What if it Snows?

Was poking around the local building department and state building code web sights the past few evenings.

One of the things I found on the "things to do to use less power" portion was that they now make Heat Pump water heaters. They are supposed to use significantly less power than a conventional electric water heater. They do have a regular heating element in them if the heat pump starts to fall behind during higher usage. some call them hybrid heaters because of this.


I do have a question for you folks. The sight was pushing to install an "energy star" rated dishwasher. We currently do not plan on putting one in. For us they turn into a clutter closet of unwashed dishes. Have been doing fine with just hand washing as we go. Should we be looking at putting a dishwasher in or at least the stubouts?

 

Nothing worse than a crappy dishwasher. Cycle ends and you proceed to empty the dishes only to find baked on avocado. You need a freakin' jackhammer to remove that stuff.

Personally, I enjoy the comforts which have been bestowed upon us by the 21st century so you know what has my vote.

 

The only way we have used a dishwasher successfully is as a drying rack.

I've got the wife used to doing more of a commercial style wash. Dirty dishes go into a bin to the side of the sink, One sink bowl gets soapy water, the other bowl is rinse water with a shot of bleach added.

With the crappy washing capabilities we have seen in the past for dishwashers they basically just replace the rinse/disinfect bowl. From what I've read they are getting away from heat drying so eliminate the sterilizing cycle.

We are actually planning to have the plate drying racks along with the vented tubs for silver over the back of the sink so that stuff can just dry and not have to be handled twice. Pots and pans would get hung on their hooks to finish dry.

 

What would outside temp of0F do to the calculations …. Or maybe -20F

 

It would limit the amount of time available to run the heater. But at the same time doubt is would cut it in half. I figure it should still cover the 24 hrs if close to fully charged when stopped.

Something that may be of interest. A whine article about "my batteries don't work as well in the winter". Including a bit a "my lack of forethought and planning caused me stress" for spice.
Tesla Has A Temperature Problem

My take away from it was, Tesla doesn't have a temperature problem, they have a user competence problem.

 

A media response and lecture generated because of those that got stuck.......

Comes down to plan for the worst hope for the best....... And don't do stupid stuff.
Here's what you should keep in your car and other ways to prepare for winter driving

 

The heat pump water heaters have what is basically an A/C on top. Neighbor has one. In the year he has had it hasn't noticed a drop in gas usage. Surely not enough to cover the price difference

 

I walked into my home about 15 minutes ago. All is well. They wheeled me out in a chair and Keri started getting all fussy. Normally that would piss me off, but having her do it made me realize that everything is right in the world. Keri will be here through the weekend with the couple that took her in. Hpefully in a few weeks I will be strong enough to get here back home and watch over her!

This was what was waiting on me when I got up on the floor. It was pretty good. More than I actually felt like eating.


This is me. I took this about 6 this morning just after making my last buick. My eyes are still that dark. Nurse Ratched will come around later to make those dark places larger! (grin)

 

Is it in a little closet or a bigger room?

The suggested room size was 10 x 10 to minimize the room cooling effect that causes loss of efficiency most noticeable in winter.

 

In garage