MakeHeat

I read through a lot of Nick Park’s postings about three years ago, and was delighted, and upset – as he had the information (delight), and pointed out my home’s gaping weak points (upset).  I, like most people, want to build things, not repair them as much.  Nick pointed out – time and time again, using mathematics and common sense that you have to insulate first, heat second.  You just can’t make a solar heater that will give you any benefits no matter how many screen doors you have on your front door.  Many people’s arguments sounded compelling at first, but the facts remain, and Nick would just point to them and say “…put in the numbers, look at the result…”

 So, now that I’m almost completely insulated, I’m setting up my own solar air heater to start with. Not because it’s the most efficient, but because it’s the most bang for the buck, and it’s a good learning experience.  I’ve made it to be removeable, upgradeable, or even redeployed with a little elbow grease.  Worst case I can burn the wood parts in a rocket stove if I get desparate enough, and sell the scrap metal by the pound – but I think I’ll be working with it for awhile.  Check out his site – it’s worth the read into the old usenet posts too – you’ll be amazed!

Solar Closets and Sunspaces.