Common problems that you can fix to reduce your energy bills at North Fork Middle School
There are common problems that you can count on to be wasting energy in your home or business. If you take some time to fix these you will reduce your monthly energy bills.
First the attic access. In this modular classroom I visited last week, there was a typical attic access panel. The surface temperature on interior walls was right around 68 degrees. The surface temperature on this access panel was 47 degrees. We determined that there was no insulation or weather sealing around or on this opening. This would be the same as leaving our a 30″ x 30″ window in your wall. Sealing this hole up will certainly improve energy usage.
Recessed can lights are always a huge thermal issue if they are used in a space that is insulated above. The reason is the can itself takes the place of insulation. In this space you can see a 7 degree temperature difference from the warm surface to the air leaking into the space around the can light.
Next, think windows. These single glazed windows are 45 degrees on the surface even on the south face of the building. The windows in this same structure on the north face have storm windows and the surface temperature was 58 degrees. Simple changes will make a huge difference.
6th Grade Students are working to create a Zero-Energy Science Lab at North Fork Middle School.
I changed careers this past Friday, I was a teacher at North Fork Middle School.
This was my second time at the school, the first time was just a visit to look at a modular structure used as a storage space on the middle school campus. My return was to train scientist to think through energy strategies to reduce consumption in the modular unit.
Last year, the school superintendent, Jeremy Raley, challenged the students to figure out a way to reduce the school’s energy costs by using alternative energy. The students last year created the idea of converting a modular unit being used for storage on campus into a zero-energy science lab. A lot of work analysis must first be done to reduce energy usage of the structure before adding alternative energy. While plans are being prepared, students are already learning about energy transfer, alternative energy, and building science.
My time with the students was spent explaining places where buildings “leak” energy through the thermal envelope.
We were able to use thermal images to find some big gaps that can easily be fixed. We calculated savings by converting lighting into more efficient bulbs. We looked at the advantages created by using storm windows and discussed the cost impacts of replacing windows. One group of students shared with me their plans to create a variety of solar air heaters that they will implement this year to reduce the need for electric energy use for heating.
This will be an ongoing project that is going to need a lot of help and support. I will keep you updated as plans progress. These 6th graders are showing that the next generation is ready, willing, and already acting to solve our future energy problems.
Here is my best advice for future architectural students: I met with a high school student this morning that is getting acceptance letters to a variety of architectural schools. She is clearly an exceptional student and has passion for pursuing architecture. She is clearly stressed with this very important decision looming on the horizon.
Tigger
So how should you start your architectural journey – what is really the best way and place? I have to admit, there is no right answer and certainly no wrong answer (UVA and Tennessee being my choices). My best advice is find your passion and follow it, run after, jump for it, fight for it. Finding your passion will make you a better person and the world needs better people right now more than they need anything else.
If you are interested in architecture – what kind of architecture? Do you enjoy the aesthetics of design or the function of design? Do you like modern or traditional? Do you like firms that focus on large projects or small projects? Do you want to work in a small firm or a large firm? Do you want to do university work or houses? Honestly, you will take years to answer these questions and maybe will never answer them completely. Passion on the other hand you probably already know. My passion is service to others. I want to create a better future through design. I can see things that others do not – not ghosts or anything cool like that – design solutions. I can identify problems that others do not identify. I find solutions that make life more fun, enjoyable, sustainable, workable, and livable. I follow my passion by designing but also through writing blogs, teaching, talking until you are completely zoned out about building science, and advocating for better design decisions. I always knew I wanted to help others, I just did not make the connection between my passion and my interest in architecture until I met Sambo.
Find your passion and you will find success. Perhaps you pick school 1 to start your journey. It is only the start of the journey, you are learning along the way – stop putting so much pressure on this decision. You are going to find out that you like particular architects – for me it was Richard Meier and Tadao Ando, but then your taste will change as you learn. I moved from very sculptural architects to purpose driven architects like Sambo after many years of learning design. You will evolve along with your passion at any school you select. If you are following your passion, you will impact the school you are at and change others around you. Passion inspires passion.
So my best advice I can give you as a future architect is to find and follow your passion and be the best person you can be every day. Also, prepare for an experience like you have never imagined. Architectural school is different. Nothing can prepare you for the fun you are going to have over the next 4 or 5 years. You will live on caffeine, rejection, success, friends, tears, sketch paper, sawdust, pizza, pens – all kinds of pens – with different points and inks and weights and styles and colors, knives very sharp knives that you use late at night with no sleep for days, band aids – go ahead and stock up you are going to need them remember no sleep and sharp knives, discussions, talks, questions, random and obscure references that you will pretend to understand when said and you will say back to people when they ask you to look at their design still not really knowing what they mean, tape, push pins, power naps – forget sleep for a while, books and more books – mainly for the pictures you will be too tired for words – go ahead and give up on words for a while, travel, community, friends, enemies, friendenemies, and it will all go by so fast you will no even blink. Now, go make a good decision, find a school that has professors with passion and learn everything you can learn from them. They are better people and you want to be around better people. Oh and wear a lot of black – it looks cool – unique glasses are a bonus…
On the Road Collaborative is an organization that exists to empower young people on the margins with the opportunity, skills, and confidence they need to excel in school and to fulfill their promise. The students from Skyline Middle School that participate in On the Road Collaborative after school have a variety of topics to select from each semester. Various “community teachers” join them to help expose a variety of career opportunities for the future.
We “pitched” the architectural academy last week and the students have the chance to select which of 6 or so topics they want to be part of for the semester. Our goal, in the architectural academy, for the semester is to highlight the many opportunities in the construction industry from architectural to contractor to engineering to HVAC technicians to graphic design. We will tour a sustainable farmhouse under construction to see architecture coming to life. The students will also learn Sketch-up by designing a sustainable farmhouse for a family of 4 people. We will have various experts in the industry join the class to review their designs and offer insights into their career paths.
It is important to me to continue to teach future generations about the importance of design in all aspects of life. I have done this architectural academy with high school students in the past and a variation of this course for middle school students. It is always amazing to me to see how far the students can progress in one semester. I am looking forward to the challenge and learning to know these exceptional young designers.
Should you use spray foam insulation on your next project? Common questions answered by Ken Wells from Elite Insulation
A common question we face on each job is which kind of insulation is right for the goals established. I asked Ken Wells to answer some of the common questions we face. Here are his responses:
Does spray foam insulation cause indoor air quality problems?
Any improperly installed insulation has the potential to cause or lead to indoor air quality issues. This is why it’s very important to choose your insulation contractor carefully, just as you would with any other contractor. There are also many other building products and home goods inside your home which have the potential to be the source of indoor air quality issues. Spray Polyurethane foam insulation utilizes diisocyanate, which isn’t scientifically detectable after 1 hour of when the foam ins applied. Installing spray foam requires a professional certification and proper equipment to install it. Properly installed spray foam insulation is an inert plastic and is just as safe as the plastic trash bag in your kitchen trash can.
How are R13 insulation different between fiberglass and foam?
Fiberglass works by trapping air inside tiny glass fibers that contain small bubbles of air, which slows the transfer of heat. It’s installed by folding, wrapping and cutting pieces to place in stud cavities. Human installation error coupled with the fact that fiberglass doesn’t hold in heat well and loses 40% of insulating capacity when outside temperatures are below 20° F make it an inferior product in comparison. Fiberglass has been laboratory tested to lose 8% of its labeled R-value right out of the bag, and has a 28% loss in R-value as commonly installed. Spray foam is sprayed by a certified spray foam applicator, expanding into all gaps, cracks and cavities and can adapt to any structural design, virtually eliminating human installation error. Most importantly, it’s an air barrier with excellent thermal properties for your home that seals warm and conditioned air in your home year round.
How much does it cost?
The up front costs for spray foam can be as much as three times the cost of conventional fibrous insulations, depending on your project. The benefits far out-weigh the difference in the up front costs. With spray foam insulation, you will be more comfortable in your home, which for most is their biggest investment. Utility bills are documented to be half as much or more with spray foam, which makes for a quick payback period.
For more questions answered, give them a call:
Elite Insulation (866-841-3034) offers:
Fiberglass Blown Insulation
Cellulose Blown Insulation
Fibergalss Batt Insulation (ask about our R-40 and R-49 Batted Insulation)
Cotton Batt Insulation
Spray Foam Insulation, Through PolyPro Spray Foam
Free, no obligation estimates
