Green Homes News

I have read a number of articles explaining why there should never be poly or anything vapor impermeable directly against the interior of basement walls -- for example: "Basement wall…

Hi there! I've been having a really hard time finding a general contractor for our remodel project. We're planning to remodel our home and make it quite efficient while we're…

Hey All,I found similar questions but couldn't find the exact info... I'm about to start prepping the basement slab with plumbing, radon pipes, insulation, VB etc. Radon system will be…

Have you ever wondered how solar power plant development affects the economy? Many people are interested in this question, especially as the world approaches renewable energy sources.

Is noise part of the bargain for a HPWH?

Hi all, I’m planning to recess the top of our stem wall by 1” to allow for a zero-threshold patio door, but not sure what length to recess.  We’ve engineered…

Hi all,I’m hoping some folks can weigh in on my situation. I am doing a small addition (10’x20’) off the back of the house. The addition has the second floor over…

For our upcoming build, I am considering exterior mineral wool basement insulation (Iowa Zone 5).  I've read as many articles here as I was able to find on insulation in…

My bathroom size is 10.3x10.3 with 8 foot ceiling. Current have 50cfm fan which is almost useless and loud.  I have a stand up shower, toilet and freestanding tub (barely…

It’s about time to replace my hot water heater. Family of 5. Hot water uses include 1 bathroom, laundry, kitchen sink and dishwasher. We will be adding a 2nd bathroom…

A friend in the Pac NW (4c) bought a house a few years ago with a Mitusibishi multi-split. The older couple they bought the house from told them that the…

In northern virginia 1960's masonry  building with wood joists:Thinking about energy retrofitting my basement but am concerned about increasing the possibility of rotting wood joists:The existing joists sit on a…

After four decades, I decided to replace a few of my home's old windows

Homeowner in Long Island, ny. House currently has 40-year-old cedar siding with very little overhangs on a property with many trees, so the house doesn’t get much sun overall. Removing…

Hi everyone, my first post here: I have questions about installing continuous external insulation when replacing a 5x13 section of wall (the above-ground portion of an exterior basement wall, unheated,…

I’m in Oklahoma, climate zone 3A, and spray foam is the de facto insulation option here, pretty much regardless of the situation.My house is a 66ft long, 2:12 monoslope with…

Taking a shot here that an in-the-know person will be able to advise.  I am trying to revise our homeowner's insurance policy, which has skyrocketed recently, like everyone's.  It got…

I've been asked to restore a large (40x18) sunroom ceiling after a water leak.  Since the joists are exposed right now, I have a question about the right way to…

Under what conditions does the threat of Legionella bacteria become serious in a residential setting?

Somewhat interesting article about hobbyists who compete for the most efficient heat pump:https://arstechnica.com/science/2024/07/the-hunt-for-the-most-efficient-heat-pump-in-the-world/I found it a little breathless, and it kind of misses the point. Heat pump efficiency is only…