Builders Can Tap Into ICF Training
As building codes become stricter in many states, building pros can take advantage of free educational opportunities to keep pace.
Green Gab Podcast | The Tools for My Home – Appliances!
Appliances help us do so many things in our homes from food prep and storage to all sorts of cleaning tasks in our households. It’s an added benefit when these appliances do even more than just their job by doing it with less energy, water and/or resources.
Project Management for Comfort from Kitchen to HVAC
If you’ve been following this blog you know I’m a big fan of good project management. My wife and I know what we want the home we’re building to feel like to live in, but with all the new technology, building products and techniques available, we have really focused on the results we want and sought out experts to guide us.
Effective Path to Passive House Standards
One of the key components of the Passive House Institute U.S. (PHIUS) standards is a tight building envelope. There are many paths to achieve the standard, confirmed with a blower door test to measure the air changes per hour that a home can acheive.
Utilizing Raised-Heel Trusses will Improve HERS Rating
We already know that raised-heel trusses save you time. But raised-heel trusses can also save you material and money.
Five must-haves for your bathroom remodel
While bathrooms don’t require facelifts as often as some Hollywood celebs, chances are if you have not changed anything in your bathrooms except the towels in the past 20 years, you should consider a fresh look.
How Nanoparticles are Differentiated from Other Heating Options
Nanoparticles, the microscopic particles having a very high surface area to volume ratio, will likely be your source to future heating comfort and efficiency.
What are the Differences between Natural Gas and Propane Water Heaters?
Depending on where you live, your home may have the option of having a water heater that uses propane or natural gas. What's the difference?
7 Strategies to Keep In Mind When Building a Green Home
Many homeowners are looking for ways to live more sustainably. Green homes provide a solution to many of environmental challenges by saving energy, reducing water consumption, and protecting human health. When properly constructed they can save money, enhance comfort, and promote health by avoiding exposure to toxins and contaminants.
Building Resilient Homes
With severe weather events on the rise, it makes sense to make sure your home is prepared for the worst that Mother Nature has to throw at it.
Comfort is Coming Along with Window and Electrical Selections
Even though we’re nowhere near finished building our eco-friendly home, at least we can say we’re weather tight! Framing and insulation went well, windows are in, and electrical work has been planned out.
Not Your Grandfather's ICF
Insulated concrete forms have been a proven wall assembly for decades now, but you wouldn't know it from listening to some builders.
Green Gab Podcast | Look Good and Perform Well
A home that looks good and performs well is likely a home that has some building science under the covers.
Knowing “Who” is Important, but Working Together is Key
Over the past 30 years I’ve built up a regular group of people I like to use for different projects. If someone is reliable, does a great job, and I like working with them, I call on them again and again.
The Importance of Attic Ventilation
While it may seem counterintuitive to insulate an attic for warmth and then install vents that allow outside air in, ventilating your attic is key to reducing moisture, avoiding mold and preventing the formation of ice dams.
Our New Year of Products and Expertise
My wife and I kicked off the New Year in the saltbox cottage that has been our temporary home during the construction of our new eco-friendly home. By mid-January framing was nearly complete so we selected a house wrap system to protect the structure from wind, moisture and infiltration.
DC Versus AC – Challenges for DC Adaption
Photovoltaic (PV) panels and other onsite renewables generate DC, but these systems still incur losses. Grid-connected renewables require an inverter to convert their DC to AC for the grid, even though it is changed immediately back to DC for onsite use.
Doorglass Increases a Home’s Value
When it comes to a home’s value, it’s the smaller details that can make or break a sale.
Three Places a Tankless Water Heater Makes Sense
Here are some applications where a point-of-use tankless water heater is a perfect solution.
Tackling Continuous Insulation Mandates with ICFs
One of the toughest challenges in home energy efficiency is eliminating thermal bridging.
