Energy-Smart Details

Learn how to ensure that the ductwork for a mechanical ventilation system works efficiently to save energy and provide good indoor air quality.

Houses built with structural insulated panels require unique methods of air-sealing to ensure an airtight thermal envelope.

Depending on your location, you may need rigid-foam insulation under and around the edges of the slab.

Learn why you need to be concerned with radon levels in your home and find out what you can do to eliminate this unhealthy gas if tests show that it's present in your house.

If you aim to build a superinsulated airtight home and want to keep it affordable, your best bet is to use common materials and methods that don’t disrupt traditional work sequences very much.

The hatch or staircase leading up to an unfinished attic can be a big energy leak. Here are a few tips for sealing it up.

If you have or plan to install a skylight in your home, get the insulation details right to avoid problems with comfort and condensation.

Use spray foam or rigid foam to insulate and air-seal this commonly ignored part of the house

Creating a hot-water circulation loop is fairly easy, but doing so in a way that doesn’t waste a lot of energy is a little trickier. Learn how to efficiently reduce your wait time for hot water.

Ducts, furnaces, and air handlers belong inside a house's conditioned space