKpAZ_dyY-CT4jAJsUTceZjeu-cATLXF32Ku6kywvmCIrJXES8i4QMOyobWijxfe7sp8JhdICKN2Vkhb/s320/IMG_20220729_131234760.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_93l-S5ZbWhTfm0hZKn-gfQEhGobn28poW5NrKfeFHRyVoVu6_eqYv4cRtRUhyx81EHgI9T7QDUvhdx-KqX6rCxNCqQ6Lom1I9qUgOvoIJfuYNrXoiz0tBAM3qgPK80F8G3EIhrgV7wtV4_WAW0WWSVYyLdMZDjqocNGZqPYpy9PogDfMm6JgAKl/s4160/IMG_20220729_131155936.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_93l-S5ZbWhTfm0hZKn-gfQEhGobn28poW5NrKfeFHRyVoVu6_eqYv4cRtRUhyx81EHgI9T7QDUvhdx-KqX6rCxNCqQ6Lom1I9qUgOvoIJfuYNrXoiz0tBAM3qgPK80F8G3EIhrgV7wtV4_WAW0WWSVYyLdMZDjqocNGZqPYpy9PogDfMm6JgAKl/s320/IMG_20220729_131155936.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-12314979698476679692022-07-13T12:57:00.012-04:002022-12-21T09:48:56.208-05:00My E-bike and repurposing a replacement wheel<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X8-Ylfv3lkqbxlWOg0pBE70vMX14RYfldLG7bGrnhsVhenqe5l1PdIIGrFwzAzFkWos6FcAbwsV6IGc7O4vtRcX-K9-ojTmrY5zaNs89jwIK3NuWYAfCHzBSz5TYAg1lWRva0qyJqmY-NDbb9B2qwLy0-K6QQxAUQsmK7XsLt1lrTC9hZOZpHV25/s2000/DSCF0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="2000" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5X8-Ylfv3lkqbxlWOg0pBE70vMX14RYfldLG7bGrnhsVhenqe5l1PdIIGrFwzAzFkWos6FcAbwsV6IGc7O4vtRcX-K9-ojTmrY5zaNs89jwIK3NuWYAfCHzBSz5TYAg1lWRva0qyJqmY-NDbb9B2qwLy0-K6QQxAUQsmK7XsLt1lrTC9hZOZpHV25/s320/DSCF0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />A year or so ago I purchased a new E-bike made by Ancheer for around $700. It is one of the most affordable and highly rated E-bikes on the market and mine came with a 250 W motor in the rear hub. (<a href="https://amzn.to/3Vgqz3H" target="_blank">Click here to buy one</a> - as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) After about 500 miles of pushing it really hard the motor failed on a steep hill. I reached out to the manufacturer and they immediately offered to replace the motor. Then came back a little later and said they didn't have motors available so they would send me an entire new wheel and tire. Needless to say I was very impressed!</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRD7FjsDpk0ROew7faIZxs18O8RjmjWkLdfjsoz6KqJcppllOMCCk5eyPbl551WV6SIW-t3IQYNtip3PWyKjgDRUIwLlEG-tq7EjQ691JykrfFqIP8Xf9zYa-p0Ddbw5RmIFsieaDi_XN3Yrv1IiauDPce8YMXH41JJYfZ5TqmE-GR3f3jWqHtUbe/s2000/DSCF0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeRD7FjsDpk0ROew7faIZxs18O8RjmjWkLdfjsoz6KqJcppllOMCCk5eyPbl551WV6SIW-t3IQYNtip3PWyKjgDRUIwLlEG-tq7EjQ691JykrfFqIP8Xf9zYa-p0Ddbw5RmIFsieaDi_XN3Yrv1IiauDPce8YMXH41JJYfZ5TqmE-GR3f3jWqHtUbe/s320/DSCF0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I certainly did not want to just put the old wheel in the trash so I took it to my local bike shop, and they said they could reuse almost all the parts except the burned-out motor and were happy to have it. <br /></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpgBo-4kYfPnTtcVhHbbSN-Aw9LG4XAWknntgV8zzESmG10Q5P76ZvpRBKgg8xT2LV4JW_UjMkklcaWfyqOJfHfkHXgJkYXPfu6GijbmLI9OGxBXF3kJOY6lEI4SZLxy0cwDZ6gcRhD-nfDMpDh4pljC3uxsjA4zL8e8ZFpYSmfecWGr--RL50uSE/s1701/box.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1701" data-original-width="1374" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUpgBo-4kYfPnTtcVhHbbSN-Aw9LG4XAWknntgV8zzESmG10Q5P76ZvpRBKgg8xT2LV4JW_UjMkklcaWfyqOJfHfkHXgJkYXPfu6GijbmLI9OGxBXF3kJOY6lEI4SZLxy0cwDZ6gcRhD-nfDMpDh4pljC3uxsjA4zL8e8ZFpYSmfecWGr--RL50uSE/s320/box.jpg" width="258" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The replacement wheel came packed in a very sturdy cardboard box filled with chunks of white foam and also a dozen or so big bubble pack envelopes that they must have had around. I took the bubble pack envelopes to my friend Tracy at <a href="http://saltboxpottery.com/" target="_blank">Saltbox Pottery</a> so she could use them for shipping her plates and she was grateful to have them. Of course, the cardboard box was easy to cut up and put in the recycling bin. I will also repurpose the white packing foam for shipping products. I can cut that stuff to size with my bandsaw as needed.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is all about living on a planet with finite resources and reusing and repurposing things as much as practical.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The reason I added large panniers to the bike is so that I can pick up trash and redeemable/recyclable cans and bottles that I find along the side of the road here in rural Maine. Some days I fill both panniers!<br /></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-44511575300212620802022-07-04T19:10:00.003-04:002022-07-29T14:17:35.981-04:00Video documentation of my recent septic system replacement<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When my septic system failed suddenly at the end of April 2022, I had to scramble to replace it. It turns out that the original system was over 50 years old and pre-dated state laws requiring that designs be filed with state and town offices. So there was no record of the design or layout. I had to pump out the tank immediately $350), and my renter and I went into extreme water conservation mode. We were able to reduce water consumption (from my well) by 50%, and it took us 4+ weeks to fill the 1000 gallon tank which needed to be pumped out again before work started. The 2nd pump-out was less expensive ($250) because there were almost no solids to process. And it was pumped out again right before the crew replaced the tank.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I re-financed my house to cover the $21,600 cost and hired a soils expert ($550) to assess the site and engineer a new system. That plan was then approved by the town codes enforcement officer and I put the job out to bid. My small town of about 3300 people has 3 family owned earthworks businesses, and one company could start in early June. The work took over a week with a few days off when it rained. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">They did an impeccable job and put everything back the way they found it or better. I mean the lawn was totally torn up by 10 ton trucks driving over it and they put in new loam and seeded it with grass which is growing in nicely. I asked them to remove a garden bed that they were driving over anyway and made that into lawn. That bed had gone to weeds because I really don't care about flowers, just food that I can grow and eat or sell (see below). The only flowers I keep are inside, I have several orchids and a giant 24 year old Philodendron that all do well with my green thumb.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I documented the whole process in both time-lapse - with a dedicated camera mounted to a tree so it could see the whole area, and my video camera for live action footage. The result is 2 videos that I published on YouTube. The shorter time-lapse one runs about 8 minutes:<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3bWpThDksR8" width="320" youtube-src-id="3bWpThDksR8"></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And the longer live action one runs about 18 minutes:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6jjJR1Cqdig" width="320" youtube-src-id="6jjJR1Cqdig"></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was all quite an adventure, and I was obsessed with watching the crew working. I enjoyed talking with them in their breaks. They did an impeccable job. Now I can relax and not worry about my septic system since the new design should last over 40 years with proper care. This means pumping out the tank every 3-4 years at a nominal cost of around $350.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rural living is a bit like living in a space station because you are responsible for your water and sewage processing, and with my solar power system I'm generating almost all the power I use. I also grow a lot of food, and compost my organic waste. The compost feeds my vegetable beds and blueberry bushes. I canned 30+ jars of blueberry jam and 13 jars of basil pesto last year, and ate lots of other fruit and veggies. Living off the land!<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-42779031000405582202022-06-26T13:17:00.003-04:002022-06-26T13:28:59.208-04:00My new 27 inch Greenworks cordless lawnmower<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOU5Qqc-_n9Gwt-X8QSr5gY5eJ3R2MIF1ppcLYQSFRDvNdthR1lZoL7vqH_oCMEkL44b-0JbHmXfgKOv5m8SaIDQ0n8BEGKG0OE3Dpjcg67wZedNoQfHGuf201QTPtkcmaNhCdmpDuI2BhkvUYoo2MAHxQUCUtTeeP0THxpBTZ_1H2D5NS4MJxOl_g/s4160/IMG_20220528_114220455.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOU5Qqc-_n9Gwt-X8QSr5gY5eJ3R2MIF1ppcLYQSFRDvNdthR1lZoL7vqH_oCMEkL44b-0JbHmXfgKOv5m8SaIDQ0n8BEGKG0OE3Dpjcg67wZedNoQfHGuf201QTPtkcmaNhCdmpDuI2BhkvUYoo2MAHxQUCUtTeeP0THxpBTZ_1H2D5NS4MJxOl_g/w300-h400/IMG_20220528_114220455.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A year ago I purchased a small 20" Greenworks cordless lawnmower to replace the old 22" gas lawnmower that I had converted to electric many years ago, <a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2021/05/my-original-solar-lawn-mower-built-in.html" target="_blank">here's a link to my blog post </a>about those mowers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Last year my friend Roberta purchased a small property in the nearby town of Bath that has a very modest lawn and I encouraged her to get a cordless lawnmower. This spring she went over the top and bought a giant 27 inch Greenworks machine. This beast runs on two huge, heavy 80 V batteries and is also self-propelled. I went over to help her un-box it and try it out and she quickly realized it was much bigger and heavier than she expected and massive overkill for her small lawn that is not much more than 1000 ft.².</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So I proposed a trade, I would give her my 20 inch mower plus some cash and she would give me her new mower. We are both very pleased with this exchange since the mowers we now have are perfect for our properties. My lawn area is over half an acre and this big new mower is a joy to use especially in the heat of the summer when the self-propelled feature is a real blessing. I also have a cordless weed wacker, hedge trimmer and chainsaws that I use a lot.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the 20 years or so that I have lived on this quiet dead-end road in Maine I have encouraged many of my neighbors to embrace more sustainable lifestyles which includes buying an electric car, subscribing to solar power, and hopefully soon they will be replacing their stinky old gas lawnmowers with electric ones. Some of them already have other cordless electric yard tools.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Scientists are warning that we are crossing the tipping point with the climate crisis and there may be no turning back. This is why I do what I do! I carry a constant awareness of future generations and the massive impact the climate crisis will have on their lives.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-85002765150075170212022-06-26T13:01:00.001-04:002022-07-29T14:21:30.905-04:00Failed septic system and energy monitoring update<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In late April my septic system failed. This constituted a household emergency and I had to scramble to get a new system designed and installed. For those of you in the city unfamiliar with septic systems the sewage comes out of the house and goes into a large underground concrete storage tank that is typically 1000 gallons for a two bedroom house like mine. Solids settle out in the tank and the liquids come out the other side and go to a leach field. I have been doing proactive maintenance and having the tank pumped out every three years, but apparently the system was just so old that it eventually failed. Where the pipe enters the leach field there is a distribution box that spreads out left right and center to feed perforated pipes buried under the ground. When I exposed my distribution box I found that it was completely plugged up with gunk:<br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgIZ5dTYRGFoOiC8dF8bulI8xVl-Pt6Y3BDxkeuuS0bsDwYeEMnbeNQYj9Z7HGxg_UaHHy03Y9TW8qbsYRheobuFHQKzqcMF46GPASzWu02NLDNzHPK90DctUT8OyrFNMfobjGN8ZmHuPAvebKk0TQSkE6eXVlLzvNVRTaIW7B1buW62LSJ-uDQJg/s4160/IMG_20220501_161104171_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgIZ5dTYRGFoOiC8dF8bulI8xVl-Pt6Y3BDxkeuuS0bsDwYeEMnbeNQYj9Z7HGxg_UaHHy03Y9TW8qbsYRheobuFHQKzqcMF46GPASzWu02NLDNzHPK90DctUT8OyrFNMfobjGN8ZmHuPAvebKk0TQSkE6eXVlLzvNVRTaIW7B1buW62LSJ-uDQJg/s320/IMG_20220501_161104171_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Distribution box opened up<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In fact the entire pipe from the septic tank to the field was also plugged up. From what I can tell this system was installed in the 1970s before the state required that records be maintained in the state house and local towns. So I immediately hired a soils expert to design a new leach field ($550) which required him to come out and survey the land and test the soils figure out how big and what type of septic leach field to engineer for my location. I took his design to my town office to get a permit approved for the construction of a new system and then put the design out to bid to local companies.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It turns out that my small town of Woolwich, population around 3300 has three family-owned earthworks companies. I ended up hiring Creamer and Sons Landworks. Joe and his two sons started work in early June and it took them about seven working days to complete the installation, here are some photos:<br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFQmcodtEBO7qMoBP3l9HzBL8GO2Zl606X44yNKQFWKd1mDBZOU8_uiaDbJwQxwdzwt-yqK3JqrAJy_bBDu9Va6jE4fR07D4iJXkiIkgo8Vf3o7nPNbCcI3VH8xo9GAHQCm_mAwQcLdUwZ3XNBeL5c_d08Dod6AaV4Oo2v34kAzi08xoxd1A5eVPw/s4160/IMG_20220608_174031558.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFQmcodtEBO7qMoBP3l9HzBL8GO2Zl606X44yNKQFWKd1mDBZOU8_uiaDbJwQxwdzwt-yqK3JqrAJy_bBDu9Va6jE4fR07D4iJXkiIkgo8Vf3o7nPNbCcI3VH8xo9GAHQCm_mAwQcLdUwZ3XNBeL5c_d08Dod6AaV4Oo2v34kAzi08xoxd1A5eVPw/s320/IMG_20220608_174031558.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Creating a berm around the Leach area<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kqWrQY-LRPxO0n2I1Nasb558u_VjGyFyY44RTYlMLhszNIgf0O_y0Y91lgdaPJqrJfz2U_J3BlrGSoedwL7DohxMAyKhyjkmNhb7NLFAHS1G_xfvN9IJvrh4Aq1t5BBW7kRCNlLeP1oDF1B1PPCpOjrUjFvOAb3R3alHbsGNIijN66alFewWof-t/s4160/IMG_20220611_102943303.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kqWrQY-LRPxO0n2I1Nasb558u_VjGyFyY44RTYlMLhszNIgf0O_y0Y91lgdaPJqrJfz2U_J3BlrGSoedwL7DohxMAyKhyjkmNhb7NLFAHS1G_xfvN9IJvrh4Aq1t5BBW7kRCNlLeP1oDF1B1PPCpOjrUjFvOAb3R3alHbsGNIijN66alFewWof-t/s320/IMG_20220611_102943303.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Crushed rock laid in. The leach field pipes sit on top of this gravel.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">They began by hauling off all the surface vegetation and dirt which they could later screen and process and bring back. Then they built up a berm out of sand and then loam and then installed the leach field inside the berm by laying down sand, then crushed rock then perforated pipe, then more sand, and then finally a layer of loam. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The town code officer approved the first step of the construction and later came back to approve the crushed
rock installation as seen above. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There were 5 ton and 10 ton trucks coming and going right through the middle of my lawn and at the end they put everything back with new dirt and grass seed and my new lawn is growing back in. This whole project cost me over $21,000 and I had to refinance the house to pay for it. They did an excellent job and I'm sure the system will last longer than I will! <a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2022/07/video-documentation-of-my-recent-septic.html">Click here to see a blog post</a> that links to two videos I made about the entire process.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Between the initial failure when I first had my septic tank pumped out to give me some time I had to pump it out a second time. When they pump out just liquids they charge less - $250 compared to $350. My housemate and I were able to dramatically reduce our usage of water by approximately 50% in order to defer further costly pump outs before the new system could be installed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">From an energy monitoring standpoint, I was able to clearly determine that we had in fact reduced our water consumption significantly by looking at the energy consumption of my 1500 W well pump which is down about 100 feet below ground in the granite. Here's a screen from my Emporia energy monitoring app (<a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2021/12/home-electrical-energy-monitoring-with.html" target="_blank">see my previous post about this here</a>) showing daily well energy consumption before and after extreme conservation measures:<br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXktemUxJbBfA-ozBMv5QWiH62PBpRgR-vU9u15jsXnv2cA7GS8hGZWympi-wL7ty3TFABYKn7kmwkY6aw3IYZISUglqbma9q9W6GMARvThGZKG8BJ4dDggB0h7aa4AfiWCRXtuKlhEea8NeJph9FxogNB0k5qX2sPfweLOG3meZv99AVi1HFOO3t/s1600/Screenshot_20220626-113818.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaXktemUxJbBfA-ozBMv5QWiH62PBpRgR-vU9u15jsXnv2cA7GS8hGZWympi-wL7ty3TFABYKn7kmwkY6aw3IYZISUglqbma9q9W6GMARvThGZKG8BJ4dDggB0h7aa4AfiWCRXtuKlhEea8NeJph9FxogNB0k5qX2sPfweLOG3meZv99AVi1HFOO3t/w288-h640/Screenshot_20220626-113818.png" width="288" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well pump energy<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It looks like we reduced water consumption by approximately 50% and us guys were able to pee outside a lot since my property is rural and private. Like many rural male Mainers I pee outside quite often anyway since it's an 80 foot walk to the house from my workshop that does not have plumbing.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the septic system was installed I needed to run a sprinkler for an hour or so every evening to water in the grass and clover seeds I planted. The contractors put grass seed and straw in the area where they replaced the existing lawn, and I elected to seed the whole septic area with white clover which is lower maintenance and good bee habitat. Clover is also a good nitrogen fixer that out competes weeds and grass. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdujTgoeFtbMmBDzOYjqq1FArI9zUQPSemZPEObwtgJ8hVwS0CQu3T_dVFsYAIdpNpP2DO05tCa8vvTyeolMdS-3WqOtsYK17TyAiDhi2fTSMpQvap_3JtLLxF1zzVuM6OmcuudBdRdl3E_uMhHAVn4nJ4VnRUCDC3p5hQPmNg7-OU9A-rg_TMEd_r/s4160/IMG_20220626_124633678.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdujTgoeFtbMmBDzOYjqq1FArI9zUQPSemZPEObwtgJ8hVwS0CQu3T_dVFsYAIdpNpP2DO05tCa8vvTyeolMdS-3WqOtsYK17TyAiDhi2fTSMpQvap_3JtLLxF1zzVuM6OmcuudBdRdl3E_uMhHAVn4nJ4VnRUCDC3p5hQPmNg7-OU9A-rg_TMEd_r/s320/IMG_20220626_124633678.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">leach field planted with clover<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUws7KySEy3BmVVajiTBl4VNMjzfFS8be9ENHR1vjGucQLC-1eeEONI39XzbizL4CIcLuVT24IhoBixfFtaXrQ5Fl02p522wxmMt69lHeTpMlCMpjv7ZuhuEEF_SHxClKZqCqLxeSteAYY4D75mFLsqcFgE4HpQxdcGjeODGePSX3f9X2k8SdU2HVc/s4160/IMG_20220626_124653013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUws7KySEy3BmVVajiTBl4VNMjzfFS8be9ENHR1vjGucQLC-1eeEONI39XzbizL4CIcLuVT24IhoBixfFtaXrQ5Fl02p522wxmMt69lHeTpMlCMpjv7ZuhuEEF_SHxClKZqCqLxeSteAYY4D75mFLsqcFgE4HpQxdcGjeODGePSX3f9X2k8SdU2HVc/s320/IMG_20220626_124653013.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sprinkler, and lawn growing back in<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> The daily energy chart below shows a dramatic increase in my well pump usage to keep all that new loam nice and wet.<br /></span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQbpY8rhIHO-U8pHIpfueXlabzt7vK77EPDUfrkCTR6K6bwUuqY2y0IDAiWqVm6QufMi258zEyU9ApBKcR1VQW4m8zehdYqaa7Xb5uAwtu9lpkTM0Uv-dnv4F_3UMfU25JFwE-PrPC1VIICCqipVKLHGC2qaBdf4o4s-Mxoteqqx4Z_ifile6k-sN/s1600/Screenshot_20220626-113838.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXQbpY8rhIHO-U8pHIpfueXlabzt7vK77EPDUfrkCTR6K6bwUuqY2y0IDAiWqVm6QufMi258zEyU9ApBKcR1VQW4m8zehdYqaa7Xb5uAwtu9lpkTM0Uv-dnv4F_3UMfU25JFwE-PrPC1VIICCqipVKLHGC2qaBdf4o4s-Mxoteqqx4Z_ifile6k-sN/w288-h640/Screenshot_20220626-113838.png" width="288" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well pump after septic installed<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If I did not have a solar power system (38 panels producing a peak of over 8 kW) I would see a significant increase in my electric bill to run that pump so much. Starting in mid-May, my solar energy production exceeds my needs and the utility allows me to bank my kilowatt hours as credit that I can use in the fall and winter. The bottom line is that it is costing me nothing to run my well pump for hours! The weekly energy chart for my entire property below shows that I was using a lot of energy to run my two heat pumps in the winter when I have much less sun here in Maine at the 43rd parallel. As I get more sun and the weather warms up reducing the need for the heat pumps, eventually the solar starts producing a surplus in May.<br /></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVHywa_0hbedmmZMqzUXVv5kzFx-wCFPnestfFc6h0tCkBiWmpF0ZJMI_fF0P3EzuIq831AuyavNdrcL6bteyICB1z_O4apHShnWW77Q6XXtf3HFJxsdgeIAyPm2CsL9iUm-jCeG6pz7z0n4vGs294hK9thW8SBmGLKLvN33rzrYiBsQO6GS4-VDn/s1600/Screenshot_20220626-113719.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmVHywa_0hbedmmZMqzUXVv5kzFx-wCFPnestfFc6h0tCkBiWmpF0ZJMI_fF0P3EzuIq831AuyavNdrcL6bteyICB1z_O4apHShnWW77Q6XXtf3HFJxsdgeIAyPm2CsL9iUm-jCeG6pz7z0n4vGs294hK9thW8SBmGLKLvN33rzrYiBsQO6GS4-VDn/w288-h640/Screenshot_20220626-113719.png" width="288" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">weekly net energy consumption<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">My electric bills spiked up over $300 for a few months in the dead of winter mostly due to the heat pumps that I installed, but this is a lot less expensive than heating with propane as I had in the past. But then from May through October, I will pay the utility just a connection fee of around $13 a month and I will use my accumulated credits to cover my energy use into November and December hopefully.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">You can see a video about my recent installation of additional solar panels on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl8r-gZupfE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl8r-gZupfE</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I find myself checking energy use on the Emporia app every week or so to see what is using the most energy. The biggest energy consumers are my (self installed) heat pumps, <a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2021/03/diy-install-of-mr-cool-heat-pump.html" target="_blank">one in my house</a>, and <a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2021/11/i-installed-another-heat-pump-this-one.html">one in my workshop</a>. Here's a weekly chart of energy for my house heat pump:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG55QWfKmO8S6dAWBYDErIGxOh-naUK84s1rIhXsLChndnO-FC0js0puV3oZnKbMWU7wis2MFguSyVgkTH2xO7R3dAkwoy0ZSBopwIPJnXYqB7Mo_1RHhSvci2NB1UsvdB1wI-hKJYtwM-CAZHDataUKl43Phw_6jXvtrhWfVN5qbInFKdThVi19K4/s1600/Screenshot_20220626-122613.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG55QWfKmO8S6dAWBYDErIGxOh-naUK84s1rIhXsLChndnO-FC0js0puV3oZnKbMWU7wis2MFguSyVgkTH2xO7R3dAkwoy0ZSBopwIPJnXYqB7Mo_1RHhSvci2NB1UsvdB1wI-hKJYtwM-CAZHDataUKl43Phw_6jXvtrhWfVN5qbInFKdThVi19K4/w288-h640/Screenshot_20220626-122613.png" width="288" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was working hard during the winter to keep my living/dining room area warm when temperatures remained below freezing for weeks at a time. As you can see, energy use plummeted in May when I often shut it off completely, but now in late June I am turning it on for cooling but it uses a great deal less energy for that. <br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-33605424956822964322022-04-18T10:19:00.002-04:002022-12-21T10:19:15.013-05:00Effective tick control on a budget<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> It's spring in Maine and the crocus and daffodils are starting to come up and it's time to start thinking about tics. Last year I purchased a product called Thermacell Tick Control: (<a href="https://amzn.to/3Vhw4z9" target="_blank">Click here to purchase on Amazon</a> - <i>As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases</i>.)<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Thermacell-Control-Disease-Backyard-Environment/dp/B01MSE9XLW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1000" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpnOXCLL1cktJyp7N0D-vPfuSUwM5yKfEgGnJ-aIEszL2Ai5mdhZ-88A5SdMhBiwQ9Tg84yP5KRrjM_mJ2CXRhVOrs7wEqAHXKhhp2m8T1huGA5IL06pug7T0MS3rl6P80lvZhgGBg1IytAm33eAiVFsbGZLw-wX8cgMO8IoYlihCV7g5nRDPJGXw/w187-h196/Tick%20control.jpg" width="187" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's basically a cardboard tube with cotton balls soaked in permethrin - the stuff that kills tics on contact and you typically spray it on your clothes. You get six tubes for roughly $20. You tuck these tubes into nooks and crannies in the yard around your home. The theory is that small rodents will use the cotton as nesting material and get permethrin on their bodies which will kill tics on contact and reduce the breeding population. When I used this product last year, I saw dramatic reduction in the amount of tics I found on my body. While I did find a few ticks on me in the early spring, there was almost nothing after that and I walk around in the tall grass on my property quite a bit.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqT9xRVSynJdwj0E6erItExzgFRy8Fqrbr2IHoJ0MBbBIWYOOru1OM0U4x0jfRDiW6niGyQZZ7kf3Kban3U-hIIsLgsdl5-XQXyRpUas4-h6vJ4xkc5mFB5HQCOeO2YQQuM4_ABOVcnI5zHoU5oG_y_0_u8HIbrC20vdNjFWpV-7OKBb3DGD8rZvxt/s4160/IMG_20220418_093105289.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqT9xRVSynJdwj0E6erItExzgFRy8Fqrbr2IHoJ0MBbBIWYOOru1OM0U4x0jfRDiW6niGyQZZ7kf3Kban3U-hIIsLgsdl5-XQXyRpUas4-h6vJ4xkc5mFB5HQCOeO2YQQuM4_ABOVcnI5zHoU5oG_y_0_u8HIbrC20vdNjFWpV-7OKBb3DGD8rZvxt/s320/IMG_20220418_093105289.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsboWFcAAdy8WxyhqlPGSi47rjSXjNHY68FV11ef5U0aL9BFBi5otNmtO1AsXHFob4k_AHVeVhm8Dq_OgWVXYte9XKZYUyvAZOPpLoj2siQXbZwv_jkxB8T1KHaOLuDujMjLisyc1cNyyNgD_gpREsqYM_oSQa-p1kw8U40C6PUE6JeLoDzzvaWw2u/s4160/IMG_20220418_093125229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsboWFcAAdy8WxyhqlPGSi47rjSXjNHY68FV11ef5U0aL9BFBi5otNmtO1AsXHFob4k_AHVeVhm8Dq_OgWVXYte9XKZYUyvAZOPpLoj2siQXbZwv_jkxB8T1KHaOLuDujMjLisyc1cNyyNgD_gpREsqYM_oSQa-p1kw8U40C6PUE6JeLoDzzvaWw2u/s320/IMG_20220418_093125229.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I realized when I was opening a vitamin bottle recently that I could use the cotton packing and just spray it with permethrin myself. This stuff is really nasty, so I took it outside and sprayed it on to the cotton on-site and then tucked it into the bottom of my woodpile. I wore surgical gloves when I did it because I don't want to get any of that nasty permethrin on my hands. I have done this a few times now and every now and then I will see bits of cotton tucked into different places in the bottom of my woodpile and elsewhere, so I know that chipmunks and mice are using it.<br /></span><p></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-76416081080163002752022-03-05T09:42:00.000-05:002022-03-05T09:42:03.135-05:00<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I recently added one more 375 W solar panel to my south facing array. I made a YouTube video that documents the process in detail to show how relatively simple it is for anyone with building skills to install a solar panel:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="424" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hl8r-gZupfE" width="510" youtube-src-id="hl8r-gZupfE"></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After installing a heat pump in both my house and workshop buildings I was hoping that my energy costs would be the same or at least go down a little. It doesn't seem to be working out that way despite adding these panels, but the heating season isn't over yet. My first electric bill was over $300, as was the second one. But given that my propane costs for heating season run over $1000, I'm hoping that I'm going to come in a little lower than that. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The primary reason for doing all of this is to get off of fossil fuels so I'm very happy with that. and, what energy I don't generate with solar comes from a solar farm here in Maine, so I am essentially carbon neutral other than the modest amount of propane I use for cooking, clothes drying, and water heating. eventually, I will tackle at least two of those issues and convert to electricity.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now I am pretty much maxed out for solar panels, so there's not much room for improvement.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-31458396244467198682021-12-22T22:43:00.002-05:002023-01-12T10:56:41.201-05:00Home electrical energy monitoring with Emporia<span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.emporiaenergy.com" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="389" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTTe9YXUnZohAcmADHmZuSePSj1FkgyubOVgrIvNPn0U8Z2bu69QpPcd0uvzjhjaKG9kT6mjvAN2A7luN7VEfrT2yOzhSTXIA0ikQcJ2-hIvmYd6MKATHCgom__KTpheHiv9WEICo2PkkrOYcC3hPnYo1qQVebyt87qwNyABZEwP52823tQLzaeKHb=s320" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3FOCgch" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Click here to buy</span></a><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As an energy efficiency maven, I am always interested in looking for ways to monitor my energy usage. The more I can learn about how my energy is used the more I can figure out ways to conserve. Over the years I have experimented with different kinds of energy monitors and just recently discovered this very affordable home electrical energy monitoring system. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">An <a href="https://www.emporiaenergy.com" target="_blank">Emporia</a> system like the one pictured above sells for around $160. (<a href="https://amzn.to/3FOCgch" target="_blank">click here to purchase one</a> - <i>As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.</i><br />This system allows you to monitor 16 separate circuits in your circuit breaker box. A smaller 8 circuit system sells for around $100. I have installed two of these systems, one in my workshop that also feeds through to the house and a separate system in the main breaker panel of the house. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">They also sell smart plugs that can be controlled by your home automation system. These also connect into the monitoring system so you can monitor energy for specific plug in items:<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEbQWdoMjHbZYXTjCUxwXTRNdLQqgkCxy7gEr1QWd1EKXA47XJSXblut0acupBAH4Yk2Vh1q3E3LJhQFRGKNZzj4Gx5ABmOKfTjg2GvpJMv1_4HqwgphtQFtSS05etAfQ2ea7m1OSi4DGniSGmHbqpCpNCo8q4aI4OFzpyCZmiftNwKcp8GVzZ8ooe=s475" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="371" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEbQWdoMjHbZYXTjCUxwXTRNdLQqgkCxy7gEr1QWd1EKXA47XJSXblut0acupBAH4Yk2Vh1q3E3LJhQFRGKNZzj4Gx5ABmOKfTjg2GvpJMv1_4HqwgphtQFtSS05etAfQ2ea7m1OSi4DGniSGmHbqpCpNCo8q4aI4OFzpyCZmiftNwKcp8GVzZ8ooe=w156-h200" width="156" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have ordered one of these to check out and might use it to monitor and control my AV system via my Alexa app and Echo devices.</span><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Having <a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2021/11/i-installed-another-heat-pump-this-one.html" target="_blank">recently installed heat pumps</a> in both buildings and also <a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2021/11/adding-5-more-solar-panels-to-my-array.html" target="_blank">added 5 375 W panels to my solar array</a>, I wanted to see how everything was working out. (I was a little shocked that my first electric bill since installing the heat pumps and upgrading the solar power system came out at over $250! - but my main reason for doing this was to stop using propane for heating both buildings and I think it will come out less expensive per heating season).<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Installation is surprisingly easy so long as you're comfortable opening up your breaker panel and I had absolutely no trouble getting the system working within 1/2 an hour so. below is a picture of my main breaker panel with the Emporia system installed:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXW738jaMefrZuM4YS91QUoP95vH30oDJ2B-vVJUZypGdmsoOdlOAYI7-ZC4429SvMTSYP2t-KEZs9hmXZ6ie738uZ_38Bny_xz-vPoghp6P9JysRViyHPXvq5m7UQS3EzjE03lxPeYtaYHjGsNg1vxyKeEV4Fa6a-Kq9SN2ouWjC9IAiOrwK_vdSc=s2040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXW738jaMefrZuM4YS91QUoP95vH30oDJ2B-vVJUZypGdmsoOdlOAYI7-ZC4429SvMTSYP2t-KEZs9hmXZ6ie738uZ_38Bny_xz-vPoghp6P9JysRViyHPXvq5m7UQS3EzjE03lxPeYtaYHjGsNg1vxyKeEV4Fa6a-Kq9SN2ouWjC9IAiOrwK_vdSc=s2040" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="circuit breaker panel with Emporia monitoring equipment" border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXW738jaMefrZuM4YS91QUoP95vH30oDJ2B-vVJUZypGdmsoOdlOAYI7-ZC4429SvMTSYP2t-KEZs9hmXZ6ie738uZ_38Bny_xz-vPoghp6P9JysRViyHPXvq5m7UQS3EzjE03lxPeYtaYHjGsNg1vxyKeEV4Fa6a-Kq9SN2ouWjC9IAiOrwK_vdSc=w196-h400" width="196" /></a></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yes, I know, it looks messy, but it is all safe and functional. The system includes two very large 200 Amp current transformers at the top that measure all the power coming into the building from the utility:<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIOgI3H5a3x5coA5llV00mCaNrPWwOU436UokQr-vkjodySuzunTRakxIOVsVrpLKlpNVyje5r_hZ0IBhzEC0lztqo-KW8s6_jSQ7pt6xpNlnLyn4qmHBspRFGE0EdukqEnCIWznOh3cN5IGnReDYjXyb7br4GV4qU3laoPaGVGUfDd1vQOcydNatM=s2144" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="200 amp current transformers installed" border="0" data-original-height="2144" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIOgI3H5a3x5coA5llV00mCaNrPWwOU436UokQr-vkjodySuzunTRakxIOVsVrpLKlpNVyje5r_hZ0IBhzEC0lztqo-KW8s6_jSQ7pt6xpNlnLyn4qmHBspRFGE0EdukqEnCIWznOh3cN5IGnReDYjXyb7br4GV4qU3laoPaGVGUfDd1vQOcydNatM=w299-h320" width="299" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then multiple small current transformers clip over the wires to the circuits that you want to monitor:<br /></span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIslsZHm48OPaHiefU_KI4WmtsZueummsggnrT5nFCczgBVAG-NMqcbylBMvpblVyaMdfl93z3FtTCqFWBt6r0y1fwYdCP0yE2uM4flVIYFhrAbNMHV2x_53JiMr1qtRYqCNYpyXEcH3l76xt5R7naZF_C-IQM22yiiAlwvhDfquor_INj-VQDgzwJ=s2667" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="small current transformers installed" border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIslsZHm48OPaHiefU_KI4WmtsZueummsggnrT5nFCczgBVAG-NMqcbylBMvpblVyaMdfl93z3FtTCqFWBt6r0y1fwYdCP0yE2uM4flVIYFhrAbNMHV2x_53JiMr1qtRYqCNYpyXEcH3l76xt5R7naZF_C-IQM22yiiAlwvhDfquor_INj-VQDgzwJ=w240-h320" width="240" /><br /><br /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">These are then all plugged into the monitor device that sends signals out via Wi-Fi. There is an antenna that pokes out through the wall of the breaker box that you can see in the bottom of the image:<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSap3TPl92meGRS9ggrKAFkhkoGxFzGlbSzIZaC4aIlRQMWlotQKIFfryjKPM-vReM6PduQPGIwLUbXf02IFAxwHqKAfdnmJLu_VKjtc6MCFKT-FysbXLLRS7sf4Ij5y1R6ia4jEmGcXbi5nH21COtwSbyJ96lD2RrRhGXaJfF8ZkgSBFZlECjSLBM=s2000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Emporia monitoring unit installed in the breaker box" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSap3TPl92meGRS9ggrKAFkhkoGxFzGlbSzIZaC4aIlRQMWlotQKIFfryjKPM-vReM6PduQPGIwLUbXf02IFAxwHqKAfdnmJLu_VKjtc6MCFKT-FysbXLLRS7sf4Ij5y1R6ia4jEmGcXbi5nH21COtwSbyJ96lD2RrRhGXaJfF8ZkgSBFZlECjSLBM=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few minutes after installing the app, I could see real-time energy data showing up in the form of graphs and lists of circuits that I had named. I particularly like that you can configure it to record power from your solar power system.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Below is a screenshot from my phone showing my EV charging station feeding some power to my Chevy volt to keep the battery warm. The temperature is hovering around freezing in late December here in Maine and my car draws power in small bursts to keep it warm in the winter when it's not actually charging. While I knew this was something that was going on, it is educational and informative to see exactly how much power and how often it is used to keep the car battery warm. Keeping the battery warm dramatically extends its useful life.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifmXVjBW4UtunTT37TVBTANBlY1uRvBNPeAy4vqmjFEGm_yz1YVGr4HLaMfkfU9trnaG2Z_pk-CZCi_9faxpjwgshS2mDouJwzub9KTQzDtCyY3EpBuM1MhvgnGJm2tGKH0byfuXYO49YAIYPQQGZp1NurM7bNk6XUYVqReMIz8wQ7NUr2stSoG_JD=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="screenshot showing energy consumption by the minute for my EV charging station" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifmXVjBW4UtunTT37TVBTANBlY1uRvBNPeAy4vqmjFEGm_yz1YVGr4HLaMfkfU9trnaG2Z_pk-CZCi_9faxpjwgshS2mDouJwzub9KTQzDtCyY3EpBuM1MhvgnGJm2tGKH0byfuXYO49YAIYPQQGZp1NurM7bNk6XUYVqReMIz8wQ7NUr2stSoG_JD=w288-h640" width="288" /> </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This screenshot shows a weeks worth of data for my house. Clearly, the heat pump is the biggest energy user followed by a small 1.2 kW electric heater used in my small bedroom at night (the master bedroom is heated by propane). Solar power in this breaker panel comes from one 240 W solar panel mounted on the side of the house.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhgD5OyaBz8j3YXrH5rqZhBRqS_2T5AXAlHqpvgspeOMzpnUwIpuk25NiU92YleuQHL7fjLA_AhQrkzFMbOXRhbAI97k-30ueuuBrPAFgzqNSppcMiJ4r2CLXdK9KgAMcRFLChXt2XiKKQaj1hON0u2ENB1E6cmn9_g2spHd-_JC9u_Ov0G2i0PhSV=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="list of circuits and the energy they are using" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhgD5OyaBz8j3YXrH5rqZhBRqS_2T5AXAlHqpvgspeOMzpnUwIpuk25NiU92YleuQHL7fjLA_AhQrkzFMbOXRhbAI97k-30ueuuBrPAFgzqNSppcMiJ4r2CLXdK9KgAMcRFLChXt2XiKKQaj1hON0u2ENB1E6cmn9_g2spHd-_JC9u_Ov0G2i0PhSV=w288-h640" width="288" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> This screenshot shows daily solar energy produced by my entire solar array of 36 solar panels:<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzJwppLjyXyyk3e2w6Ic8PwDOpTPENx2rNFwP0FwuMe9FQ5uu5Zg2d7MgdxxrayFFPJMaTahGV1AJL8wY7mlmR_lNoMg2oayuQTDYbq5D36gYB80XsIBA8Y95i9-n7i3KUniFKqpIXyjPj_mCi4aewhTCP3IrvVZiZICcXgXgh_XuP0nwRBcQ6yiwf=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="screenshot showing my solar energy system daily generation" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzJwppLjyXyyk3e2w6Ic8PwDOpTPENx2rNFwP0FwuMe9FQ5uu5Zg2d7MgdxxrayFFPJMaTahGV1AJL8wY7mlmR_lNoMg2oayuQTDYbq5D36gYB80XsIBA8Y95i9-n7i3KUniFKqpIXyjPj_mCi4aewhTCP3IrvVZiZICcXgXgh_XuP0nwRBcQ6yiwf=w288-h640" width="288" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />And this screen shows the hourly solar output for the last couple of days:<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlL2C1Tlludc1E87mMWUKuksdZ6bzJrl6MPzupTjt_jtMIvUh5ve8_MAo4bR_A9p-Bwire29dcF4C_NwkI-Um9ra6-u09drC5rSOraVf4CjDff5qgjYPm1GBI6nRgqLiI5ItYJvTSfFQdO8LO9GzjuRKvSHPY9RbHyYvTpQ1woxxoxKDv_xrA5pHv2=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="screenshots showing hourly energy produced by my solar system" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlL2C1Tlludc1E87mMWUKuksdZ6bzJrl6MPzupTjt_jtMIvUh5ve8_MAo4bR_A9p-Bwire29dcF4C_NwkI-Um9ra6-u09drC5rSOraVf4CjDff5qgjYPm1GBI6nRgqLiI5ItYJvTSfFQdO8LO9GzjuRKvSHPY9RbHyYvTpQ1woxxoxKDv_xrA5pHv2=w288-h640" width="288" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yes, the solar days are quite short in December here in Maine! <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is said that knowledge is power, so I am feeling quite empowered by all of this useful information! I find myself opening the app on my phone several times a day and poking around through all the information to see what I can learn. It is particularly interesting to watch the real-time chart updating every second to see the energy cycles of things like the heat pump, well pump, solar power system and EV charging station.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-86488713422359780222021-11-20T13:38:00.003-05:002021-12-10T15:49:13.027-05:00<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agalzvA06oU/YZk3kr2e8tI/AAAAAAAAMOo/h6LCJyVJRdclxIariBKeznnxTAYQm9oNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/removing%2Bcollector.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="1000" height="197" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agalzvA06oU/YZk3kr2e8tI/AAAAAAAAMOo/h6LCJyVJRdclxIariBKeznnxTAYQm9oNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/removing%2Bcollector.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Removing old solar thermal collectors</span><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDW5gULqcl4/YZk2Bf81JjI/AAAAAAAAMOg/UhWFrO5DjHcT8iiQWbKhiWVPU-865VsywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/Installed%2Bpanels.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oDW5gULqcl4/YZk2Bf81JjI/AAAAAAAAMOg/UhWFrO5DjHcT8iiQWbKhiWVPU-865VsywCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/Installed%2Bpanels.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: arial;">5 new 375W solar PV panels<br /></span><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A few weeks ago I <a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2021/11/i-installed-another-heat-pump-this-one.html" target="_blank">completed the DIY installation of a mini split heat pump system</a> in my workshop. The system essentially replaces the solar heating system I built that used to use four large 4' x 8' solar collectors on the south facing shed roof of my workshop. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I had <a href="https://www.arttec.net/Solar/Propane_use/index.html" target="_blank">installed the solar heating system 20 years ago</a> and it had offset the use of propane over the years. But that system could not begin to compare with the efficiency of electric heat pumps, and it is my goal to get off of fossil fuel as much as possible. The system used a few hundred gallons of propane last year. Over the years I had learned to optimize the use of that system which originally used over 800 gallons a year, in the last two years it has been below 300 gallons. You can see historical records of my propane consumption on <a href="https://www.arttec.net/Solar/Propane_use/index.html">this page of my blog</a>. The problem with fossil fuels is that their prices are unregulated and the cost of a gallon of propane has nearly doubled over the last 20 years. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The propane tanks will remain in place to feed my automatic standby generator which is a necessity here in rural Maine. Eventually I hope to replace that with a battery system since I can run that generator up to 7 days cumulatively in any given year due to extended power outages from storms etc.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The new REC brand solar panels are rated at 375 W each with a total theoretical maximum capacity of around 1800 W. So far, I am seeing a maximum output of a little over 1400 W at noon at this time of year. I don't have enough energy data for the new heat pumps to know whether this will completely offset the energy required to operate them. But I am hoping it will.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q_1NCcxk6o/YZk9FGe_y6I/AAAAAAAAMOw/Ljir0jneAzYWgzcIUQofF8p6ssvw2waDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/Inverters%2Binstalled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Q_1NCcxk6o/YZk9FGe_y6I/AAAAAAAAMOw/Ljir0jneAzYWgzcIUQofF8p6ssvw2waDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Inverters%2Binstalled.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mounting rails installed</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLAQ-mzfAHo/YZk9T83FGkI/AAAAAAAAMO0/JMPYr_i9-So5q-qi7qI-IaGliRUWXBcHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/Inverters%2Bmounted%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLAQ-mzfAHo/YZk9T83FGkI/AAAAAAAAMO0/JMPYr_i9-So5q-qi7qI-IaGliRUWXBcHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Inverters%2Bmounted%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">inverter installed<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I purchased a complete kit from the <a href="https://www.altestore.com/store/" target="_blank">altE store</a> in Massachusetts. I simply called up my account manager, Ben and asked him to spec out a system that could produce close to 2000 W and cost less than $2500. He specified everything that I would need including every single nut and bolt and it came in at around $2000. I drove down to Massachusetts (a three hour trip) with my friends pickup truck to get all the equipment. This includes five brand-new IQ7A micro-inverters made by Enphase. These are state-of-the-art seventh generation devices that convert the solar panel power to 240 V that feeds right into my building. (My original system used the M190 model inverter which was their first product over 10 years ago and 8 of those 30 units have failed over the years but were replaced under warranty).<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I am so familiar with installing systems like this that I didn't glance at any documentation because it is so simple and plug-and-play for someone with my experience. <br />The sequence involves:</span></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">installing mounting rails</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">mounting the micro inverters to the rails and connecting them to the umbilical<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">running wire from the breaker box to the roof</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Mounting and connecting the solar panels</span></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What could be simpler! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: arial;">last year my solar power system provided all the power for my property from June through October. you can see <a href="https://www.arttec.net/SolarPower/9_Stats/index.htm" target="_blank">historical statistics of my solar power system here</a>. I'm hoping these added panels will get me close to net zero. Time will tell!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's a video I made about this whole project:<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EtKwnlslZNk" width="320" youtube-src-id="EtKwnlslZNk"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-56914402488103906822021-11-07T10:07:00.003-05:002021-11-07T10:12:03.514-05:00I installed another heat pump, this one for my workshop<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zywl5ZLb_o/YYflYocbevI/AAAAAAAAMJs/T5_hoPTq480v5pSPw06rL5MuBvjZkRosQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Heat%2BPump%2Bunder%2Bcar%2Bport.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Zywl5ZLb_o/YYflYocbevI/AAAAAAAAMJs/T5_hoPTq480v5pSPw06rL5MuBvjZkRosQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Heat%2BPump%2Bunder%2Bcar%2Bport.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have installed a multi-zone heat pump for my workshop. This was another DIY MrCool installation similar to the <a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2021/03/diy-install-of-mr-cool-heat-pump.html" target="_blank">one I did for my house</a> back in March except this one is a bit larger and has two interior air handlers, one for my office, and one for my downstairs workshop space. It also has connections for a third air handler if needed. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the slightly annoying things about these DIY packages is that the line sets that connect the interior to exterior units come in fixed lengths of either 16 feet or 25 feet. I ended up with far more than I needed which explains why it is all coiled up against the wall next to the unit in the picture above. It's not the worst thing in the world. I only needed about 12 inches between the condenser and the interior air handler, and had to coil 16 feet of line outside, I imagine this compromises efficiency slightly, but I'm not too worried about it<br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEWZk-JYpNU/YYfmZYIcdtI/AAAAAAAAMJ4/Aw7RI78-m2Angoztbdeu2SzGL8Pz9IUGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Heat%2BPump%2Bcondenser%2B%252B%2BVolt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEWZk-JYpNU/YYfmZYIcdtI/AAAAAAAAMJ4/Aw7RI78-m2Angoztbdeu2SzGL8Pz9IUGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Heat%2BPump%2Bcondenser%2B%252B%2BVolt.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I mounted the condenser high on the wall under my carport. This will keep it out of the heavy weather and is over 7 feet high so I can park underneath of it. The installation was relatively simple, I just needed to cut a couple of 4 inch holes through the wall to run the plumbing through and everything else was just mounting parts inside and out. The instructions are clear and very comprehensive, but having installed one of these already, I barely needed to look at them this time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The condenser is very close to my circuit breaker box inside the building so the 240 V wiring was quite short and easy to do. The only challenging part was getting that huge heavy condenser mounted on the wall brackets. I borrowed my friends pickup truck and he and I lifted it in stages onto the truck bed and then up onto sawhorses and so on until we got it high enough to lift it onto the mounting bracket. I actually used the pickup truck as a raised work surface for all of the final connections and wiring, it was really convenient to be at the right height.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn23C2kZG5E/YYfm0TzwCEI/AAAAAAAAMKA/JuFxKm5s968bGipuEzNZf43-L0iudQP3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20211010_094136829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zn23C2kZG5E/YYfm0TzwCEI/AAAAAAAAMKA/JuFxKm5s968bGipuEzNZf43-L0iudQP3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20211010_094136829.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here's a photo of the small air handler in my office which is more than sufficient for this small room and heats it up quite quickly (and also cools it handily in the summer). </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFkZcW4BXkU/YYfpRWX5tqI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/mLNxQoSr69MaG4t3InTZ526i5MZ0_pAbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Wood%2Bstove%2B%252B%2Bheat%2Bpump.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFkZcW4BXkU/YYfpRWX5tqI/AAAAAAAAMKQ/mLNxQoSr69MaG4t3InTZ526i5MZ0_pAbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Wood%2Bstove%2B%252B%2Bheat%2Bpump.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Downstairs in my workshop the large air handler mounts right near my wood stove which is my backup heat source. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This system cost me almost exactly $3000 in parts and I expect to get a federal tax break of $300 per installed heat pump which is a real plus. If I had to pay someone to do this insulation it would've cost way more than double what I spent. Probably over $8000. While this type of installation is not for the faint of heart, anyone experienced with building construction and wiring should be able to do it without too much trouble.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have decided to take down the solar thermal heating system that I designed and built 20 years ago since it is no longer needed and is certainly not as efficient as heat pumps are. In my next post I will show the process of removing the solar collectors and replacing them with 1800 W of solar PV panels which should be more than enough to offset the power consumption of these two new heat pumps.<br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-88712680757096586782021-08-28T17:49:00.003-04:002021-09-15T10:47:40.971-04:00Another mini Energy Recovery Ventilator for my home<span style="font-family: verdana;">Back in 2014, <a href="http://mistersustainable.blogspot.com/2014/10/installing-small-energy-recovery.html" target="_blank">I installed a small TwinFresh Comfo Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) in my living room at a cost of about $500</a>, and later added one in the master bedroom. </span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="695" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uoGtp7EckA/YSqsNXilChI/AAAAAAAALgo/2rORG87Tw2gDKVH6Ysp20wijDjGQ0fkCQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h248/TwinFresh.jpg" title="TwinFresh Comfo functional diagram" width="400" /><br /><a href="https://ventilation-system.com/series/twinfresh-comfo" target="_blank">TwinFresh Comfo heat recovery ventilator</a><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">These ventilators bring in fresh air without losing heat in the winter (and also without losing cool air in the summer). The main reason for installing these units is that my house is so tightly sealed that there was insufficient air exchange to be healthy. I determined this after doing a building energy audit that included a blower door test from which I learned that the total leakage area of my entire house was about 122 in.². This means that the air changes per hour were down less than 3 ACH which is considered the low threshold for healthy indoor air. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since then, I have tightened up the house significantly. This summer I had been noticing how the air in my small bedroom felt stale after I installed the air conditioner in the window and sealed up the other window. With the door closed, there is no fresh air exchange at all in that room which is why I decided to add an ERV to that room.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">These clever units work by removing air from the room and sending it through a honeycomb ceramic heat absorber. Then the fan then reverses and brings fresh air in that is warmed by the heat absorber. In my tests, I concluded that these units are about 97% efficient when the outside temperature is around freezing and indoors is in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The ventilators I installed previously cost me around $500 - a search for "TwinFresh Comfo" will find varoius sellers offering prices ranging from $450 to over $700. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This this time I did some research and found that they are <a href="https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Wall-mounted-heat-recovery-ventilation-35CFM_1600073519038.html?spm=a2756.order-detail-ta-bn-b.0.0.ce012fc2aiVYdo" target="_blank">available from Alibaba</a> for significantly less, I paid $185 plus ocean freight shipping of about $58 and it arrived about five weeks later. The unit was well packed and comes with clear instructions and appears to be very well made.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tfdZ2qS98Y/YSqmjbfEXYI/AAAAAAAALgM/s9J3I9WpOxowqbgP0MJRaAvLEFnhEd82QCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/unboxing%2B%25282%2529.jpg" title="open box showing Vitronic unit well packed" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Well packed!</span><br /></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Vitronic product photos:<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFnJQwae8zM/YSqjQvAA54I/AAAAAAAALfU/7fsiFpVoOUwrPyPi43_Ih5qqlJKNowKOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s799/Vitronic%2BHRV.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="799" height="237" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFnJQwae8zM/YSqjQvAA54I/AAAAAAAALfU/7fsiFpVoOUwrPyPi43_Ih5qqlJKNowKOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h237/Vitronic%2BHRV.jpg" title="Vitronic Energy Recovery Ventilator" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XARz_0jgeI4/YSqjOuvmkMI/AAAAAAAALfQ/6orMzuj8tictMNzvyBKTonyDwF_B0GYcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/Vitronic%2BHRV%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XARz_0jgeI4/YSqjOuvmkMI/AAAAAAAALfQ/6orMzuj8tictMNzvyBKTonyDwF_B0GYcQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/Vitronic%2BHRV%2B2.jpg" title="Vitronic Energy Recovery Ventilator" width="320" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The <a href="https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Wall-mounted-heat-recovery-ventilation-35CFM_1600073519038.html?spm=a2756.order-detail-ta-bn-b.0.0.ce012fc2aiVYdo" target="_blank">Vitonic brand</a> appears to be functionally identical to the more expensive units in almost every detail except for the exterior vent cover. Actually, the remote control works a great deal better than those other units!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Installation is relatively simple, I just cut a 6" hole in the exterior wall and installed the vent and tube through the wall from the outside and then mounted the interior bracket for the inside unit.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRjv9CCGfAY/YSqkUAfiBPI/AAAAAAAALf8/GRNQVX5TBMAhW3tae20KszFsDKGqy4WrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/installing%2B%25281%2529.jpg" title="cutting hole inside" width="320" /><br />Cutting 6 inch diameter hole inside<br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-195XHJONJaU/YSqkTyWGfBI/AAAAAAAALf4/28UFmMVCPEo9XQnpkumeT3kxfOsF2NsyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/installing%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-195XHJONJaU/YSqkTyWGfBI/AAAAAAAALf4/28UFmMVCPEo9XQnpkumeT3kxfOsF2NsyACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/installing%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bGKZCbqP-Y/YSqkT2stuqI/AAAAAAAALf0/ijw1v1Duin07ClQTYaOojUFCjENA7kLKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/installing%2B%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bGKZCbqP-Y/YSqkT2stuqI/AAAAAAAALf0/ijw1v1Duin07ClQTYaOojUFCjENA7kLKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/installing%2B%25285%2529.jpg" title="vent installed inside" width="320" /></a></div>Fan unit installed<br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /> </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlrn7f7G0lM/YSqj41YIpYI/AAAAAAAALfk/69nj-0Y77FQQrIOjbsPKfEqWVvFrsLjzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/installing%2B%25284%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlrn7f7G0lM/YSqj41YIpYI/AAAAAAAALfk/69nj-0Y77FQQrIOjbsPKfEqWVvFrsLjzgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/installing%2B%25284%2529.jpg" title="exterior vent cover" width="320" /><br /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">External vent installed and caulked<br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is a three button control panel on the unit itself, but it is the remote control that one generally uses. This remote is identical to the previous units I had used except that it seems to use radio rather than line of sight infrared which means it has a range of more than 20 feet. The other remotes only work within a foot or two which was very disappointing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BVvBP2NNVQ/YSqn-i-PB7I/AAAAAAAALgc/verFW_pPHzs9IVRiV1gDKpKgifC06nq0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/unboxing%2B%25286%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BVvBP2NNVQ/YSqn-i-PB7I/AAAAAAAALgc/verFW_pPHzs9IVRiV1gDKpKgifC06nq0QCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h240/unboxing%2B%25286%2529.jpg" title="control panel, and remote control" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The remote features include three basic fan speeds: a night mode where the fan automatically drops to the lowest speed when the room is dark and three different airflow options, in, out, and bidirectional (energy recovery mode). It is helpful to have a vent that can remove air from the room - or bring in fresh air in case of a strong odor. It also offers three levels of humidity control and I have absolutely no idea how this is accomplished. But it is this feature that distinguishes an <i>energy</i> recovery ventilator from a <i>heat</i> recovery ventilator and makes it more efficient and usable in humid situations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I would only recommend installing heat (or energy) recovery ventilators if you are certain that your house is sealed up so tightly that air exchanges and air quality suffer. The only other option for tightly sealed houses to install an entire heat recovery ventilation system which requires running ducts throughout the house and a large central blower unit that would be typically mounted in the attic or basement. The cost of this type of system as a retrofit is prohibitive and can result in unsightly ducts everywhere, but it makes more sense when you're building a new home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">UPDATE <br /></span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The fan is just a little louder than I would like when sleeping - even at its lowest speed setting. So I decided that I wanted to control it with a timer or, more particularly using my Amazon Alexa home automation system. The thing is if you just apply power or plug it in the wall it doesn't come on until you press the power button, then in order to get it to do recirculating air you need to press that button a couple of times, and also need to press the speed button to set it to a low speed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since I am a product designer and know how to engineer things like this, I did a quick hack and added a microcontroller to the circuitry. So now that when you plug it in or power it up through a home automation interface the microcontroller "presses those buttons" internally. What I actually hear is a whole series of beeps as if I was pushing the buttons and it was responding. So now I can program when I want it to come on and off and also use voice commands to control it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are photos of the microcontroller chip installed on the control board inside:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHiFloKq66A/YUIGoKe-MKI/AAAAAAAALrg/TiTgKFw1OKkwSZ_nkvtJl2lZuFrWdzATwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1036/Power%2Bup%2Bmod%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHiFloKq66A/YUIGoKe-MKI/AAAAAAAALrg/TiTgKFw1OKkwSZ_nkvtJl2lZuFrWdzATwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Power%2Bup%2Bmod%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="309" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQFPdPodz4s/YUIHD2vExoI/AAAAAAAALrs/W6AL8GyBA0oxBR-colz-xpOiGM0eIB0ZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1406/Power%2Bup%2Bmod%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1405" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OQFPdPodz4s/YUIHD2vExoI/AAAAAAAALrs/W6AL8GyBA0oxBR-colz-xpOiGM0eIB0ZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Power%2Bup%2Bmod%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-69233933375353972602021-06-25T21:05:00.007-04:002022-12-21T09:50:19.656-05:00my new E-bike<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceM6jdyqVvg/YNZ2bQ2N-sI/AAAAAAAAKvI/nPr6jqvvvm0pbzjugmw8LvGv_yPFl22swCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/e-bike%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ceM6jdyqVvg/YNZ2bQ2N-sI/AAAAAAAAKvI/nPr6jqvvvm0pbzjugmw8LvGv_yPFl22swCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/e-bike%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had given up bicycle riding about 20 years ago when I moved to Maine where the roads all around me are 2-lane blacktop's with cars that whizz past you and the hills were more than I wanted to handle on my old 10 speed. <br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I recently saw an ad online for an E-bike that intrigued me because the price seemed too good to be true. I had assumed that all e-bikes started at around $1500 and I've heard that you can spend thousands of dollars on them. After doing more research I found one that I purchased for $640 which I considered affordable enough. Including tax and delivery I spent about $750 and have added a number of parts to it including speedometer, blinking safety lights, gel seat pad, water bottle etc. (<a href="https://amzn.to/3Vgqz3H" target="_blank">Click here to purchase this bike</a> - as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This bike is made by a Chinese company called <a href="https://www.iancheer.com/collections/26-electric-bikes" target="_blank">Ancheer</a> is considered a best buy for affordable yet high quality construction. While it is quite heavy at 60 pounds it accelerates amazingly well using its 250W motor and 8AH 36 V battery. I can use either pedal assist mode in three levels of power or full E-bike mode using the throttle much like a motorcycle. The range is impressive allowing for up to 30 miles in assist mode and 20 miles in full electric mode (all presumably on relatively flat terrain). It has 26" wheels, front and rear shocks, a Shimano gear set, disc brakes, fenders, and a headlight and beeper. What more could you ask for!<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The other cool thing about this bike is that it folds down quite small so that I can lift it into the back of my Chevy Volt and drive off to fun locations for bike riding:<br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdoDOw8saCQ/YNZ4JmtUqUI/AAAAAAAAKvQ/-4K3k4fm2YQlKa-acjN_aSb70xY6ZKtTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/e-bike%2B%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jdoDOw8saCQ/YNZ4JmtUqUI/AAAAAAAAKvQ/-4K3k4fm2YQlKa-acjN_aSb70xY6ZKtTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/e-bike%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have already put over 30 miles on the bike on all kinds of terrain from hilly backroads to extreme off road and could not be happier with it. The idea of riding 20 miles an hour with very little effort and using the motor to make it easy to climb significant hills is so delightful. While I am quite fit at age 66, I see no reason to or desire overexert myself if I just want to go for a bike ride. There is nothing quite like getting on the bike on a hot humid summer day and getting up to speed very quickly - with no effort - but feeling a very delightful cooling breeze at 15-20MPH.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yesterday my friend and I put both his bike and mine on the bike rack on back of his car and drove up to Camden Harbor here in Maine. It is a spectacularly beautiful area with relatively quiet back roads. I had to keep holding the bike back to allow my friend to catch up on his 10 speed. Often I would zoom to the top of a hill and wait for him at the top. Here's a view from the top of a small park overlooking Camden Harbor.<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LiPJ5fWoB0/YNZ6z4lQmlI/AAAAAAAAKvc/G1pyl130NKQD1Gg6mbN1fvUqqiSozl1agCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/e-bike%2B%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_LiPJ5fWoB0/YNZ6z4lQmlI/AAAAAAAAKvc/G1pyl130NKQD1Gg6mbN1fvUqqiSozl1agCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/e-bike%2B%25283%2529.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">And of course all the energy needed to charge the battery comes from my solar power system so it is a 100% green bike. I get so much joy from riding this bike that I go out as often as I can, and I do get <i>some</i> exercise using it!</span><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4121684688875888212.post-25438467694638618692021-05-04T19:38:00.003-04:002021-05-04T19:58:49.502-04:00New cordless electric lawn mower<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8MJwdSPDyo/YJHV3V42okI/AAAAAAAAJ3M/vFffPbh__J4YMs5RMXCzWNmgIjt-eJVyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Solar_Mower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8MJwdSPDyo/YJHV3V42okI/AAAAAAAAJ3M/vFffPbh__J4YMs5RMXCzWNmgIjt-eJVyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/Solar_Mower.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My original solar lawn mower built in 2005<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Back in 2005 I converted my neighbor's dead 22 inch Craftsman gas lawnmower to run on a 12 V electric motor using a deep cycle lead acid battery. It has lasted 11 years and was crazy powerful. I have had to replace the battery three times in the intervening years at a cost of about $80 per battery plus a $5 fee or recycling the old battery. Back then there were no cordless electric lawnmowers available and due to my commitment to reducing my carbon footprint, this was the only option I could come up with for mowing my lawn. That mower was charged from solar panels on my shed roof. You can read more about the construction of it on my blog <a href="https://www.arttec.net/Solar_Mower/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>. At 95 pounds, it is kind of a beast and in the peak of summer summer becomes tiring to push around for 20 minutes - fortunately the battery only lasts 20 minutes or so.<br /></span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSKbNfQRpNg/YJHWI9s7CLI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/rhN80eZuDcIY4xFYZUeSdTcAG8JxuY5-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/GreenWorks%2Bvs%2Bold%2B%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSKbNfQRpNg/YJHWI9s7CLI/AAAAAAAAJ3U/rhN80eZuDcIY4xFYZUeSdTcAG8JxuY5-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/GreenWorks%2Bvs%2Bold%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">old vs new lawn mowers<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <br />Over the last several years, almost a dozen companies have introduced cordless electric lawnmowers and last year I started to review them. The technology has come a long way! What I find interesting is that there are two newcomers building cordless yard tools, Greenworks and EGO that are both very highly rated. Cordless lawnmowers are also made by many of the established tool makers like Makita, Black & Decker, etc. So this spring I did more research and winnowed my choices down to one of those two makes and settled on the <a href="https://www.greenworkstools.com/40v-cordless-twin-force-lawn-mower-25302" target="_blank">Greenworks</a> based on price ($400), size (20" cut width), performance and versatility. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are several things that are unique about this cordless lawnmower:<br /></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It has slots for 2 batteries and switches from one to the other when one runs down. (It comes with a 4AH and 2AH batteries).<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are inexpensive secondary market batteries available for it with higher capacity than the manufacturer's batteries.</span> <br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Run time with both batteries installed is estimated at about an hour.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It has 2 smaller sized blades rather than a single 20" blade. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It weighs about 40 pounds which is much lighter than most gas mowers or my previous one which weighed about 95 pounds. It is so light that it almost feels like a toy until it cuts through the heavy grass like a champ.<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It increases its power/speed automatically when it hits heavy grass.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cutting height is set with a single lever. <br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It can be configured either for mulching or a grass catcher on the back. <br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is almost as quiet as my previous mower, and much quieter than a gas mower. It has a very high-pitched whine from the dual motors that my neighbor thought sounded like a drone flying overhead until he came by to see it.<br /></span></li></ul><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2R3ASx4m2bs/YJHYWRz5rkI/AAAAAAAAJ3c/5KfOwWeimvUxqwkkhA_gILCg8o0FS3zMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/GreenWorks%2Bvs%2Bold%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2R3ASx4m2bs/YJHYWRz5rkI/AAAAAAAAJ3c/5KfOwWeimvUxqwkkhA_gILCg8o0FS3zMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GreenWorks%2Bvs%2Bold%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">old vs new<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />I have already stripped the old mower for parts. It turns out that the 3/4HP motor if purchased new today would cost more than the new mower. So I've listed it on eBay in the hopes that I can sell it for at least half the current retail price. That big honking gray motor weighs in at 31 pounds so it will be expensive to ship!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The new mower is still solar powered because all of my power comes from solar energy either from my solar panels or the solar farm that I subscribe to. As Kermit the frog stays: "It's good to be green!"<br /></span></p>Guy Marsdenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03755513621855290095noreply@blogger.com0