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”
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”
Construction Materials-Vapor Retarders
I recently wrote a blog post titled Building Science-Building Shell Layers-Vapor Control Layer. This blog is going to expand on that discussion with information on several choices of vapor retarders. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Vapor Retarders”
Construction Materials-Aerobarrier
Those of you who have been following my blog know I am big on-air sealing. That 10% to 40% of heating and cooling costs are due to air leaks statement I keep talking about. Air sealing does more than save money. Indoor air quality can be improved, building occupants are more comfortable, and durability of the structure is often better. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Aerobarrier”
The Energy Audit-Combution Appliance Zone (CAZ)
All buildings that use a fossil fuel source for space or water heating, such as natural gas, liquid propane (lp), fuel oil or wood, have the risk of back drafting burned exhaust gasses into the structure.
Continue reading “The Energy Audit-Combution Appliance Zone (CAZ)”
Construction Materials-Recessed Lighting
Recessed lighting, sometimes called a recessed can or recessed luminaire has been a very popular lighting choice for many years. When I worked as an electrician, I installed thousands of this type of light fixture. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Recessed Lighting”