Since the 1970s, building scientists have discovered a great deal about home air barriers. They now understand that air barriers are crucial to a home’s durability, the energy needed to heat and cool it, and the comfort of its residents. No other building element is as critical in high-performance homes, and building and energy requirements … Read more
Heat pumps do not create heat in the same manner as a traditional furnace. A heat pump needs electrical power to work, but it can supply more heat than the electricity used. Although, just like any device, a heat pump reaches an equilibrium where it cannot make any more heat. When the ambient temperature drops … Read more
Whether you want to save money or the planet, these sustainable home improvements will help. Adding insulation, air-sealing, and new windows will also make your home more comfortable. Here is a list of the top twelve home improvements to make your home more sustainable: 1.) Schedule Hvac System Maintenance Homeowners often do not keep up … Read more
Homeowners looking for alternatives to conventional HVAC equipment might consider installing mini splits. Ductless mini splits can maximize a building’s energy performance while providing many heating and cooling benefits. These air-source heat pumps rely on an interior air-handling unit to work alongside an exterior compressor. The indoor unit typically hangs at the top of an … Read more
Cooling and heating a house is a costly endeavor. But proper temperature control will provide greater levels of comfort and can contribute to your home’s overall health. (If you can’t imagine how temperature could affect a building’s integrity, think of frozen pipes and rotting support beams.) If you’re looking for an energy-efficient way to heat … Read more
Building a new home incurs many monetary and environmental costs. One of the biggest sources of these costs is the material used in the masonry blocks, also known as the literal building blocks of your home. Concrete is a very popular masonry material and one of the most widely used synthetic materials on Earth. Its … Read more
Ever wonder how to lower your energy bill without sweltering in the summer or freezing in the winter? According to the United States Department of Energy, proper insulation and air sealing can achieve energy savings of 10-20%. The estimated savings are even higher for older houses with little to no insulation. The best part is … Read more
Attic insulation sits on the attic floor joists and the backside of the drywall ceiling. A properly insulated attic keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. In addition to providing greater comfort, proper insulation could help lower your energy bills. If you’re thinking about upgrading your attic insulation, the materials … Read more
Rim joists run around the outer edge of wood-framed houses, providing critical structural support to a home’s floor frame. Properly insulated rim joists can increase your building’s energy efficiency. However, improperly insulated rim joists will not only impede energy efficiency but can also lead to structural damage. Data collected by the U.S. Census indicates that … Read more
If you’re looking for an alternative to ugly downspouts, you might want to think about installing rain chains. Rain chains guide rainwater away from your house while also beautifying its exterior. Although they are a relatively recent trend in American housing design, Japanese architects have used rain chains since the late 1500s. Known in Japanese … Read more