Green Homes News

Zone 2A. I'm running PEX-A hot & cold water pipes through walls (densely) insulated with fiberglass. Should I also put pipe insulation on the pipes? This may sound silly, but…

Hi all, Curious what the data nerds here would say about the results I am seeing from my attic ceiling insulation. This is CZ 5a, an attic with air handler/ductwork…

A method for keeping the first floor close to grade

So I've moved on to our barn project from our house.  I have a diagram and photo below of the project and my question.  We live in zone 5C where…

Hello. Long-time reader, first time posting! We bought a 1993-built house in Fayetteville, AR (Zone 4a, also ~1500ft elevation if that matters). It has a very steep gable roof with…

We're replacing major sections of sill, on a rubble/fieldstone foundation. Any advice regarding how to add a termite shield? (hello Southern builders!)  Any concerns about tearing of the metal, on…

A self-adhering membrane is 10 times the price of conventional housewrap. Is it worth the extra cost?

R-22/Freon has been phased out (Jan 2020).  R-410A/Puron is also on the way out, with other refrigerants coming to the market in 2023 (R-454b in Jan 2023?) Questions: 1.     If R-454b is slightly flammable,…

Climate zone 5B, new construction build in process, with dedicated and balanced ventilation. I am contemplating the location and termination of the HRV interior supplies and exhaust intakes. For various…

Hi all, I'm planning to finish my basement and am researching options for the floor and wall assembly to best manage any potential moisture issues. Some relevant info: • House age: Late 1970s•…

My gable-roofed, unconditioned attic has lots of cellulose insulation and a single-pane window at either gable.  The windows are extremely old and drafty - but does that matter in an…

When a water heater specification says that, e.g., the UEF is 3.39 and the recovery rate is 21 GPH, which mode(s) are those for? Are they both for the default…

I recently bought a two-level 2500 sf house. It has a single HVAC - no zoning. My mom moved in with us and wants it hot. We have all the…

I am trying to find information in the 2015 building code that specifies the rules for utility/mechanical rooms. I am specifically looking for info on:1. Type and thickness of drywall2.…

I have a client that wants to turn an unused garage on the 1925 house into a workshop area that is insulated and conditioned with a mini-split. I'm looking for recommendations…

Does anyone here have experience with indoor air quality sensors in the $200-1,000 range for UFP, PM1.0, PM2.5, PM10, Radon, TVOC, CO, CO2, ozone, NOx? Are there any other metrics…

Hi everyone,I’m looking to build a home in Chilliwack British Columbia Canada, not far from Vancouver. We’re lousy with rain and moisture and research documented here and elsewhere has shown…

Location: Zoom

Join the Harvard Medical School Students for Environmental Awareness in Medicine for a panel discussion on healthcare sustainability.... Read more about The Role of Sustainability and Climate Resilience in Healthcare

Location: Zoom

Join the Technology and Public Purpose Project and the Environment and Natural Resources Program for a virtual conference featuring Ashlie Burkart, Chief Scientific Officer at Germin8 Ventures and Non-Resident Fellow, Technology and Public Purpose Project, who will lead sessions with practitioners, private, civil and policy to discuss goals, policies and opportunities for more rapid adoption of soil health/carbon farming (“regenerative agriculture”) practices.... Read more about Innovation, Investment and Policy in Regenerative Agriculture

When an evaporative curing sealant I believe is what it’s called, dap extreme stretch (not a chemically curing sealant) is closed up but not sandwiched between two impervious surfaces, will…