Energy-Savings Articles
Structural Insulated Panels Are Part of Building Green
If you would like to have near zero utility bills, you should consider using SIPs for your next house. They are delivered in a stack as seen here and once installed have one of the highest R-values of any building material.
Everyone Should Use These Concrete Forms
These Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are made of polystyrene and steel. The installed cost is the same price as a traditional foundation (12$/SF) but they have an R-value of up to 50 (including material for final installation) and the integral steel stud means finishing the basement can be done by screwing the sheetrock directly to the foam.
Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) molded into lightweight foam blocks. The foam itself provides excellent ...
Fiberglass Insulation - Selection, Installation And Performance
Blanket insulation can come in batts or rolls that are pre-cut to fit in between the studs, joist, or rafter. The most common sizes are 15-16 inches and 23-24 inches. It comes in faced and non-faced.
Blanket Facing (vapor barrier)
The facing (usually Kraft paper or vinyl) is a vapor barrier that should be installed on the inside of the house. Installing the vapor barrier on the outside will trap moisture inside the wall as it tries to escape the house. On a cold day, the temperature at ...
Maximizing The Efficiency Of Your Laundry Dryer
In many parts of the world, the climate is dry and this can allow you to save on your utilities. In these areas, a few simple changes can save you money on your utility bill and make your home more comfortable at the same time.
The standard cloths dryer installation is based on a four-inch flexible aluminum tube that is connected to a pass-through that vents the exhaust from the dryer out of the house. With this setup, the dryer pulls in conditioned air from the house (air that is heated ...
Attic Fan Seasonal Maintenance
Attic Fans During The Spring/Summer
An attic fan is a great way to save money during the warm and moderate months of the year. By drawing fresh outside air into the home, an attic fan sweeps away the heat that entered the home as sunshine and then was trapped in the sealed envelope. In addition, it forces hot air, trapped in the attic envelope, out through the attic vents. This will reduce the radiated heat entering your comfort zone thought the ceiling. This can also make the house more ...
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