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Choosing Equipment for a Whole-House Ventilation System
What's right for a cold climate: a heat-recovery ventilator or an energy-recovery ventilator?
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Is Tripolymer Spray Foam Insulation a Healthy Choice?
Phenol formaldehyde vs. urea formaldehyde: Confusion is king when two types of foam insulation bear the same name
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Green Home Appraisal Woes
Without realistic “comps” that properly value energy-saving features, obtaining a home loan may be difficult
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How To Combine Board and Batten Siding With Exterior Rigid Foam?
Exterior foam helps minimize thermal bridging and improve energy efficiency. The question is how to keep costs down and avoid moisture problems
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Can You Heat a House With Air Ducts in a Concrete Floor?
These uncommon designs have loyal followers but no real performance data: Is it just a throwback to the '70s?
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Is Bubble Wrap Duct Insulation a Good Idea?
Although reflective layers can be effective when installed correctly, they aren't the best way to insulate ducts
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Vapor Barriers Are a Good Thing, Right?
Vapor barriers are supposed to stop vapor diffusion through roofs, walls, and floors. But they can also can trap moisture, causing rot and mold.
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When is a Window Upgrade Worth the Extra Cost?
A Massachusetts builder ponders the added expense of installing triple-glazed windows and wonders whether the move would really pay off
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Can Heat Be Stored in a Sand Bed Beneath the House?
Saving summer's thermal energy surplus is an attractive idea, but opinions vary on how effective these designs really are
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Do All Houses Need Mechanical Ventilation?
With a limited budget, is it acceptable to allow some airflow through the building and skip the fans?