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Will Minisplits Replace Forced-Air Heating and Cooling Systems?
Using ductless minisplits to cut the Gordion Knot of HVAC system commissioning
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How to Install Cellulose Insulation
Insulation expert Bill Hulstrunk provides detailed instructions for blowing loose-fill cellulose on attic floors and dense-packing walls
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The Energy Star Homes Program Raises the Bar with Version 3
The Energy Star program — the first rung on the green building ladder — is scheduled to get more stringent, with new airtightness and HVAC mandates and tougher requirements for larger homes
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Disappointing Energy Savings for Energy Star Homes
A Houston study shows that homes without an Energy Star label perform almost as well as Energy Star homes
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Where Does the Housewrap Go?
If your walls have exterior rigid foam, does the housewrap go under the foam or over the foam?
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Superinsulated House Specs
Two cold-climate designers choose optimal wall designs, roof designs, insulation R-values, and window glazing
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Are Energy Codes Working?
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy codes will have to become more stringent — and they’ll need to be enforced
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The Return of the Energy Quiz
Back by popular demand: the second edition of Martin’s energy efficiency and building science quiz
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All About Water-Resistive Barriers
How to choose between asphalt felt, Grade D building paper, housewrap, and a few exotic WRBs
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Questions and Answers About Air Barriers
Every home needs an air barrier that limits infiltration and exfiltration