Rudy, "real conservation is keeping buildings usefull"... That is the core belief that guides my philosophy for preservation. Of course the definition of "useful" can be made infinitely broad, but in the end I find that word to be the most benpractical. Thanks for the info on your system. Best, Leland Leland R. S. Torrence Leland Torrence Enterprises and the Guild 17 Vernon Court, Woodbridge, CT 06525 Office: 203-397-8505 Fax: 203-389-7516 Mobile: 203-981-4004 E-mail: [log in to unmask] www.LelandTorrenceEnterprises.com -----Original Message----- From: adaptive re-use is from the department of repetitive redundancy division [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Rudy Christian Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 8:20 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [BP] The Sustainability of the Puritan way Hi Leland, Long day. We have an inline fan that's 240v variable speed continuous duty that pulls the air through system rather than pushing it through to cut down on "stacking". We run the air the same direction year round because it's really intended to act more like a heat battery. When we send in more heat than it has in it it absorbs it and either gives it back in the winter when nights are cold or it sends it into the ground when days are hot in summer to help keep the house cool. The principle is the same as Cuyler's in that we can count on ground temperature below the basement floor to be fairly constant. The only issue I still want to address is humidity and I just haven't had time to research in line dehumidifiers. For now we're using portable units with limited success. As far as destroying architecture is concerned, I am a strong believer in the basic principle that real conservation is keeping buildings usefull. Part of my approach is paying attention to the time traveling part of conservation. When Count Rumford was weaving his magic spell the open hearth was on its way out. The other Ben's great invention was a big part of it but the rising relative cost of energy was already being felt. Today modern SIP enclosures have created a new thermal environment and for people like us the central hearth can once again be a wonderful way to enjoy the heating season. Rudy ----- Original Message ----- From: "Leland Torrence" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 10:26 AM Subject: Re: [BP] The Sustainability of the Puritan way > Rudy, > > That is one special house. How does the air circulate through the tubes? > (Same question for Cuyler's rock wall - what "pumps" the air up and down > while cooling or heating?) On another note, wasn't it someone on this > list > that quoted someone as saying, "More great architecture has been destroyed > in the name of energy efficiency than any other means." > Best, > Leland > -- To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to: <http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html> -- To terminate puerile preservation prattling among pals and the uncoffee-ed, or to change your settings, go to: <http://listserv.icors.org/archives/bullamanka-pinheads.html>