Recent Q&A

• Fujitsu 09LZAH1 vs 12LZAH1 heating performance

  Hi all,I've bought a new house recently, and am looking to install a minisplit.The short story is: Raised ranch, in Windsor County, VT. previous owner had Efficiency Vermont come through…

• Seasonal thermal energy storage

  Hi all, This is more for a general discussion than a specific question. I noticed that the "Why solar since net metering is over?" (//m.etiketa4.com/question/why-solar-since-net-metering-is-over) thread was generating a lot…

• BSI-056 and multiple water control layers

  I've been reading through Joe's old work in my free time, and I came across a construction detail I found a little odd when he described how he re-renovated his…

• Alternatives to mass-loaded vinyl?

  Hi all,I know the green building community is not overly keen on PVC (for good reason), and I certainly do not want to put it inside my building envelope if…

• Energy penalty for hot water heater above hydronic system?

  Hi all,This question struck me lying in bed last night, and I was unable to find any answers online. Traditionally, boilers for hydronic heating systems are placed in basements to…

• Where to put an air barrier in this assembly?

  Hi all,I've been planning a build for a while now, and my enclosure design has given me the enviable problem of having too many good air barrier options. I could…

• Is there a maximum thickness for exterior rigid foam?

  Hi all,As a general question, I was wondering if there is a maximum advisable thickness one can reasonably expect from (multiple layers of) exterior rigid foam, assuming the use of…

• Ridge beam placement in a clerestory roof

  Hi all, I've got a quick question about framing a clerestory roof. I am planning on using a ridge beam to support the roof load, to allow for cathedral ceilings.…

• Bringing down the cost of PERSIST construction

  I really like the idea of PERSIST houses. Keeping insulation on the exterior makes a lot of sense, and there are few more foolproof methods to build a strong air…