Miscellaneous FAQ
Q: Can I compress 6" fibreglass insulation batts to fit into a 2"x 4" cavity, making it more effective than 3 1/2" batts?
A: Compressing fibreglass batts will significantly reduce the R-value, as insulation effectiveness relies on the air within the fibreglass to maximize its effectiveness.
Q: Is there any organization that performs independent testing and verification of energy efficiency claims of particular products?
A: Yes, the CANMET Energy Technology Centre as well as the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology conduct this sort of testing. Contact CANMET Energy Technology Centre. Contact the Canadian Centre for Housing Technology
Q: How do I calculate the annual cost of running a motor?
A: Annual Cost = (HP X 0.746 X hours X load X utility kWh rate)/ efficiency
Where: HP = horsepower rating of motor (1 horsepower equals 746 watts or 0.746 kilowatts)
Hours = annual running time (Constant running time is 8,760 hours/year)
Load = motor loading, for example 0.75 for a motor loaded to only 3/4 its rating. (0.75 is an industry average loading)
Utility kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate = the cost of electricity in cents per kWh.
Efficiency = efficiency of motor, approximate range is 85 to 95 per cent.
Alternatively, NRCan sponsors the Canadian Motor Selection Tool (CanMOST), a motor calculator tool to determine the annual and life cycle cost of electric motor operation. For more information, click here.
Q: What is the cost (including energy) comparison of providing electric hand dryers versus paper towels in public washrooms?
A: The World Dryer Corporation publishes a comparison of the environmental effects of electric dryers and paper towels. Their comparison concludes that replacing a ton of paper towels with electric hand dryers uses 12,840 kWh less electricity than producing that ton of paper towels from virgin paper and 2,430 kWh less than when recycled paper is used. World Dryer claims that using hand dryers can provide up to 90 per cent cost savings over paper towels. Their website will calculate your savings with electric hand dryers: http://www.worlddryer.com/calculate.htm.
NOTE: As always, data provided by manufacturers can be very useful, but you’ll need to consider that it reflects their perspective.
