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tag: energy efficiency
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Energy-Efficient San Francisco Remodel
1 commentThe Kumar Residence, nestled in the hills of Belmont, CA is an 1100 square foot addition and remodel of an existing 1950′s mid-century modern ranch house that needed updating, and more living...
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Can Steel Framing Be Used in High-Performance Houses?
4 commentsLight-gauge steel framing has several advantages in residential construction: it's straight, light and cost competitive with dimensional lumber. It's also an excellent heat conductor, and that has a builder wondering whether steel framing has any place in his energy-efficient home.
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Bargain ERV for Hot Climates - Panasonic's Whisper Comfort Review
In our Hot Humid Texas climate an ERV does a great job of bringing in Fresh Air but rejecting the humidity (Energy) that typically comes with that air. Panasonic's bargain priced ERV is a great choice for fresh air in our climate.
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All concrete home, 3 stories ICF block construction
All ICF exterior walls, 3 stories! 10,000 heated sq. ft., six car garage, indoor shooting range! Custom wood windows with 12" jams, ZO6 glass. Hers rating of 52!
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3 Reasons to Choose Spray Foam Insulation for a Remodel
Remodeling presents special challenges for the insulation choices. In this 1 minute video I'll show you the three reason's I almost always choose spray foam insulation for my remodel projects.
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Energy Nerd Recognized by Fellow Blogger
2 commentsTaunton's Martin Holladay gets high praise for his Musings of an Energy Nerd blog on GBA.
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Texas Deep-Energy Retrofit Remodel
When you hear about a deep energy retrofit project most people think of the snowy North Eastern US. I can tell you that the strategy for a Northern remodel with energy efficiency in mind is very different that our strategy for Hot/Humid Texas. In this video I'll show you 6 things we are doing to making a dramatic difference in this 1950's slab on grade house's energy bills.
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Flashing A Recessed Window using Liquid Tyvek
1 commentFlashing a recessed window is tricky, this new product from DuPont Tyvek called Fluid Applied (Liquid Tyvek!) makes the process much simpler. In this jobsite video we will take you through the steps to form a water tight, air tight, and vapor permeable window install.
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Getting Green without Going Broke
1 commentBy planning, being patient and paying as you go, this nine-step plan for a deep energy retrofit can put you on the green path--without guilt or crushing debt.
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Hot Water Without Wasting Cold - Metlund D'Mand Pump
How long does it take for your faucet to get hot water? As you wait for that hot water a typical faucet might dump 1-2 gallons of water down the drain. The solution for this problem is a smart circulation pump. Metlund makes a great system to deliver how water to your faucets without waste.
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How To Work With TimberStrand Headers
Window & door headers are typically a large source of thermal bridging. In this video I'll show you how to frame with TimberStrand engineered headers and easily achieve a well-insulated & very strong header.
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How to Air-Seal Doors and Windows with a Spray-Foam Gun
4 commentsRemodeling contractor Mike Sloggatt demonstrates how to use a professional spray-sealant gun to make this patio door (or any door) more energy efficient
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Don't Miss the Excellence in Building Conference and EXPO
Mark your calendars — the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance will meet in Scottsdale, Arizona, on September 25-27
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Choosing Between an Air-Source and Ground-Source Heat Pump
1 commentA homeowner planning a tight, well-insulated house is grappling with a key decision: whether to choose an air-source or ground-source heat pump for heating and cooling. What's the best call?
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Wood Siding - Best Practice Installation Method
You don't see much real wood siding on houses anymore, but wood can be a durable (and beautiful) option if we take the care to install it correctly. In this video I'll show you the tricks to a wood siding installation that will set you up for decades of beauty for your home.
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Puget Sound Woodworking - The Shop
This is the studio for Puget Sound Woodworking, located in downtown Snohomish, Washington. It is a small woodworking school and custom woodworking studio. The shop was designed in Sketchup by the...
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Choosing a Cost-Effective Wall System
1 commentErik Olofsson wants to build an energy-efficient house in the mountains of British Columbia, something with walls close to R-40. He wonders whether a double-stud wall is the most economical way to reach his goals.
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Sustainable Living Shed in a Midwest Suburb
This shed was built with the intention of serving as many purposes as possible on as small a piece of land as possible. Because we live on a corner lot where it would be very visible, we also...
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Design & Daylight
2 commentsThe first of a two-part introduction to a thematic blog on daylighting strategies used in residential design.
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How to Stay Cool With a Metal Roof
2 commentsDavid Martin is thinking about a new roof, and he likes the idea of a standing-seam metal roof. The roofing is durable, recyclable and may actually cut his energy bill. Or will it?
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How to Paint Fiber-Cement Siding
Painter Jim Lacey shares some tips for caulking and painting fiber-cement siding. read more
