PUBLISHED 17Sep2019 (Video below): There’s more to optimal control of heating systems than just a thermostat that turns heat ON when it’s too cold, and OFF when temperatures rise. Today’s smartest hydronic heating controls serve this purpose in a way […]
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Q&A OF THE WEEK: Insulating a 1950s Brick Bungalow
Q: What’s the best way to insulate the double-brick walls of my small bungalow built in 1952? There’s just plaster against the inside layer of brick with no insulation as far as I can tell. I’m having loose fill insulation […]
Continue Reading50% ENERGY SAVINGS: How to Build With Structural Insulated Panels
30 March 2019: Earlier this week I talked to a young pastor about a building project he has in mind. His church is planning to put up a new multi-purpose building, and their architect recommended structural insulated panels (SIPs) for […]
Continue ReadingINSULATION MYTHS: Four Popular Misconceptions Busted
Winter is the season when people in cold regions rely most on home insulation because winter presents the greatest need – both physically and financially. The thing is, you have to think correctly about insulation if you want to make […]
Continue ReadingQ&A of the Week: “What Type of New Furnace Should I Get?”
Q: What type of new furnace should I get? My existing oil furnace has a problem and I’m getting an oil smell in the house. My oil tank is currently 15 years old, and my service technician says I should […]
Continue ReadingHOME INSULATION: The Invisible Investment That Keeps On Paying Off
UPDATED 21Dec2018: When it comes to home insulation, “overdoing it” today is often ordinary tomorrow. That’s been the trend for the last 30 years and it’s not likely to let up. The question is, when will we learn our lesson? […]
Continue ReadingVAPOUR BARRIERS: How They Work & Why They Matter
Most homes are insulated with some kind of fibre-based insulation such as fibreglass or rock wool, but for these products to work properly they need to be installed with some kind of vapour barrier applied to the warm side of […]
Continue ReadingCOLD WEATHER CONSTRUCTION: Five Tips for Building Well
Building houses for a cold climate requires things that aren’t immediately obvious. Read on for five essential building strategies for success. A lot of people miss this stuff.
Continue ReadingHOME RENO: Why Spray Foam Is Safe and Effective
The first time I saw spray foam insulation in action was in the winter of 1988, while working as a carpenter on a commercial construction site. I’ve been impressed with this stuff ever since. Over the years spray foam has […]
Continue ReadingVIDEO TOUR: Stud Frame Alternative Cuts Heating Costs in Half
Steve Maxwell talks about a unique building product that replaces both wood framing and conventional insulation.
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