A Cold Climate Construction and Energy Blog
This three-part series first appeared on the Green Building Advisor website and has been condensed into one post.
An unconditioned and uninsulated crawlspace, an unsealed and uninsulated forced air heating system, and an uncovered dirt floor, which by the way has a sewage leak. If this were your home and you wanted to make improvements, where would you start? Continue reading “Building Science-Existing Construction Improvements”
As I write this post at the end of November, our outdoor temperature is 28°F with an outdoor humidity of 75%. Inside my home, the temperature is 70°F with a humidity level of 21%. Slightly uncomfortable humidity levels for my family. During last year’s polar vortex, when the temperatures reached nearly -40°F, my indoor humidity dropped to 9%, much too dry. Knowing what I know about building science, I will not operate a humidifier. This post will explain why. Continue reading “Building Science-Wintertime Interior Humidity”
I watched an electrician install two ceiling fans in an attached garage recently while I was working as a subcontractor on a new home being built. I quizzed him on their use and he said moisture control. This got me thinking about controlling humidity in a heated garage in a northern climate, this week’s topic. Continue reading “Construction Design-Humidity Control in a Garage”
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”
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”
What is humidity? According to Wikipedia, humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air. A nice, simple explanation that all of us can understand. Now look at the chart below. Continue reading “Building Science-Humidity”