I found some modules made by Olimex that hit the sweet spot for me. They haveboth motion and temperature sensors on them, use both PIC microcontrollers, and use a Zigbee network for wireless communication. My plan is to add a…
My High level Home Automation Plans
Once all my stabalization projects are complete, I plan on moving to automation. Below is the basic plan Phase 1 – Establishment Get some basic X-10 Energy savings executing Learn about how to control and interface selected Digital Modules (Olimex…
The Energy Saving Economics of DIY vs. Contractors
If you have even decent skills, there is no comparison of the economics. Energy Saving projects are generally a marginal effort and the returns are over long periods of time. For example, I estimate that sealing, improving soffit ventilation, sealing my Air…
My Energy Saving Campaign
I bought a new house in July 2012. Nice house. The energy conservation situation was pretty deficient. This blog will chronicle my various DIY projects, repairs and improvements on the house in regards to energy conservation.
Sealing the Attic Part 2
So, to get to the nitty gritty, I began sealing. The recommended way is to use “Great Stuff”. This is an expandable foam in a can with a spray tube. It’s a messy, glue-like substance that works well and is…
Sealing the air leaks in the basement
First the warning: If you seal too well, the exhaust from the furnace or hot water heater will not naturally go up the chimney, but instead stay around. The by product of burning Natural Gas and Other fuels is Carbon…