A Blog by WARM Training Center
energy efficiency
Michigan’s Energy Code
Jan 26th
Do the changes in Michigan’s Energy Code apply to Rehabbing a residential home?
- John, Detroit
The changes to Michigan’s Uniform Energy Code went into effect October 24th, 2008. The new code increases energy efficiency requirements for new construction of 1 and 2 family homes and multiple-single family homes. In most cases the changes do not apply to existing homes, but there are a few exceptions to this rule.
Replacing your HVAC system, your windows, or adding an addition to your home requires compliance with the new code – in cases that affect energy usage the new code applies. The code does not apply to most interior work done on the home, but before beginning a project please make sure to see if you need to comply with these updates or if you’re exempt. A detailed list of the exceptions can be found at the beginning of Part 1 in paragraph 3. Also check out the Frequently Asked Questions. Continue reading “Michigan’s Energy Code” »
New Workshop Series February
Jan 21st
Coming this February is a new free workshop series offered by WARM Training Center. Interested in Green Building, Energy Efficiency, or Renewable Energy? How about all 3? This three part series introduces you to each of these topics and emphasizes the best low-cost and no-cost ways of weaving them into your life. The series begins:
Intro to Green Building – Wednesday, February 11th, 3-5pm
Energy Saving – Wednesday, February 18th, 3-5pm
Intro to Renewable Energy – Wednesday, March 4th, 3-5pm Continue reading “New Workshop Series February” »
Office Lighting
Jan 17th
Our new offices have a hodgepodge of old lighting fixtures. They look funny and they provide poor light. Despite all the different looks (globes, spotlights, etc.) they all havestandard screw-in bases. Do I just have to add floor lamps to get the right light?
You can try replacing the bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, go for more watts if you want to increase the light output. The Lighting Supply Company in Ferndale is a great local place to pick up any kind of CFL you want. But of course, basic CFLs are available from any good hardware store.
Online, I’d recommend efi.org as a great place to order them from.
Life Cycle Analysis of a House
Jan 14th
I’m looking into the life cycle of a residential home. Can you recommend any resources?
-Steve in Clarkston
The University of Michigan did a nice Life Cycle Analysis of a Single Family residence a few years ago. An overview is available, as well as the full report. These are based on energy usage and inputs for the materials, construction and operation of the building. Their findings show that the operation of a single family home uses significantly more energy than the impact of the materials used for construction, among other things. Continue reading “Life Cycle Analysis of a House” »
Saving with your Electronics
Dec 29th
I’m sure you guys know of this product, but it was a new find to me, and helps solve my problem with devices that are always on at home, such as the DVD player. What do you guys think?
Jeff, Detroit
Thanks Jeff, good find! Power strips are truly great items to have around the house, they save you money and time. Use them to plug all your electronics into one source, then when you leave the room you only have one switch to flip. The automatic shut off feature on this model is a nice addition, but any power strip will work.