Last week we talked about Minnesota code requirements for insulating foundations in new construction. This week we’ll hit existing homes.
Continue reading “Construction Design-Below Grade Insulation-Existing Homes”
Construction Materials-Aerobarrier Update
This is a recent Instagram post, an update to the AeroBarrier blog I posted back in September. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Aerobarrier Update”
Construction Design-Below Grade Insulating-New Construction
In new construction, Minnesota building codes require insulating basements and foundations, but this insulation was not required in some older homes. Continue reading “Construction Design-Below Grade Insulating-New Construction”
Mechanicals-Bathroom Ventilation
Bath fans serve a few different functions. Removing moisture, removing odors, and if noisy enough, to drown out sounds. Continue reading “Mechanicals-Bathroom Ventilation”
My Cape-An Introduction
1952 Cape Cod style home. For those who don’t know what a cape is, here is a definition from Wikipedia: Continue reading “My Cape-An Introduction”
Mechanicals-Electric Water Heaters
An electric hot water heater can be one of the most expensive electricity-using appliances in a home. It’s not uncommon for a typical family of 4 to use 400 kWh per month heating water in my area Continue reading “Mechanicals-Electric Water Heaters”
The Energy Audit-My Moisture on Window Question
One of the questions I always ask while conducting an energy audit or assessment is if there is a build-up of frost or water vapor on any of the windows during the heating season. Usually, the answer is no. But I do occasionally get a yes, what is this piece of information telling me? Continue reading “The Energy Audit-My Moisture on Window Question”
Mechanicals-Heat Recovery Ventilators
I’ve had several discussions on this blog about the importance of a tight home, “built it tight and ventilate it right”. Continue reading “Mechanicals-Heat Recovery Ventilators”
Construction Materials-Spray Foam
Expanding spray foam is a two-part chemical process involving isocyanate and poly resin, which when combined in the right mixture will expand 30 to 60 times it’s liquid volume. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Spray Foam”
The Energy Audit-Plug In Loads
A plug-in load is any electrical device that uses electricity that is not heating (including water heating), cooling or refrigeration. These plug-in loads account for approximately 20 percent of a home’s electricity use Continue reading “The Energy Audit-Plug In Loads”