In my last four HVAC Design jobs, I've specified ductless mini-split heat pumps. I have four more such jobs underway now. In my last four HVAC Design jobs, I've specified ductless mini-split heat pumps. I have four more such jobs…
Do you have floor joists in your crawl space that look like the one to the left? In case you can't tell how bad it really is, just click on it to see a bigger version. When you do, you'll…
My two sisters-in-law have been in town the past few days, and one of them needs to get an energy audit for the home she and her husband recently bought in Seattle. I gave her a recommendation for a company…
I had lunch yesterday with a friend who's an HVAC designer and home energy rater in North Carolina, and he mentioned the idea of separating HVAC design from HVAC contractors. For that to happen, though, HVAC contractors first have to…
RESNET, the Residential Energy Services Network, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IJA, the International Jugglers Association. The goal of the MOU with IJA is to promote the creation of new requirements, certifications, equipment sales, and training…
I tried to think of something clever to write today for Allison’s 50th birthday, but let’s face it I’d only embarass us both. The reason; I can't be as clever as Allison is. Period. I mean, the man wrote his own…
Yesterday, I visited a house in South Carolina and took the photo you see to the left. Notice anything peculiar about the framing here? If not, I'll tell you the answer below, but let me say here that one feature…
In my quest to educate the world on building science topics, I find that I often have to go back to basics. Whether it's the basic nature of heat, why we're using the wrong quantity to characterize infiltration rates, or…
On Monday, I wrote about the new Concept Home Program offered through ENERGY STAR for Homes. I learned about it at the 2011 RESNET Building Performance Conference last week. On Monday, I wrote about the new Concept Home Program offered…
My grandfather, the original Allison Arthur Bailes, was an electrician, plumber, HVAC contractor ('heating & air man'), and refrigerator repairman. In the '70s when I was a teenager, I used to spend a couple of months each summer working 'on…