Author Archives: Dan

BP disaster, Horizon geyser solution

Posted on June 2, 2010 by Dan

I just posted this idea to BP’s idea submission web site. Brief Description of Technology (200 words or less) Cut the pipe to a short undamaged section as you are doing now. Weld an open ball valve onto the pipe. … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Gulf of Mexico, horizon disaster, Oil spill | 1 Comment

Don't Trust the R-value (Why some insulation may not work as well as you think.)

Posted on January 6, 2010 by Dan

A few weeks ago we posted a little primer on R-value and how understanding it can help you make intelligent value choices for your home. Now we’re going to tell you why R-value is overrated. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized, insulation, r value | Tagged air infiltration, air leaks, board insulation, fiberglass insulation, foam insulation, insulation, InsulSmart, r value | 1 Comment

EconoBurn Boiler on display in Wausau

Posted on December 4, 2009 by Dan

Our first EconoBurn wood boiler unit is now on display at 1699 Schofield Ave. Suite 304 in Schofield, Wisconsin. It is solid. I just learned today that it is the only pressurized wood boiler to meet code requirements. All the … Continue reading →

Posted in Wausau, Wisconsin, Wood heat, renewable energy | Tagged outdoor wood boiler, outdoor wood boilers, Renewable Wood, Wausau, wood boiler, wood gasification, Wood heat | Leave a comment

Building Science and Avoiding Problems in Basements

Posted on November 11, 2009 by Dan

Building Science, a breif definition Building science is a cross between physics and shop class. It deals primarily with building envelopes (the foundation, exterior walls, and roof of a building), but can also encompass mechanical systems. The walls and roof … Continue reading →

Posted in Home performance | Tagged basement insulation, basement moisture, basement remodeling, building consultants, building science, foundation wall, Home performance, mold, vapor barrier | Leave a comment

Retro-Commissioning

Posted on September 22, 2009 by Dan

September 22, 2009 I just got back from a seminar in Madison, offered by the Energy Center of Wisconsin, on building retro-commissioning. It was absolutely fascinating. Commissioning a building involves measuring mechanical system performance under real-world operating conditions to verify … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Dan Michelsen, Energy conservation, Retro-commissioning | 1 Comment

A Successful Solar Hot Water Installation

Posted on March 9, 2009 by Dan

We filled Al Henrick’s solar loop on Saturday night. Night is best to prevent steam from forming. The big delay was running the electric power to the pumps from a remote PV panel. Today was the first sunny day after … Continue reading →

Posted in Central Wisconsin, PV Panel, solar hot water, solar thermal collectors, solar water heater | Tagged Marathon, solar contracting, solar hot water, solar installation, solar water heater | Leave a comment

Posted on February 18, 2009 by Dan

After weeks of working only for a few hours on good weather days, and fighting defective and incorrect parts, AL Henricks solar water heater is piped in, pressure checked, and ready to fill with glycol water mix. First there must … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment