by Richard Keech
2019-02-23
There may be some confusion about performance ratings for heat-pump air conditioning units. Here are a few thoughts and resources that may clarify things.
Blog
By Richard Keech
2019-01-18
Here’s a quick look at how I’ve transformed my home to zero bills. Since the beginning of the transition I’ve now saved nearly $49,000 in energy. I expect to have paid back my investment in solar and efficiency by the end of 2019.
Despite using much less energy, it’s also worth mentioning that the home is also much more comfortable than it was previously, thanks to the fundamental improvements to the thermal envelope.
Energy consumption reduced to less than energy generation
by Richard Keech
2019-01-10
In Victoria, Australia, we now have a complete roll out of smart meters for our home electrical supply. It’s not unusual to find people who are of the view that smart meters are bad and that the roll out program was a costly failure. I want to present an alternative view. Smart meters give important capability, and the roll-out program has probably saved lives.
(aka Why I’m a Voltage-Optimisation Sceptic)
Of late I’ve seen reports about how high grid voltage is supposedly a problem and why voltage optimisation may be the solution. But is high grid voltage the villain it’s made out to be?
By Richard Keech
2018-11-08
In selecting home heating, a common choice is a ducted system. Generally I think ducted heating is a bad idea for homes. Here’s my take on the problems with ducted systems.
By Richard Keech
2018-10-20 based on earlier work from 2013
by Richard Keech
2018-10-10
The problem
Downlight fittings that you commonly see in Australian homes are often an energy and comfort nightmare. They can be associated with up to five different problems. Before you go replacing a halogen bulb with an LED replacement, read this.
This outlines a possibly novel approach to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of heat pumps used for home heating, cooling and hot water. This involves placing the units in the sub-floor space to exploit the thermal mass of the ground in both summer and winter.
By Richard Keech
2018-10-02
