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How to Insulate a Slab Foundation—With Straw-Bales?
Can straw bales be used as horizontal insulation under a concrete slab?
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Is Radiant Floor Heat Really the Best Option?
A framer weighs his option for both heat and air conditioning
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Are Masonry Heaters a Good Match for Superinsulated Houses?
Or would this high capacity heater be too much of a good thing?
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Can Open-Cell Foam Waste be Used as Attic Insulation?
A homeowner looks for a way to dispose of post-installation waste
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Is Double-Stud Wall Construction the Path to Efficiency on a Budget?
An owner-builder inherits a foundation and now needs a house
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How to Live Comfortably Off the Grid
Choose heating and energy systems with care and build a tight house
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How to Stay Cozy in a 1930s Bungalow
Twice renovated, the house is still trying to heat the neighborhood
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Air Leaks or Thermal Loss: What’s Worse?
Have we been brainwashed to consider only R-values?
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How Safe is PEX Tubing?
Does this widely recommended type of plumbing contain hazardous materials?
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Are We Really Better Off With Building Codes?
Building codes protect us from structural, sanitary, and fire disasters while esuring a minimum level of energy efficiency in buildings. But according to some, better builder training is more important than code enforcement