Mon, 25 May 2026 04:21:59 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18282 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18282 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:37:04 +0100 revor https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18245 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18245 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 18:26:26 +0000 djh
I'm not interested in anything fancy but I would like rainfall to supplement the temperature and humidity I already have.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18183 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=18183 Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:30:08 +0100 big_mike I’m seeking recommendations on how to effectively monitor moisture levels in joists during a long-term renovation project.

Background:

I’m in the process of planning underfloor insulation for a 1970s bungalow situated on a hillside. Alongside the insulation, I intend to install underfloor heating. Due to the hillside location, I have good access to the floor from both sides: the concrete base is approximately 1 meter from the underside of the floor at the roadside end of the house and drops to around 2.5 meters at the garden end.

Long term the goal is to approach Enerphit/Passivhaus levels where it is cost effective/sensible to do so. I have no intention of getting the place certified just want to make my home retirement ready i.e. minimise bills and maximise comfort (timeline is another 20 years till I retire)

The floor is supported by 100mm joists, and according to the "Guide to Best Practice Retrofit Floor Insulation – Suspended Timber Floors," these joists are considered a cold bridge, meaning they won't meet current building regulations. Specifically, a 4-inch joist is likely to have a U-value exceeding 0.7W/m²K, which does not satisfy the regulations.

To address this, I plan to insulate underneath the joists as well. My current approach involves extending the damp proof course (DPC) using a liquid DPC, both above and below the existing DPC. I’m considering constructing a sub-floor using thermal boards and backfilling with wood fibre batts (such as SteicoFlex) with a vapor control layer (VCL) on top of the joists. Since the thermal boards are breathable, I believe a breathable membrane underneath isn’t necessary.

One challenge I’ve identified is that the ends of the joists rest in a cavity, which seems like a potential area where moisture could accumulate and cause rot, even with breathable insulation this is an obvious cold junction.

I consulted with a RIBA retrofit architect who suggested limiting insulation to the depth of the joists and persuading building control that this is the only viable option. However, I’m hesitant about this for two reasons:

It doesn’t meet building regulations, particularly concerning cold bridging.
I aim to achieve a well-insulated floor with sufficient thermal mass to optimize the benefits of underfloor heating.
Alternative options I’m considering include:

Shortening the joists, filling the cavity holes, and retrofitting blockwork hangers.
Shortening the joists, filling cavity holes, installing a wall plate, and hanging the joists from it.
In all scenarios, the insulation strategy would remain the same.

The Question:

Given that this renovation project will likely take over 10 years and the floor will be completed in stages, I want to pursue maximum insulation and the most reliable method of supporting the joists whilst minimising the risk of rotting the joists. Any advice on installing a system to monitor moisture levels in the joists over time would be very much appreciated. As an engineer, I’m comfortable with the technical aspects of installation and monitoring but need advice on suitable equipment for this purpose and would happily learn from others mistakes!]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17079 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17079 Tue, 01 Jun 2021 08:24:52 +0100 jms452
It's also nearing the end of its life so I'm wondering if microwave standby has improved in line with other items but looking around the usual sites I can't see standby power mentioned anywhere.

To avoid me being 'that guy' with an energy eye plug arguing with the assistant in Currys:

Is there a data base for microwave standby power anywhere I'm missing?
Has anyone on GBF measured the standby of any current models?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17895 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17895 Tue, 11 Jul 2023 11:46:59 +0100 RobinB
We're retrofitting a stone end of terrace. It has 100-150mm cavities and there are currently equal views that CWI would be either "a terrible thing, making everything damp" or "by far the best solution" to wall insulation. Inside the house is a wealth of architectural features dado, covings, skirtings that would not make IWI an easy job - plus concerns about cold bridging where the internal walls meet the inner leaf of external walls. EWI not an option due to conservation area.

One thought that appeals to me is to install CWI that could be removed relatively easily if all goes pear shaped. I'd like to be able to monitor temp and humidity within the cavity and I'm thinking ibuttons would be the thing? I'm a bit vague as to what they can do, how long they'll last or how they report. Any info or links appreaciated.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17628 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17628 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 11:58:58 +0000 barge17 For years I have been keeping a monthly record of our usage on a simple spreadsheet, screenshot attached. But it messy because each month I have to start a new row four rows down from the last month's, then copy and paste the formulae into the middle row between them.

There must be a much tidier way of doing this. 20 years ago I used 'MS Works" and it had a database section where you could make a "card " or something which automatically transfered the figures to a spreadsheet, which could then in turn do some calculations and then generate graphs, etc

I would also like to include units such as Therms and KWH and £s to make the records more usable. I hope somone can point me in the right direction, please.

Nowadays I use either Dropbox or Google Sheets for this sort of thing and find them very good. thanks, D
.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17117 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17117 Tue, 06 Jul 2021 11:47:21 +0100 jms452
For example I found an app called Octopus Compare that I can code to my smart meter and look at what different tariffs would cost me. I can also see from the Octopus dashboard my usage and export in half hourly blocks so this data should also be available with the right logins.

So there must be some cool apps out there that monitor, advise, correlate but when I search I'm mainly finding proprietary software that talks to specific brand inverters.

Any recommendations?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16444 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16444 Mon, 03 Feb 2020 17:30:32 +0000 djh
Specifically broken into fairly small areas?

I'm trying to forecast how much heat my house needs each day. Apart from the internal and external temperatures, I think the other major factor is solar gain. So I'd like to get hold of records of irradiance over the past year or more and also a 24-hour forecast of irradiance (or longer :)

Historical data I can estimate from my solar generation records but it would be good to have an external source to compare against, and a forecast is the most important bit.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16433 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16433 Fri, 31 Jan 2020 09:23:30 +0000 Victorianeco
Thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16368 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16368 Fri, 20 Dec 2019 10:33:15 +0000 bhommels Bringing up the subject of smart metering once more, as the installation company is starting to pester me (on behalf of the energy supplier) to get one installed.

I asked them whether I can have access to the meter data, as this would give me detailed and calibrated monitoring of my electricity import & export and gas use. It would be so nice and morale-boosting to see the effect of the jobs I have planned.
I presumed the data would be gathered and stored somewhere, and could be made available for download in some form, as there is a lot to do about data protection nowadays.

After making a round of calls following the pointy finger from the installers to the meter network operators to the energy suppliers, they all insist the data is not stored anywhere and that the meter only supplies daily readings to the energy company for billing purposes (although they could not tell me how exactly this happens).
This strikes me as odd and I have a hard time taking this for the truth.

Does anybody on here managed to gain access to their smart meter data other than by hand? Or any other insights how smart meter data gathering works? Or am I just asking too much?

Cheerio, Bart]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16292 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=16292 Sat, 19 Oct 2019 19:03:18 +0100 DamonHD
I don't know if this sort of thing floats anyone's boat(s) here, but I've been playing with turning some of my data sets into audio, such as today's effort:

http://www.earth.org.uk/PV-sounds.html

Rgds

Damon]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15984 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15984 Fri, 18 Jan 2019 18:23:21 +0000 Doubting_Thomas
Since we're all electric, I'm hoping this should be fairly straightforward with a couple of in-line sub meters. What I'm less sure on is whether there's any benefit to wiring these in permanently - I'm assuming this would be a bit more accurate than a clamp on the wire?

What do people recommend as a reliable make (i.e. fit and forget, then check up on it a few months later)..?

I don't really want to run these reporting to a permanent data logger as we tend to use the computer infrequently and only have a mobile broadband router so I'm thinking something like a domestic (dumb) power meter with a very basic kWh display, perhaps with the option to reset a second counter periodically (like a car odometer).

Thanks in advance.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15552 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15552 Sat, 03 Feb 2018 21:20:01 +0000 djh
It's a very simple model but it endeared itself to me because it let me select 'passivhaus' for the insulation levels :bigsmile: so I thought it was worth posting a link to it here. Heat loss models are oft requested.

Nicola is interested to improve it, if we can think of anything and hopefully she will join in here.

The main factor that makes it inaccurate in my case is that it currently doesn't take account of solar gains. so that's one area where figuring out what might be an appropriately simple level of adjustment could be useful.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15385 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15385 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 10:29:08 +0000 Jamster
As part of some planning for PV + battery install (or not), I would like to record our power consumption with as much granularity as possible - down to 15 min or 30 min intervals ideally? I can access the incoming mains cable - is there a clip on logger / transmitter I can use?

I know there are DIY solultions, but I don't have the skills or time really so if anyone has a system or device they can recomend before I plunge into the web, I'd be grateful.

Thanks.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15026 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15026 Sun, 02 Apr 2017 21:54:05 +0100 nigelm
The roof build up from inside out is:-
20mm timber board
Vapour barrier
300mm timber I beam filled with mineral wool
20mm wood fibre sarkling board
Batterns and tiles.

We have a WUFI model that indicates all should be well but i wanted to fit sensors to compare real world against the model. I have some BME280 combined temperatute, RH and pressure semsors but wanted some advicde as where to install them.

The stone walls are to be imsulated as wel with 300mm Rockwool batts on the inside and will monitor those as well.

i]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14533 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14533 Wed, 14 Sep 2016 09:25:21 +0100 delprado
Thanks!]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14366 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14366 Thu, 30 Jun 2016 22:21:58 +0100 SteamyTea http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/climate-change-emergency-jet-stream-shift-warning-global-warning-extreme-weather-a7111661.html

Worth watching the video.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14291 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14291 Tue, 24 May 2016 14:08:16 +0100 djh
You can see a single spike of humidity to 87% and of CO2 to 1020 ppm. That was when I took a shower with the door closed (the door frame has a slot to allow ventilation air past). You can see how fast the readings come back down as soon as I opened the door. My wife took a shower shortly afterwards but she leaves the door slightly open so there isn't another spike.

CO2 climbs a bit overnight and then starts coming down after I get up - I don't use the ensuite in the morning. There's another blip when my wife gets up.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14228 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14228 Mon, 02 May 2016 14:07:58 +0100 gyrogear
With tank full and hot, it drips hot water to drain, via the safety valve.
I considered this “waste” but my electrician said, “no it is normal, and fortunately so…”

Being that way out, I then asked the electric co. They said, “Yes, it is OK to switch it off a couple of times a week if it is not in full use”. (did not mention this to wife, of course…).

So I started doing my Green Bit, several months back. Obviously, the inevitable happened, and tdy we ended up with a tankful of tepid water, OH being highly impressed, of course…(read, “IDT”) (or “NFM” if you’re from the West Riding)…

Soooo, once recovered, I wired my IR external temperature sensor to the takeoff pipe, thinking that this would record the temperature, which I could then read on my weather station… (even if means sacrificing a channel to gain one, but can’t have everything…).

Of course all that turned out pretty naff, due to hysteresis etc. And also need to run HW to get a reading etc. (which in fact eats up more brain power than remembering to check the switch in any case…).

I then discovered this site… http://board.homeseer.com/showthread.php?t=161028

So I have now decided the best solution is to use a wake-up ringtone on my cellphone, each time I touch the Death Breaker…

(My main worry now being, what happens when both the DHW tank AND the cellphone are out of charge…).

gg

(this is what happens when you live in France and omit the "muguet" on 1st May...):sad:]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13711 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13711 Sat, 10 Oct 2015 19:21:45 +0100 Ed Davies
http://gwl-power.tumblr.com/post/130875724381/the-pain-of-the-cloud-solutions-saying-no-to-the

“The pain of the cloud solutions. Saying NO to the clouds!

Customer A: I have used the Ubiquiti mFi solution in the past. But the mFi cloud has crashed and has been down for many months now, without any support from UBNT. Can you support me as a supplier of the hardware?

Customer B: I have used the Involar SEDAS system for monitoring of my solar installation. Now the SEDAS is not working reliably. What will you do for me?

Answer: Well, we need to say honestly and openly: We will do nothing for you.

Any cloud service or software support is a matter of the manufacturer of the equipment you have decided to buy. If the manufacturer has a problem keeping the service functional, we as „the middle-man” have no ability to do anything for you. We as a distributor are not responsible in any way for these solutions and services. We suggest you keep contacting the manufacturer, you keep complaining publicly at discussion forums, blogs and web page comments. This may be only way to push the manufacturer to some action.

Having been in the IT business since 1970’s, we can only say: The cloud is just a dream. What you have is what you have. We discourage customers to make solutions that rely on the clouds and dreams.

Just think: In case of an international conflict you can be 100% sure, your data stored in an enemy country will not be available to you. So do not waste any time with the cloud and on-line systems (Google Apps, Office 365, etc), work on solutions that will be 100% in your own possession.”]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14086 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14086 Tue, 01 Mar 2016 09:41:55 +0000 vord
I'm trying to work out why my electricity usage keeps on going up. It seems to have risen from £1.50/day to £2.50/day over a couple of years (calc assuming 11p/kWh). I've a fair idea it might be something to do with the huge fridge and oven the other half wanted, but would like to see where economies might be made.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14070 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14070 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 17:46:59 +0000 djh
My initial thoughts are to have some sensors up the side of the tank at various levels, and some monitoring the DHW.

But how many sensors on the tank? Every foot would give me five sensors up the side. And are there specific places where it is, or isn't worth having a sensor? For example, does a sensor at the very bottom of the tank tell you anything or should I only start at PHE return level or even bottom immersion level?

And what is worth monitoring on the DHW output? Presumably input mains temperature and DHW out, but is there anything else to bear in mind?

Cheers, Dave]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14001 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=14001 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 19:41:43 +0000 barge17
I have been looking for some time for a ready made spreadsheet which can make a few charts from my data, but the thing that I realy can't sort myself (brain fade) is to make it possible to read the meters on any day day of the month to give better resolution of the graph if we are running the log boiler more or less than usual.

I wonder if there is anything out there that can be adapted for my purposes?

thanks]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13232 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13232 Mon, 23 Mar 2015 08:23:22 +0000 cromar So...I'm looking for a web based thing, or a decent spreadsheet that will let me record my gas and electricity usage weekly if not more often. It will then display lovely graphs of my usage and will probably chart them against the weather and give me an idea of whether or not I'm managing to reduce my usage over the months and years. Imeasure doesn't do a bad job but as I can find nothing on their website to say how much they are going to start charging I'm unwilling to commit to an openended financial pit!
Thanks in advance for your help.
Dave]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9182 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9182 Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:05:50 +0100 SavingMan
You can get the program here : http://www.spar-varme.dk

You MUST allow macros, otherwise it wont work.

You MUST have Access, Excel installed with "Run all from this computer", otherwise there will be problems with the references in Excel (Visual Basic for Applications).

And, its Free.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13097 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13097 Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:01:31 +0000 johnuready
I'm using a Vent Axia Kinetic.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9179 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9179 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:55:14 +0100 SteamyTea Now I knew there was a reason that I stopped buying from RS several years ago.

Shall go looking for a card tomorrow and a lead for the graphics card.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12931 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12931 Fri, 26 Dec 2014 11:17:03 +0000 Sprocket
206x156 resolution (similar ball-park to $1500 thermal imagers)
Versions for iOS and Android phones.
Only $199.

http://www.elektor.com/news/Smartphone-Thermal-Imager/
http://obtain.thermal.com/category-s/1818.htm

I notice it says:-

Vanadium Oxide microbolometer
Chalcogenide lens

I think the typical $1000-$2000 kit from Fluke uses silicon sensors and germanium lenses and I assume Flir is similar too?

Any thoughts on what the catch is or whether this is likely to be any good?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12910 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12910 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 09:29:36 +0000 SteamyTea http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30518649]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12198 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12198 Fri, 13 Jun 2014 17:02:54 +0100 Shevek
However I'm still quite worried about the fact that the existing rafters are untreated, so I was wondering about putting moisture monitors in the roof fabric.

Is this something any of you guys have done? Can you recommend a product?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8681 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8681 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:15:55 +0000 SteamyTea It currently has no control over the incoming air (cold), the outgoing air (hot) is on a timer on the bathroom fan. You can see exactly when the bathroom is used on this chart and work out how much tea I drink if you are so minded.
Between 10:10 and 11:15 I kept the fan on constantly. The two spike before hand were shower times, guess who has the smaller spike?

The unit is pretty basic, just some plates in a box, a couple of fans and some pipe. Lots of room for improvement, tomorrow I shall go and get another fan with a timer on it.
Comments and suggestions welcome.

Efficiency has been calculated this way:
μt = (t2 - t1) / (t3 - t1)
where
μt = temperature transfer efficiency
t1 = temperature outside air before the heat exchanger (ºC)
t2 = temperature outside air after the heat exchanger (ºC)
t3 = temperature inside air before the heat exchanger (ºC)
 
 ]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12538 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12538 Tue, 09 Sep 2014 21:51:31 +0100 Gotanewlife
I have just changed tariffs and now pay 22p and 46p/Kwh - 17p is from 8pm until 7am plus hols and w/e - these are the headline rates, obviously being Italy it is well complicated... Anyway, I make about 6500Kwh/pa and use overall about 10% more than I make, and I use about 40% of what I make. Clear so far?

In-laws have moved into an apartment on our ground floor this year and so neither they nor us have an overview of what's being used (one electricity system/meter). The idea of this tariff is that is designed for 'out all day workers' but it might work for us. Anyway the Watson thing: the idea is that us and them can see easily what's going on real-time with net availability shown by a green glow - so I would need 2 displays. They need a little education too and this might help (and if it doesn't we are effectively spying on them :devil:). But it is a lot of money, not that I can actually find the second display for sale anywhere on-line). So whatdoyathink - expensive rubbish, better alternatives, does it work, should I invest in one?

I do have one concern and that is the wireless range as I have lots of solid stone walls and solid concrete beamed ceilings - repeater....increase cable length from sensors to sender????

PS - not strictly relevant, but I get paid about them same for my exported electricity as I pay for off-peak so this is all about daytime usage.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9769 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9769 Fri, 02 Nov 2012 10:21:09 +0000 dhutch
Can you get useful information from a £30 meter from Maplins et al, or are they little more than a gimmick at that level?

What I would be interested in is to measure the current level in each room, and then work to reduce it, and take qualitative values as I go along. Obviously to a certain extent it is the the qualitative data thats important, at the moment I know there is an issue as we're getting stupid amount of condensation on the windows, frames, and the uninsulated sections of the sloping ceilings to the point its running down the walls, but curiosity would like to but a figure on it if I can for a sensible price.


Daniel]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12338 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12338 Tue, 15 Jul 2014 13:10:05 +0100 Sprocket
http://www.coolcomponents.co.uk/grove-co2-sensor.html]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12246 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=12246 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 21:37:20 +0100 Shevek
We're going to sub-meter our entire supply internally and I wondered if this was sufficient to cover this? Or is the idea that you have a separate (additional in our case) meter that only measures your outdoor tap?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8589 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8589 Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:46:21 +0000 piersadler https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11966 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11966 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 17:38:07 +0100 lineweight
The most promising system at the moment looks to be one of these

http://shop.omnisense.com/p/74/drifi-restoration-monitoring-kit-eu-version

(lets me monitor temperature, RH and wood moisture content)

The only thing I don't like about that is that it ties you into a monthly contract for access to their server.

So I've been checking out alternatives. I can find various things that will let me log temp and RH directly, but it seems impossible to find a wood moisture content sensor that I can embed in the wall long-term and then retrieve data by whatever means (it could be cabled or wireless).

It seems surprising, as portable moisture content meters are quite common... I'd have expected to be able to get an embeddable version of the same.

Am I missing something or can anyone suggest anything?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9794 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:17:54 +0000 SteamyTea The occupancy is as follows:
House A (the end of terrace one), two adults, 1 small child, grandparents often do daycare.
House B (mine) usually occupied all day, one disabled person and me, tight with the heating.
House C Two adults, both working, one only mornings

Last 24 hours energy use:

House A 55 kWh
House B 11 kWh
House C 22 kWh

I suspect that A and B have their heating on.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11899 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11899 Wed, 26 Mar 2014 14:12:16 +0000 Sprocket I searched and couldn't find any reference to it on GBF so I assume some of you that may be interested in such things might not be aware of it.

UK National Grid Status:-

http://www.gridwatch.templar.co.uk/

There is a link on there for Gridwatch France too.
They also have some historical data you can download although I haven't tried it.


Also some similar info here:-

http://www.ukpowergeneration.info]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8418 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8418 Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:16:23 +0000 SteamyTea How about an old 35mm and some infra-red film.
50mm lens gets around the problem of a narrow field of view and a bit of scanning and photoshopping can soon make it a colour image.

Now where is my old Zenith EM]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11828 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11828 Tue, 04 Mar 2014 11:19:33 +0000 andyman99 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11803 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11803 Tue, 25 Feb 2014 14:05:10 +0000 SteamyTea I was wondering if one of the flavours of SQL could handle it. And if it can how easy is it to use.
All I really need to do is some conditional searching on location and time and maybe a bit of stats work on them, though Excel does this nicely (and charting).
Anyone an expert on SQL?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9926 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=9926 Thu, 20 Dec 2012 12:44:18 +0000 Robur
Just read the Raspberry Pi thread - looking really good.

In the post this morning I got my CISECO EVE http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ciseco/eve-alpha-raspberry-pi-wireless-development-hardwa which plugs onto the Raspi to give you wireless options a-plenty. I havn't tried it yet but perhaps over the coming hols. Dealing with Linux might take some getting used to but all good fun learning.

At the moment I'm using SolderCore which is a real treat and so much more robust than my previous Arduino based get up: http://www.airsensor.co.uk/component/zoo/item/soldercore-co2-shield-to-cosm-sd-card.html

The code it written in BASIC and is sweetly short/easy to read :-).... all good fun.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11622 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11622 Thu, 16 Jan 2014 15:51:25 +0000 Robur
I have been hunting around for a spreadsheet that calculates the results of a blower door test according to the ATTMA TSL1 protocol and failed badly :-(.... anyone know of an existing spreadsheet that is out there in the wild for public use?

http://www.attma.org/downloads/#.Utf_e7QpdGI]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4185 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4185 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:09:07 +0100 ratmin https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10923 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10923 Mon, 22 Jul 2013 20:30:43 +0100 Noodle
In particular we were hoping they would help us with a "in situ Material Thermal Conductivity" test - apparently to estimate your existing u value by drilling core samples - rather than monitoring over cold periods - (quicker and can be done any time of year). And also more importantly help monitor and log Interstitial condensation or: "Interstitial Hygrothermal Gradient Monitoring" as they phrase it! To monitor the changes we make and help inform the debate.

Anyway to cut it short this costs far more than we anticipated ( think many thousands), I know a lot of people here do various monitoring so thought there must be a way for us to do this ourselves, does anyone know of any home/diy approaches? Albeit slightly less professionally than the experts super expensive kit and monitoring devices?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11451 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11451 Sat, 23 Nov 2013 12:35:24 +0000 barge17
I have a bit of a dilemma, the obvious thing to do would be to ask United Utilities the question, but as you will see, that could become very expensive.

30 years ago we established a smallholding about 600metres down a narrow lane and installed a water meter in the land where our supply joins the village main water supply pipe. Our pipe is 32mm MDPE and has given excellent service, never leaking over the period, and pressure at our end has always been great.

However, about 20 years ago we built and sold another house, keeping the one supply for both properties with the agreement that we pay the bill and the other owner reimburses us with a proportion of it.

If we now decide to have a meter for each property, the only straightforward way to do that would be to dig the whole length of the lane again for a new pipe with all the reinstatement cost and upset. What I would like to do is split the pipe at the junction between the two house supplies, and install 2 meters, but I doubt whether the water authority would agree to coming down the lane to read them and somebody would need to take the risk of the pipe leaking down the length of the lane, which sounds fair enough to me.

As far as I know, I don't think remote reading meters are used yet. Anyone have an idea which way to go?

thanks, Barge17]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10140 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=10140 Sat, 16 Feb 2013 13:27:49 +0000 Sprocket
Has anyone here run it on Windows?

I know most folks here probably run it on Linux but I would prefer not to set up another box (my existing home server is Windows Home Server 2008).
The instructions suggest it is possible on Windows but it looks a bit of a faff so I thought I would check before wasting much time on it.]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11312 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11312 Sun, 27 Oct 2013 08:32:19 +0000 GaryB
I can't use a Watchman or Apollo oil gauge to assist as the plastic tank has complex geometry - I can tell when it's full, exactly half full or empty but haven't a clue about in between.

At present I am assessing the consumption based on observed burner run times during start-up / 1st hour and for the maintained hours. This works reasonably well for the moment, as long as I don't adjust the set temperature or change the timer settings.

I have researched the oil meters on the market and am not prepared to pay around £250-£300 as this is the cost of my annual oil use. There are cheaper delivery flow meters on the market but these arenot accurate below 10 litres/min and my burner flow rate is 1.92 litres/hour.

I was thinking of measuring the burner hours run or the electical energy used. As the burner uses 103 Watts of electical energy to produce 19.2 kW of thermal and it is either 100% on or off, it's a straightforward calculation. For the latter option I have an Owl monitor which I can try, but I have found it to be pretty inaccurate at low energy use and it only seems to accept a single sensor, so electricity and oil could not be monitored.

Any ideas as to how this could be done for a budget of £50 to £60?]]> https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11221 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=11221 Fri, 04 Oct 2013 03:25:12 +0100 johnuready