Marc Rosenbaum

It’s possible to achieve significant energy savings without a deep energy retrofit.

Q: My 67-year-old farmhouse has pine flooring with no subfloor on 2x6 joists over an open crawlspace. The wood all appears to be in excellent condition, kept dry no doubt by…

Three case studies illustrate the importance of controlling humidity and air leakage.

Q: In Condensation in the attic, Marc Rosenbaum suggested that ceiling fans, recessed lights and other fixtures be sealed to reduce air leakage into attics. The gap between a fixture and…

Q: Every winter, water stains appear in our bedroom at the corner between the ceiling and the exterior wall. Instead of painting again, I decided to replace the affected drywall. When…

Q: My home was built in 1953 with two brick fireplaces. Even with the glass doors and the flue dampers closed, I can feel drafts. What can I do to stop…

Q: My 70-year-old balloon-frame house in Michigan has 4-in. walls with blown-in cellulose  insulation. The redwood siding on these walls has deteriorated and must be replaced. After removing the old siding,…

Q: I am building an energy-efficient house that has an air-exchange system, a direct-vent oil-fired boiler and a zero-clearance fireplace that draws outside air. With kitchen and bathroom venting part…

Q: Our washer and dryer are on the second floor of the house. The dryer was originally connected to the same duct as both bathroom vent fans; flexible dryer hose…