Comments for Practically off the grid!

Comment on Solar Air Heating Experiments by Diego@Heating Elements

Diego@Heating Elements — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:53:32 +0000

You do not essentially require a lot of overpriced gadgets to understand the benefits of passive solar heating systems. Passive heating gathers and directs heat without the assistance of almost any mechanical or electric powered equipment .

Comment on Solar Air Heating Experiments by Robert

Robert — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:06:06 +0000

You may find it interesting to look over this document – it includes the evaluation of a diy solar air heater:
http://biosolar.hu/stuff/uploads/TESTINGBEERCANAIRHEA2.pdf

Comment on Envirolet Composting Toilet Fit for the Pit by Liz Falconer

Liz Falconer — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:41:17 +0000

Actually, I did discover something that may help somebody:

I had a slight dip in the exhaust pipe (the one that goes from the underfloor unit to the stack). One day the toilet just started to stink! I emptied it, etc. – hosed it out, etc.
i talked to envirolet and they just didn’t seem to get it. I asked for a diagram of the inside of the “black box’ – NOT.
ANYWAY……. long story short, I decided to take it out from under the house and take it apart….. First thing was to take off the vent hose……. and (SPLASH)……….. it was full of water. The dip had filled up and blocked the exhaust! I could have put a small hole at the bottom of the dip, but not. Now I just check it occasionally.

Comment on Envirolet Composting Toilet Fit for the Pit by Liz Falconer

Liz Falconer — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:21:11 +0000

Thank you for this!!!! I had EXACTLY the same experience!!! Thought I was doing it wrong – the story of my life!!!

It is very funny- when you are not under the house cleaning the poop out of the damned thing! I ESPECIALLY like the way the tray on the very bottom – with the liquid and REAL drek is – is made of flimsy plastic that bends and spills and will not come in and out without a HUGE hassle.

Thanks again – I just cleaned it and you made my day!!!

Liz

Comment on Envirolet Composting Toilet Fit for the Pit by Brad K

Brad K — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:52:48 +0000

I also have the 110v self contained model. It worked quite nicely when it was used very sparingly as a second toilet…I was the only one to use it for the first several months. Now we are in the middle of a bathroom reno, and the entire family is using the envirolet, I’ve realized in the last few weeks now that it will not be able to keep pace with our needs. Better get my ass in gear – so to speak!

Comment on How to Measure Electrical Power Consumption by Jerry Brisson

Jerry Brisson — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 05:54:48 +0000

How can I order a “blue Planet Electronic Energy Meter?

Comment on How to Measure Electrical Power Consumption by Jerry Brisson

Jerry Brisson — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 05:52:09 +0000

I have a bet with my girl friend. She says that household appliances and and electronics continue to consume electricty when turned off and the only way to stop this consumption is to unplug them. I was in agreement with her on her statement. I said that items such as a toaster, a standard incandescent lamp with a simple on off switch or even a blender in their off modes do not consume any energy as long as they do not have any type of “standby power” draw – such as a timer clock or are opperated with a seperate device such as a remote control. She says I am wrong. Who is right? Jerry Brisson

Comment on Radiant Heating Installation by Wayne Fisher

Wayne Fisher — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:52:41 +0000

Nice system! Did you wire your programmable thermostat directly to the Laing DC pumps or did you go through a relay or some sort? If you did use a relay, what was it?

Thanks for your help. I’m working on a similiar system and thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Wayne Fisher

Comment on High Efficiency Induction Hot Plate by Joy May

Joy May — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 17:19:44 +0000

Hi
Thanks for doing the testing and giving the results, very cool. I had been searching for the energy used and the kilowatts and you have wonderfully answered my questions. Great site
Thanks and gratitude for your card and concern for sustainability.
Joe

Comment on Envirolet Composting Toilet Fit for the Pit by patrickomatic

patrickomatic — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 11:55:17 +0000

Oh dear… I have a waterless remote envirolet, and it looks like my experiences are going to mirror yours – the toilet has started to smell after an initially satisfactory period of a few months – and I can’t solve the issue.

The waterless remote has a rake for emptying – but I can’t see how it would ever work satisfactorily. The tray arrangement you mention (accumulating liquid) also seems like it is faulty by design. And Envirolet themselves are a disorganised, hopeless muddle, unable to ship goods or even accept orders reliably.

Hugely disappointing, especially for the costs involved.