Solar

• Q&A: Radiant Heat Barriers

  Q: I have seen many ads for radiant barriers designed to save energy. Is there any evidence that these radiant barriers can reduce home energy costs? If so, in what climates are they most effective? How should they be installed?

   

• Making Sense of the Energy Code (Subscriber content)

  The MEC provides three ways to comply: simple prescriptive rules, a “tradeoff” approach, and performance design. An energy consultant tells how to decide which method best fits your project.

   

• Choosing Energy-Efficient Windows (Subscriber content)

  Whether you’re trying to eliminate condensation in cold weather or solar gain in hot weather, or both, there’s a window that fits the bill. An energy expert makes sense out of the variety of glass coatings, edge spacers, and frame materials, and helps you choose the right window for your climate.

   

• Products

  Tool belt system, tailgate step, cold weather paint, stronger felt underlayment, retrofit downlight kits

   

• Case Study: Hydronic Heat Retrofit (Subscriber content)

  Using PEX tubing and panel radiators, the author retrofitted central heating with minimal disruptions to framing and finishes.

   

• Products

  Plastic footing form for sonotubes, easy-cleaning nonexpanding foam, steel frame for pocket doors, new radiant barrier roof sheathing

   

• New England Update

   
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  Q&A: Standby Hot Water Without a Pump

  Q: I’ve been told that I can provide "instant" hot water to my second-floor bathroom sink by installing a return hot-water line to my water heater in the basement. Would I need to install a circulating pump with this system?

   

• Focus on Energy: New Energy Design Software (Subscriber content)

  Hot new energy design software

   

• Focus on Energy: Site Glazing with High-Tech Glass (Subscriber content)

  Site glazing with Superglass