HVAC, Mechanicals

Houses cannot expand and contract with changes in pressure like balloons can. Instead, they need paths for air to balance the pressure

Like kitchen & bath remodels, it involves plumbing, ventilation, electrical upgrades, waterproofing, and building inspectors

Sometimes a cowboy is better off with a mule...

Condensation is when moisture in the air hits a cool enough surface to convert the vapor into water.

As houses are built tighter, they exchange less air between inside and outside. This saves energy, but the inside air can get stale if you don't have a fan and a plan

The first in a series of 'Basics' videos on residential electricity. This one is on receptacles.

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.  

Keep mechanical equipment within the envelope to improve the quality of houses and homes

Stack effect is relentless: it is always working, when you’re awake or asleep, even during blackouts. And it feeds on itself.

A flexible drill bit you can knock together in your shop

Holes in walls amount to big walls full of holes unless you seal the hole after you make it

Direct the heat toward the feet

#TheHardWay, the easy way, and the in-between way

Built tight and verify. And then ventilate.

Floor plan dictates hood placement, roof framing dictates fan placement