Green Homes News

We’re struggling in our current house with heat.  It’s a 19th century farmhouse that I rebuilt to the best of my amateur ability.If we heat the lower level to 70…

After uploading the data plate images for the compressor (Trane XB13), air handler, interface module, ERV, and thermostat, Gemini AI said that it was good equipment and should produce heat…

Hi,   I'm insulating the rim joists in my 125 year old home. There is currently nothing but wood there (and an anti mold spray from a recent remediation). Due to…

My HVAC contractor installed HVAC in the attic along with a dehumidifier. We have a ridge vent along with soffit vents. Attic is air sealed with R60 insulation. We will…

It seems to come up all the time as freezing temps dominate our northern winters.Is energy efficient new construction really “green” compared to deep energy retrofits to old housing stock?…

Shopping for tilt and turn windows (Zone 5 climate) and found Seemray.com offering fiberglass frames with German hardware. Anyone here used them or similar NA-made European style windows? Curious about…

Oversizing HRVs and ERVs may improve IAQ, comfort, and energy performance—and the math often supports the investment.

Our project is a chainsaw retrofit in Climate Zone 5. We cut off the eaves and the building is air sealed from the sill to the ridge. We are installing…

Our project is a chainsaw retrofit in Climate Zone 5. We cut off the eaves and the building is air sealed from the sill to the ridge. We are installing…

I have a gas water heater and a Grundfos Comfort TDT hot water recirculation pump installed. It operates based on time and temperature control.My thought was to set it to…

Why modern air conditioners struggle with dehumidification

Hello, First, I would like to thank this group/ community for addressing my prior questions. I learned a lot.  We taped the sheating for the house with acyrylic tape, installed tyvek…

I have a question regarding the concrete free slab design.  I am currently working with an engineer ( I'm sure he has the answer, but am curious).we are utilizing the…

We are designing and building a 600 sq ft 1 br dwelling unit on piers. Goal is to build affordably, energy efficiently, meet code, avoid maintenance disasters. We have worries…

A step-by-step look at how a wildfire-rebuild project achieved airtight, thermally broken, moisture-safe, and ignition-resistant detailing at the slab-to-wall transition

I am building a garage with an office for my own use here in Greenville, SC. (plans attached) Here are a few details. I'm planning on zip sheathing, furring strips…

New pre-finished options should help builders streamline adoption and installation of the bio-based wood alternative

I have a chimney that runs through the middle of my house. The chimney above the roofline is not only letting water into my house - even after adding caps…

Hello all, I have been reading a bunch and soaking up all your information and avid home builder advice.  I think people here are a step above DIY.  I will be…

Hi All – wanted to run this design past the experts here, please see the attached cross section for general design. This is a “sealed” suspended floor, that covers a…