All How-To Topics
tag: insulation
Subscribe to RSS feed
How to Keep a Garage-Shop Toasty Warm
11 commentsStrawmyers 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
view details
Indoor-Air Quality and Ventilation for Homes in Hot-Humid Climates
1 commentThe 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.
view details
High-Performance Homes Dos & Don'ts: Mark LaLiberte Seminar Notes
2 commentsMark 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.
view details
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.
view details
Smart Design Advice for Hot & Humid Climates (i.e. The South)
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.
view details
Best Attic for Hot/Humid Climates
Most houses in Hot/Humid climates don't have basements so that means that most ductwork in Southern house runs through super hot attic spaces. In this video I'll show you a rather civilized attic space that really makes for a comfortable & efficient house!
view details
Where to Spend Your Money: Superinsulation or a High-Tech Heating System?
2 commentsWhat's the best plan: investing in high-quality windows and insulation, or a high-efficiency heating system?
view details
One view of the net-zero energy frontier
A white paper explores how builders, manufacturers, and government entities can develop the market for projects designed for net-zero-energy performance
view details
Building a radon-resistant home.
1 commentWhat is deadly and might be lurking in your basement? No, not a Ninja (well probably not), in most cases it is Radon. And it is important to know what Radon is and how to ensure it isn't a threat to your household. From building to testing, I will share what I learned about Radon while building my house.
view details
When Does a Conditioned Attic Make Sense?
An Oklahoma builder who builds relatively large, single-story homes wonders whether his best approach is to turn the attic into a conditioned space with the use of spray polyurethane insulation.
view details
How to Calculate Savings from Energy Improvements
1 commentIs there a reliable way of estimating lower energy costs, or are there too many variables?
view details
What's Worse: Air Leaks or Not Enough Insulation
3 commentsAl Cobb's goal is simple: Build better houses and help consumers make better choices. To do that more effectively, he wants to understand the root causes of heat loss a little better. Are air leaks or low insulation levels the real culprit?
view details
The Devil Is in the Details
4 commentsSome modular homes are getting better, but the construction details in many modular homes are still downright scary. Here are a few photos I secretly shot recently.
view details
Green Building is for Whiners and Hippies
6 commentsScott Adams (the creator of Dilbert) and the Wall Street Journal take aim at green building.
view details
Green Tax Credit Guide
5 commentsWho says it' not easy being green? These energy efficient systems and upgrades save clients money now and in the long run.
view details
Who Do You Blame for Your Energy Lemon?
39 commentsSo I was talking to Tucker Windover, a carpenter who writes for this magazine, and he said that every new house should have a sticker on the front door, just like the ones they put on appliances...
view details
Radiant barrier in attic
I sprayed radiant barrier paint a few years ago, but wanted more savings. So I recently installed Energy Q foil on the attic floor. Awesome savings! Tips are at...
view details
|
|
|
|
-
How to Paint Fiber-Cement Siding
Painter Jim Lacey shares some tips for caulking and painting fiber-cement siding. read more
