Breaking the Carbon Bond

Episode 7: Results

We run the numbers on the performance of the house's clean energy systems after almost a year of operation.

Episode 6: Introduction to Home Solar

Rick interviews Orion Thornton of OnSite Energy, who uses the expertise he’s gleaned from years in the solar industry to help homeowners through the process of selecting and installing a solar PV system. Orion makes recommendations about preparing to meet with solar installers; what to know in advance, what to ask, and how to get the system you want. This is episode 6 of Season 1 - the House of the Future - from the Breaking the Carbon Bond Pod.

Episode 5: The HVAC Challenge

For most homes, especially those in cold climates, converting the HVAC system from fossil fuels to electricity is the most difficult aspect of going carbon-free. We dedicate this whole episode to the HVAC conversion, with a special focus on cold climate heating. We discuss the strengths, weaknesses and operating costs of heat pumps, which are emerging as the most popular option for electric heating and cooling. electrifymissoula.org [https://www.electrifymissoula.org/] missoulaclimate.org [https://www.missoulaclimate.org/]

Episode 4: home electrification begins

Rick talks about his first win in the electrification process—replacing the gas stove with an electric one—and uses it as an example of the ways a home’s electrical system may need to be upgraded to handle electrification. We discuss the requirements for a home’s electrical service, its load center and the individual circuits that will be needed for the new machines that will be replacing the fossil-fuel powered ones. electrifymissoula.org [https://www.electrifymissoula.org/] missoulaclimate.org [https://www.missoulaclimate.org/]

Episode 3: The Work Begins

Wren quizzes Rick on the first steps in the retrofit; the energy-saving improvements that will reduce the house’s energy use to save money and time in the next phase. electrifymissoula.org [https://www.electrifymissoula.org/] missoulaclimate.org [https://www.missoulaclimate.org/]