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Home-Building Cyclopedia

Get clear explanations of the essential concepts in residential design, construction, and remodeling.

Sizing Up Electrical Cable

March 18, 2019

Choosing the right kind of electrical wire for a circuit in your house depends on how much current it will carry, where it's going, and what local codes require.
Air Barriers Are Essential for a Modern, High-Performance Home

March 15, 2019

Controlling air movement through the walls and ceilings is a key step toward comfort, energy efficiency, and building durability.
Water-Resistive Barriers

March 11, 2019

This water-impermeable layer beneath the siding protects walls from rain and snow, and often functions as a building's air barrier.
Radial-Arm Saws: The Tool That Just Won’t Die

March 8, 2019

This powerful shop tool's peak is long past, but the folks in Britt, Iowa, may not agree.
High-Performance HVAC

March 7, 2019

Ductless minisplit heat pumps are becoming the go-to choice for heating and cooling in well-insulated, tight houses.
Makeup Air for Tight Houses

February 15, 2019

As houses get tighter in order to save energy, makeup air for range hoods and woodstoves becomes a more pressing issue.
What Is the HERS Index?

February 8, 2019

This numerical rating of home energy efficiency is only a start.
How to Choose the Right-Size Heating and Cooling System

February 4, 2019

Accurate calculations of heating and cooling loads are the key to installing HVAC equipment that fits your home and your budget.
Why Would My House Need a Blower-Door Test?

February 1, 2019

Few metrics are as important in high-performance building as air tightness, and a blower door is how you measure it.