Mechanical systems

Wood stove and biomass heat

These wood pellet stoves for off-grid heating don't need electric to operate

Short of a wood stove, pretty much all heating systems require power to operate. So in the event of an apocalypse (zombie, climate, asteroid, etc) these two pellet stoves can keep you warm when the power goes out. These wood pellet stoves need no electricity Burning wood to heat a home does not make you an…

Ventilation

Ceiling fans and air circulation- video

To ensure comfort and get the highest efficiency from the systems in the Edelweiss House air must circulate. In order to ensure comfort and get the most from the various systems of our house air needs to move around. Our air source heat pump and our heat pump water heater work together in boosting the efficiency…

Heat pumps, geothermal and AC

How mini split heat pumps work in a LEED or Passive House high efficiency zero net energy home - video

Heat pumps can heat a house three times more efficiently than other heating types. When paired with a heat pump water heater this greatly reduces the cost of heating and domestic hot water. How well does a mini split heat pump work in a LEED or Passive House certified home? Really well as it happens, see a great…

Lighting

All about LED bulbs - video

LED light bulbs now come dimmable and with warm colours. Check out our video on choosing bulbs and DIY installation tips. How to choose the best LED bulbs and DIY lighting fixture installation tips. LED bulbs are here to stay, it's time to make the leap. The colours are warmer now, the bulbs are dimable and the…

Delivery: radiant, forced-air and decentralized

DIY radiant floor tubing installation video

Radiant heated floors add comfort to a home and can help you heat more efficiently. How to lay your won hydronic under floor heating tubes There is some debate in performance building circles, particularly in the Passive House community as to whether or not you can add enough insulation below a concrete floor to…

Heating and cooling

Heat pumps: Ground source geothermal GSHP or air source ASHP, what's the difference?

Comparing the performance of air source heat pumps and ground source geothermal heat pumps using the example of the Living City Campus Archetype Sustainable House to discover which is the best option. Air source heat pumps, and are ground source heat pumps "geothermal?" Let's clear up some confusion on terminology…

HRV and ERV

DIY Lunos HRV air exchanger installation video

The Lunos heat recovery ventilation system (HRV) is a completely new approach to home ventilation, great for both new home construction and renovations. Ductless HRV ERV ventilation for renovations This heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system is very different than what people are probably used to seeing, where air…

HRV and ERV

Are ductless air exchangers any good?

Ductless wall-insert air exchangers offer alternative to conventional HRV systems. Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs) are an essential component of any air-sealed high performance home, bringing in fresh air and removing moistur e. An HRV uses the heat in stale exhaust air to warm incoming fresh air. Until now, this…

Heat pumps, geothermal and AC

Increased efficiency with heat pumps working in tandem

A high efficiency mini-split heat pump feeds a heat pump water heater which will take a big bite out of the future energy bill of the Demo House. Our previous update covered aspects of the building envelope, which allowed us to reduce the annual heating requirement to about the Passive House standard of 15 kWh per…

Wind power

The Zoetrope: DIY vertical wind turbine design

Are you adventurous and ready to increase your access to sustainable energy? This post is for you. DIY home wind turbine The Zoetrope is a vertical-axis wind turbine made from common materials . Many of the materials can be found at your local hardware store and the rest can purchased online or made at home, for the…

Appliances

Off grid foot pedalled washing machines doesn't need electricity and uses very little water.

This human powered washing machine is a great solution for off grid laundry as they save water and require no electricity. Off grid laundry machine Living off grid often means lifestyle sacrifices, but you still need basic amenities like washing machines. you can dry them on a clothes line, but washing them by hand…