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Steve Thomas is the host of Planet Green's Renovation Nation, a program that focuses on making green renovations to homes across the country. In his regular column on PlanetGreen.com, Steve goes behind the scenes of the show and offers additional tips and insight on green renovation.
In Austin, I helped the Watuchi's put a solar panel on a doghouse. The fan lowered the temperature of the structure by about 30 degrees, which the dog probably liked. The Watuchi's seemed happy with it, and I got a kick out of renovating a doghouse. You may want to try this project yourself. Here are the instructions.
Installing a Solar-Powered Fan in a Dog House:
- Measure the size of the hole you'll need.
- Find the correct-sized hole saw bit and attach it to your hand drill.
- Start drilling. Scott had some trouble. Watch the episode and you'll see what I mean. The trick is to press firmly but go slow. Push the drill into the wood. Make a solid connection, then ease off. Repeat.
- Remove the hole saw bit. Above the hole, drill a small opening for the wiring.
- Put the fan in place. Seal it with low VOC caulking. It is always important to remember health when building.
- Run the wire through the hole.
- Attach the wires to the fan. The wires will be color coded. Secure the wires with electrical tape.
- Put up the panel.
- Your hot dog is now a cool one.
Don't miss the "Harvesting Desert Rain" episode of Renovation Nation where Steve installs this solar-powered doghouse fan.
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