Musings of an Energy Nerd

Get insights on the most important considerations related to high-performance residential construction from GreenBuildingAdvisor.com senior editor and seasoned energy-efficiency expert Martin Holladay.

New Homes: 9 Things You Don’t Need, and 5 You Do
As construction materials and building-science principles evolve, the details we include in our new homes have to too.
10 Common Mistakes Made by New Home Builders
Getting these framing, insulation, air-sealing, and mechanical details right could make your home more comfortable and more affordable to live in.
Protecting Foundation Insulation
A heavy gauge of metal flashing offers increased durability if you plan to let it contact the ground.
Reconsidering R-value Recommendations
Does the dropping cost of solar PV systems mean that it's more economical to just install more PV panels and skimp on insulation?
Replace Cellulose with Spray Foam
Address the air leaks and convert a vented, unconditioned attic into an unvented, conditioned attic.
Is Your Exterior Rigid Foam Too Thin?
Adding a layer of rigid-foam insulation on the outside of a home makes sense, as long as it's done correctly.
Roof Venting Doesn’t Affect Cooling Loads
Can you measure cooling energy savings that might be attributed to the existence of a ventilation channel? Nope.
Closed-Cell Foam between Studs Is a Waste
What really matters is the R-value of the whole wall, not just that of the insulation.
When Sunshine Drives Moisture Into Walls
Energy Nerd: How inward solar vapor drive happens, and avoiding the problems it creates.
Should I Replace My Old Windows?
Comfort, historical character, and the presence of lead paint may matter as much as cost and energy efficiency.

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Musings of an Energy Nerd

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