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The updates are really only a big deal if you live in climate zones 4 or 5, like 65% (or so) of America does. But don't worry, climate change is making it smarter than ever to exceed the code minimum.
HVAC & Mechanicals
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Dec 20 2021
There are new words and numbers in the energy code, like "tested for tightness," R-60, and 20+5
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Dec 6 2021
Energy recovery ventilators (ERV) replace kitchen and bath exhaust air with clean and tempered supply air
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May 27 2021
Everything there is to know (well, almost) about blower door testing with a few engineer-y jokes along the way.
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Jul 8 2020
Ceiling-mounted units practically disappear while delivering energy-efficient heating and cooling
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Apr 20 2020
Extreme heat and humidity can drive moisture deep into framing cavities which can cause mold, rot, and structural damage
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Apr 20 2020
Like kitchen bath remodels, it involves plumbing, ventilation, electrical upgrades, waterproofing, and building inspectors
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Dec 20 2019
These mighty-mites can provide heating, cooling, and air-mixing for a well-insulated house, but they look so darned—European. It is hard for many Americans to warm up to them.
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Nov 28 2019
Tightening an old house or building a tight new one means that you can't leave ventilation to random leaks anymore. You have to control it.
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Sep 27 2019
Aggregation // Design, Demolition, Sitework, Framing, Roofing, WRB & Flashing, Siding & Exterior Trim, HVAC & Mechanicals, Insulation & Air Sealing
The Model Remodel Show followed the progress of the 2017 Model Remodel project by Professional Remodeler magazine.
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May 14 2019
Match the pipe to the pressure
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Mar 22 2019
Dew point differs from relative humidity in that it measures exactly how much vapor is present. With relative humidity, it's all relative.
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Oct 16 2018
This chart explains how moisture behaves in the air as temperatures rise and fall—rainstorms, flooding, and glaciers in wall cavities are distinct possibilities.
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Aug 18 2018
Roof framing, window options, and a mechanical advantage add up to lower bills and a higher quality home
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Jun 28 2018
Another use for your Shop-Vac
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May 26 2018
A simple and affordable balanced ventilation solution for small tight houses
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Apr 17 2018
Left-, right-, and straight-cutting snips with single- and compound-leverage each have their place on a jobsite
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Mar 10 2018
Making vinyl siding look great by eliminating ugly J-channel
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Feb 1 2018
Turns out, ducts buried under insulation actually can work to save energy and eliminate condensation inside the ducts. If you seal and insulate them first
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