This design uses a gas boiler and solar thermal collectors as heat inputs, and incorporates an HRV into the air handler.
A roundup of tools and materials found on the floor at JLC Live in Providence, R.I .
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Q: How much insulation is necessary under a typical basement radiant slab?
Anti-sweat valve for toilets; cold-weather spray foam; solar-powered dimmer for tubular skylights; standard-width high-performance range; faux slate roofing; more
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Protecting trees on site; radiant-heat claims revisited; unnecessary design regulations; pedal power; more
Noise-muffling floor underlayment; dramatic roof windows; natural-looking composite siding; manufactured moment frame; more
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Another look at energy claims; feeling the financial squeeze
Cantilevering the floor and using the existing roof overhang kept costs down.
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Q: My painting subcontractor is recommending Thermo-Tek, a paint the manufacturer says is a radiant barrier. What can you tell me about products like this one or similar coatings made with something called ceramic microspheres that claim to have thermal characteristics and promise significant...
Understanding energy consumption and moisture movement in the homes we build is hard enough; rampant half-truths and misconceptions only make it harder.
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Drywall back-blocking in action; A-frame appreciation; hard workers in California; more
Windows; energy conservation
Air distribution is the weak link in many heating and cooling systems. Good ductwork is key to HVAC performance, yet all too often this vital part of the system is underexamined, bringing the energy performance of the home to surprising lows. Ted Cushman describes how the industry pros detail their...
Green Toilet ~ Cool Roof ~ Cool Attic ~ Steel Driving Gun ~ Have a Blast ~ Starter Strip Marries Skirtboard ~ Precision Dry Stack ~ Self-Sealing Furring Nail ~ Termite Treatment
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Profitable Partnership
TRENTON, NJ - BTC Management Corp., a nonprofit affordable housing owner and manager, didn’t spend a dime from its reserve accounts to upgrade all of the central heating and cooling equipment at Trent Center East with new energy- efficient machines.
These highly efficient systems are a good choice in cloudy or cold climates.
Plumbing; metal connectors
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Heating with dogs
The small, gasoline-powered portable generator is the classic ad hoc response to a major power outage. Yet it may be the homeowner's worst possible choice. Able to provide only enough output for a few lights and a refrigerator, gas-powered generators need frequent refueling and make a lot of noise...
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Q: My company has been contracted to build a new bathroom. Plans include a tile floor installed over a radiant-heated slab. Will the heat generated by the hydronic tubing embedded in the slab cause problems with the wax seal between the toilet and the dra