More resources for this category are located on the Green Built Homes Certification Levels page — under Phase 4: Heating & Cooling Systems as well as our Heating & Cooling Systems Resources page:
Passive solar design usually describes heating strategies for colder winter months. By concentrating windows on the south sides of a home, the sun provides free heating. Our passive solar design […]
Passive Solar Cooling Read More
Water and energy use are connected. Saving energy reduces water pollution. Conserving water, reduces energy use. Coal-fired power plants consume extreme amounts of water to produce electricity. Mining and burning
Smart Practices in Water Conservation Read More
Heating water is expensive and comes with many hidden environmental and societal costs. For growers, gardeners and residents passionate about their landscape, compost water heating measurably decreases these costs and substantially increases
BK’s Compost Water Heater Read More
Induction cooktops are new. I get a lot of questions about them, and at this point not enough designers, contractors, and homeowners are specifying them. In my opinion, they’re the
Why you should be using an induction cooktop Read More
Heating with wood is about as old a technology as you can get and it still works. I think that primitiveness is part of its appeal. I have been using
Western North Carolina is a popular destination in large part because of its climate. Not too hot and not too cold with the right mix for most people. We are
Keeping Homes Cooler and More Comfortable in the Summer Read More
If you’ve been calling water vapor a contaminant, stop it. You’re not helping. I’ve confess I’ve said it before myself, but I was wrong. There was a lot of discussion
Water vapor is not a contaminant – and ventilation systems are not dehumidifiers Read More
No, you may not take a break from thinking about humidity just because it’s wintertime. The first few cold days always kicks off the season when I get calls from
Wintertime humidity in homes Read More
Step one Choose a licensed contractor to assist you. HVAC systems range from complex to very complex in terms of proper installation, sizing and testing. A highly qualified contractor is
Buying a new HVAC system Read More
Last Friday, our company performed its tightest blower door test ever: 0.28 ACH50. That’s not a typo – this house was twice as tight as the Passive House requirement. I’ve
Why you don’t need a humidifier Read More
