Energy Seminar Re-cap

The 'Save Energy - Save Money - Free Seminar on Energy-Efficient Building and Retrofitting' happened at the Senior Center with follow-up demos, exhibits and reception at the Emporium on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 14, here in Y.S. Approximately 90 people attended to hear the 4 speakers. Co-hosting the presentations were Community Solutions and Net0home Inc - Home Energy Audits with support from the Morgan Family Foundation with Bob Brecha handling introductions and questions/answer time.

The following people spoke: Nicky Hanus and Kevin Hallinan of U. of Dayton gave a report on "Energy Use in Yellow Springs and Steps to Energy Efficiency," a study of the house by house usage. Yellow Springs residents will be receiving a report on their general energy usage and may obtain more detailed information by inquiring. A more full report will be forthcoming from Community Solutions and Professor Hallinan.

Dan Rudolf of Net0home Inc. spoke on "50 Energy Audits in Yellow Springs - Biggest Energy Problems and Solutions" He talked about some of the most prominent home issues that Energy Audits have shown such as air leaks, improperly sealed ductwork, vampire wall warts (such as transformers and chargers) and other issues that sap energy and raise expenses in the home. He gave simple solutions for many of these issues.

Pat Murphy of Community Solutions spoke on the need to reduce our energy usage as a community. Communities can work together to reduce our energy needs and reliance on fossil fuels. Here in Yellow Springs, we have several examples of energy efficient homes such as Strawbale buildings. He talked about German Passive house design, the various ways that walls can be designed to conserve heat or to cool.

The final speaker of the day was Bob Klahn, a building energy auditor, who spoke on "Geese in the yard may irritate you, leaking ducts inside will rob you". He defined the proper design and installation of ductwork, how to seal your ductwork and how to keep some of the heat leakage from happening around your furnace.

We then adjourned to the Emporium where we dined on HaHa Pizza, had a wine tasting and had the opportunity to talk one on one to the presenters as well as Green Generation Building Co., Living Green, Southtown Heating and Cooling and Don Grieter with Solar pumps.

Libby Rudolf