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Is Weatherization Cost-Effective?
A recent study claims that weatherization measures cost more than they’re worth — but the study’s analysis is flawed
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Hygric Buffering and Hygric Redistribution
Large amounts of hygroscopic building materials — for example, lumber and cellulose — can act like thermal mass for moisture
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How To Buy a Ductless Minisplit
This cheat sheet is intended for designers and builders who are confused by available equipment options
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All About Vapor Diffusion
Even if a material has no holes, water can often move right through it
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Cost of Passivhaus Compliance Is Sometimes Hard to Justify
Austrian researchers find that homes built to a lesser standard achieve energy savings that equal those of Passivhaus buildings
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Net-Zero Homes Show Signs of Convergent Evolution
Double-stud walls insulated with cellulose, triple-glazed windows, and ductless minisplits
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Sub-Slab Mineral Wool
Some builders have begun installing a continuous horizontal layer of mineral wool insulation under concrete slabs
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The Return of the Vapor Diffusion Bogeyman
For years, some builders assumed that they didn’t really need to worry about outward wintertime vapor diffusion — but it turns out that they might have to worry after all
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Books for Homeowners Interested in Saving Energy
These two books are among the best books out there — but they are still disappointing
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Using a Tankless Water Heater for Space Heat
Although the concept seems simple, it’s tricky to design a trouble-free system