ToolBase E-News volume 138
In This Issue:
NEW EFFICIENCY STANDARDS FOR APPLIANCES ANNOUNCED:
New energy-efficiency standards for 15 types of residential appliances and commercial equipment have been announced by the Department of Energy as part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Many of the standards apply to lighting equipment, including fluorescent lamp ballasts, ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits, and pedestrian crossing light modules. Five standards apply to commercial equipment, including package air conditioning and heating equipment, refrigerators and freezers, and clothes washers. The remaining standards concern low-voltage dry-type distribution transformers, unit heaters, and dehumidifiers. Supporters of the standards say these new standards will play an important role in helping to improve overall energy savings. DOE will set schedules for all appliance rulemaking activities by January 31st, 2006. For more information, read DOE's EERE Network News.
UPGRADES MADE EASIER:
The needs and preferences of homeowners change over time. USTEC, a structured wiring company, says it has a product that can help to accommodate those changes easily and affordably. A recent article in Builder Magazine (Steve Zurier, November 1, 2005) describes the company's affordable structured wiring kit that makes it easier to install, access, and upgrade homeowners' networking systems over time. The entry-level structured wiring kit, called ceLAN, is said to be easy to install and lets the homeowner change and add modules as their requirements change. Removing the entire infrastructure is unnecessary with ceLAN, because by installing a special bracket before the drywall goes up, distributing audio, video, and security into the walls is much more feasible down the road. For more information, read the article.
THREE STEPS TO KEEPING MOLD AT BAY FOR GOOD:
Foster®, a maker of mold- and mildew-resistant coatings, has recently developed and introduced a special website to help with hurricane clean-up and mold treatment and prevention. According to a recent article in Buildings magazine (November 2005), the site features a three-step process to remove mold from water-damaged homes and prevent its return in the future. The first step is to clean contaminated products and materials and lay them out to air dry to release excess moisture. The second step is to treat the permeable and impermeable surfaces with disinfectants so that bacteria and other contaminants are removed. Specifically with permeable surfaces, Foster® suggests EPA-registered, ready-to-use disinfectants. Finally is the application of a mold-resistant coating to all materials that were salvaged in order to protect them from future moisture intrusion and mold. For more information, visit the website.
CALIFORNIA BILL FAILS TO SECURE SOLAR FUTURE:
California recently attempted to pass an energy bill that supporters claimed would secure an energy-rich future for the state of California. The Million Solar Roofs bill (SB1) provided that one million solar roofs be installed on homes throughout the state by 2018. According to a recent article in Buildings magazine (November 2005), the bill would have resulted in 3,000 megawatts of new solar energy. However, on www.votesolar.org, it was announced that the bill failed and the California Public Utilities Commission is now considering whether or not to submit a $3 billion program on its own. To read about the bill and related issues, visit the website.
FABRIC-SHIELD MATERIALS PROTECT AGAINST HURRICANE DAMAGE:
A recent product watch in Hurricane Protection Magazine (November 2005) introduced fabric-shield storm panels from Wayne-Dalton that protect doors and windows against hurricanes. The panels are made of PVC-coated fabric panels that have been tested to block wind, rain, and storm debris and that meet stringent building code requirements. According to the magazine item, the panels are easy to install and handle, but lighter than metal storm panels. Translucent enough to allow light to enter, they are available in standard or custom sizes. For more information, visit HP Magazine.
NEW VERSION SOFTWARE IMPROVES THERMOSTAT CAPABILITIES:
Proliphix, Inc., a developer/manufacturer of Internet-enabled, energy-efficient products for residences, has announced an upgrade for all of its Basic and Professional series thermostats. The upgraded Internet-enabled thermostats will be available, and current customers can download the version from their website free of charge. The software will include Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales, secure password authentication, a broader temperature range than previous versions, and a filter replacement reminder. Additional enhancements include energy-efficiency features that limit the number of hot and cold cycles. For more information, visit Proliphix.
