John C Daley

Great post Jim, very informative. Thanks.

hristobel, I wonder if instead of scraping out the mortar of each block and relaceing it will a barrier, would something injected into the block itself work?

Meran Moore, that response was great.
- A vapour barrier can be retro installed slowly.
- Underfloor insulation can be aded
- I think the moisture on the northern wall can be stopped with insulation as discussed
- I asked about taking the roof off a sheet at a time to insulate, is that possible?

What is under the floor of the heater?
Floor boards indicate stumps etc, but that looks heavy?

Suzzane, nothing is free other than love, sometimes.
Even collecting water has a cost, tanks, pipes, valves etc.
I think I have never heard the comment 'water is expensive ' ever, so some more details will help.
I am experienced with rainfall collection and use, so I can help.
But what are you calling 'expensive', what are your expectations?
What is the rainfall annually in your location?
There are many water saving techniques, are you familiar with them?

This is an area I have worked in, I may be able to help.
But I have a lot of questions first.
- Is the floor on a slab or stumps?
- do your windows have pelmets?
- have you sealed all draughts?
- Is the ceiling insulated?
- What heating do you usein the house?
- Could the external walls in those bedrooms have a wardrobe built on them?
- Could those same walls have an insulating blanket fitted to them?
- Can the roof sheets be removed and the insulation improved?

Funny you ask, I am still playing with them.
I have been held up with injuries until now.
This has been an inspiration for me.
hthe-solviva-poolhouse-lab
I am having to twist my ideas about the connection to my house since it is small, and covered with experimental bits.
I am thinking of having it low on the ground and blowing air from the house, thru the unit and back again.
I will get a photo later

Jay, thought of using a solar air heater?

Laren Corie, thank you for your comments, I read the whole lot with interest.
We dont seem to have many with your skills around, not much interest which frustrates me.
I will start a topic on Solar air heating and seek your input if I may?