I saw a blog recently that really resonated with me (https://www.treehugger.com/energy-policy/reduce-demand-clean-electricity-electrify-everything.html). In addition to reducing demand, the blog discusses concerns with energy sources, efficiency trends,  and consumer choices.

As a homeowner who strives for efficiency I have been grappling with these issues whenever we face a replacement. I have never been able to frame the issues so succinctly as in that blog.

For example, a few years ago we researched mini-splits to heat our home (our decades old boiler was at the end of its useful life). At that time, the mini split technology was not advanced enough to be a single heat solution in Maine (that has since changed). Because of that limitation, we elected to switch from oil heat to a wood pellet-based boiler. I don't regret that decision, but I would probably reach a different conclusion, were I facing that decision again today.

We have gone all in with electricity otherwise-- we are part of a community solar farm (as I mentioned in a previous blog post, our home is oriented badly for rooftop solar). Our stove is induction (which Bert loves) and our water heater is an air-source heat pump. Our cars are still gas (mine is a hybrid), but I expect we will buy electric when they need to be replaced (I don't see the point of getting rid of a paid-for and perfectly useful car just to buy an electric one). 

So we heat with pellets (we use about 2 tons/year on average) and support the Maine forest products industry and generate excess electricity for a few years before we get an electric car. I can accept that. If you are replacing your boiler or building a new home, I would strongly encourage you to consider a mini split. 

Cheers,
Mark

For the past several weeks we have been investigating solar options for our home.
We are primarily concerned about the dramatic rise in the cost of heating oil. Heating oil is approximately $2 more per gallon than it was last year at this time. That's nearly double!

We have reviewed and considered solar hot water for water, solar hot water for heating and solar hot air systems. While photovoltaic is interesting, the efficiency of these systems and cost (combined with lack of State rebate money) makes them less relevant to us.

After many hours of research and talking with suppliers and installers, I finally had someone out to evaluate my house. He said that my house is not well sited for solar hot water (roof faces E-W rather than N-S), but well sited for solar hot air. Lots of wall space on gable end that faces south. (Interestingly, I had received a quote for solar hot water from another installer based on some photos of my home and a Mapquest flyover. I wonder what would have happened when the installer came out to do the installation...)

Early on, we decided to get our contractor friend (Randy Vanier from Vanier Construction, Inc.) involved. He gave me a lift home a few weeks ago (flat tire on my bike!) when we were in the discussion phase. I mentioned our latest project, and he expressed interest in solar technology and asked me to share information with him. (I don't think he expected my enthusiasm for research!). He knows far more than I ever will about anything related to construction, renovation, etc. After the success with our porch addition, Bert trusts him implicitly. Not surprisingly, he posed some good questions at the site visit yesterday and discussed other options for future consideration as well (such as ways to move air in the home, ground mounted hot water).

Anyway, we are full steam ahead on the solar hot air project (I think). We are touring a home tomorrow with a solar hot air system (does it really work? what does it sound like? how does it look? etc.). I'm still waiting for another quote. Then we wait for our State rebate reservation number and I need to follow up on a few remaining questions from Randy. The kind people at Main Green Building Supply have been very patient with my many questions.

I will blog more as the project develops.

Cheers,
Mark

Originally published June 11, 2008