I remember many random sayings of my high school physics teacher. One of them, “there is no such thing as cold, just absence of heat” was especially amusing to impart to his shivering (and whining) students mid-winter in the frigid classrooms of our high school. In classic Midwestern “stop yer whining” form, we were told “it’s good for you,it keeps you awake,” and “wear an extra sweatshirt.” Seriously, cover up my painstakingly selected outfit with an extra sweatshirt?
In complete contrast to my chilly high school, my college dorm mid-winter was saunaesque. Instead of sweats, every girl sported shiny soccer shorts, Birkenstocks, and a baggie t-shirt that matched her hair scrunchie (hello early 1990’s), and still we opened our windows to let in cold air. I presume today’s college students are much more enlightened on the silliness of cooling a dorm mid-winter in Michigan and would rise up and demand change.
Fast forward to this decade and the overwhelming interest in alternative energy sources, energy efficiency, technology and products to help us be “green.” Most green experts when asked the question, “what do I do to be more green?” offer the important reminder to “conserve first.”
Faced with today’s economic times, the City of Holland is taking this approach to “conserve first” in their energy usage. After all, is installing brand new energy efficient windows required at the Civic Center or are there other immediate solutions with little or no cost? An energy audit can help answer this, and other, questions. GMB, the local architecture and engineering firm recently performed energy audits on 14 City buildings this past year, providing very useful information and practical recommendations. For example, a thermal image and physical inspection revealed that exterior doors at the police station were not closing completely. Not rocket science, but probably quick-and-easy fixes that will save a few bucks. The entire audit, including cool thermal images of the buildings, can be found on the city’s website. Go to www.cityofholland.com, and type “energy audit” in the search field.
Energy audits are not only reserved for commercial uses, they are becoming increasingly popular for residential applications. One local Holland company, Dwelltech Solutions (www.dwelltechsolutions.com), offers analysis and repair. For all you techies, Dwelltech uses really cool tools for the audit -- specifically a thermal imaging camera and a blower door test. When attached to the entry door of your home, the blower door device creates a negative air pressure, making air leaks immediately apparent. Many (dare I say most) older homes in the central Holland leave a bit to be desired in tightness. As Brian Bosgraaf, owner of Dwelltech, said, “One house we tested was so loose, the blower door started sucking birds off the roof of the neighboring house.” Well, not really, but you get the idea. An energy audit from Dwelltech starts at $250 and includes advice on upgrades that offer the biggest payback, available tax credits or incentives, and other expert advice.
Consider all the alternative energy and energy reducing options available, but don’t forget to CONSERVE FIRST.
By AMY ALDERINK
This article originally appeared in the Oct/Nov 09 issue of Holland Urban St.
