Homeowners and code officials are beginning to insist on better mechanical ventilation systems. A ventilation expert helps you choose the best system for your climate. More
A veteran electrician gives you a leg up on your inspector with this summary of... More
Q: We are builders in the Philadelphia area. Over the past few years, we’ve experienced several cases of what we’ve been told is "carpet filtration" — dark ghost lines that appear on the carpet under doors and around the perimeter of rooms. We tested the hvac system and found a sizeable imbalance between the supply and return sides, so we added an additional central return system to equalize the pressures. Is the imbalance the major cause of the filtration? If not, what are the causes? We have had to replace some carpet, and hope that we don’t continue to be liable for a recurring problem. More
In today’s tighter houses, carbon monoxide leaks are potentially more deadly than ever. These three case studies show how careful detective work can uncover and eliminate common sources of CO contamination. More
Moisture problems often develop in bathrooms when homeowners refuse to use noisy bath fans. The solution: fans rated at 1.5 sones or less. We survey the options. More
For small, tight houses and apartments, full-blown mechanical ventilation systems may be overkill. Here’s a tested approach that uses an upgraded bath fan, a programmable timer, and a few air inlets to guarantee fresh air at minimal cost. More
