Green Homes News

What do the numbers mean?

So I'm remodeling a old farmhouse in SE MN. We are currently running one minisplit and have propane for back up heat. I'll be adding another minisplit on with our current…

What is the correct way to insulate the rafter bays at the gable ends of a vaulted ceiling? It's for a detached workshop. The roofer put in a vented ridge…

My garage/workshop has a carport on one gable end, and most of the roof continues unbroken from the main building to the carport. This includes the entire south face, and…

Years of window installs, failure diagnostics, and repairs of poor installations have given this builder a unique perspective

In our rebuild of a 1948 cottage, we're rebuilding all the exterior walls, including the front wall. To "future proof" the front entry, I've seen suggestions of 2 or 4…

We discovered quite by accident that my spouse prefers high humidity - 60% or higher. So an erv wouldn't really help in summer. In winter when the indoor rh can get to…

I am having the roof replaced on our 1928 home in Portland, Oregon. Although we have other vents on the roof, we have unvented soffits at this time. I'm reviewing…

I read an article a while back about diminishing returns of increasing r-value (assuming the wall is relatively airtight). Just out of curiosity, I downloaded HeatCad 2025 and did a…

Hello,I need some help comparing two proposals. I live in the suburbs of NYC. Currently have an oil furnace for our heating and we are looking at getting rid of…

Hi! Did you install a heat pump water heater under Vic government rebate program?I want to know how it handles frequent large batches of hot water?Also, are there any issues…

So my ridge vent is smaller than code, about half an inch on each side. I’m adding soffit vents, baffling, and using Rockwool batts. Should I be worried?

States and building pros are weighing the benefits and risks of the latest iteration of the energy code

Hello all,Attached is a sketch of what I am proposing to do on a new build in climate zone 4A, Maryland. My question is do I need soffit vents in…

I am adding a second story (wood construction) onto an existing masonry structure, so basically new construction for the purposes of this question. I had planned on using both exterior…

We have a passive make-up air system installed in our kitchen. It is controlled by a pressure switch that activates when the hood turns on. This sends a signal to…

Im looking for an erv or HRV that will tie into the ac for 4 bedrooms of 10"x14" each I would like to put a 20x25 merv 13 filter in…

The transformation of an old workers cottage to a well detailed net-zero home

I’m in the middle of repairing a pocket deck (5x12’) that sits 50% over our garage, 50% over walled in and insulated space that creates an inset for our garage…

I would really appreciate if you could please give some advice given your knowledge of US construction and European windows. As someone originally from Europe, I’ve long planned to replace…