Recent Q&A

• Foam-Free Unvented Attic

  I'd like to transition my attic from vented to unvented without the use of foam. I know some people feel like if a house is built with a vented attic…

• Foam board or Rockwool for insulation/sound insulation

  It's time once again for home upgrades. We'll be expanding the house and installing new siding and windows. It's not all about energy efficiency, its about creating better space, aesthetics,…

• Attic renovation in a “Not-So-Good House”

  My last question was about HVAC and hot water on March 29th 2020. A few data points to recap. 1900 sq ft house built in the early 1990's. Old Aluminum…

• Budget conscious upgrades for a not so good house

  I need to replace an old gas water heater and HVAC. The air handler and water heater are installed in the garage. We have a household of 4 people (2…

• HVAC sizing

  I purchased a home in 2015 and in 2016 got a price on a 2.5 tonne split HVAC system. Because of a lack of money I wasn't able to move…

• Moving a gas water heater into the envelope of the home…or switch to electric?

  I just acquired a early 90's home and it turns out we can't get our minivans into the garage! On one side we have the HVAC equipment and on the…

• Can I put Roxul over Sheetrock on the interior?

  I was planning on creating a built in window seat/bed in a bonus room over the garage. We just purchased the house and I am guessing It's likely one of…

• So where do I make budget cuts?

  我的项目已经嗨t a snag. Chiefly, the excavation and clearing of the lot is costing thousands more than I projected. Shame on me for not doing my homework better…

• Has anyone had experience with the Unico small duct system?

  I was looking at the top finishers for the department of energy's "Race to Zero Student Design Competition" ( http://energy.gov/eere/buildings/2015-results ) and found the winner used the Unico system. http://www.unicosystem.com/the-system/how-it-works/air-handlers/.…

• iQ drive vs mini-split?

  My last house (2700sf)was made with SIPS and had a traditional 16 SEER heat pump. It worked fine and despite a convoluted layout only had minor airflow issues. Now I'm…