tag: hvac

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HVAC Duct Sealing and Leak Testing

FHBdotcom, editor | May 14th, 20131 comment

Two experts from Conservation Services Group, Eric Wilder and Will D’Arrigo, explain how to seal duct seams with mastic and how to use a Duct Blaster to test duct tightness

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The "Lexus" HVAC system - Variable Refrigerant Flow Technology

Matt Risinger, Blogger | May 14th, 2013

Air Conditioners are sized for the Hottest day of the year. This results in rather uncomfortable AC about 70% of the time, as well as electric bills that are needlessly high. Enter Variable Refrigerant Flow Technology. This allows your AC to run at any capacity from 15% up to 100%. Join me for a system overview

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Southern HVAC Best Practice Videos

Matt Risinger, Blogger | May 3rd, 2013

This is my collection of my 9 best HVAC related videos. Most will be relevant no matter your climate but many speak specifically to best practice for the Southern US.

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I Need a What in my Crawlspace?

ScottG, contributing writer | May 2nd, 20138 comments

As he makes plans for an addition to his Connecticut house, RickGreg has been told by the local building department he must install a fan in the insulated, unvented crawlspace. Does this mysterious edict make any sense?

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Ventilation Strategies for Houses in the Hot-Humid South: Good/Better/Best

Matt Risinger, Blogger | April 16th, 2013

Build tight, ventilate right. I learned that from building science guru Mark LaLiberte. But what is the right way to ventilate a house in Texas (or anywhere in the hot/humid South)? I'll give you my recommendations for three strategies.

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Soon To Be Mine!

Melfallen, member | April 10th, 2013

This is the fireplace I got from Harman Stoves! I'm so exicted for it to come, it will be going in my living room as well. I was looking everywhere for a pellet fireplace insert like this one. I...

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How to Keep a Garage-Shop Toasty Warm

ScottG, contributing writer | April 8th, 201311 comments

Strawmyers knows all about the misery of working in an icy cold pole barn, and with a new attached garage on the horizon he has a chance for more comfortable working conditions. The question is how much to invest in insulation, and how to heat the space

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Indoor-Air Quality and Ventilation for Homes in Hot-Humid Climates

Matt Risinger, Blogger | April 5th, 20131 comment

The weather in the Southern United States poses a unique challenge to the issues of ventilation and indoor-air quality. Here are my opinions and suggestions on how to address these issues if you are building or remodeling in the South.

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Nest Review - Builder Perspective

Matt Risinger, Blogger | March 29th, 20133 comments

The Nest thermostat has a ton of buzz, but is it worth the price? In this review you'll hear my perspective as a builder.

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High-Performance Homes Dos & Don'ts: Mark LaLiberte Seminar Notes

Matt Risinger, Blogger | February 23rd, 20132 comments

Mark LaLiberte is an amazing building-science teacher. Read my blogging notes from his seminar titled "Building High-Performance Homes Dos & Don'ts," which I attended in Austin, Texas. Remember that this is focused on Texas construction, but there is plenty to learn here for anyone in the U.S.

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Bargain ERV for Hot Climates - Panasonic's Whisper Comfort Review

Matt Risinger, Blogger | December 19th, 2012

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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Texas Deep-Energy Retrofit Remodel

Matt Risinger, Blogger | November 13th, 2012

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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Choosing Between an Air-Source and Ground-Source Heat Pump

ScottG, contributing writer | July 10th, 20121 comment

A 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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Digging post holes is the hardest part of building a deck

ChuckB, senior editor | June 21st, 20127 comments

When it's hot and the ground doesn't cooperate, even machine dug holes are hard work.

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Smart Design Advice for Hot & Humid Climates (i.e. The South)

Matt Risinger, Blogger | May 18th, 2012

Architect Peter Pfeiffer talks about how to utilize smart design for a house in a hot climate zone. His green building advice is practical and following his advice will result in a house that's well designed for the rigors of a hot climate. If you want a comfortable, efficient, durable house and you live in the South then this video will give you tons to think about.

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HVAC Ducting: Rigid Metal vs. Flex

Matt Risinger, Blogger | April 27th, 20125 comments

In our Texas climate a well installed HVAC system is a must for a new home. I'm surprised by how few builders are using Rigid Metal ducting anymore. Come see how my crew uses both Rigid Metal & Flex for great air distribution in the homes I build.

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Help Wanted: Plumber Needed for Fine Homebuilding's Project House Bathroom Remodel

FHBdotcom, editor | February 3rd, 2012

If you can rough in and install bathroom fixtures and hydronic heating, live in NY or southern New England, and would like to appear in how-to videos, drop us a line

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