HVAC
The Benefits of Ductless AC Systems
If you’re like most people, you probably assume that the traditional large central air units that you see so often are the most energy-efficient option available, as well as the most convenient. But just because they’re frequently used doesn’t make them the best choice. Not only are these ducted systems expensive to rely on, they’re…
HVAC
Energy-Efficient Homes Start at the Foundation
Energy-efficient homes extend beyond appliances and HVAC systems; they fundamentally begin with the home’s structure, particularly the foundation. In this article, we explore how the condition and insulation of a home’s foundation directly impact heating and cooling efficiency. From air sealing issues caused by foundation damage to the role of foundation insulation in energy conservation,…
HVAC
What is an HVAC Zoning System?
Ever notice how the second story of your home is always stifling, while the first floor is practically Arctic all year round? That’s not a coincidence. Homes often have hot and cold spots — places where the angle of the sun, the physics of heat, and the home design all sync up to cause temperature…
HVAC
What Are Passive House Standards?
What if you never had to turn on the heat or AC in your home? How much would you save on heating and cooling costs throughout the year? Probably quite a bit. The Department of Energy estimates that heat and air conditioning use make up almost half of the average household’s energy bills. That means…
Windows
Low-E Windows: A Problem for Neighbors with Vinyl Siding?
Noticed some strange, unidentifiable patterns on your vinyl siding? Do you live in a subdivision? The source of the problem could be right outside your window. Across the US, homeowners have been reporting a strange phenomenon: rippled, melting vinyl siding on just one side of their homes. The possible culprit? Windows with low-emissivity glass installed…
Roofing
How to Tackle Ice Dams on Your Roof
Icicles on your roof may look quaint and charming, but unless your house is made out of gingerbread, they usually wind up doing a lot more harm than good. Typically, they’re a sign that your roof is forming ice dams—big, hard hunks of ice that build up over the edge of your roof. When ice…
Windows
Polymer Window Panes Could Be the Newest Way to Upgrade Your Windows
A small window firm in Mackinac Island, Michigan, is aiming to revolutionize windows in homes all across America. Construction professionals have long known that windows were a weak point in a building’s outer envelope. While a tightly constructed, insulated wall can achieve R-values over 50, even the most efficient modern windows top out at around…
Roofing
Is Snow Good or Bad for Your Roof?
It’s about that time of year when the snowbanks pile up and the whole world is covered in a blanket of white. While you’ve been bundled up indoors under a pile of blankets—if you’re lucky!—you may not have noticed that your home’s exterior hasn’t been immune to the snow either. A good blanket of snow can…
Roofing
How Do I Install a Decorative Cupola on My Roof?
Love decorating? Why focus all your attention on your home’s interiors? A cupola adds a classic and unique twist to exterior surfaces, making it a loving update that really shows the world just how much you care about your home. Plus, it’s easy enough for a moderately experienced carpenter to install one, too. Read on…