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”
Building Science-Building Shell Layers-Thermal Control Layer
Last week we talked about interior moisture drive through the building shell, the vapor control layer. This week we will continue with the building shell layers discussion, number 4 on our list is the thermal barrier. Continue reading “Building Science-Building Shell Layers-Thermal Control Layer”
Building Science – Building Shell Layers – Vapor control layer
Last week we talked about the what makes a house “tight”, the air control layer. This week we will continue with the building shell layers discussion, number 3 on our list is the vapor control layer or vapor retarder.
Continue reading “Building Science – Building Shell Layers – Vapor control layer”
Building Science-Building Shell Layers-Air Control Layer
Last week we talked about the outer most layer in a building, the rain control layer. This week, we will continue with the building shell layers discussion. The air control layer is next on the list. Continue reading “Building Science-Building Shell Layers-Air Control Layer”
Building Science-Building Shell Layers-Rain Control Layer
The next four blog postings are all going to discuss a few of the most important parts of a building, the four layers in a building shell. I’m leaving out the “structural layer”, though it’s the most important part of a house, the other layers are less understood. Continue reading “Building Science-Building Shell Layers-Rain Control Layer”
The Energy Audit-Ohms Law
As an energy auditor, I am often in homes because of high electrical bill complaints. Conducting electrical testing and calculating energy costs are part of my job. There is a formula for figuring these electrical costs. Continue reading “The Energy Audit-Ohms Law”
Construction Materials-Rigid Sheet Insulation
Today, we are going to have our first dedicated discussion about a specific building material, sheet insulation. I originally had this blog named Foam Insulation but changed the name because not all sheet insulations are a type of foam, there are a few non-foam products, one that I will discuss last. Continue reading “Construction Materials-Rigid Sheet Insulation”
Building Science-Passing a Blower Door Test
In my last blog, I talked about vapor diffusion and the perm rating. Sometimes it is better to eliminate the polyethylene sheeting most builders in Minnesota are using for both the air and vapor barrier. The problem then becomes passing the blower door test. Continue reading “Building Science-Passing a Blower Door Test”
Building Science-Perm
Builders in northern Minnesota have been using polyethylene sheeting on the warm in winter side of wall assemblies for years. Beginning in the 1960’s, we were taught that the poly would stop vapor diffusion in building cavity, keeping walls dryer. During the 1990’s and 2000’s, building scientists determined that only a small percentage of wall wetness comes from vapor diffusion. So, how does moisture end up inside building assemblies in a northern climate? Mostly by air leaks! Continue reading “Building Science-Perm”