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Energy Loss through Air Duct Leakage: A Detailed Report - 04/15/07 10:29 PM
I understand that this will be more information than many will want to look at, but it's a detailed study with the conclusions explained and the source is very credible.
Air Handler Leakage:Field Testing Results in Residences
James B. Cummings, Chuck Withers, Janet McIlvaine, Jeff Sonne, Matt LombardiFlorida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)
FSEC-RR-138-03
Abstract
Testing … (1 comments)
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Cutting Energy Costs Throughout Your Home - 04/15/07 08:48 PM
Energy Use For Appliances
Household appliances, including lighting, account for roughly 23 percent of energy consumption in the average Virginia home. Because these appliances are primarily powered by electricity, which is more expensive per unit of energy than other fuels, they comprise a larger share of the average household energy expenditure: roughly … (6 comments)
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Keeping an eye on your energy/water use: a simple chart - 04/15/07 10:52 AM
In arid parts of the county water is becoming more important as aquifers containing fossil water- ancient water which is not replenished by runoff- is used up. In these parts of the country, which includes most of the West, it's important to conserve water.
Ever wondered how much hot water your family … (0 comments)
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New Thinking about Attic ventilation - 04/12/07 04:51 PM
By Kenton Shepard
Most of us agree that keeping the attic cool is a good thing. Keeping the attic cool helps keep the roof-covering material cool which extends its lifespan. During the summer, ventilating the attic helps lower the cost of keeping the home cool. During the winter it helps prevent ice … (0 comments)
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The Benefits of a High-performance Home - 04/12/07 03:57 PM
High Performance Homes
E-Star's statewide home energy rating program facilitates the design and construction of energy-efficient homes and High Performance Homes.
Definition
A High Performance Home relies on systems-engineered design, quality-controlled construction, and performance testing to ensure that it is healthy, comfortable, affordable, energy-efficient, durable, and environmentally responsible.
To qualify as a High … (0 comments)
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Aluminum Wiring can be Made Safe - 04/12/07 03:41 PM
Aluminum wiring that is installed correctly and has been correctly maintained is acceptable, however wiring is often neglected and neglected aluminum wiring is a potential fire hazard.
Aluminum Wiring Hazards
Between 1965 and 1973 aluminum wiring was sometimes substituted for copper wiring in residential electrical systems.
Connections in outlets, switches and light fixtures … (0 comments)
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Heating System Efficiency: Understanding Efficiency Ratings, Retrofitting and Replacement - 04/12/07 11:44 AM
HEATING EQUIPMENT
Programmable Thermostats
Using a programmable thermostat, heating and air-conditioning schedules can be adjusted according to a pre-set schedule. As a result, the equipment doesn't operate as much when it's not needed. Programmable thermostats can store and repeat multiple daily settings (six or more temperature settings a day) that you can manually … (1 comments)
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Building Biologists: They can tell you exactly (almost) how healthy your home is! - 04/11/07 07:41 PM
By Kenton Shepard
Building biology is the study of how buildings impact life. It involves disciplines from a number of areas such as building science, which studies how building react to changes in moisture and temperature levels, Indoor Air Quality, sound building design and construction principles, solar heating and cooling principles, the study of … (0 comments)
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ROOF CONSIDERATIONS - 04/11/07 07:04 PM
By Kenton Shepard
ROOF CONSIDERATIONS
Roof Drainage Systems
Gutters and downspouts which drain roof runoff away from the home are an important part of protecting the foundation. Moisture is the primary cause of foundation problems because it affects the ability of the sol to bear the weight of the building structure.
Roof Flashing
To avoid moisture … (0 comments)
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Indoor Air Quality and Electronic air filters... maybe not such a good idea - 04/11/07 06:54 PM
By Kenton Shepard
Although it's hard to make accurate, general statements about electronic air filters since they're not all the same, here are a few concerns...
Probably the main concern is ozone. Although it occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere where it protects living organisms by preventing damaging ultraviolet light from reaching the Earth's surface, … (1 comments)
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Wood discoloration/mold fungi information - 04/10/07 03:13 PM
This article is about wood discoloration. Although it uses logs as an example, the information extends to all wood products and it's very instructive about the nature of mold.
Sorry to provide just the link, but for those interested in wood decay and other mold fungi problems, this article is worth investigating, as … (0 comments)
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Kenton Shepard
Boulder, CO
More about me…
Peak to Prairie Inspection Service
Office Phone: (303) 258-8289
Cell Phone: (303) 588-5179
Email Me
My blogs are restricted to home inspection, real estate and green building-related topics. I write most of them myself, posting work by others only when I find it unique or especially interesting or helpful.
Please feel free to contact me personally with questions about the subjects of my blogs.
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